The GSF1200N Bandit is the
unfaired version of Suzuki's budget roadster. Introduced in 1996, its blend
of low price, strong engine and retro good looks soon made it popular as an
all-rounder. The lack of a fairing put some riders off, since it restricts
the long-distance usefulness of the bike, although the naked styling
probably attracted almost as many buyers.
The heart of the 1200 Bandit is
an air/oil-cooled inline-four engine, based on the 1127cc design used on the
GSX-R1100 and GSX1100s of the late 1980s and early 1990s. A 1mm overbore
increased the capacity to 1157cc, and other changes reshaped the power curve
to improve low-down urge. The Bandit's mid-range is indeed very strong,
ideal for a naked street machine such as this. One positive side-effect of
using such an old engine is assured reliability - Bandit 1200 engines seldom
go wrong.
The Bandit's chassis is
completely unremarkable, although effective. Basic, preloa adjustable forks
and a preload and rebound-damping adjustable rear monoshock are perfectly
suitable for a road bike: ultimate sporting performance is probably
restricted by the mediocre ground clearance. The steering is stable and
predictaD while the four-piston brakes offer acceptable power and feel.
For the 2000 model year, Suzuki
gave the 1200 Bandit a thorough revamp. The changes were most obvious on the
faired bike, which got an all-new top fairing,
the naked Bandit received the
same new frame, with a straight steel-tube frame running below the fuel
tank. This gave a lower seat height and a more stylish lo
The brakes were also heavily
revised, with six-piston Tokico calipers replacing t old bike's four-piston
parts. Other changes included revised, firmer suspension settings, and
useful features such as a new grabrail, and a larger fuel tank.
The 1200 Bandit's cheap price,
tough construction and strong engine made it a popular choice for stunt
riders in the mid-1990s, and a common sight at stunt sh
