Suzuki Bandit 1200 S Review - The OG Hooligan Bike

Brutally honest review of a Suzuki Bandit 1200 I purchased on Halloween Day 2020. What's right with it? What's wrong with it? Will I keep it? Will anyone even read this description?

[TimKreitzAdventures]

NOTE: The headlight problem is solved. In late 2020 I cleaned the reflectors and installed LED headlamps. The bike is still running great and I'm enjoying it on the regular. Cheers.

[bestman]

I have several bikes, including an R1. The bandit is the Swiss Army knife compared to the other bikes. It’ll do almost anything I want it to, comfortably! I bough it for a good deal to flip it (At least that’s what I told my wife when we went to pick it up) but no one wants to buy it for the outrageous price I’m selling it for 🤣

[edmundkonkolich]

Tim, welcome to da Bandito Brotherhood! I too have an '05 GS1200s, named "Ellie", & I LOVE her to death. I found mine after deciding to get back up on 2 after a decade-long hiatus from the saddle (read: the missus said, "OK").

1) Headlight - black "soot" collects/coats the inside of the lens, weakening beam output. Cleaning that & Premium, Hi-output halos (replaced 1x/yr) brightened up the tarmac ahead.
2) I installed Hi-output, 4 "bulb", LED road lamps on the lower forks to cure the invisibility problem.

Keep the bars up & the donuts down & enjoy the ride!

-EdBud

[KillswitchQueen]

My guilty pleasure... >:D that is one beautiful example of a Bandit you have!!! The upgraded brake lines are a must, and with that exhaust, there is no RPM range that doesn't sound like a sweet symphony. They truly are bullet proof, easily tuned, just so much power for the money. Have fun and enjoy!

[StephenAdrianVenter-omqg]

I own a Bandit and they never say die over 126000km and still going thr fastest but reliable and a joy to ride....Love a Bandit

[Scratchingforcash]

I have an 02 Bandit 1200 and it’s awesome!!
I absolutely love it!!

[doublenickel]

I'd been looking at Bandits for a while when I came across your video. It gave me the inspiration to continue my search, and last fall I picked up a beautiful '97 with under 20k miles. Didn't get it out until this spring, and wow, is it fun! So smooth and torquey. Everything is just so effortless. If I had my druthers, I'd get a little higher bars on it so longer rides would be more comfortable. Also, it could use a 6th gear for the highway, it has so much torque it wouldn't even notice. What a great bike. Thanks for the push, Tim!

[apauma]

I have an 600s second generation, and i am very impress how much eye catching this bike is.

[daniellander]

That is a clean looking Bandit ! I have a 1st generation (98) that I've had since new. I've done a lot of improvements over the years, both suspension and minor motor upgrades. I do my own wrenching and just went over 52000 miles without any problems. I've done many track days both as a student and later a teacher. I seen a clean 2nd generation yesterday while doing a ride in the Allegheny mountains with a buddy on his BMW. I call it my Timex, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' .

[BrickHouseBuilds]

Man that thing really is pristine!! I had the same thoughts on the mirrors with being ugly but highly functional. Great video!

[АлексейАнтонов-ьй]

Great bike! I have GSF 1200S Final Edition 2006, from Russia with love!

[MrAusadventure]

I just came here to say that I did indeed read the description. I'm weird like that.
I do love the Bandits. I'm definitely a sucker for a Suzuki and am looking forward to seeing your adventures on it.

[JakeBor]

I have the 1998 Bandit 1200S, same color as your friend Roger's bike. I just brought it down to Houston from Missouri, where my buddy stored it for me for 10 years. It's just now legal and back on the road. I agree with you about the visibility issues after dark. The low beams don't seem bright enough. Subbed.

[BelowZero]

That bike brings memories...good to see you back making videos!

[SLBPerformance]

Just did a track day with a guy I know who has taken one of these and rebuilt it to be a track bike. The platform is a great one, enjoy it.

[BikerDrum]

i own a 2001, it's a great all-around bike. Mine has Dale Walker stage 1 with pipe/tune etc. & a GSXR1000 K8 rear shock. I use adjustable Helibars with bar end mirrors. This is my old school naked that keeps pace with the young guns.

[dcgs]

Damn that is clean! Congrats on the score! Will be interesting to hear your Bandit vs. ZRX comparison in the future.

[Tobyice]

I'll watch all your videos as I have for years! Good job Tim!

[CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

What description... ;-)
That's a beauty of a bike Tim, congrats and may you have many happy times with it.
A stealth street-fighter, hmmm... yeah I had to get brighter bulbs for my Honda, stock ones were candles!
I've always fancied a Bandit or a Hornet if I went for a 4Cyl.
Looking forward to seeing a few TKAs on it Tim.

[banditBrian]

Great looking bike clean as hell. I love the bandits hence the name haha. 600s 1200s both great bikes was to work. Never had any problems with them. Except for previous owners hehe.. that's my 1200 99 bandit in my avatar picture.. enjoy the ride..