Suzuki Bandit Series

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Suzuki GSF Series


aka = Bandit
manufacturer = Suzuki
production = 1995 - present
predecessor = Suzuki GS series
successor =
parent_company =
class = Standard
platform =
engine = Transverse inline four
transmission =
rake =
trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
seat_height =
dry_weight =
wet_weight =
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fuel_capacity =
related =
similar = Yamaha FZ1
Honda CB900F
Kawasaki Z750The Suzuki Bandit is a series of standard (sometimes called "sport-standard") street motorcycles produced by Suzuki.

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).
* GSF1250/GSF1250 ABS with a 1255cc engine (manufactured 2007-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 ; The 600cc model's engine is taken from the GSX-F 600 and retuned for more midrange. The 1200cc models engine on the other hand is a bored out GSXR 1100 item. The 250 and 400cc models are water-cooled.

For model year 2007, Suzuki abandoned the venerable early GSX-R derived engine in favor of new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engines.Both 650 and 1250 models now meet euro-3 emission standards.

The 'S' models come with a factory half-fairing, and starting from model year 2000, dual headlights. 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 territory [http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/suz_bandit1200s.htm] . Despite this, the 1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is a bike of choice for various wheelie schools [http://www.thewheelieschool.co.uk/bikes.html] .

Bandit 600

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.

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.

1997

Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburetor heaters. Colours were red, green and black.

1998

The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes. Both were available in blue, black and maroon and bronze.

1999

Debut of a near rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment. Colours were blue, black and red.

2000

The first major changes were made this year.

* New rear bodywork.
* Fully electronic instrumentation.
* New carburetors with throttle position sensor.
* Additional fuel filter.
* Nissin 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.

2001

No significant changes.

Bandit 650

2005

Major changes made this year.
* adjustable handlebars (10mm) and seat height (20mm)
* Engine rebored to 656cc (smoother power delivery)
* redesigned half fairing with new "stacked" dual headlights
* narrower frame
* LCD digital display backlit by LED replaces speedometer
* LCD display has odometer, dual trip meter, fuel gauge and clock
* ABS is available as an option on this models (not in all countries, i.e. Brazil)

2007

A completely new, water-cooled motor was designed specifically for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models which used engines re-worked from other models. ["Bike", November, 2006, p. 108]

*Meets Euro3 emission standards
*656 cc displacement, inline-4 all-aluminum liquid-cooled engine
*Electronic Fuel Injection with dual throttle valve system (similar to Suzuki's GSX-R and V-Strom)
*ABS available on faired "S" model
*Seat and handlebars adjustable for height
*Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed AIR) exhaust air injection system
*Modified Chassis and Swingarm
*Claimed 85hp at 10,500RPM (up 7)
*12,500RPM redline
*19 liters fuel tank (Same tank as previous model, but roughly 1L is taken by fuel pump)
*Hydraulic clutch lever

The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike Magazine as being "de-criminalized" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners. ["Bike", January, 2007, p. 184]

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, whereas fuel were 600 items and exhaust systems were 1200 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

Bandit 1200

1996

The first 1200 Bandit models were generally 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.There are some examples of 1995 registered 1200 Bandits. A lot of Suzuki models have the engine size cast into side of the cylinder block, 1200 Bandits(1157cc) do not have this but there are examples of some having 1156cc cast into the block. These were 1995 bikes, apparently early production models.

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 strength chains are available precut at this length.

1998

No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and silver.

1999

No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and additionally brown on the S model.

2000

No changes. Colours were maroon, blue, black, titanium and green/gold.

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.
* Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed Air Injection), feeding clean air into the exhaust outlet to help eliminate unburnt fuel from emissions.
* 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.

2004

2004 models added a 2-way catalytic converter (for some markets) to the exhaust system, and minor modifications to the exhaust metalwork.

2006

2006 (K6) models received a revamp with a new shape tank, side panels, a height adjustable seat and a longer swinging arm with a hexagonal cross section. The faired "S" versions also have a new shape fairing and mirrors,totally redesigned headlight system and are available with ABS brakes as an option.

Bandit 1250S

2007

Much like the 650 model, the Bandit 1250S has a water-cooled motor specially designed for the Bandit. The previous 1157 cc air/oil-cooled motor did not meet Euro 3 emissions regulations. ["Bike", November, 2006, p. 109] While the new 1255 cc engine produces almost identical horse power and torque figures as the old air cooled engine, the big difference is in where in the RPM band peak torque is produced. This 1255 cc engine produces its whopping torque (108Nm) at a low (3750) RPM. [ [http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/mag5/art20070415/htm/mobil-moto-suzuki-bandit-1250-2007.htm 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250 ] ] That power is sent to the driveline via a new for 2007 six speed constant mesh transmission. [American Suzuki Motor Co. Sales brochure Part# 99922-07309 printed 12/06] . Produced in black and blue, it was also available as the 1250SA, this version fitted with ABS.

The autumn saw the introduction of a limited edition Street Fighter, featuring Renthal handlebars, a Yoshimura silencer and a single seat cowling.

2008

No changes from the 2007 model, except that the blue model is a slightly different colour of blue (less dark) and grey.

The 1250GT is a Grand Touring version. It carries a three-box hard luggage system, has fairing lowers and comes fitted with sat-nav.

References

External links

* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/?&N=189+147+4294043429&Ns=P_Publication_Date|1&id=1899 Suzuki Bandit 650] Road tests of the Suzuki Bandit 650
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSF600-Bandit-1996-05/?&R=EPI-421 Suzuki Bandit 600] Road test of the Suzuki Bandit 600
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSF1250SF-Bandit-2007-current/?&R=EPI-89381 Suzuki Bandit 1250] Road test of the Suzuki Bandit 1250
* [http://www.banditownersclub.be/?&R=EPI-89381 Banditclub] Belgian Bandit Owners Club