Author: DRIES VAN DER WALT

The Suzuki GSX-1250FA, like the 1200 and 1250 Bandits it is based on, is probably one of the most underrated bikes currently on the market.

Originating mostly from the parts bin, the original Bandit (as well as its subsequent iterations) turned out to be much more than the sum of those parts.

Despite, or maybe because of, its retro DNA the Bandit became a marketing success story, especially in Europe and the UK. While it wasn’t particularly brilliant at any one thing, it was pretty good at just about everything you asked of it.

NOW... A LIMITED EDITION

Of course, when you have such a successful and versatile bike in your stable, you don’t just let it languish. You try to improve it even further, which is what Suzuki did when it introduced the GSX-1250 FA. The 1250FA is basically the venerable GSF1250 Bandit dressed in a smart full fairing that includes a GSXR-style headlight. Endowed with decent wind protection to complement its considerable low-end grunt, the 1250FA has rapidly developed a very flattering reputation as a competent sports tourer.

Not content to leave it there, Suzuki SA has now announced a Limited Edition version of their fully-faired GSX-1250FA, which includes a Suzuki top box and panniers and sells for R115 000. Like the standard 1250FA, the Limited carries Suzuki’s two-year warranty, as well as two years' free roadside assistance supported by the AA.

The 1250FA has the familiar 1255cc, fuel-injected engine that offers robust torque from low in the rev range and Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel-injection for smooth power delivery, improved mileage and reduced emissions. There is also a secondary balance shaft to smooth things out even more in the engine department.

Suzuki aimed for a compact engine design with a central cam chain, staggered transmission shafts, and tighter spacing between the pairs of cylinders.

CLASSIC CRADLE

The catalyser-equipped, high-volume muffler combines with an effective engine management system, the Suzuki PAIR system, and an oxygen sensor for reduced emissions to meet the tough Euro 3 emission standards. Suzuki’s idle speed control helps cold starting, delivering consistent idle control and further reducing emissions.

The engine rests in a classic tubular-steel frame with rake and trail chosen for optimal balance between sporty handling and highway cruising comfort. The 43mm stanchion-tube front fork and single rear shock can each be adjusted for spring preload. Fully floating 310m dual-disc front brakes with four-piston callipers and 240mm rear disc with a single-piston calliper supply the stopping power.

LOT OF BIKE FOR THE MONEY

The bike is equipped with what Suzuki terms “an easy-to-operate centre stand with high leverage ratio to reduce effort”. It also has seat height adjustment through 20mm with a simple space bar. The instrument panel includes an analogue rev counter, digital speedometer, LCD fuel gauge and clock and LED indicator lights.

The GSX-1250FA and its Bandit predecessors have developed quite a following because they represent a lot of bike for the money. With the Limited Edition, Suzuki has completed the picture by adding decent cargo capacity while still selling the bike at an extremely attractive price.