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The Inazuma does
part of the "Bandits" family thanks to its engine, which is none other than the
block of the 1200 Bandit. Released mid-99, this machine has everything to seduce.
The motor has
undergone some modifications to promote character at low speed. To be
precise, the exhaust camshaft adopts 7mm valve lift
against 8mm on the Bandit, the carburetor ramp is increased to 32mm (36 on the Bandit),
and the intake has been heavily revised with a new air filter housing and
shorter intake pipes. Also note the appearance of a
gasoline pump, surprisingly given the position of the carburettors in relation to the
tank. The oil pump is also new with increased flow for
optimize cooling despite a smaller radiator.
The figures announced are evocative: 98 hp at 8500 rpm – 9.8 daNm at… 4500
rpm. You get it, the GSX’s engine is unchecked. The
Suzuki engineers endeavored to "fill the engine" at low revs rather
than to promote power in the towers. The transmission is identical to that of its
big sister, the Bandit (same ratios and gear ratio).
Look – Getting started
First contact: The 1200 GSX recalls a certain 1100 Zephyr (Kawa) in its forms.
Particular care has been taken in the harmonious curves and use
chromes which give this machine an elegance mixed with a hint of
bestiality. The large engine block from the GSX-R imposes by its size, and attracts the
look thanks to its polished housings. The cylinder head fins have been brushed to
add a brilliant touch to this imposing mass. Warning ! The exhibition of
motor in the event of a fall is very important. It is therefore strongly recommended to mount
crankcase protectors to avoid any untoward incident. The frame is a double classic
cradle in steel tubes, with an aluminum swing arm.
If we dwell on the equipment, a few surprises await us. The
eyes are first drawn to the front brake calipers which are none other than
Brembo Gold series. Then the shock absorbers with separate Showa cylinder, then the
rims and tires worthy of a sports car, finally the 4/1 exhaust … Surprising
on a motorcycle with a "basic" vocation. In fact, this big roadster with retro lines is
a real modern motorcycle, with a level of equipment to make the competition pale.
On the way for a test drive
The GSX’s seat is welcoming, wide and comfortable. The template of the machine is
very reasonable for a 1200 and a small rider will not be handicapped
thanks to a seat height of 795mm. The driving position is upright and
The ergonomics of the controls are perfect. The engine starts and has a little trouble
stabilize when cold. This is normal, it is an air-cooled engine (despite
the oil which evacuates a lot of calories). After a few minutes of heating, everything
get in order. The first laps of the wheels surprise … The big roadster is
handles like a bicycle, with disconcerting ease. The precision of the front axle
combined with the smoothness of Bandit-specific controls make the GSX a machine
very pleasant in town. The mass of the machine (210 kg empty), very reasonable
for a roadster, is forgotten from the first meters. The engine, meanwhile,
gives the impression of a beast ready to be unleashed at the first
solicitation, without brutality, but with a presence that reminds us that we are
of course a 1200. From 2000 rpm, it pulls hard, and you have to be careful on the road
slippery because a run-out from the rear quickly arrived. Fortunately, the
chassis, very healthy, allows you to get out of delicate situations without hindrance. We are
even takes the game to cause small slips for fun (it impresses the
quidam and always provides good feelings ;-))
Once out of town, you can let the hardware store stretch a bit: the
revving is clear up to the maximum torque speed (around 4000 rpm), then
it pulls very hard on the arms up to 8-9000 rpm. No need to go beyond,
this engine is more comfortable in medium revs than at 10,000 rpm. A super
engine, rich in sensations, full everywhere, finally, the praise of this block is
more to do.
The most surprising comes from the cycle part, whose behavior is exemplary. The
stability, and precision of this machine, progressive and powerful braking are
unexpected on a "basic". We quickly get caught up in the game and the turns
follow one another at a brisk pace. At 200 km / h, the GSX remains stable without any
darting, and apart from the total lack of protection, which quickly limits
ardor, we tend to let go to ride as fast as our ministers
(isn’t that Mr. Gayssot ?; well OK, more thinking about politics). Braking
is a treat. Only the rear lacks a bit of bite, and you have to press firmly
on the pedal for efficiency, but the Brembos fulfill their role
wonder. The machine swings on an angle with an ease that I never had
never seen on a 1200, and remains stable on the road of good quality. We take a
natural position picked up on the front and one becomes one with the machine, a real
treat. On deformed pavement, the suspensions are a little damaged, without however
become unhealthy, but call for caution.
As a duo, things get a bit more complicated: don’t hesitate to tighten up the
Showa shock absorbers (the adjustment is very easy and fast) under penalty of movements of
pumping a little unpleasant. The fork also lacks an adjustment of
preloaded, but we are not on a sports car … The GSX knows how to stay
comfortable to take you far with a passenger and some (limited) luggage.
In normal driving, the range is around 250 km before reserve, which is
very reasonable, despite an 18 liter tank.
Flaws: And yes, it has to have some anyway … Despite a
neat finish, some elements are fragile and require rigorous maintenance.
A few corrosion spots appear on the footrest plates, the manifold
exhaust, mirror brackets. The mirrors were incorrectly mounted
and loosen above 150. This defect has been corrected by my dealer
by unscrewing the mirrors one turn and tightening them (very simple). Let’s be
indulgent, the price of this machine makes you forget its small flaws.
Conclusion
The 1200 GSX is a relatively unknown machine, which does not meet with great success
commercial despite its qualities, which makes it a real business. Offered in two
colors (red and blue) at 51,000 Francs, it is highly probable that the career of the GSX
is not very long. It no longer appears on the Suzuki France site, this is not much
be due to its positioning too close to the Bandit 1200 N. Namely: The GSX is
also available in 750. It is possible to find it on sale in many
concessions at less than 50,000 Francs (see 45,000 F), and given its level
equipment is a big deal. If I didn’t already have one, I
will run to my favorite dealership… Not much available on the
occasionally, it has little discount due to its rarity. This motorcycle, when we
Try it, adopt it and fall in love with it very quickly. The more we roll
with, the more qualities we discover. It is intended for a clientele of bikers
experienced, who are looking for a nice motorcycle with a big character, and who like to
pleasure (that’s why we ride a bike, isn’t it?) without spending
fortunes. It is also accessible to less experienced riders due to
its ease, on condition of containing the cavalry with caution.
If we had to sum up this bike in one word: versatility.
An essay by Vincent Jumeau
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