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!!
I have a 650F and am looking at a power upgrade. Considering the Triumph ST. If Suzuki bring this in, I will wait in line.
Can I buy it in Canada?
Ive just recently bought a new 2008 1250 Bandit had a 900 Triumph Bonne before and did a lot of touring on that.There is no comparison between these bikes apples and oranges .I am so stoked with my Bandit more power than I can probably ever use {I like to use it } so much torque I can easily pass cars in top gear at 100 kph I look down at speedo and im up to 140 kms woa shes so nimble at corners lovely suspension,even two up im getting close to 50 mpg at my ave speed of 105 kph,ive had a few bikes and this is the best,dont think theres anything worth looking at after a Bandit.Brent
Cant agree with the comments more, I have spent the last one and a half year of my life (after selling on my 1000GSXR to my son in law, he was giving me such a cry over it) looking at every single sport tourer in the market, and whilst had qualms over most of them and those that I liked were too expensive (GTR1400, FJR, Multistrada, New VFR: rich mans toy, K1300: another rich mans toy) I have suddenly fallen upon this beauty and I am waiting for a qoute from the Bike shop as I write, hoping to be riding all around southern spain with a big grin, as I live in Gibraltar. The GSX is simply all ive been looking for at an affordable price. OH, and I dont have to change from the Suzuki gear box, best in the galaxy. Regards and happy riding.
Absolutely, I’ve owned two Katana 750s, including a 2000 that is now 10 years old. I’ve been looking for a sport-touring replacement and haven’t seen on to my liking. The GSX650 is too heavy for its engine, the B-12 lacks wind protection, the ‘busa is too extreme, the VFR1200 is just plain ugly, the Triumphs have (ah-hem) “reliability issues”, the BMW K-bikes are way over priced…
While I would buy an new Katana 750 in an instant… the GSX1250 looks to be a perfect substitute.
Suzuki do not make me wait that new honda vfr1200 is starting to call my name. I would rather have the new 1250FA because it will be a large savings in my bank account but I can only hold off for just so long. I would hurry up if you want me to buy.
Triumph Sprint GT ….
I would SOOOO snap up a naked 1250 Bandit! I have been waiting and waiting … and waiting … for a naked superbike to show up in the U.S. I like my bikes like I like my ladies — naked — now c’mon Suzuki, bring it to the U.S. and I will buy one!
why did i say superbike? duh, not superbike, just a good strong naked 1200cc bike that i can blast cross town or cross country.
I just put my deposit down yesterday. I just moved to Japan this year and had to sell my CBR-1100XX
I was looking for something to replace it. There was nothing that was comparable to it, but this Bandit came closest. I can’t wait… Cheers