For all that know me or, at least know me through this site will already know I am a Harley-Davidson Man. I have had my ever-widening butt planted on an Electra-Glide since 2005 and before that it was a Sportster (short term) and a Heritage Softail before that. Before my Harley days I did in fact own a Japanese/metric bike. The Gold Wing GL1500 A2! Yes, another touring bike. Yes, it's safe to say that the last time I ever climbed aboard something with a power-to-weight ratio that favored the power over the weight was well over 15 years ago when I strapped on a heavily modified ZX1100 Ninja and found myself in a straight line at better than 170mph. That is, of course until Saturday the 11th of October, 2008.
That Saturday I found myself in St Louis passing through to a job interview up in Madison, WI when I was offered a chance to ride with the Mrs (something we haven't done together in almost a year). BusaWhipped (a.k.a. Dennis) was kind enough to offer up his wife's Suzuki Bandit (GFS1250SK if I'm not mistaken). Again, Harley rider...no matter, I jumped at the chance to ride with my bride! I was already in the mindset that I would be on the little sport bike (I know, Suzuki calls it a standard, but, hey, Harley rider!) and was looking forward to piloting the little thing in something other than the aforementioned straight line.
Now, just a brief note here for those of you wondering, I was under the impression that all of Suzuki's big power bikes were GSX-Rs and called powerful names like Katana and Hayabusa and other Japanese warrior type names (yes, Hayabusa means peregrine falcon, but still, it sounds "warrior-ish").
Once we were suited up it was time for the ride. Down the steep slope of BWs driveway and we're off! Where the hell are the footpegs on this thing? Oh, there they are. Uh-oh, heel-toe shifter is broke and why, please someone tell me, is the horn blowing when I try to turn on the turn signals?!? Harley rider.
Once I got settled in and found all the controls I started to really enjoy the smooth power this little bike exhibited despite the fact that we were two up and I ain't small! Very impressive. As I start to really get used to where things are situated I start the slow speed weave just to see what kind of input is required to get the bike to lean. Again, very smooth and precise. I'm really starting to like the Bandit (though I already have it figured out that
I am going to have to cancel the turn signals manually! How quaint! Never-the-less we're doing well at the lower speeds (under 40 so far). Little did I know how that was going to change after a brief stop at CTDs for a wardrobe adjustment for Chey.
We left CTDs and started out towards the east (I think) and the roads start to turn back and forth. While I cannot see everything in front of me just yet, I see BW up ahead and he's starting to shift his body weight towards an upcoming left turn. As I approach the turn, the MMSP in me comes right to the top and I slow, look, press and roll. I'm not sure what's happening here, but this bike over-steers like crazy! I went way to close to the center line! Hmmm, must be the extra weight. Right turn and here we go right to the edge of the pavement! I'm sure Danny's back there wondering just what the heck is wrong with me and maybe he should slide back a bit. As for me, I know it can't be me, it just couldn't be.
At any rate we make our way out to Alton, IL where we are to meet up with Collin (Semi). I climb off the little power-house and lean over to look at the engine and I ask (I guess because the large print in front of me was too obvious) what size engine does the Bandit have because this thing has some power! 1250cc. No wonder! I never really got into it because of the fact that I had my wife on the back and was so afraid of losing her since we're both used to her having a back rest. I did know there was a lot more there than the 650cc I thought it had! Well done Suzuki!
So, there I was feeling dummer that a sak of hamners and all of a sudden it dawns on me why the Bandit is over steering...it's me! Harley rider used to throwing around 800 pounds of motorcycle and here I am on a bike that weighs all of 550 pounds! Duh! Once I finally put aside all of my touring bike/HD ways we get back on the bike and head to places unknown. I have already had a chance to feel the superb braking forces under me with the triple discs and an excellent power band that seems to last forever and great torque! Now I get to really start to feel my way through the turns. CTD will no doubt testify to the fact that, while I'm still not dragging a knee (remember the pillion) I am keeping up and staying much closer than before. Yes, I figured out that it takes very little input to get the Bandit to respond and it is very smooth through the whole slow, look, press and roll process. I am, indeed, impressed. I now understand why people buy and ride bikes like this!
Now the really cool part, BW told me this thing was was priced very low for what you're getting and, he's right. For very little money (relative for liter plus bikes) this is a bargain for the fun-meter pegging you'll experience while riding it! This is, without a doubt a bike I could grow to love especially if I were to stay in Oregon!
The Suzuki Bandit delivers an unmatched package of performance, style and value. That's Motorcyclist Magazine named it "Best Bang for the Buck" in their 2007 Motorcycle of the Year competition.
The 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S combines heavyweight power with distinctive styling and the quality of an all-new, technologically-advanced liquid-cooled engine and an advanced digital fuel injection system.
The new Bandit 1250's balance of power, style and technology is a combination developed by a team of dedicated Suzuki engineers, working together to produce a street machine of unmatched quality.
It is a demonstration of Refined Total Balance, with Complete Quality, or in other words, the new Bandit 1250.
You'll call it a motorcycle like no other.
ShowMe Riders Organization
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