In a similar category to the Triumph Speed Triple, the Suzuki Bandit 1200 delivered on every level. Despite its uncomplicated design and lack of frills, this was a high-performance machine that was also practical, stylish, and, dare we say, comfortable, with a more relaxed riding position than some of its sporty contemporaries. It was released in both naked (the Bandit N), and half-fared versions (the Bandit S), and had many features that Suzuki Bandit aficionados have come to love.
With a production run between 1996 and 2006, the Bandit 1200 had the official name of GSF1200, and it offered a completely different rider experience as compared to its predecessor, the 600cc GSF600. It featured a 1,157cc DOHC inline-four engine, upgraded bodywork, fully electronic instruments, a lowered seat, increased fuel capacity, and a reworked steering and frame design, as well as having almost double the engine capacity.
The Suzuki Bandit 1200’s appeal lay in its simplicity, with an unexceptional chassis, basic suspension, and limited frills, but an excellent all-around performance from cornering, to gear shifts, to braking. It was since re-released as the GSF1250 with ABS and a slightly larger engine capacity but may have lost some of its magic in its later incarnation, as the original 1200s are still very much sought after and discussed after all these years.
[Featured image by Reg Mckenna via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]
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