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Streamlined Night Flight
Riding on the success of the Bandit 1200 N roadster, Suzuki has completely revised the
streamlined version to transform the test into a road. Goodbye mosquito net … Hello
the GT … and the invitation to travel.
Change
between the old model (prior to 2000) and the new one feels as soon as it stops. The truth
– fairing soars far ahead. The meters are fully integrated and
unveil a watch, a fuel gauge, an odometer and two partials…
liquid crystal. As for the mirrors, they
are now an integral part of the whole and are placed high, spread apart giving
a panoramic view from the sides and back.
Turn of the key, the engine purrs, ready for adventure and the great outdoors.
The first turns of the wheel immediately confirm the road vocation of the model and the
total dissociation from his little brother, much more playful: the Bandit 1200 N. The N
handles like a toy, reacts to the slightest solicitation and encourages attack. The
1200 S is taken as one takes the controls of a jumbo jet. Heavier, the direction
is also harder and requires more effort to put on the angle. Forget about them
playgrounds and take off for long journeys. There, it’s serious.
Long roads are its terrain. Out of town, the 1200S becomes
more a treat at high speed by its comfort. The road becomes a
rail. At speeds where, with the N version, the aviator jacket floats at
wind and where your necks cry for mercy, the S version marks its territory
and tells you that you can go. 
This
will be the reserve witness that will force you to stop. And even…
Because suddenly, if you decide to fly at a reasonable speed in order to appreciate
the landscape or to chat quietly with your passenger,
consumption teases the 5.3 … enough to take you nearly 380 kilometers
non stop…
The engine is a treat of flexibility and resumes at 2000 revs in 5th without batting an eyelid; of
what to fly over the villages forgetting the gearbox. I even forget to talk about the
engine, because the air-oil unit has proven itself and is a model of longevity.
On the comfort side, the suspension deserves to switch to level 2 (1 more flexible, 7 more
hard). In fact, at setting 4, bad roads will quickly make you regret your
athletic. The correct adjustment made, you pass without noticing the motorway at the
bad departmental (not too bad anyway) without realizing it, and
whether solo or duo. Only the passenger will be able to regret the old handles
sideways in favor of the new central handle, which forces you to twist
more, especially when wearing a backpack. In fact, this Bandit there, she should
have its top cases and side cases as an option, for a tight price.
At night, the Bandit lights up, and the roads reveal their secrets. The optic is
really efficient and allows you to gain confidence to continue cruising
at the same speed as in broad daylight without last minute surprises, especially in broad daylight
headlight.
And when in the early morning, the Bandit is ready for a new flight, the helmet and
the gloves are easily put on to continue the pleasure.
No complaints. At 56,990 francs, the Bandit 1200S
is the cheapest in its class, facing rivals like the Kawasaki ZRX1200S, the
Fazer 1000 or even the VFR. This price does not come at the expense of quality or
overall comfort or equipment. To be reserved, however, for heavy riders who like
also go as a duo.
Consumption during the test: min: 5.3L / 100km – max: 8.5L / 100km
Comparative technical sheet
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