Suzuki Bandit series

The Suzuki Bandit is a series of standard motorcycles produced by Suzuki since 1989.

With the exception of GSX150, which is powered by a DOHC single cylinder engine, all Bandit models have DOHC inline-four engines with 4 valves per cylinder. The GSF600 engine is based on the GSX600F engine, retuned for more mid-range torque. The GSF1200 engine is a bored out version of the GSX-R1100 engine, also retuned for more mid-range torque. The GSF650 and GSF1250 models use fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engines, the GSF1250 having an auxiliary balance shaft to reduce vibrations.

'S' versions have a half-fairing, and starting from model year 2000, they also have dual headlights. 'N' versions are unfaired naked bikes with a single headlight. The availability of the 'S' and 'N' versions varies with country and model year.

The Bandit series earned a reputation as "hooligan bikes". With more recent revisions, however, the bike has taken on a more streamlined and modern feel, taking it more towards sports tourer territory. The GSF1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is used by a wheelie school in the UK.

Bandit models

GSX150, 147 cc liquid-cooled (2018–present)
GSF250, 248 cc liquid-cooled (1989–2000)
GSF400, 398 cc liquid-cooled (1989–1997)
GSF600, 599 cc SACS (1995–2004)
GSF650, 656 cc SACS (2005–2006), liquid-cooled (2007–2016)
GSF750, 748 cc SACS (1996–1999)
GSF1200, 1,157 cc SACS (1996–2007)
GSF1250, 1,255 cc liquid-cooled (2007–2016)

GSF250 and GSF400

thumb|right|1991 Suzuki GSF400

thumb|right|1995 Suzuki GSF250V with modified exhaust

Launched in 1989, the GSF250 and GSF400 are naked street motorcycles, with liquid-cooled, inline four cylinder engines derived from the GSX-R250 and GSX-R400 motorcycles, mounted as a stressed member in a steel trellis frame with single rear shock absorber. Apart from the engines and transmission, the "baby Bandits" share many of their parts. Limited editions have a retro-styled top fairing. 'N' designated models have clip-on handlebars. "GSF" and "Bandit" nomenclature are both used across the series' chronology and market geography.

The first generation GSF250 (GJ74A) produces , while the GSF400 (GK75A) produces . The GSF400 manages the extra power with a 525 chain and double disk front brakes (single disk in North America), compared to a 520 chain and single front disk on the GSF250.

From 1991, the GSF400V received variable inlet timing via solenoid-controlled rocker arm engaging with supplementary cams. Although these models are commonly referred to as "GSF400V-V", the '-V' actually denotes the 1997 Suzuki model year motorcycles. VVT models are usually recognised by a red engine cover and some instances of a light grey engine cover. The GSF250V arrived later, in 1995.

In 1992, engine adjustments improved low-mid range torque trading off peak power reduced to for the GSF400 and for the GSF250.

In 1995, the second generation GSF250V (GJ77A) and GSF400(V) (GK7AA) introduced significant updates, including new styling, fuel tank, swingarm, air filter assembly, exhaust, seat, controls, console, etc.

GSF250 models

GSF250 - model years 'K' (1989), 'L' (1990), 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994).
GSF250V - model years 'S' (1995), 'Y' (2000).
GSF250Z - limited, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993).
GSF250VZ - limited, model year 'S' (1995).

GSF400 models

GSF400 - model years 'K' (1989), 'L' (1990), 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994), 'S' (1995).
GSF400V - VC engine, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994), 'S' (1995), 'V' (1997).
GSF400Z - limited, model years 'L' (1990, SUZUKI 70th Anniversary "LIMITED" edition), 'M' (1991).
GSF400VZ - VC engine, limited, model years 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), 'V' (1997).

Specifications

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"

! width="20%" | Model

! width="20%" | GSF250 (GJ74A)

! width="20%" | GSF250V (GJ77A)

! width="20%" | GSF400(V) (GK75A)

! width="20%" | GSF400(V) (GK7AA)

! |Engine

| colspan="4" |Four-stroke inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled

! |Displacement

| colspan="2" |

! |Bore × stroke

| colspan="2" |

! |Maximum power

| @ 14,500 rpm (Dec 1989 – Aug 1992) @ 13,500 rpm (Sep 1992 – 1994)

| (1995 – 2000)

| (–1991) (1992–)

! |Maximum torque

| @ 10,500 rpm (Dec 1989 – Aug 1992) @ 10,000 rpm (Sep 1992 – 1994)

! |Compression ratio

| colspan="2" | 12.5:1

| colspan="2" | 11.8:1

! |Fuel delivery

| Mikuni BDST30 x4

| Mikuni BST29 ×4

| colspan="2" | Mikuni BST32SS/BST33SS ×4

! |Ignition

| colspan="4" | TCI; 1–2–4–3

! |Transmission

| colspan="4" | 6-speed, sequential, constant mesh

! |Clutch

| colspan="4" | Wet, multi-plate

! |Final drive

| colspan="2" | 520 Pitch 116 Link O-ring chain

| colspan="2" | 525 o-ring chain

! |Frame

| colspan="4" | Tubular steel trellis; engine as stressed member.

! |Rake

| 26°

| colspan="3" | 26.5°

! |Trail

! |Turning radius

! |Front suspension

| colspan="4" | 41 mm telescopic, coil spring, oil damped.

! |Rear suspension

| colspan="4" | Link type single coil spring, gas/oil damped, 7-step adjustable pre-load.

! |Front suspension stroke

! |Rear suspension stroke

! |Front wheel

| colspan="4"| 17M/C × MT3.00

! |Rear wheel

| colspan="4"| 17M/C × MT4.00

! |Front tire

| 110/70–17M/C 54H

| 110/70R–17M/C 54H

| 110/70–17M/C 54H

| 110/70R–17M/C 54H

! |Rear tire

| 140/70–17M/C 66H

| 150/60R–17M/C 66H

| 150/70–17M/C 69H

| 150/60R–17M/C 66H

! |Front brake

| Single 310 mm floating disc, Tokico 2-piston caliper

| Single floating disc, Tokico 2-piston caliper

| Double floating disc, Tokico 4-piston calipers; Single disc (N. America, Italy)

| Double floating disc, Tokico 4-piston calipers

! |Rear brake

| Single 250 mm disc, Tokico 2-piston caliper

| colspan="3"| Single disc, Tokico 2-piston caliper

! |Wheelbase

! |Overall length

|

! |Overall width

! |Overall height

! |Seat height

! |Ground clearance

! |Fuel tank capacity

| Total / Reserve

|

! |Engine oil / with filter change

| colspan="2"| /

! |Coolant

| Engine / Tank

! |Dry weight

! |Wet weight

GSF600

1995

The naked GSF600 N Bandit was released in February.

It was based on the styling of the pre-existing GSF400 Bandit, with a retuned engine from the GSX600. The 600 Bandits came with a 15 tooth front sprocket and 48 tooth rear sprocket connected by a 530V 110 link chain.

1996

thumb|1996 Suzuki Bandit GSF600

The faired Bandit S model was introduced, where the bikini half-fairing had its debut.

1997

Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburettor heaters.

1998

The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes.

1999

Debut of a new rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment.

2000

The first major changes were made this year.

New rear bodywork.
Fully electronic instrumentation.
New carburettors with throttle position sensor.
Additional fuel filter.
Nissin brake callipers.
fuel tank (up from 19).
Improvements to frame and steering geometry.
Seat height lowered.
S model: New modern styled half fairing, with twin headlights.

2002

Fuel gauge now as standard.

GSF650

2005

thumb|The last of the air/oil-cooled Suzuki Bandit 650

The Bandit 650 and half-faired Bandit 650S launch took place at Tarragona, Spain.

Engine displacement increased by 56 cc to improve low- and mid-range performance
Seat and handlebars adjustable for height (seat: 770 mm/30.3 in or 790 mm/31.1 in)
New engine internals provide for reduced friction, together with smoother performance and increased power
Revised four-into-two exhaust system
Reshaped fuel tank
New halogen headlight
New LCD digital display combining speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge and clock
Increased rigidity within chassis and upgraded suspension
Overall weight reduced
ABS available as an option
Speedometer/odometer switchable between Metric and Imperial
Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed AIR) exhaust air injection system

2007

thumb|Current generation Bandit 650S

Suzuki designed a new, water-cooled engine specifically for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models where they used re-worked engines from other models. Most of the chassis and bodywork remained unchanged from the 2005 model, though.

Meets Euro3 emission standards
656 cc displacement, inline-four all-aluminium liquid-cooled engine
Electronic Fuel Injection with dual throttle valve system (similar to Suzuki's GSX-R and V-Strom)
10% stiffer frame and longer swingarm
Stiffer rear shock but softer front fork
Claimed at 10,500 rpm (up 7 hp)
12,500 rpm redline
Same fuel tank as previous model, but the fuel pump takes about 1 L
Hydraulic clutch
14 kg heavier

The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike magazine as being "de-criminalised" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners.

No longer available in the US.

2008

No longer available in Canada. Replaced by new Bandit-derived fully faired GSX650F in North America.

2009

In November 2008, Suzuki announced the following changes for the 2009 GSF650N and GSX650S.

Sleeker headlights
Slightly different frame covers
Slimmer tail lights
Re-shaped exhaust ends
Single instrument housing with analogue tachometer, digital LCD speedo, fuel gauge, clock, and gear indicator

Suzuki also announced the following changes.

GSF650N only: more angular headlights.
GSF650S only: re-styled cowling with stacked high and low beam multi-reflector headlights, storage in fairing, and new mirrors and indicators.

GSX650F

thumb|right|The Suzuki GSX650F, in many respects a tweaked Bandit

The GSX650F, produced from 2008, is essentially a variation on the Bandit 650, with much the same specification and components. Although built on a Bandit chassis, the additional lower fairing gives it a sportier look similar to that of the GSX-R series. The engine has also had a small amount of remapping to encourage revs, and the suspension is tweaked. It also has a different, one-piece seat.

GSF750

The Bandit 750 was a Japan only model that used parts from both the 600 and 1200 models; the front frame cradle was identical to the 600, the rear subframe was identical to the 1200 with bolt on pillion footpeg hangers, the clocks were 1200 items with a higher red-line on the rev counter of 12,000rpm (vs 10,000 for the 1200), including a fuel gauge which was absent from the 600 models of the time. The running gear and suspension were also the same as the 600. The engine, although visually identical to the 600, had a capacity of 748 cc, The carburettors were similar to the 600 apart from jetting, whereas the exhaust was identical to the 1200. The 750 came with a 6 speed gearbox like the 600 - as opposed to the 5 speed on the 1200. Power was a claimed . All machines were restricted to to comply with Japanese regulations, but are easily de-restricted to a true maximum speed of .