Suzuki Bandit 1250 S Ride Review - Most Underrated Motorcycle Ever? 

I just bought a 1200s Bandit 2005 model and it's one of the best bikes I've owned, I have owned about 47 motorbikes over the last 43 years of riding. I have had every brand and style of bike but the Bandit is just awesome.

I have a Bandit 1250 S in the same colour too. I was in July in Norway, I rode 5500 km with luggage and tent. The engine is so powerful and reliable. I had a lot rainy days, the Suzuki started immediately, only the chain was worn out because of the many km in the rain. What a beautiful motorbike.

I have a 2007 1250s. Had it since 2010. The torque and real world power are amazing. I personally love the understated styling and the fact that it doesn’t look like every other sport bike out there.

The only ones that will bitch about this bike are those that NEVER rode one. It's an awesome machine: no power modes, just raw torque at all ranges.

Great review! I owned a 2011 1250FA model, full fairiing, and put about 66,000 trouble-free miles on it. Fantastic motor and transmission, overall a way, way underrated machine.

This is exactly my bike I have now in the fourth season. Also the same color. The first thing I put on it was a gear indicator. I just passed the 85.000km and maybe this year I will reach 100.000km. I never had a so robust and solid bike without so much electric and stuff you don't need. The best bike I've ever had and I would buy it again.

Aaaaaand I just bought such a bike a few weeks ago, using it for inter-urban commuting and long distance touring. An amazing bike. Mine does 48 MPG easily,.sometimes even better. Absolutely a blast to ride, and serves as a daily iron donkey just as well. Also, riding aroung 90-95 miles per hour, the wind protection is PERFECT. Like sitting in a capsule...

Picked up a flawless 2016 Suzuki Bandit 1250s (Glass Sparkle Black) with 3,600 miles on it for $6k. All stock except for the Holeshot Comp slip-on, Dale's Stage 1 Supertune Pro tune, O2 bypass module, K&N filter, air box mod, center stand mod and brand new Avon Storm 3-D tires. Best UJM ever made. The bike is a beast and pretty much blows away anything off the line. The Holeshot mods take this thing to a whole new level. Smooth as butter and loafs around 3,500 rpm at 70 mph. Quick twist of the throttle and you're doing 120 mph, leaving everything in the dust. Way more power than I'll ever need. As a former GS1100E owner, the Bandit is reminiscent of the GS glory days. The 2016 is the end of the run, so this baby is a keeper!

I have an '07 1250, I bought new. It has just under 100,000 miles on the clock and has been trouble free. It has taken me many places, including Alaska. I concur with your impression; it is improved in every way over the '01 1200 I had previously. Its successor will be a GSX-S 1000 GT+, mainly for the upgraded electronics package. But the 1250 will always have a spot in my garage.

On my 3rd. '05 sold at 144k, '07 totaled by a no-look left turn Mercedes driver, and now, this flawless '09. Chopped the L.A. snake for 13 years. 57 miles each way.

Great bike and great review. The bandits are pretty much bullet proof, not so much eye candy but for someone looking for a fun bike with low cost/maintenance these things excel. I own a 20 year old 600 version, starts on the button first ask and I often take it out over my more modern machines and get more enjoyment.. it seems to be like a fine wine, only getting better with age! Greetings for Ireland. Wish we had roads a weather like that more of the time😉

There’s a tear in Dale Walker’s eye because you didn’t mention his “Holeshot” online website for all things Bandit. On the other hand, anyone who has a 1200/1250 Bandit probably know about it already. Good review, I have a 2008 1250.

I’ve been riding ODB (ol’ dirty bandit) since 2019. I picked it up as a highway mile muncher and it’s never let me down. I left it off the tender for 6 weeks in winter and it still fired right up, unlike my MT-07 that needs a new battery if I park it for a winter night without a tender. I’m still using the battery ODB came with. It’s taken me from Colorado to LA and back, and eagerly devoured those miles in comfort. I’ve done maintenance but never had anything to repair. ODB made my 2 hour commute into an absolute joy. It has faithfully served me without complaint whether I spoil it or neglect it. Every once in a while I think about newer bikes, but like a good wife, I just can’t see the value of replacing it. Yeah, the looks are a little dated, and it could use a new seat, but I can trust it and depend on it, and that’s what matters most in any relationship.

I own a 2016 that I modified with Dale Walker’s Holeshot Performance parts - full exhaust, intake lid modification, secondary throttle blades removed and SuperTuner fueler. Nothing like a big cc Japanese bike. The bandit is a torque monster. Wish the Honda CB1300 made it to the U.S. My bike has been super reliable and has never missed a beat.

Great video! I agree with all. Bought mine in 2023 July. Perfect for me and the wife. Harley D driver actually complimented on it. Respect

I have had 3 bandits and now a gsx1250fa. Great bikes!

I like it and now I must find one!!! Good work, and content.

Ive just got a K8 and its a great all rounder.Really pleased with it

Excellent review. The big Bandit has always been on my short list. Lovely exhaust note as well.

Great camera angles! Really gives a sense of what it feels like to ride. I have almost bought one twice but couldn't find one in good shape. Both times i picked a Yamaha FZ6 over it. Very similar bikes that make power in totally opposite ways lol. The Bandit and FZ6 might not be the sexiest bikes but goddamn do they just work! Great review as always, I am a fan of your work! Cheers 🍻

Lovely review there and I do agree that it's for sure an under-rated bike with people complaining of weight and heavy handling. I have been a motorcycle test rider for a long time having ridden a wide range of bikes- but when I thought to restart my riding life after coming to Canada, I bought a used 2007 Bandit 1250S. it doesn't have fancy electronics or the bells that modern bikes do- but it offers almost everything that you would want in a motorcycle. The styling is unchanged for long- but it still doesn't look as dated, the torque just awes you, I would stop and pick it up in 4th gear as if it were the first. Thankfully I have bar risers and a Sargent seat which the previous owner had installed- so comfortable. Just need a tall screen and go mile munching.

I have it's bigger brother the GSX1400 and very similar approx 105bhp and 95lbs of torque. All this generation of bikes are very good. I was not a fan at first as also have an Ducati x-diavel S but since owning her and restoring it back to showroom condition I have fell in love with it lol.

That thing purrs along nicely.so sweet, excellent machine, it glides.

I have a Bandit 1200S! Awesome bike. Good vid! 😎🤙

Oh so many great bikes are under rated, this is just one of many but good job. Love hearing from real owners of bikes, no magazine or most you tubers never cover. I know way more than ever needed on all the best selling sports bikes and every harley, all basically same just dressed different for 50 yrs now. Love reading on bandit the sv 650 zzr600 kawi great bikes all. the list goes on so many bikes so little time.

I bouight a 2007 last year and I love it. I have to agree with everything you said. So much fun and so under rated in NA. Cheers from Canada

I have a 97 12 S (Carb model) - owned for 17 years, love it. That engine is so good as it will do anything - smooth from bottom to top. Nice roads - looks like Eleverson PA not far from me. Thanjs for the v-log.

Great video !! I’ve been eyeballing a 2000 bandit but I’ll think the 1250 is the way to go Thanks again!

I had a 2008 Bandit, Great bike strong engine & gear box. Would love another one.

I haven't had a Bandit....yet, but it reminds me of a Triumph Sprint RS 955 that I had for awhile. Very very underrated motorcycle. That engine was fantastic, it handled way better than the suspension looked like it should. I embarrassed many a Ducati rider on that bike. It was comfortable for all day rides and could really tear up a twisty road. It was amazing.

had one in uk since 2008. 16 years. only had to replace starter motor. been to dealers and test ridden loads. mt 09's kwak 1000s etc. nothing compares to how easy this bike rides. 80 lb ft torque at 3500 revs. almost a twist and go scooter.

Those roads and scenery remind me of where I’m at in eastern PA. I have a 2001 Bandit 1200 and absolutely love it. The 1250 looks more modern.

Man, that thing sounds so sweet…just enough of the “4 cylinder quartet” music without being obnoxious. Jon, did you do any map tuning on the PCIII? The bike sounded spot-on and checked all the right boxes for a great all around motorcycle. Thanks for another great review.

I have had a 2007 bandit for 12 years. I just Love it. Smooth, dependable, fast & quiet. I call it the “VIPER” !

Bandits, so good I named my RU-vid channel after them. I had a 600 and one of the very last 1200S s in the updated chassis. Was great value for money new here in the UK

I bought the 1200 in 1999 when it was air cooled. It was really restricted in power and when it got an exhaust, filter and carb. tuning it really woke up. I always liked the torque curve on them.

I agree completely with you Jon, This bike is a joy to ride, much better than the specs lead you believe. Hard to get off the bike without a grin, one of the nicest rides out there. Thanks, its a great review on a much overlooked machine. I would place this machines effect on the rider to be a very similar to that of riding the Yamaha FJ1200. Also much under-appreciated to my mind. Thanks Jon.

I'm on my second Bandit 1250, having put almost 100k on the first. The bike is sneaky fast and definitely carries it weight well once moving. Sadly, it never caught on here in North America as it is a really great bike.

Had one exactly the same, absolutely brilliant bike

Thanks for the post. My wife and I did many trips on the 1200 Bandit, the naked version. ( Gone now ) Good memories. Never got to ride the 1250, looks like a lovely machine though. We're in the South Island of New Zealand. Sold the Bandit and moved to a Gen 2 Hayabusa. Lovely bike to travel on, even fully loaded and the power and the torque was always welcome. Holy shit ! The 'Busa's gone now and we have an '18 ZX14R in the shed now with only 17'000 kms on the clock. I'm only 62 years young, keep up the good work.

I have a 2001 Bandit Gsf-1200 S .She is a fantastical Bike. Greeting from Lake Constanz, Germany

I have one in the same color, fantastic engine, tons of torque and super smooth. Easy to ride, no mechanic problem until now. I bought it with 45k kms and it was as brand new… as it is now after more than 55k kms. I love’it!!

I have a 2009 1250 with a stage 2 Dale Walker tune. Only thing I'd say is it's very hard on rear tires. I finally went up 1 tooth on the front sprocket and hey, my rear tires are lasting longer, and the speedo is barely off now. Okay, the rear tire issue is not from the bike, it's from the guy on the throttle. After about 3 years of power wheelies on every green light, I decided to grow up at age 58, dang it! I ride regularly with my son and his beautiful liter sport bikes, 2 S1000's, Gixxer, and his Ninja 1000. I canyon ride in the Utah mountains right with him on all of them. He burns out quickly comfort wise and I'm just getting started. The Bandit is an excellent find and amazing used bike prices. Get one, if you can handle it!

Sounds amazing

I rode but never owned the orig late 90s Bandit - very much liked it. I thought about getting a 1250, a little over ten years ago - ended up with a carb'd FZ1 instead... FZ1 turned out to be very, very good.

I love my 1250-S Bandit 2013 :) A lot of Fun!

Great vid , great bike , great roads 👍 Which part of the USA do you live in ?

I've owned my dark blue Bandit 2008 1250S for about 14 years and it still gives me butterflies when I twist that throttle! I installed a Yoshimura exhaust, K&N air filter, HID lights and LED tail light and signals to see better and be seen better at night or low visibility riding conditions. Mine came with the Givi touring package - panniers and top case. My wife loves riding 2 up and she has plenty of room, even with the top case and back rest on it. With all of the torque this has, I can barely tell she's even back there and all 3 cases are packed for a weekend trip. I've also installed additional lighting in the luggage to further improve visibility from the sides and rear. We've done 400 miles in a day with no problem, and while I've looked at buying other bikes, bang for buck, you can't beat a Bandit. I've looked at upgrading, but this bike does everything I need it to on the road. 10/10, would buy again and recommend it a friend.

Great review. I have a 2016 model of this bike; bought used and cheap, as my Pandemic Project, needing very little work. You can find these in great shape with low miles. For some reason, owners don't seem to put a lot mileage on them. I've heard it called a "dad bike". I had the earlier air-cooled 1200cc Bandit, and rode it across the US. It shook like a jackhammer on steroids. The 1250 is much smoother, with enough vibes to let you know its working, but not a deal-breaker. Both machines are very reliable. Some potential buyers are put off by the lower hp rating of the 1250, but that is a false indicator of what the bike can do. It will blow your hair back with the best of them (wear a helmet). Brakes are grabby in parking lots; throttle is a touch snatchy when the motor is hot, but it's not like a Yamaha. Added note: 2016 was the last year these were made, resurrected from previous years. An intermittent offering.

I've owned 4 motorcycles, and out of the 4 I had, this one was the absolute best I ever had

With that big of an engine it's more of a throwback, or more accurately, an updated version of the venerable GS1150E, a legend in its own time and still today.

I Have bandit 1250, 2008 model. I Love IT. Torgue is heavy.

Digital Speedo Factory ? Nice bike, power/ torque specs are just like my Honda, although my bike is much heavier, but the torque is still quite noticeable . Hey that new section of asphalt was nice !

Great video. I have one exactly the same, but I ride mine without the high beam on 😂

Love mine. Just need to change the can as its still standard plus bring the bars up about an inch.

Would be fun to get a ride on one sometime. I've read a lot of comparisons from owners of both, sounds like the 1250 gives you more of everything that people liked about the Bandit (truck-like torque, decent handling/ergos/etc at a good price) and less of what bugged people about the older bikes (feeling buzzy/wound out on the highway). So objectively a superior bike, but I think there's something a bit more raw/mechanical about the older carb air/oil cooled non-counterbalanced GSX-R motor that gives the 1st gen bikes a bit more flavor. I have an '02, I definitely understand what people mean by "buzzy" but with the rubber mounted well isolated OEM footpegs and foam grips (aftermarket) it's never personally bothered me. And compared to a lot of my UJMs, even the 02 Bandit's 4000rpm at 70mph seems perfectly relaxed to me.

I don't know if it's the most underrated one, but yes was underrated and even belittled by those who selfnamed "wise riders". But... I have one for eleven years and a lot of kms. with no issue, nothing. I can let it stopped for three months and when I started in a cold morning, the Bandid started with no effort. A great concept of bike that never should be forggotten.

Had my 1250s from new in 2016,honestly wouldn’t part with it,never stops putting a smile on my face,might not be the most bhp on the market,but that engine is just perfect.

I crashed my 650 bandit and I wanna use the chance to upgrade. This seems like a nice transition.

Hmmm....I don't think I was really aware of this 1250 bandit. I remember the ones with the single round headlight. I like it! ***Any thoughts or comparisons "verses the versys" ? 😆 Eric in NC

Good review, well done. I have had 2, they're a great bike if you have moved out of the sportbike phase. Very pleasant to ride, a fantastic engine if you ignore the bhp figures. Although if you want more horse power it is easily extracted

I have a 09 1250 bandit aftermarket exhaust saddleman seat with 14 k love this beast

Totally agree with your excellent review! I bought a gently used '09 Bandit 1250S a couple of years ago for $3,900. It only had 2,200 miles on it! It came with a Yoshimura aluminum exhaust and Teclusion electronic jet kit. It ran poorly after 3,000 RPM and the gas gauge didn't work. After spending $200 on a new stainless steel mesh fuel filter assembly and a fuel level sending unit, it runs amazingly. The Bandit 1250S is the epitome of a Japanese UJM and for the price, one of the greatest performance values in motorcycle history.

I would love to hear your ride comparison between the bandit 1250s and the v-strom 1050

I'm looking for one!

Just crested 175,000 miles on a 1998 1200S. (yes, I've rebuilt the motor). I've had two; this one has 1216cc JE pistons, light head work, aftermarket suspension, Corbin seat, flat "drag" bars... has been across the US twice, in almost every 48 state, and done trackdays. Much lighter than the 1250 (I owned the 1250Fa).. Probably the best bike I've ever owned, but needs some careful modding. PS- I seriously doubt your claims of "80 foot pounds" of torque, I've had these on a dyno... more like 72-75.

Hey Jon, I think a Bandit 1250S vs ZRX1200 video is in order. Both have very similar power output (slight torque advantage to the Bandit - 16hp advantage to the ZRX), and both are "standard" style road bikes. Whatta ya say?

Tive uma exatamente igual a sua, é uma moto incrível.

I have a completely stock 1250 SEA(full fairing). Your Bandit has a bit of supercharger whine that I don't hear on mine. Also mine is very quiet until 4500RPM where it starts to have an intake growl. The power band is the defining characteristic of this bike. From 2000 to 9000 it feels like its at peak torque. It is super easy to ride but it's at 80mph that the bike feels in the zone.

One of our riding friends has a 2007 model so i got to ride it. Its a torgue monster lol and once you get going so easy to ride. Not as fast as my ZRX1200 but it has no problem keeping up and when you want to pass a couple of Semi's on the interstate it does its childs play. And i love the 6th gear that my ZRX does not have... Great review Jon!👌

There is nothing like the Bandit that feeling of taking carburateurs apart in middle of nowhere when everyone is asking you "why you don't have a proper bike? " and you say "because I love oil cooled engines" , see people faces when i take out a bag with clean jets 😂

Thanks for that info. I'm starting to think the "mark three" 1250 2007 is a very different animal than my "mark one" 1200 1996. Interesting, but I don't like the idea of electronic anything (fuel injection, ABS etc). Mine is distinctly lighter and has shorter wheel base. I like the looks better of the old mk1 bandit - frame - too. The air cooled engine is iconical from the 1984 gsxr 750 I willnever forget the impact it did. Great torque until 6500rpm, then it dies a bit. Plenty unintended, but easily controlled power wheelies from roll on red lights. My concurrent ZRX1200S is decdely faster (122hp compared to 96-98 depending on source) and it has a way sportier sitting position, much better brakes, much better suspension, so I tend to use that more. My Bandit feels quicker ("nervous" to my friends who doesn't like that) in tight turns. Even with bad brakes and poor suspension. My ZRX has an aftermarket pipe that sounds glorious, and the handle bars and the foot pegs far back and up (relative to the bandit) makes me feel like I was ten again on my pedal bike with wide low MX-inspired bars, dreaming about being Eddie Lawson in 1980. My '96 bandit (all original including pipe) is still a perfect sleeper for red light racing. Love how it blows (so far) everything from zero to about 60-100mph depending on surroundings. It really looks pathetic besides highly priced AMG 55, Porsche, Subaru with it's worn paint, scars, stickers from long touring around Europe. But they all get left in the dust. And my Bandit is quiet as a whisper, while pulling away doing a low, long wheelie.

I have a 2008 1250 Bandit it's my 9th motorcycle I have no plans to replace it. Best bike I've ever owned on pavement. Off pavement, well not very good.

What a great first bike

I loved my Bandit ❤ I sold it after just 4 years of riding it because of a money situation. Five years later I was able to buy another bike and the closest thing I could to my Bandit was a 2001 ZRX1200R so that's what I'm on now.

What year is this bike? Enjoyed the video!

I have the 2005 aniversary red,white & blue model with all the upgrades you can get 16,000 original mint condition love it this summer im taking off a few months and gonna travel north america about 15K miles alone. Any tips for me ?

Hey Great Vid and review. I picked up a 08 1250sa in January with 1.5k miles on it and have loved this from the start. I cam from a smaller 650 and found the Bandit is a gentile giant. I can cruse along with out a care in the world or it can rip up the twisties . Mine was mostly stock when I got it, and only had bar risers, and taller windscreen on it. I have put new rubber, lowered the pegs, put a slip-on on and changed all the fluids. Now I just need to mount some side bags and I will have an all a round bike. And to your point they seem to be loved in the EU way more than in the US.

Hi John the Bandit also has upside down forks like many modern bikes and better brake callipers.

You mentioned that you put on a new front tire. What brand did you choose?

Which camera did you took for the ego perspective? Because it looks very impressive.

Err... By adjustable Spring rate, do you mean preload? Stock the band at 1250 comes with adjustable prilo front and rear and adjustable rebound dampening on the rear.

I would like to see a comparison of that bike and your zrx1200.

I picked up a 2016 gsx1250fa...... technically not a bandit 1250 but really it is. Although it has a gear shifter and full fairings.

I own a 2008 Bandit 1250 Abs. Its a top bike imo. Im a mature rider grey beard lol. Your license and money can easily flip out your wallet on this bike if your not carefull. With all that torque and a top speed of around 250ks this bike has everything. Mine has a Yoshi can and a K&N air filter. Id say confidently the ECU has been re programed to suit those upgrades. Its very erganomic and parts are well priced.

Hi John, how many miles you can drive for valve adjustment?? And is it hard or easy to adjust?? Thank you

If you like the 1200 and 1250 then the next upgrade is riding the hayabusa. I put a sbk on it like a bandit steer. It has the same til more torq as the bandit. From deep low revs.

At least where I live they didn’t sell many of the water cooled Bandits. The air cooled ones are much more common.

It used to be a bargain bike, when it came back and went to 1250cc it got expensive. loved the Bandit 650.

Bought a 2009 Suzuki bandit 1250 naked this week, won’t run past 6k revs and won’t go faster then 160kmh. Must be restricted, any idea how to take it out?

I have a 2006 suzuki bandit 1200s with the upgraded suspension and abs. I have to say it's an amazing bike and I can't see me getting rid of it any time soon. I'm a big bloke and it just soaks up any bumps in the road and the power is so linear as well as the gearbox being smooth. I am thinking of getting a second bike and I've been looking at reviews for the zx14r /zzr1400 depending on weather you're American or in Europe. Has anyone ever owned or ridden one and know how it compares to the bandit?

Have a 2016 right now. About 7k on it, and it looks like it is fresh off the showroom floor aside from the modified exhaust and corbin seat. I would sell it if someone offered me 6k. Enjoy it, but i am into off road more than highway.

How about how easy it is to get the front end up in the air!

As long as you take care of this bike, chances are, this bike will probably outlive you...

i love mine 1250

Hi all the way from South Africa. I had a 2007 1250S of the same colour as the video. It was a fantastic motorcycle. I think I would consider it the best bike I have ever owned. The power delivery was just so effortless throughout the entire rev range it was an absolute please to ride. It even kept up with my friends and they mainly had super bikes. I eventually sold my beloved Bandit to a friend. I had an serious accident a few years back with my M109R Boulevard and I am now completely out of the biking scene but I still have very fond memories of being in the saddle of my Bandit.

It makes 100hp way before many other bikes do......around 7000rpm....very strong low and midrange....where you ride most of the time

It first came out in 1995-6 the 1200 bandit

They're underrated foresure.. but not as underrated as the cb1300s .. a level again up

Very easy to get 90 ft/lbs and 120hp from one of these, especially seeing as you already have a power commander. Just remove the secondary throttle butterflies and re-tune. Have a look at holeshot (Dale Walker) for dyno curves with the secondaries removed