All Trials – New Bandit prefers liquid! – Used SUZUKI

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The new Bandit prefers liquid !

All Trials - New Bandit prefers liquid! - Used SUZUKI

Aesthetically unchanged, the new Bandit 1250 N has yet undergone a total overhaul: a revolution linked to its engine – 100% unique – which now adopts electronic injection and, above all, liquid cooling. Test !

Unveiled in 1995, the Suzuki 1200 Bandit made the effect of a bomb on the motorcycle market by inaugurating a new niche: that of sporty large-displacement roadsters.

With its barely deflated GSX-R 1100 four-cylinder SACS, it has established itself as the terror of the roads with its truck torque and very manly engine character. It reigned supreme in this category until the beginning of this 3rd millennium, thanks to its versatility marked by sportiness but above all thanks to its rather incredible price / displacement ratio..

Since this golden age, anti-pollution standards have continued to stifle this very endearing engine, but with a rather old design (air / oil cooling, fuel supply by carburettors, etc.). And at the same time, the competition was launching ever lighter and more powerful machines like the Honda 900 Hornets, Kawasaki Z 1000 and sisters. It was therefore high time for Suzuki to react and develop its bestseller: it is now done. !

New four legs

Suzuki therefore took advantage of the necessary compliance with the Euro 3 standard of its big Bandit to design a 100% original engine. Evolving from the 1200 to the 1250 model, the Bandit does not gain 50 cc as one might think, but actually goes from 1157 to 1256 cc, or 99 additional cc.

Above all, the four-cylinder is now water-cooled and powered by electronic fuel injection. If the maximum power remains unchanged at 98 hp, it is on the other hand available 1000 rpm earlier at 7,500 rpm.

But the big advantage of the new version of the Suzuki roadster comes from its torque which makes a real leap of gentleman burglar from 9.5 mkg at 6500 rpm to 11 mkg at 3700 rpm! Either a gain of 1.5 mkg available 2,800 laps earlier !

The Bandit 1250 also drops the five-speed transmission of the old models for a new one with six gears..

Even with an old dress…

To contain the extraordinary price of its big roadster, Suzuki has not changed its Bandit, neither aesthetically, nor in part cycle. The roadster had nevertheless undergone many changes two years previously.

We regret that Suzuki did not take advantage of the change of engine to offer a new design, in order to mark a definitive break with the old model. On the other hand, it must be recognized that the Bandit’s line goes through the years without going out of fashion too much, while some roadsters with sharper lines age much faster. It is a position which undoubtedly meets the expectations of the customers of 12 B.

… a Bandit remains a Bandit !

Natural position, comfortable and height-adjustable saddle, well-positioned mirrors, neat ergonomics: you are very quickly at home on a Bandit and this new 1250 N is no exception to the rule..

We unfortunately also find the small faults of the Suzuki roadster, starting with a center of gravity which remains quite high. Added to the fact that the B 12 took about ten kilos during its mechanical change (226 kg dry with ABS), it will be necessary to remain vigilant during maneuvers with the engine off or at very low speed. Nothing serious, however, because the general balance of the chassis and the good turning radius are good assets during these delicate phases. The new model retains the attractive and readable dashboard of the previous vintage, just embellished with a Fi injection warning light..

More or less practical

Over the years, the space devoted to the anti-theft devices under the Bandit’s saddle is getting smaller and smaller … If we keep the tool kit (particularly complete, by the way), we can hardly take anything more than a disk lock. Pity !

Two diabolos on either side of the passenger handle allow a bag to be secured. But as another anchor point, it will be necessary to have recourse to the passenger footrests, with the risk of scratching the paint of the rear shell with the tensioners..

In addition, certain finishing details remind us that we are indeed in the presence of a queen of the displacement / price ratio. For example, there are many visible electric wires on the left side of the engine.

Ease and humility

The new 1250 Bandit N is therefore extremely welcoming from the first turns of the wheel and the smoothness of the controls has a lot to do with it. Before escaping to pretty roads where the four-cylinder can take turns, the exit of the Paris region is negotiated without difficulty..

In small corners and between lines of cars, the Suzuki makes you forget its weight all the same (around 250 kg all full) and no vibration disturbs the pilot. The new gearbox, as often on machines from the manufacturer of Hamamatsu, is smooth, precise and fast.

Electronic injection is almost forgotten and generates only very slight jolts when cutting and going around. As for the mechanics, it manages to reconcile softness and strength, all in a sound a little too muffled by the enormous exhaust..

The engine, very flexible, accepts without flinching to set off again at less than 1,500 rpm with an unusual force: we immediately feel the 11 mkg at 3,700 rpm, a very present torque that literally orbits the bike and its crew. with a slight rotation of the wrist! So much so that caution is required, including for experienced pilots, during evolutions in town or on fatty soils….

Efficient and reassuring

As soon as the horizon clears a little, the Bandit is a zealous and conciliatory ally in any situation. The suspensions offer an almost ideal compromise between comfort and handling.

In large, fast curves, the machine is unfazed on the angle – this was notably one of the big faults of the old models from five years ago and more..

In the tight, the B 12 also offers good attacking skills. Of course, the new big sporty roadsters like Yamaha FZ1 and Kawasaki Z1000, lighter, more rigid and more powerful, will do better everywhere. But it is really only on bad surfaces that you will have to give up your hand so as not to get carried away by the weight and torque of the machine..

Not a single horse in the box !

Fortunately, the powerful and biting braking standby, perfectly supported by an ABS (optional at € 500). The engine can therefore express itself fully. Full at all speeds, it tows with incredible power up to more than 9,500 rpm.

And if the new block claims "only" 98 hp in the face of restricted competition which sometimes offers 60 more, the homogeneity of the bike means not to leave a single snooze in its box! Which in use is particularly pleasant and provides real driving pleasure.

On the other hand, the four-cylinder gains in torque what it has lost a little in character and the revs are a little too linear: we would like a little more rage in the second part of the tachometer. !

Good to ride !

The 12 Bandit therefore continues to bend with good grace to all types of use: from sporty rides to motorcycle-work-sleep, the Suzuki can even tackle travel or the highway. In this exercise, its engine works wonders, but its total lack of protection will require the adoption of an adaptable screen.

No need to invest in a comfort saddle, the original one provides correct comfort. On the other hand, it may be opportune to take stock in an oil tanker … The 1250 Bandit is indeed rather gluttonous, with an average consumption of 7.7 l per 100 km which can even rise to a good 9 liters if the we play too much with the right grip … Suddenly, despite a 19-liter tank (one liter less than on the old model), the range before switching to reserve is rather limited (around 160 km ).

Bonnie and Clyde…

Another aspect of its versatility, the Bandit also offers good duo skills. The passenger seat is wide, soft and well designed. The passenger footrests are not too high and do not bend the legs too much.

The single grab handle is a bit small for gloved hands, but is well placed to help withstand acceleration and braking effectively.

In addition, the smoothness of the engine, the transmission and the suspensions ensures a completely respectable comfort to the passenger … for a roadster !

The case of the century ?

The new Suzuki 1250 Bandit N is therefore perfectly equipped to take up the torch of its ancestors: without any real flaw, it’s a safe bet that it will seduce many bikers..

Priced at € 7,499 (+ € 500 for ABS), barely more expensive than the latest 600 sporty roadsters, the new "12.5 B" manages to modernize itself while remaining as inexpensive. !

And all this without neglecting the driving pleasure, versatility, comfort and safety in the slightest: hats off, Mister Bandit !

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