The Suzuki Bandit is a series of standard motorcycles produced by Suzuki since 1989.
With the exception of GSX150, which is powered by a DOHC single cylinder engine, all Bandit models have DOHC inline-four engines with 4 valves per cylinder. The GSF600 engine is based on the GSX600F engine, retuned for more mid-range torque. The GSF1200 engine is a bored out version of the GSX-R1100 engine, also retuned for more mid-range torque. The GSF650 and GSF1250 models use fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engines, the GSF1250 having an auxiliary balance shaft to reduce vibrations.
'S' versions have a half-fairing, and starting from model year 2000, they also have dual headlights. 'N' versions are unfaired naked bikes with a single headlight. The availability of the 'S' and 'N' versions varies with country and model year.
The Bandit series earned a reputation as "hooligan bikes". With more recent revisions, however, the bike has taken on a more streamlined and modern feel, taking it more towards sports tourer territory. The GSF1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is used by a wheelie school in the UK.The Wheelie School
Bandit models GSX150, 147 cc liquid-cooled (2018–present) GSF250, 248 cc liquid-cooled (1989–2000) GSF400, 398 cc liquid-cooled (1989–1997) GSF600, 599 cc SACS (1995–2004) GSF650, 656 cc SACS (2005–2006), liquid-cooled (2007–2016) GSF750, 748 cc SACS (1996–1999) GSF1200, 1,157 cc SACS (1996–2007) GSF1250, 1,255 cc liquid-cooled (2007–2016)
GSF250 and GSF400
Launched in 1989, the GSF250 and GSF400 are naked street motorcycles, with liquid-cooled, inline four cylinder engines derived from the GSX-R250 and GSX-R400 motorcycles, mounted as a stressed member in a steel trellis frame with single rear shock absorber. Apart from the engines and transmission, the "baby Bandits" share many of their parts. Limited editions have a retro-styled top fairing. 'N' designated models have clip-on handlebars. "GSF" and "Bandit" nomenclature are both used across the series' chronology and market geography.
The first generation GSF250 (GJ74A) produces , while the GSF400 (GK75A) produces . The GSF400 manages the extra power with a 525 chain and double disk front brakes (single disk in North America), compared to a 520 chain and single front disk on the GSF250.
From 1991, the GSF400V received variable inlet timing via solenoid-controlled rocker arm engaging with supplementary cams. Although these models are commonly referred to as "GSF400V-V", the '-V' actually denotes the 1997 Suzuki model year motorcycles. VVT models are usually recognised by a red engine cover and some instances of a light grey engine cover. The GSF250V arrived later, in 1995.
In 1992, engine adjustments improved low-mid range torque trading off peak power reduced to for the GSF400 and for the GSF250.
In 1995, the second generation GSF250V (GJ77A) and GSF400(V) (GK7AA) introduced significant updates, including new styling, fuel tank, swingarm, air filter assembly, exhaust, seat, controls, console, etc.
GSF250 models
GSF250 - model years 'K' (1989), 'L' (1990), 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994). GSF250V - model years 'S' (1995), 'Y' (2000). GSF250Z - limited, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993). GSF250VZ - limited, model year 'S' (1995).
GSF400 models
GSF400 - model years 'K' (1989), 'L' (1990), 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994), 'S' (1995). GSF400V - VC engine, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994), 'S' (1995), 'V' (1997). GSF400Z - limited, model years 'L' (1990, SUZUKI 70th Anniversary "LIMITED" edition), 'M' (1991). GSF400VZ - VC engine, limited, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'V' (1997).
Specifications Model GSF250 (GJ74A) GSF250V (GJ77A) GSF400(V) (GK75A) GSF400(V) (GK7AA)EngineFour-stroke inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooledDisplacementBore × strokeMaximum power @ 14,500 rpm (Dec 1989 – Aug 1992) @ 13,500 rpm (Sep 1992 – 1994) (1995 – 2000) (–1991) (1992–) Maximum torque @ 10,500 rpm (Dec 1989 – Aug 1992) @ 10,000 rpm (Sep 1992 – 1994) Compression ratio 12.5:1 11.8:1Fuel delivery Mikuni BDST30 x4 Mikuni BST29 ×4 Mikuni BST32SS/BST33SS ×4Ignition TCI; 1–2–4–3Transmission 6-speed, sequential, constant meshClutch Wet, multi-plateFinal drive 520 Pitch 116 Link O-ring chain 525 o-ring chainFrame Tubular steel trellis; engine as stressed member.Rake 26° 26.5°Trail Turning radius Front suspension 41 mm telescopic, coil spring, oil damped.Rear suspension Link type single coil spring, gas/oil damped, 7-step adjustable pre-load.Front suspension stroke Rear suspension stroke Front wheel 17M/C × MT3.00Rear wheel 17M/C × MT4.00Front tire 110/70–17M/C 54H 110/70R–17M/C 54H 110/70–17M/C 54H 110/70R–17M/C 54HRear tire 140/70–17M/C 66H 150/60R–17M/C 66H 150/70–17M/C 69H 150/60R–17M/C 66HFront brake Single 310 mm floating disc,Tokico 2-piston caliper Single floating disc,Tokico 2-piston caliper Double floating disc,Tokico 4-piston calipers;Single disc (N. America, Italy) Double floating disc,Tokico 4-piston calipersRear brake Single 250 mm disc, Tokico 2-piston caliper Single disc, Tokico 2-piston caliperWheelbase Overall length Overall width Overall height Seat height Ground clearance Fuel tank capacity Total / Reserve Engine oil /with filter change / /Coolant Engine / Tank Dry weight Wet weight
GSF600
1995
The naked GSF600 N Bandit was released in February. It was based on the styling of the pre-existing GSF400 Bandit, with a retuned engine from the GSX600. The 600 Bandits came with a 15 tooth front sprocket and 48 tooth rear sprocket connected by a 530V 110 link chain.
1996
The faired Bandit S model was introduced, where the bikini half-fairing had its debut.
1997
Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburettor heaters.
1998
The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes.
1999
Debut of a new rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment.
2000
The first major changes were made this year.
New rear bodywork. Fully electronic instrumentation. New carburettors with throttle position sensor. Additional fuel filter. Nissin brake callipers. fuel tank (up from 19). Improvements to frame and steering geometry. Seat height lowered. S model: New modern styled half fairing, with twin headlights.
2002
Fuel gauge now as standard.
GSF650 2005
The Bandit 650 and half-faired Bandit 650S launch took place at Tarragona, Spain. Engine displacement increased by 56 cc to improve low- and mid-range performance Seat and handlebars adjustable for height (seat: 770 mm/30.3 in or 790 mm/31.1 in) New engine internals provide for reduced friction, together with smoother performance and increased power Revised four-into-two exhaust system Reshaped fuel tank New halogen headlight New LCD digital display combining speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge and clock Increased rigidity within chassis and upgraded suspension Overall weight reduced ABS available as an option Speedometer/odometer switchable between Metric and Imperial Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed AIR) exhaust air injection system
2007
Suzuki designed a new, water-cooled engine specifically for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models where they used re-worked engines from other models.Bike, November, 2006, p. 108 Most of the chassis and bodywork remained unchanged from the 2005 model, though.
Meets Euro3 emission standards 656 cc displacement, inline-four all-aluminium liquid-cooled engine Electronic Fuel Injection with dual throttle valve system (similar to Suzuki's GSX-R and V-Strom) 10% stiffer frame and longer swingarm Stiffer rear shock but softer front fork Claimed at 10,500 rpm (up 7 hp) 12,500 rpm redline Same fuel tank as previous model, but the fuel pump takes about 1 L Hydraulic clutch 14 kg heavier
The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike magazine as being "de-criminalised" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners.Bike, January, 2007, p. 184
No longer available in the US.
2008
No longer available in Canada. Replaced by new Bandit-derived fully faired GSX650F in North America.
2009
In November 2008, Suzuki announced the following changes for the 2009 GSF650N and GSX650S.Motor Cycle News, 12 Nov 2008 Sleeker headlights Slightly different frame covers Slimmer tail lights Re-shaped exhaust ends Single instrument housing with analogue tachometer, digital LCD speedo, fuel gauge, clock, and gear indicator
Suzuki also announced the following changes. GSF650N only: more angular headlights. GSF650S only: re-styled cowling with stacked high and low beam multi-reflector headlights, storage in fairing, and new mirrors and indicators.
GSX650F
The GSX650F, produced from 2008, is essentially a variation on the Bandit 650, with much the same specification and components. Although built on a Bandit chassis, the additional lower fairing gives it a sportier look similar to that of the GSX-R series. The engine has also had a small amount of remapping to encourage revs, and the suspension is tweaked. It also has a different, one-piece seat.
GSF750 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 hangers, the clocks were 1200 items with a higher red-line on the rev counter of 12,000rpm (vs 10,000 for the 1200), including a fuel gauge which was absent from the 600 models of the time. The running gear and suspension were also the same as the 600. The engine, although visually identical to the 600, had a capacity of 748 cc, The carburettors were similar to the 600 apart from jetting, whereas the exhaust was identical to the 1200. The 750 came with a 6 speed gearbox like the 600 - as opposed to the 5 speed on the 1200. Power was a claimed . All machines were restricted to to comply with Japanese regulations, but are easily de-restricted to a true maximum speed of .
GSF1200
1996
The Bandit 1200 was generally released in January 1996, but a few were registered in 1995. It is powered by a re-tuned and higher capacity version of the GSX-R1100 engine. Other differences from the 600 cc models include fuel gauge, higher specification suspension, hydraulically operated clutch, larger diameter front brake discs, and 5-speed gearbox as opposed to the 6-speed gearbox of the 600 Bandit.
Many Suzuki motorcycles have the engine size cast into side of the cylinder block; 1200 Bandits (1,157 cc) do not have this but, apparently, some early production 1995 models do have 1,156 cc cast into the block. The 1200 Bandits have 15 tooth front sprockets and 45 tooth rear sprockets connected by 530V, 110 link rear chains.
1997
No changes. A version of the S Bandit with anti-lock braking was introduced for certain world markets. The 1997 ABS (anti-lock braking system) 1200 Bandit used a 114 link chain as opposed to the standard 110 link chain.
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 callipers (six pistons at the front). 20 litre fuel tank (up from 19). Improvements to frame and steering geometry. Seat lowered. S model: New modern styled fairing, with twin headlights.
2004
2004 models added a 2-way catalytic converter (for some markets) to the exhaust system, and minor modifications to the exhaust metalwork.
2005
2005 models (K5 and SK5) were the last of the 2nd Generation 1200 Bandits.
2006