Test Notes
Speedo error:
60 mph, actual 56
El Bandito Grande has near-perfect power delivery, serving up 70-ish foot-pounds of highly usable torque over a 4000-rpm band smack in the middle of the rev range. Very nice.
Performance with test-session weather conditions corrected to sea-level standard conditions (59 degrees F, 29.92 in. of mercury)
Wet weight plus 170 lb. rider divided by measured horsepower
| Cheers & Jeers |
| Suzuki Bandit 1200S |
| Engine | 9 | Charismatic whistly four with major grunt |
| Drivetrain | 8 | Gearbox is just the slightest bit reluctant |
| Handling | 7 | Better than the kids suspect |
| Braking | 7 | New and improved |
| Ride | 9 | All day and then some |
| Ergonomics | 10 | A page from the old GS playbook |
| Features | 8 | Clock, centerstand, no cup holders |
| Refinement | 8 | Highly refined unrefined thing |
| Value | 10 | Can't think of anything better for the price |
| Fun Factor | 8 | Highly stimulating to do more with less |
Verdict: This one reminds us why the Universal Japanese Motorcycle became so popular in the first place. It does nothing exceptionally well, except do everything well.