Suzuki Bandit - a street fighter icon

Suzuki Bandit motorcycles, which were launched back in 1989, still evoke the admiring glances of passers-by. The model compares favorably with other classics with its aggressive design, which has not become outdated to this day.


The high popularity of the Suzuki Bandit is evidenced by the huge army of fans of this model, as well as the fact that motorcycles were produced until 2016, and in 2018 a new small-capacity Bandit appeared, which is still being produced.

The smallest Bandit - Suzuki GSF250

The first motorcycle of the Bandit series was a 250 cc checker, which debuted in 1989 with a 400 cc model. The motorcycle received a derated engine from the GSX-R250 sports model, delivering high power for its volume - from 38 to 45 hp.



Interestingly, the most powerful engines on the Suzuki Bandit 250 were installed before 1995 - 38-45 hp. From 1995 to 2000, when the production of the model was curtailed, only one type of engine with a power of 38 hp was installed on the motorcycle.

The motorcycle was very popular in Japan, deliveries to other countries officially began in 1991.



Until now, Suzuki Bandit 250 is on sale on the used market at a very affordable price - from 100 rubles. Buying such a motorcycle is not the best idea:

• ? In Russia, they are less common than other modifications.
  
• ? In a couple of months, the power will not be enough
  
• ? Spare parts for the Bandit 250 are the hardest to get
  

Outwardly, the Suzuki Bandit 250 compares favorably with monocabs - it is stylish and daring. By the way, there is one way to immediately understand that this is a “check” (250 cm3 model) - one brake disc on the front wheel, other modifications have two in front, except for the special Bandit 400 series for the UK.

Suzuki Bandit 400

Together with the 250, the Bandit 1989 debuted in 400. The motorcycle received a powerful engine for its volume of 400 cm3, developing 59 hp.

In 1991, the motor received the VC system, popularly called such engines "red-headed", since their valve covers were painted red. The VC variable valve timing system works like this - after 8 rpm it works and the motorcycle gets a sharp acceleration.



In 1993, all Japanese motorcycles with a displacement of up to 400 cm3 were legally limited in power to 53 hp. and top speed up to 180 km/h. After that, all Suzuki Bandit 400s were officially equipped with derated up to 53 hp. engines.
The Bandit 400 was delivered to Europe with a 50 hp engine. according to local law.



Outwardly and in terms of overall dimensions, the Suzuki Bandit 400 and 250 are almost identical, the four hundred can be visually distinguished only by the double front disc brake.



When choosing the Bandit 400, you need to be aware that the motorcycle was originally created for the domestic Japanese market, and it will be small for bikers with a height of over 175 centimeters. All of this applies to the 250 dice Bandit as well. The cost of the Bandit 400 model on the used market is exactly the same as on the "cheque" - about 100 rubles on average. The most recent batches of Bandit 000 were released in 400.

The most popular Bandit is the GSF600 model

In 1995, the production of the Suzuki Bandit 600 began, equipped with an air-oil-cooled engine developing 78 hp. This is already a full-size motorcycle, adapted to the European consumer.



Until now, the Suzuki Bandit 600 is the standard among the "gang family". The main advantages of the model:

• ? The ideal combination of price / quality
  
• ? Suitable for beginners
  
• ? Stylish appearance
  
• ? Simple and maintainable engine
  

During the production process, and the model was released until 2004, the Suzuki Bandit 600 was constantly refined and modernized, the manufacturer made changes to the design, focusing on consumer feedback.



The cost of the Bandit 600 in the secondary market starts from 150 rubles, the motorcycle is definitely more in demand than its younger brothers. When buying a bike, you need to take into account that it is not very suitable for bad roads - the suspension breaks periodically, but all this is treated if desired and with some investment.

Biggest Bandit - Suzuki GSF1200

Suzuki Bandit 1200 - debuted in 1995 and was produced until 2007. This is a real monster with a 1200 cm3 engine developing 98 hp. By the way, disputes about the real power of the big Bandit have not subsided so far. It is believed that Suzuki deliberately underestimated the power of the family leader on paper in order to fit into European tax standards.



Like the 600 model, the motorcycle was produced in two versions - "naked" and with a fairing. The Suzuki Bandit 1200 is not a beginner bike. Acceleration to 100 km / h in 3,1 seconds and a top speed of 230 km / h - only an experienced biker can handle this! However, some take this model as the first, if you drive carefully, without turning off your head, then nothing bad will happen.

The average cost of Suzuki Bandit 1200 in the secondary market is about 200 rubles.

New generation of bandits

In 2005, the Bandit 600 was replaced by the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit. From the first generation, the model was mainly distinguished by a new engine with an increased volume and a liquid cooling system. In 2007, the engine received an injector instead of a carburetor, in the same year the Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit debuted, also with injection and dropsy.



Unfortunately, the updated Bandits could not repeat the success of the first generation motorcycles, the owners periodically complained that with the loss of carburetors, the bikes lost their hooligan disposition. But every cloud has a silver lining - the consumption of injection modifications is much lower.



The second generation Bandits were produced until 2016, the demand for them gradually fell, as a result, Suzuki decided to stop producing the model.

Rebirth of a legend

In 2018, Suzuki unexpectedly introduced the new Bandit to the market - a model with a small displacement 150 cm3 engine and liquid cooling. In fact, this is a completely different bike, based on the small GSX150 sportbike, only with a minimum of plastic.
It is difficult to call the new motorcycle a revival of the legend, rather, it is the brainchild of marketers who want to earn extra money on a model that was promoted in the past. It is unlikely that fans of the classic Bandits will change to these small cubic meters.



Suzuki Bandit is the ancestor of the street fighter class. It was this motorcycle that showed the whole world how daring and stylish an ordinary road bike can become.