The History of the Suzuki Bandit 1200

1995 Suzuki year code: S
 

GSF 1200 Bandit 1995 Overall Length: 2,165 mm (85.2 in) Overall Width: 785 mm (30.9 in) Overall Height: 1,095 mm (43.1 in) Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in) Dry Weight: 208 kg (458 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,156 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW) / 8,500 rpm, 96.1 Nm (9,8 kg-m)/ 4,000 rpm.

1996 Suzuki year code: T
 

GSF 1200 S Bandit 1996 Overall Length: 2,165 mm (85.2 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Seat height: 835 mm (32.9 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 90.7 Nm/ 4,500 rpm.

1997 Suzuki year code: V
 

A model version called GSF1200SA was introduced for the 1997, the A indicating that the model had electrical ABS brakes front and rear. The SA version was not available in all countries and wasn't a huge success. It is still available but sold only in 1997 in some countries (Sweden and Canada to name a few). The SA model had a sticker saying ABS on the side covers and, obviously, different brakes. The front discs had quite different design and the rear brake was mounted above the wheel axle (see the pictures below).

GSF 1200 SA Bandit 1997 Overall Length: 2,105 mm (82.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall height: 1,215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 835 mm (32.9 in) Wheelbase: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 221 kg (485 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 90.7 Nm/ 4,500 rpm. ABS brakes.

1998 Suzuki year code: W
 

GSF 1200 S Bandit 1998 Overall Length: 2,095 mm (82.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,215 mm (47.8 in) Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW) / 9,500 rpm, 83.6 Nm/ 4,500 rpm.

1999 Suzuki year code: X
 

GSF 1200 S Bandit 1999 Overall Length: 2,095 mm (82.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,215 mm (47.8 in) Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW) / 9,500 rpm, 83.6 Nm/ 4,500 rpm.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y
 

The last model year for the original frame and design. The 2000-year's model was virtually unchanged, although the 2001-year's model was introduced several months before the new year (see the next model year for details).

2001 Suzuki year code: K1
 

In March 2000 the redesigned Bandit 1200 got a new frame and an updated engine. The model, sold as 2001-year's model saw a number of detail improvements. The fairing on the S model was all new, as well the headlight. The front fork was also new and the front brakes got six calipers each side, instead of the earlier four. The engine delivered more torque than before and had more efficient cooling. The model was now, for the first time, available in its home land, Japan (March 2000).

GSF 1200 Bandit 2001 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2001 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2002 Suzuki year code: K2
 

GSF 1200 Bandit 2002 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2002 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2003 Suzuki year code: K3
 

GSF 1200 Bandit 2003 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2003 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

2004 Suzuki year code: K4
 

New stainless steel muffler, exhaust catalyzer added to exhaust system on California model to further reduce emissions. A Limited Editon version of the naked GSF1200N was offered in some countries for 2004. I found the pictures below on Suzuki's website in Finland. The 2004 GSF600N was also available with similar graphics. A Black naked GSF1200N was also available in Finland. Colors: Gray, Blue, Limited Edition Blue/White, Black.

GSF 1200 Bandit 2004 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 214 kg (471 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2004 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2004 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 Z Bandit Limited 2004 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 Z Bandit Limited 2004 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

 

In Sweden, only a blue/white version of the GSF1200S was available for the 2005. Apart for the color, now changes were announced for the 2005-year's K5 model. Colors: Blue/White, ???

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2005 Overall Length: 2,070 mm (81.5 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 220 kg (484 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91.7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2006 Suzuki year code: K6

 

2006 was the last model year for the Bandit 1200. The 1,157 cc air/oil-cooled engine did not meet Euro 3 emissions regulations and was replaced with an all-new 1,255 cc liquid-cooled engine and the model name was changed to GSF1250 Bandit. The 2006 (K6) models received a revamp with a new shape fuel tank, side panels, a height adjustable seat and a longer swinging arm with a hexagonal cross section. The faired "S" versions also have a new shape fairing and mirrors, totally redesigned headlight system and are available with ABS brakes as an option. Colors: Black, Blue, Red.

GSF 1200 Bandit 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 212 kg (466 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 Bandit 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 212 kg (466 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 Bandit 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 765 mm (30.1 in) Overall Height: 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 212 kg (466 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,235 mm (48.6 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 215 kg (474 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,235 mm (48.6 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 215 kg (474 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

GSF 1200 S Bandit ABS 2006 Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,235 mm (48.6 in) Seat Height: 785-805 mm (30.9-31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 219 kg (482 lbs) Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 1,157 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 98 hp (72 kW)/ 8,500 rpm, 91,7 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2006 Suzuki GSF1200S Specifications
Engine Type 4-Stroke, In-line 4 Cylinder, Air-Cooled with SACS, DOHC
Displacement 1,157 cc (1,157 cm3)
Bore/Stroke 79.0 mm x 59.0 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5 : 1
Fuel System MIKUNI BSR36
Lubrication Wet Sump
Ignition Digital/Transistorized
Starter Electric
Transmission 5-Speed Constant Mesh
Final Drive 45 / 15 (3.000)
Overall LxWxH (mm) 2.130 x790 x1.235
LxWxH (in) 83.9 x31.1 x48.6
Seat Height 785 / 805 mm (30.9 / 31.7 in.)
Wheelbase 1.480 mm (58.3 in)
Ground Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in)
Dry Weight 215kg (474 lbs) + 4 kg (9 lbs) with ABS
Front Suspension 43 mmTelescopic, Coil spring, Oil damped, Spring Preload Fully Adjustable
Rear Suspension Link-type, Coil Spring, Oil Damped, Spring Preload 7-way Adjustable
Front Brakes 4 – Piston Calipers, 310 mm Dual Discs
Rear Brake 1 – Piston Caliper, 240 mm Disc
Front Tire 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), Tubeless
Rear Tire 180/55ZR17M/C (73W), Tubeless
Color Blue

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