Suzuki GSF600 Bandit (1995 - 2005) review

A great option for anyone looking for a middleweight on a budget, as long as it's been looked after
as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.
Big presence for little money
Dated styling, average handling and prone to corrosion

Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.

Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.

The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.

It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.

Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.

Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.

The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.

It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.

Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.

Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.

The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.

It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.

Length (mm)2130
Width (mm)770
Height (mm)1095
Dryweight (kg)205
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)790
Suspension Front41mm telescopic fork
Suspension RearSwingarm, progressive linkage,
Adjustability Rear7-way adjustable spring preload
Tyres Front120/60 ZR17
Tyres Rear160/60 ZR17
Brakes Front2-piston calipers, 290mm dual discs
Brakes Rear2-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1440
Ground Clearance (mm)130
Trail (mm)100
Length (mm)2130
Width (mm)770
Height (mm)1095
Dryweight (kg)205
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)790
Suspension Front41mm telescopic fork
Suspension RearSwingarm, progressive linkage,
Adjustability Rear7-way adjustable spring preload
Tyres Front120/60 ZR17
Tyres Rear160/60 ZR17
Brakes Front2-piston calipers, 290mm dual discs
Brakes Rear2-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1440
Ground Clearance (mm)130
Trail (mm)100
Cubic Capacity (cc)600
Max Power (bhp)78
Max Power Peak (rpm)10500
Torque (ft/lb)40
Torque Peak (rpm)9500
Bore (mm)62.6
Stroke (mm)48.7
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.3
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryKeihin CVR32 carburettor
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Cubic Capacity (cc)600
Max Power (bhp)78
Max Power Peak (rpm)10500
Torque (ft/lb)40
Torque Peak (rpm)9500
Bore (mm)62.6
Stroke (mm)48.7
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.3
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryKeihin CVR32 carburettor
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Top Speed
Top Speed