2004 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit review from United Kingdom
"The Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Blow-back through the carburettors flooded the engine. Poor fuel, I think, rather than a design fault.
General comments?
The Bandit 1200 does everything well without being inspiring in any one area.
I have the S version (faired), which makes high speeds and long distances comfortable.
It is fast in a straight line and the brakes are powerful and linear. Two-finger stops are the norm. It has very smooth acceleration (carbs, not injectors).
However, the suspension, both front and rear, is soft: comfortable, but vague in the twisty stuff.
It is totally reliable, easy to handle, cheap to buy, run, insure and maintain.
It is built to a budget and salty roads don't do the fasteners any favours. But, all in all, a truly competent and enjoyable machine.
Recommended reviews
![]() | Great bike for the money |
![]() | The king of street-fighters, hands down!!! |
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Acceleration marks | 9/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Handling marks | 7/10 |
| Braking marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 19000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 17th April, 2007 |


