1999 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit

Summary:

A great value in a sporty commuter or tourer, with the potential to be a real hotrod

Faults:

I have had occasional tiny oil leaks over the 12 years of ownership; mostly at the valve cover, and easily set right.

My seat cover began to tear after 10 years or so.

Light bulbs need replacing sporadically after years of service. This is one very reliable bike.

General Comments:

The bike is comfy and practical, does well as city transport and two-up. Stock, it is quiet, civilized, unobtrusive, and a bit of a "Blandit", until you hold the gas on for a few seconds, then it gets exciting pretty quick.

The stock suspension is poor at first, and degraded to terrifying over the years. Motor of doom, legs of cheese...

Running costs are pretty high. I live in an area with displacement surcharges on insurance, and the beast was always a bit hard on consumables. Chains, tires, brakes, and sprockets wear out pretty quick if you use the power at all. Fuel mileage is mediocre, and valve inspections are frequent by modern standards.

After 10 years, I started with the mods. Full suspension overhaul with Gixxer shock and aftermarket fork rebuild with valving, HEL lines, full system with jetting, custom seat, Renthals, tinted screen, headlight improvements, all the essentials. It is a different bike. Very exciting and kinda bad ass. Lighter, harder, 20% more power. I am glad I did it, but it is a bit much really.

I think I will ride it for the foreseeable future, as it does everything pretty well, and after 12 years and all the effort, there's no point stopping.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2012

2000 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit

Summary:

The best bike for the dollar on the road

Faults:

The stock rear shock sucked.

Front fork spring were to soft.

General Comments:

This bike is amazing because you can purchase any after market item for it you can think of.

With very little work, it is a fast great handling bike that can lift the rear wheel with the front brakes, and the front wheel with the throttle.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2008