Bandit 1250 S Road Test

[Vspec]

Article is from a french website, but you guys should be able to figure out what you need  

In a nutshell, a truckload of torque, way earlier (3.2k) leaving the old B12 in the dust

http://www.moto-station.com/article2274-p1-suzuki-gsf-1250-s-bandit-classique-mais-radicale-.html

[Paul Barnard]

I read the article and didn't understand a word.

[Vspec]

I read the article and didn't understand a word.

Awaight here are Cliff's notes:

- Less vibrations
- 6th gear is not an overdrive
- 81 ft-lb at 3700 rpm
- 98hp at 7500 rpm
- Valves maintenance at 24k km

and a little graph:




Is that better?

[technut]

98 hp? Thanks sucks. Why did the make it so weak?

[R Doug]

Parlez-vous français ?    

Thanks for the info on the new bike!

IMHO 98 HP is respectable.  Besides, it produces some impressive torque, which is provided pretty low in the revs.

But, I do wonder if the bike starts to feel flat if you really want to get it moving?

[Paul Barnard]

Parlez-vous français ?    

Thanks for the info on the new bike!

IMHO 98 HP is respectable.  Besides, it produces some impressive torque, which is provided pretty low in the revs.

But, I do wonder if the bike starts to feel flat if you really want to get it moving?

I'd like to see a little more HP.  I'll bet with a little modding though, that plant can see some serious boost in HP

[Vspec]

98 hp? Thanks sucks. Why did the make it so weak?

Since French bikes are limited power wise, I wouldn't take this number at the real number. The engine is probably making a similar amount of power as the old one but as said, more torque way earlier.

[mr moto]

true, france has a 100bhp limit for motorcycles  

[Baz]

Let's just admit it, this new power plant does not shine much more than the old!

Yes, there will be lots of mods I am sure, yup, maybe bump up the compression (new pistons perhaps) then cams, a new exhaust system...

See where this is going? The new Bandit becomes an expensive bike, which would in any event get killed by a Busa that only costs a couple thousand more.

I like the bike, but I sure wouldn't spend 10 large for a platform to add serious mods to.

[silvertwin2003]

The translation from the French is a little rough but here is a shootout of the new Bandit vs the Euro only Honda CB 1000 F (or whatever that thing is called).

 http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.moto-station.com/article2307-suzuki-gsf-1250-bandit-vs-honda-cbf-1000-toujours-pas-has-been-.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DSuzuki%2BGSF%2B1250%2BBandit%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DSUNA,SUNA:2006-09,SUNA:en

[sammyseaman]

French verdict:

Honda CBF 1000 ABS
Soft and general-purpose
ergonomics
catch in hands
practical aspects
 1.250 € moreover (?)
linear character
indication holds
 
Suzuki GSF 1250 S Gangster
Popular engine
expressive engine
quality ratio/price
homogeneity
 weight
firm suspensions
consumption  


I was leaning towards a new Bandit but now I don't know. Seems the Bandit has "homo weight" and the "consumption". Only the French would find these as admiral traits.

[Baz]

Seems the Bandit has "homo weight"

Not that there is anything wrong with that.