Suzuki GSX 1250 FA

Suzuki GSX 1250 FA in review (Baujahr 2016)

Powerful all-rounder with sporty genes

imageThe Suzuki GSX 1250 FA is a bandit with full trim, although Suzuki doesn't really like the nickname "Bandit" in this model. It was built in 2010 and fell victim to the Euro 4 standard at the end of 2016. It's a pity, our author thinks, because all-round sports tourers like the FA are becoming increasingly rare. 

Introduction

The story of the great bandit begins in 1996. At that time, Suzuki introduced the GSF 1200, an air/oil-cooled machine with a high-performance four-cylinder engine that, due to its reliability and very low price, was able to quickly gather a veritable fan base.

From 2007 the 1200 was replaced by the Bandit 1250. This water-cooled bandit was homologated to Euro 3 and initially continued the success of its predecessor. From 2010, Suzuki also offered the GSX 1250 FA. Apart from the full paneland a second fan, there were hardly any differences to the bare or semi-connected Bandit 1250, but the FA was no longer allowed to bear the nickname "Bandit". The model designation "GSX" should make it clear that this machine tends further towards sport than the normal bandits.

The initially very good sales figures continued to decline from 2012 onwards, so that At the end of 2016 Suzuki decided to stop converting the engine of the GSX 1250 for the upcoming Euro 4 standard. Since then, there is no real sports tourer in the Suzuki program and the GSF bandits have also been discontinued.

Soziusbetrieb auf der GSX 1250 FACockpitBremsanlage

This is what she should be able to do

The GSX 1250 FA also makes a good figure on tours due to the full cladding and the good wind protection. Although sporty, the high handlebars and the upright sitting position allow for a hearty Alpine tour without back pain.

Even in the company, the FA can score points, for the driver and passenger there is plenty of space on the big bike. Suzuki has taken over the cockpit from older GSX models. There is an analog rev counter and an LCD instrument area with digital indicators for tempo, gear, tank content and so on. Suzuki has taken the shifting flash from its GSX racers for the FA, which seems a little exaggerated, however, because high speeds are not really suitable for the 1250 engine.

Motor der GSX 1250 FA

This is how she drives herself

The real star of the GSX 1250 FA is without question the engine. The row four-series does not break any records on paper with 98 hp, but the early high torque (108 Nm at 3,700 rpm) makes the GSX a small rocket. In 3.4 seconds, the machine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h, and the GSX is particularly convincing when it comes to through-pass. Despite the power of the motor, GSX feels very gentle in its power development.

On the GSX 1250 you sit "on" rather than "in" the machine. This is especially noticeable when you change from another bike in which you are sitting in the machine. This is not to be seen as a criticism, one quickly gets used to the sitting position, and many drivers feel this relaxed sitting position of the FA as one of the great advantages, especially over the super-athletes with their uncomfortable "in-the-machine" positions on longer distances.

The chassis of the machine is tight, but not uncomfortable. This makes it possible to drive sportily, although the GSX is of course not as manoeuvrable as the "real" athletes of Suzuki. The Suzi needs a hard hand in sharp turns or very tight curves. This is probably due to the fat 180 rear wheel and of course to its weight of at least 257 kg fully fuelled. However, this makes the motorcycle on the road like a board and offers an excellent straight line. Especially on the motorway, the Suzi makes a very good figure.
 

On this GSX 1250, the huge standard exhaust was replaced by a lightweight Leo Vince Evo One.

In contrast to modern bikes, the GSX is classic when it comes to assistance systems, except abS there are no technical helpers. No ride-by-wire, no driving modes, no anti-slip, no traction control, nothing at all. Here the driver still has to drive himself. Suzuki has at least one on-board computer of the GSX 1250 FA, which is not operated from the handlebars. The simple equipment has a big advantage: within a few moments you have to see through the possibilities and settings and can concentrate completely on the motorcycle riding. Nothing distracts.

When it all, there is nothing to complain about when it is used for brakes, chassis and transmission. We therefore did not miss anything during the test and enjoyed the ease of use. Put on it, start, drive off. The logbook or the operating manual may remain under the bench - well so.
 

The GSX 1250 FA likes long-drawn curves - tight curves are not so...

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Suzuki GSX 1250 FA is an all-rounder in the best sense of the word. It can be driven sportily, is suitable for travel and is really fun on the country road and motorway. Due to its weight, high performance and chassis characteristics, it is certainly not a bike for beginners. Even small or petite people should look for another motorcycle.

Due to the technically rather simple equipment and a good production quality, the GSX 1250 FA is certainly one of the more reliable bikes. It can hardly break anything and all bandits have always had a reputation for doing their service uncomplicatedly for years without repairs. It is therefore ideally suited as a workhorse for the daily commute to work. If you want to buy a used GSX 1250 FA, you don't have to shy away from bigger mileages. The machines of this type are considered to be unbreakable.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: €8,990
  • Used (3 years old): 6,000€
  • Years built: 2010-2016
  • Test bike: 11/2016
  • Colours: black, white, grey, blue, red
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Zubehör für die
GSX 1250 FA

  • Moneta
  • Polo
  • Amazon

Pro & Kontra

  • bearish motor with powerful torque
  • travel-ready seating position
  • rich road position, good wind protection
  • reliable bike without susceptibility to repair
  • lots of motorcycle for little money
  • somewhat cumbersome in tight curves
  • unsuitable for novice drivers
Von unserem Team geprüft:

General

Type
Sport tourers
Eia
€8,990

Dimensions

Length
2,130 mm
Height
1,245 mm
Weight
257 kg
Ab. Weight
475 kg
Seat
805 mm
Wheelbase
1,485 mm

Driving Performance & Range

0 to 100
3.5 s
60 to 100
5 s
Tank contents
19 l
Consumption
5.5 l
Range
345 km
Highest-speed
230 km/h

Motor & Power Transmission

Engine design
In-line four-cylinder
Number of cylinders
4
Cooling
liquid
Displacement
1,255 cc
Hole
79 mm
Hub
64 mm
Performance
98 hp
Torque
108 NM
Number of gears
6
Drive
Chain

Suspension & Brakes

Frame
Double loop
Suspension front
Telefork 43 mm
Travel:
130 mm
Strut rear
Central spring leg
Travel:
136 mm
Suspension rear
Two-arm swingarm
Brakes in front
Double disc
310 mm
Tyres at the front
Zr
Brakes rear
Disk
240
Rear tyres
Zr