Suzuki Bandit Series
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The Suzuki Bandit is a series of standard (sometimes called "sport-standard") street motorcycles produced by Suzuki.
| Suzuki GSF Series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
| Also called | Bandit |
| Production | 1995 - present |
| Predecessor | Suzuki GS series |
| Class | Standard |
| Similar | Yamaha FZ1 Honda CB900F Kawasaki Z750 |
The following different models of the bike have been manufactured:
- GSF250 with 250cc
- GSF400 with 400cc
- GSF600N/GSF600S with 599cc (manufactured 1995-2004)
- GSF650N/GSF650S with 656cc (manufactured 2005-on)
- GSF750 with 748cc (manufactured 1996-1999)
- GSF1200/GSF1200S with 1157cc engine (manufactured 1996-on).
All engines are DOHC inline four with 16 valves; 600, 650, 750 and 1200 models employ SACS (Suzuki Advanced Cooling System) cooling that is combined air-cooled and oil-cooled. The 250 and 400cc models are water-cooled.
The 'S' models come with a factory half-fairing, and starting from model year 2001, a dual-bulb headlight. The base model 'N' is an unfaired "naked" bike with a single headlight.
The Bandit series has traditionally had a reputation as a hooligan bike, due to its budget price, muscle bike looks, and sheer torque (This mostly applies to the 1200 models). With more recent revisions, however, the bike has taken on a more streamlined and modern feel, taking it more towards sports tourer territory [1]. Despite this, the 1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is a bike of choice for various wheelie schools [2].
Contents |
[edit] Bandit 600
[edit] 1995
The naked GSF600 N Bandit was released in February, available in red and green. It was based on the styling of the pre-existing GSF400 Bandit, with a retuned engine from the GSX600.
[edit] 1996
The faired Bandit S model was introduced, where the bikini half-fairing had its debut. Available colours were red, forest green and teal green.
[edit] 1997
Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburettor heaters. Colours were red, green and black.
[edit] 1998
The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes. Both were available in blue, black and orange.
[edit] 1999
Debut of a near rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment. Colours were blue, back and red.
[edit] 2000
The first major changes were made this year.
- New rear bodywork.
- Fully electronic instrumentation.
- New carburettors with throttle position sensor.
- Additional fuel filter.
- Tokico brake calipers.
- 20 litre fuel tank (up from 19).
- Improvements to frame and steering geometry.
- Seat height lowered.
- S model: New modern styled fairing, with twin headlights.
Colours were blue, black and red.
New rear bodywork, as well as fully electronic instrumentation was introduced. The S Bandit fairing changed to a more modern styling, with twin headlights.
[edit] 2001
No significant changes.
[edit] 2005
More major changes made this year.
- adjustable handlebars and seat height
- larger 656cc engine (smoother power delivery)
- redesigned half fairing
- narrower frame
- LCD digital display backlit by LED
[edit] Bandit 650
[edit] 2007
A completely new, water-cooled motor was designed specificially for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models which used engines re-worked from other models.[1]
- 656 cc displacement, inline-4 motor
- Fuel injection
- ABS available on faired "S" model
- Seat adjustable for height
The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike Magazine as being "de-criminalized" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners.[2]
[edit] Bandit 750
The Bandit 750 was a Japan only model that used parts from both the 600 and 1200 models, the front frame cradle was identical to the 600, the rear subframe was identical to the 1200 with bolt on pillion footpeg handers, the clocks were 1200 items and the running gear and suspension were the same as the 600. The engine although visually identical to the 600, had a capacity of 748cc, fuel and exhaust systems were 600 items. Power was a claimed 85bhp and strangely no grab rails were fitted as the rear panels lacked holes for fitting them, although the frame had fitted inserts for mounting bolts.
The bike remained unchanged during its production life and was available in black, silver and maroon.
[edit] Bandit 1200
[edit] 1996
The first 1200 Bandit models were released in January 1996, featuring a retuned and enlarged version of the engine featured in the GSX-R1100. Other differences from the 600 cc models included a fuel gauge, higher specification suspension and larger diameter front brake discs. Also the 1200 Bandit featured a hydraulic clutch. Colours were maroon, green and black.
[edit] 1997
No changes were made, and the colours available were maroon, black and blue. A version of the S Bandit with anti-lock braking was introduced for certain world markets. The 1997 ABS (anti-skid braking) 1200 Bandit used a 114 link chain as opposed to the standard 110 link chain. Tsubaki Sigma 11,000 psi tensile stength chains are available precut at this length.
[edit] 1998
No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and silver.
[edit] 1999
No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and additionally brown on the S model.
[edit] 2000
No changes. Colours were maroon, blue, black and green/gold.
[edit] 2001
The 1200 Bandits received a similar revamp to the one the 600 Bandits received the previous year:
- New rear bodywork.
- Fully electronic instrumentation.
- New carburettors.
- Additional fuel filter.
- Tokico brake calipers (six pistons at the front).
- 20 litre fuel tank (up from 19).
- Improvements to frame and steering geometry.
- Seat height lowered.
- S model: New modern styled fairing, with twin headlights.
Colours were blue, black, red and silver.
[edit] Bandit 1250
[edit] 2007
Much like the 650 model, the Bandit 1250 has a water-cooled motor specially designed for the Bandit. The previous 1200 cc air/oil-cooled motor did not meet Euro 3 emmissions regulations.[3]
