Suzuki Bandit 1250 S

“Bandits” are modern today, and every day we see them on the roads more and more. Tuono, Superduke, Speed ​​Triple, Monster ... Poisonous looking bikes with powerful engines that require quick turns. You can also be fast with the new Suzuki Bandit S, but this one impresses more in comfort than aggressiveness. How pleasantly the "horses" pull from the 1250cc four-cylinder engine ...

Bandit is almost like golf among cars. We have known 12 cubic meters for 600 years, the one with more, 1200 cubic meters, was born a year later, in January 1996. In 2001, it was seriously renovated for the first time, and this year - liquid. the cooled unit was screwed into it for the first time. Before that, it was cooled with air and oil. Four cylinders and 1255 cc provide massive torque and exceptionally smooth running. In practice, these two are confirmed: the engine starts very well, runs smoothly and is very quiet. Installers won't be happy with this, but I can assure you that silent block also includes silent block. You get tired of screaming too fast on the road.

It is very comfortable under the buttocks. In fact, we have no idea that such a large four-cylinder engine is hidden under the fuel tank. Since the seat is close enough to the ground and the handlebars are at a comfortable height, there is no need to fear weight, even if it is felt, for example, when turning in place. But you can forget about worries at the moment when you completely loosen the grip and the motorcycle calmly floats on the asphalt. The ride is extremely enjoyable due to the high torque and I wouldn't be mistaken if I said that on the open road I would sometimes shift two gears at the same time. You get stuck in fifth or sixth gear and drive.

Indeed, overuse of the transmission should be avoided in the initial kilometers. If the tachometer needle is greater than 2.000, there is no need to switch down during leisurely driving. There is enough power for overtaking, if you are not a more demanding driver. Well, when you feel the need to go faster, just open the throttle fully. When the Bandit wakes up, the unit breathes full of lungs, and the bike, which can also be fully loaded, begins to move devilishly fast.

When you have a moment in time, take a look at the digital speedometer just in case. How quickly can it happen that numbers start to appear there that somehow the traffic participants do not like, not to mention the blue angels. Due to the comfortable position and good wind protection, we don't even feel how fast we are! If we can be a little more critical: the drivetrain could be better and softer to operate. The fact that the Bandit is not designed for racing is quickly told by the tires, which do not provide the best feel when driving and on deep slopes, especially on bad roads. Maybe we're a little spoiled too.

The Big Bandit is more agile when cornering than you would expect from such a large bike, as it switches from one slope to the next surprisingly quickly. Well, you can't expect the agility of a 600cc supercar, but because the Bandit also offers good directional stability, the ride below the line is rated excellent. The classic front suspension looks dated, but not bad at all. It “captures” longer irregularities well, and sometimes it is even too difficult for short ones. Don't worry, you can adjust the front and back hardness yourself.

Even brakes that allow continuous, strong braking without fear of blocking the bike with a light touch are not worth commenting on. You can also think about ABS. What about thirst? He drank a good seven liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which is a lot, but quite suitable for the volume.

Both from a design and technical standpoint, Bandit is not a gem, but overall it's a good and proven recipe available at a reasonable price. We are confident that many GSXR drivers who drive it primarily for their sporty image will be satisfied. Try it, your spine, better half and wallet will be grateful to you.

Suzuki Bandit 1250 S

Test car price: € 7.700 (€ 8.250 ABS)

engine: four-stroke, four-cylinder, 1224, liquid-cooled, 8 cm3, electronic fuel injection

Maximum power: 72 kW (98 hp) at 7500 rpm

Maximum torque: 108 Nm at 3700 rpm

Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: tubular, steel

Suspension: classic telescopic fork front - adjustable stiffness, rear adjustable single damper

Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 180/55 R17

brakes: front 2 discs 310 mm, four-piston calipers, rear 1x 240 disc, two-piston caliper

Wheelbase:1.480 mm

Seat height from ground: adjustable from 790 to 810 mm

Fuel tank: 19

Color: black red

Representative: MOTO PANIGAZ, doo, Jezerska cesta 48, 4000 Kranj, phone: [phone], website: www.motoland.si

We praise and reproach

+ motorcycle power and torque

+ windshield protection

+ price

- gearbox could be better

- the passenger is poorly protected from the wind

Matevž Gribar, photo: Petr Kavcic

• Basic data

  Test model cost: € 7.700 (€ 8.250 from ABS) €

• Technical information

  engine: four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 1224,8cc, electronic fuel injection

  Torque: 108 Nm at 3700 rpm

  Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: tubular, steel

  brakes: front 2 discs 310 mm, four-piston calipers, rear 1x 240 disc, two-piston caliper

  Suspension: classic telescopic fork front - adjustable stiffness, rear adjustable single damper

  Growth: adjustable from 790 to 810 mm

  Fuel tank: 19

  Wheelbase: 1.480 mm