Should Suzuki Import the Bandit 1250 and GSX1250FA to the U.S.?
Friday September 11, 2009
Bike envy can be a powerful thing: witness the jealousy inspiring Honda Transalp that (still) isn't available stateside, or the Harley XR1200 that eluded our market, but eventually joined their lineup.
Suzuki has joined the carrot-dangling fray, unveiling two Europe-only 2010 models at the French Bol D’or 24 hour endurance race which may or may not become available here in the U.S.: the new Bandit 1250 is a naked bike with available ABS that resembles a grown up Gladius, while the all-new GSX1250FA is its fully-faired counterpart that kinda looks like a beefier GSX650F.
Learn more about these two bikes in our Bandit 1250 and GSX1250FA Photo Gallery, and drop a line if either of these offerings intrigue you.
Related:
- 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review
- 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Photo Gallery
- 2008 Suzuki GSX650F Review
- 2008 Suzuki GSX650F Photo Gallery
- 2008 Suzuki Lineup
Photos © Suzuki; Click for Photo Gallery
The faired version? Absolutely – especially with the new Honda Interceptor coming as a VFR1200. The ‘busa is not a sport-tourer, so this would be a good alternative. I have an older Bandit 600S, and I could totally see doing two-up touring with twice the displacement, but it’s still plenty sporty.
The unfaired Bandit? probably not. American market doesn’t seem to much like the fully naked bikes, and I can’t see buying a modern high-displacement four-cyl bike that has no wind protection.
We already have the half-faired version of this. Someone in the aftermarket probably makes fairing lowers for that already ? The naked one might be harder to create from our half-faired version, so I would like to see the naked version in the US.
Either way, my girlfriend says its too much motor for me.
The more choice the better…
…but personally, I would rather see this stateside.
http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=42&article_id=1647
I own a GSX650F, and find it a delight. I have been looking for something with more power, that I could use for 2 up and touring abroad.
Like all big bikes, I find the wieght unmanagable, (being a member of the older fraternity). This one now adds another 30 kilos to the already heavy bandit, so for me, I will stick to the K8 bandit or maybe a triumph sprint.
Love it. What a great looking bike. Great lines, great powerplant.
Hopefully will stock parts for it if it makes it over: jakewilson.com
Bandits have always been underated. I’ve owned 2 1200S models and the new GSX1250 would be great & cheap tourer. Just need some bags, topbox, heated grips, chain oiler….
I am shopping for a new bike now. I looked at the 1250 bandit today and told my wife, “it would be perfect if it had a full fairing”. When I saw the picture just now of the 2010 GSX 1250 FA, I just about flipped. Yes, I will buy one when and if I can get my paws on it. If not, I will probably buy a GSX 650 F, but I really want that 1250 torque.
For the last two years I’ve been trying to make up my mind on which motorcycle to buy in order to complement my current bike (SV650). I sat on the 1250FA (with bags) and I was impressed, although I’d have liked a higher screen, even the taller accessary screen isn’t high enough for me, but of course this is an opinion expressed without even riding it. Anyway after spending two years looking at everything from BMW’s to Guzzi’s I’m back to the Bandit, why? It’s just plain old value for money. Perhaps it’s the Scottish in me!
Damn right!! I have been looking at the Bandit for years now. I owned a SV 650 (smaller bike cuase the wife thought it was safer and cheaper) and have been going back to the bandit time and time again. Best value for the money and when I saw the faired version I was stoked. I like to look of the GSX 1250 over the bandit but love the riding style of the bandit. This would make a perfect union of the two bikes; plus you would get the torque of the bandit. Hope it ventures our way!!