1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200 Road Test
December 22nd 2007 03:17
Road Test 1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200
It’s time for a bigger bike but the big question is what to choose though as there is a wide range of styles, models and engine sizes available. Do I go for a sports style, a cruiser, sports touring or maybe even a big enduro bike?
I decided to have a look around the local bike shops and maybe take a couple for a test ride. Found a nice new Suzuki 750 Katana for $9995 but no demonstrator bikes were available due to the limited numbers of machines they had on hand. This was disappointing as really would like to get the feel of it, but a bit hard to buy a bike for $10k and not know how the ride is going to be like?
There was quite a bit of difference in the service I received from the five shops I had a look in, three were really good and asked me what I was looking for, the other two I wandered around a bit and no one really paid me any attention. In one of the shops I was acknowledged in, I said what I was looking for and at that time I suggested something like a 750cc machine?
The salesman advised that they don’t get too many of them in now but had I thought about the Suzuki 1200 Bandit sitting outside? I hadn’t thought of something that engine size but once I sat astride it my first impressions were very good.
The speedo, tach and fuel gauge were easy to read and the seat was very comfy. I am 6,2 tall and found the seating position spot on, with no crouching over straining to reach the bars. The legs and knees felt good and straight away I felt like this was a bike I could take for a long ride somewhere.
I set off through the inner city and there was a bit of engine noise whilst the motor was cold and I found the big Suzuki not that responsive whilst warming up. Although once I was onto the 80km zone, I opened the throttle and made some quick progress. Going from a 500cc to a 1200cc is quite a big jump but I found the big Suzuki very user friendly. All the switches were well placed and easy to use. The riding position was just great and I felt very comfortable with it and I imagine a trip to Nelson or Akaroa would be just a blast on a machine like this.
'Business end of the Susie'
The small fairing and windshield did a better than expected job of deflecting the wind and the model I rode had an after market exhaust that gave a deep rumbling howl that made you want to open the throttle just a little bit more.
'These stop you!!'
Useful bungy cord hooks
The twin discs at the front had great stopping power and combined with the rear disc they pulled the bike up very neatly. I found the power delivery, once warmed up was very managable although due to having the bike for only about 30 mins it would be unfair to comment more but I guess once if I'd owned this bike for a while, there would be plenty of power there to mix it with the newer sports bikes on the weekends.
'Typical arty shot, but talking of mirrors'
The only niggle I could really find on this bike would be the stupid mirrors. These look like the same kind I had on my old GT200 in the UK and they took quite a bit of moving around before I could see anything. I guess Suzuki must have some left over stock in a bin somewhere?
(check GS650 review for final pic showing the same mirrors)
Apart from this, I found the bike to be a very good machine and suprisingly user friendly. I couldn't get over how comfortable I felt on it after my 500cc. I had one moment when there was a bit of wobble from the front but put that down to the road surface and not the tryes but otherwise I loved this bike. The Bandit does come in the smaller 600cc engine and although it might be better on the gas, I feel the 1200 is the better engine if you want to travel further afield.
Until now I hadn't thought of machines this size but after riding this I'm now on the look out for a CB 1000, FJ1200 or a Bandit 1200 myself,as this would be a great sports tourer or weekend runabout.
Just based on the short time I had this bike, I would give it a 8.5/10 rating
words and photgraphy by Heath Ling
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)
Engine type: In-line four
Stroke: 4
Power: 98.00 HP (71.5 kW)) @ 8500 RPM
Torque:
91.00 Nm (9.3 kgf-m or 67.1 ft.lbs) @ 4500 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
4
Starter: Electric
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
Physical measures
Dry weight: 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Seat height: 835 mm (32.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Top speed: 225.0 km/h (139.8 mph)
Power/weight ratio: 0.4395 HP/kg
(net sourced)
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