Boldly styled and impressively powerful, the
GSX1250FA is prepared to provide excitement whether you’re out touring,
commuting or if you’re simply out having some fun. The GSX1250FA, with its
sportbike DNA, is a machine that can define a weekend, but can also be relied on
every day of the week. The fully faired GSX1250FA has a fuel injected double
overhead camshaft (DOHC) powerplant packing 1255cc of power at your service.
Delivering a wide spread of power, starting low down in the rev range, the six
gear transmission takes full advantage of this torque, resulting in extra smooth
acceleration and inspiring power delivery…a perfect combination for long
distance rides. The GSX1250FA. Exciting, stimulating and tailored for sporting
comfort. It’s an all-around performer and an exceptional value.
Features
Chassis Features
The GSX1250FA is equipped with a Digital Antilock Brake System (ABS)* that
monitors wheel speed and matches stopping power to available traction.
New Engine Features
The GSX1250FA is powered by a compact, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 1255cc,
DOHC, wet sump engine that has a bore and stroke of 79.0 mm x 64.0 mm. A
secondary balancer shaft enhances the engine's smooth operation.
Chrome-nitride piston-ring coating contributes to reduction of friction and
tighter cylinder sealing on the GSX1250FA.
Suzuki Idle Speed Control (ISC) helps improve cold starting, reduce cold-start
emissions and stabilize engine idle under varying conditions.
Effective engine management and emissions control systems together allow the
GSX1250FA to meet the latest emissions regulations and standards.
A liquid-cooled oil cooler helps keep the GSX1250FA engine running cool.
Transmission Features
A slick shifting six speed transmission improves acceleration while reducing top
gear RPM at highway speeds. The GSX1250FA comes with a hydraulic clutch with
coil springs that provides improved lever feel and control.
Power is put to the ground via a durable RK GB50GSV Z3 118 link chain.
Chassis Features
The GSX1250FA comes with a functional full fairing, housing vertically stacked
headlights and is shaped for a neatly integrated impression with the tank and
the tailsection.
The GSX1250FA features a classic tube-frame chassis, with rake and trail chosen
for an excellent balance between sporty handling and highway cruising comfort.
43mm-stanchion-tube front forks offer 5.1 inches of travel. A single rear shock
(with 5.4 inches of travel) is preload adjustable so you can tune for when
riding with or without passengers.
Brakes
The GSX1250FA comes with fully floating 310mm dual-disc front brakes with
four-piston calipers and a single 240mm rear disc brake with a single-piston
caliper.
Seat
Long rides are made easy thanks to the comfort-contoured seat found on the
GSX1250FA. The seat height can also be adjusted up or down 20mm by flipping over
the mounting spacers between the seat and the frame seat rails.
Stand
A convenient centerstand is standard equipment on the GSX1250FA.
A large capacity 5 gallon fuel tank (4.9 gal. on CA models) provides long
operating range in between fill-ups.
A comprehensive instrument cluster offers a variety of gauges, including a
convenient gear-position indicator and shift light, oil pressure/coolant
temperature indicator, fuel injection indicator, ABS indicator, and engine RPM
indicator light.
Available Suzuki Genuine Accessories for the GSX1250FA include top and side
cases, windshield and more.
*Please note that ABS is a supplemental device
for brake operation, not a device for shortening stopping distance. Always
remember to reduce speed sufficiently before approaching curves, corners, and
traffic congestion
Review
A new motorcycle with sporting intentions but absent
ground-breaking technology or a race-winning pedigree is easily overlooked.
Enter the 2011 GSX1250FA, a semi-new model from Suzuki lacking advertising
superlatives but delivering the essential qualities that comprise a competent
motorcycle, i.e., performance and fun at an affordable price.
The Suzuki GSX1250FA is the bike a discerning motorcyclist will pick out of a
line-up of overly specialized sportbikes or portly sport-tourers emphasizing the
latter part of the compound title. Besides its standard equipment anti-lock
brakes, the GSX1250FA is elemental in its construction and built to be ridden
anywhere, anytime by a motorcyclist who values versatility over hyperbole.
Stripped of its Bandit moniker, in use since the Bandit 400’s U.S. introduction
in 1991, the GSX1250FA also differs from its predecessor by way of full-fairing
cosmetics. Less obvious upgrades include heavier fork springs and firmer rebound
damping, and an additional radiator fan to compensate for the loss of airflow
from the full-coverage bodywork.
2011 Suzuki GSX1250RA
Suzuki's new GSX1250FA offers great value and broad
versatility in the big-bore sporty bike category.
Albeit the changes are minor, the bike’s new plastic-clad profile should
generate interest from motorcyclists familiar with the previously naked or
quarter-faired versions as well as those without knowledge of the GSX’s past
nomenclature. And when those who previously dismissed the Bandit get a chance to
test the GSX1250, they’re gonna be surprised by the bike’s well-mannered,
universal performance.
The GSX1250FA’s engine is certainly one of the bike’s best qualities. With
maximum torque at a V-Twin rpm (72.3 lb.-ft. at just 3,500) the GSX romps out of
corners with a robustness that belies its modest 92.6 hp at 8,800 rpm dyno
figure. The abundance of low-end power augments real-world usability and ensures
you’re never left wanting when running a gear high or in need of emergency
passing power. It should be noted, however, that as pleasurable and
user-friendly as the fuel-injected 1255cc inline-Four is, considering its
displacement, we were hoping for at least triple-digit horsepower numbers.
A surprising attribute of the GSX1250FA is its handling prowess, especially
considering its low-tech tubular steel frame and 567-lb curb weight. It’s no
Jenny Craig poster child, but in the canyons the GSX manages its weight well and
will easily keep on the rear wheel of faster, lighter bikes piloted by lesser
riders. Competitive models such as the new Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and Yamaha FZ1
are lighter and better handling, but without these bikes playing devil’s
advocate, a GSX1250FA operator will be riding in ignorant bliss of the bike’s
weight problem.
As capable as the GSX is in the canyons, it’s equally at home digesting freeway
miles in commuter mode or during long-distance road trips. Ergonomics are
comfortable with plenty of seat-to-footpeg legroom and a moderate reach to the
superbike handlebars. The suspension is well-balanced on the plusher side for
extended seat-time comfort. It’s only in the canyons, during aggressive braking
and cornering, when the bike’s weight occasionally overwhelms the suspension,
but otherwise the bike’s 43mm fork and single rear shock keep the GSX composed.
2011 Suzuki GSX1250RA
Throttle response from Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve fuel-injection system is
faultless, delivering smooth controllable application of power at any rpm, and a
stout clutch offers a wide engagement zone for smooth launches. The GSX’s
triple-disc brakes provide a very firm lever and decent feedback to slow the GSX
with confidence. Adjustable brake and clutch levers fit a variety of hand sizes.
The GSX’s ABS system is the bike’s most advanced
technological component, but unless an emergency situation arises it’s a system
that runs unnoticed in the background. I did pound the brakes a couple times to
confirm the existence of the system was more than just stickers on the front
fender. The system sends a familiar pulsating sensation through the levers when
activated, but will stop the bike with authority. Equipped with ABS as standard,
the GSX1250FA stands apart in its category.
For those with a penchant for traveling, the new full-fairing provides more
protection from the elements than the old quarter-faired Bandit. However, we
deemed the bike’s styling more reminiscent of an aftermarket lower cowl
back-ordered from the late 1990s than a cutting-edge 2011 model. From the front,
the GSX-R-derived stacked headlight is much more in vogue. Gusts coming over the
windscreen hit my 5-foot-11 frame about mid-chest in a clean, non-turbulent flow
of air. Suzuki also offers a more touring-oriented windscreen as well as a
37-liter top box and hard, lockable and detachable saddlebags, which can morph
the GSX into a sporty big sport-touring rig.
The seat of the GSX1250FA provides a two-position height adjustment, altering
from 31.7 to 32.5 inches, but changing over the seat tray to a different level
is the most complicated processes of seat height adjustment we’ve ever
encountered. You’ll want to pick the most appropriate level and leave the seat
in that position.
Besides the child-proof seat, the GSX does possess two rarities a lot of future
owners will respect. The first one is a centerstand. Yes, it adds a little
weight and can limit cornering clearance when the bike is loaded with a
passenger and gear, but this apparatus is essential for lubing and adjusting a
chain whenever you’re away from home.
The other nicety is a pair of helmet locks located under the seat. I don’t know
why manufacturers are leaving this simple addition off a lot modern motorcycles,
but I’m tired of having to carry my helmet into a restaurant when it would be
perfectly safe attached to the bike. Thank you, Suzuki, for using common sense
and including this function on the GSX1250FA.
The instrument cluster is clean and easy to read, and it includes a handy
digital gear-indicator window, another feature absent on similar models.
Carrying an MSRP of $11,599, the GSX1250FA is a bargain, especially considering
ABS is included in this price. If you’re in the market for a new motorcycle that
slots between a dedicated sport-tourer and a sporty standard, the GSX1250FA
should be on your list of considerations. Its best selling point is its engine
that delivers locomotive-like power when and where you need it, and its handling
easily exceeded our expectations.
So if you can swing a test ride from your local dealer, give the GSX a chance.
You’ll probably be as pleasantly surprised as we were.
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