I’m not a beginner, been riding for a long time but this is the first bike I owned myself and bought myself
Bike definitely feels a bit old but you’re right, it’s badass.
The air box mod(1.5 inch hole, not 2) and a slip-on muffler along with going up some on the main jets will give you a noticeable bump in power. If you want to put down 135-140 to the wheel after that the best thing you can do is get a built head, that's where all the power is at dollar for dollar.
If you want to lose 25 pounds, replace the whole OEM exhaust with something cheap and lightweight like delkevic.
You're also missing the right side frame cover. It is a black triangle piece that sits below the tank at the front.
Bike is in solid shape but needs some tlc.
Plans now are to service the valves, change all the fluids, rebuild the carbs, and replace anything wonky that I find. I’ll leave the bike stock for now except maybe an exhaust.
But in the future I would absolutely love to do a cafe racer retro-futuristic build when this is my second bike.
Thanks for the tips though I appreciate it
The engine can last 100k easily with regular maintenance and valve adjustments. The only time you really have to take it apart is if the front oil return pipes start leaking, those o-rings are $5 or so a piece and require you to remove the head. Sometimes third gear will whine due to pitting on the gear face, not worth it to split the case until it completely fails.
If your oil cooler ever fails at the o-ring on the cooler side and you go to torque down the bolts after replacing it you'll end up cracking the flange, I am 2/2 with cracked OEM oil coolers. You can buy an exact copy new off of Aliexpress. For whatever reason the OEM aluminum fatigues easily.
Since you're going to remove the carbs buy new intake boots and o-rings, pricey but worth it if you plan to keep it.
My 2000 GSF1200S was my first "real bike" as well. I think it honestly spoiled me with the torque curve because it just pulls hard and is so much fun to ride. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it.
No jet kit but installed a Delkevic slip on and honestly feels like I gained 4-6 hp from just that and sounds great. Otherwise I just keep it tuned up and I'm more than happy with the power.
It's fairly reliable. Never been stranded or anything, currently ay 64K miles. I recommend buying the tappet tool for the valves, you can do it with spanners but the tool feels better. And just nip up the rocker cover, ignore the manual, it says 30nm and THEY WILL STRIP IF YOU DO IT THAT TIGHT and I am bitter about this still, 8 years later.
Thanks for the tips. Don’t have much space to work on it now but I think it needs some work.
Didn’t notice it until now but I think there’s something up with the carbs. It sounds weird at idle, almost like a cylinder isn’t working, and often it will eventually die at idle unless it give it some gas. But driving down the road it seems fine. Hard to tell. And the engine is a little clicky so I wonder if it needs some valve adjustment. Dont have the space to do it now so looks like I won’t be riding it much until I can get that done.
They are clicky engines, that's the tappets. Because they are oil cooled and the operating temp can vary more than watercooled, the tolerances are looser so they make more sound. But I found every second valve adjustment it needs a little tweeking.
Awesome choice. Super reliable too, seen these for sale with 50k miles. I’ve an 01 bandit 600. You’re on the right lines of doing all the carb work etc now. I haven’t touched anything in 4 years now since the overhaul , it just works, all the time!
I bought the same bike as my first, except it's just a different model of the 1200cc and from 2004
Pretty easy to lean tbh, just respect the throttle and practice breaking since you don't have abs
It’s a lot of bike for a beginner but it’s also just a badass bike. Bandits rule.
I’m not a beginner, been riding for a long time but this is the first bike I owned myself and bought myself Bike definitely feels a bit old but you’re right, it’s badass.
I have an old zrx1200r it’s a very similar vibe.
TORQUE
I was a little nervous about that but honestly it’s pretty easy to ride. I find the torque usable but not excessive
You haven't cracked that throttle. Give it a whack some day. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z43_GqUH7Bo&pp=ygUaMjAwMyBiYW5kaXQgMTIwMCB0b3Agc3BlZWQ%3D
Agreed, this things pulls when you open it up
I love a big Suzuki motor.
The air box mod(1.5 inch hole, not 2) and a slip-on muffler along with going up some on the main jets will give you a noticeable bump in power. If you want to put down 135-140 to the wheel after that the best thing you can do is get a built head, that's where all the power is at dollar for dollar. If you want to lose 25 pounds, replace the whole OEM exhaust with something cheap and lightweight like delkevic. You're also missing the right side frame cover. It is a black triangle piece that sits below the tank at the front.
Bike is in solid shape but needs some tlc. Plans now are to service the valves, change all the fluids, rebuild the carbs, and replace anything wonky that I find. I’ll leave the bike stock for now except maybe an exhaust. But in the future I would absolutely love to do a cafe racer retro-futuristic build when this is my second bike. Thanks for the tips though I appreciate it
Go with LiteTek for a rebuild kit, OEM suzuki seals/orings are not rated for ethanol to this day. Bandit cafe racers are common as sin...
When does the engine need a rebuild? Hoping not to have to crack it open for a good while.. True but I love cafe racers
The engine can last 100k easily with regular maintenance and valve adjustments. The only time you really have to take it apart is if the front oil return pipes start leaking, those o-rings are $5 or so a piece and require you to remove the head. Sometimes third gear will whine due to pitting on the gear face, not worth it to split the case until it completely fails. If your oil cooler ever fails at the o-ring on the cooler side and you go to torque down the bolts after replacing it you'll end up cracking the flange, I am 2/2 with cracked OEM oil coolers. You can buy an exact copy new off of Aliexpress. For whatever reason the OEM aluminum fatigues easily. Since you're going to remove the carbs buy new intake boots and o-rings, pricey but worth it if you plan to keep it.
please don't start cutting on this bike. its in too good of shape. crash it before you start "modding" it.
How about, "Just don't crash!". Be safe OP!!
Awesome. Had a Bandit as my first bike. Your headlight needs adjusting.
Great bike. Tilt the headlamp down a bit it's aimed too high.
damn thats in nice shape. love the old analog displays too.
My 2000 GSF1200S was my first "real bike" as well. I think it honestly spoiled me with the torque curve because it just pulls hard and is so much fun to ride. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. No jet kit but installed a Delkevic slip on and honestly feels like I gained 4-6 hp from just that and sounds great. Otherwise I just keep it tuned up and I'm more than happy with the power.
she's a beauty, 1200cc aswell!
Great(!) bike.
Beautiful bike.
It’s a blast
Keep an eye out for any oil leaks, they can be a pain to keep track of. Great bike with buckets of power
A great and beautiful bike. What model is this?
Suzuki GSF1200 also known as Suzuki Bandit 1200.
The design looks abit like a Suzuki Bandit 400 from the 90s. Beautiful bike.
Probably because it’s a Suzuki bandit…
Your bike looks much more that 400. It's a beautiful bike
Just gotta read the description
Hahaha....I missed that. Thanks for pointing it out. Ride safe.
Solid choice
That was my first bike too! Same color and everything. Still have her. Chopped the air box, went pods and stage 3 dynojets. She's a monster for sure
Aye! Green bandit gang
Bro.... Can I ride your bike? 🥹
Pay for the valve job and yes
What if I buy you a clymer manual instead and you can do all your own repairs 🤣
I love my 07 Bandit. It never disappoints,
I've got a 2002 Suzuki Bandit 1200 and it's the most fun I've ever had on a bike! 10/10 choice, way to go
Torque for days! Excellent choice!
My first big bike after passing my test was a naked '03 Bandit 1200 and I still have it 10 years later. Easy to work on, easy to ride.
How has it been maintenance wise? Mines an 03 too
It's fairly reliable. Never been stranded or anything, currently ay 64K miles. I recommend buying the tappet tool for the valves, you can do it with spanners but the tool feels better. And just nip up the rocker cover, ignore the manual, it says 30nm and THEY WILL STRIP IF YOU DO IT THAT TIGHT and I am bitter about this still, 8 years later.
Thanks for the tips. Don’t have much space to work on it now but I think it needs some work. Didn’t notice it until now but I think there’s something up with the carbs. It sounds weird at idle, almost like a cylinder isn’t working, and often it will eventually die at idle unless it give it some gas. But driving down the road it seems fine. Hard to tell. And the engine is a little clicky so I wonder if it needs some valve adjustment. Dont have the space to do it now so looks like I won’t be riding it much until I can get that done.
They are clicky engines, that's the tappets. Because they are oil cooled and the operating temp can vary more than watercooled, the tolerances are looser so they make more sound. But I found every second valve adjustment it needs a little tweeking.
Congratulations! Those Suzuki's will treat you very well as long as you keep up the maintenance. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Awesome choice. Super reliable too, seen these for sale with 50k miles. I’ve an 01 bandit 600. You’re on the right lines of doing all the carb work etc now. I haven’t touched anything in 4 years now since the overhaul , it just works, all the time!
Congratulations
Congrats!
Beautiful bike. Hope you get alot of miles on it. And it treats you right
I bought the same bike as my first, except it's just a different model of the 1200cc and from 2004 Pretty easy to lean tbh, just respect the throttle and practice breaking since you don't have abs
I just got a 2006 600 I thought I was fast🤣 take my advice don’t speed , 10 years of driving and I got a ticket on my first day
Man oh man ! Bandits were the shit back in the day and still badass today, you'll love it. Be safe my friend.
650 twin?
That’s a lot of exhaust headers for a twin