Category:
Naked sportbike / Muscle bike
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a powerful, versatile motorcycle for sport riding and touring
Key Competitors:
Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer, Kawasaki ZRX1200, Honda CB1300
Engine Characteristics:
Torquey, reliable inline-four with strong mid-range power
Handling:
Sport-oriented chassis, capable of spirited riding
Versatility:
Suitable for commuting, sport riding, and light touring
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on raw power, muscular styling, and rider feedback
Engine:
1157cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, DOHC, inline-four cylinder engine
Fuel System:
Mikuni CVKD36 carburetors (4)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Transmission:
6-speed constant mesh
Suspension Front:
Telescopic forks, coil spring, oil damped (adjustable preload and rebound damping)
Suspension Rear:
Swingarm, coil spring, oil damped (adjustable preload and rebound damping)
Brakes Front:
Dual hydraulic disc, 310mm
Brakes Rear:
Single hydraulic disc, 240mm
Wheels Tires Front:
120/70ZR17
Wheels Tires Rear:
180/55ZR17
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation
Frame:
Steel, double-cradle
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuild, bottom-end overhaul, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, timing chain replacement
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch service and replacement
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, linkage lubrication
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, hydraulic system bleeding, disc inspection
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for starting, charging, lighting, and ignition systems
Bodywork Repair:
Fairing removal and installation, panel repair and replacement
Fuel System Cleaning:
Carburetor cleaning, fuel filter replacement
Cooling System:
Not applicable (Air-cooled)
Exhaust System:
Removal, inspection, and installation
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, troubleshooting guides
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls (engine, gearbox)
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, clearly labeled wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
79.0 mm x 58.0 mm
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 118 hp @ 9,000 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
Approx. 97 Nm @ 7,000 rpm (claimed)
Carburetor Type:
4 x Mikuni CVKD36, constant velocity
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (4.2 US gal)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific ratings not directly applicable)
Braking System:
Powerful dual front discs and single rear disc, hydraulic actuation
Suspension Adjustability:
Adjustable front and rear suspension allows tuning for stability and control
Frame Design:
Rigid double-cradle frame for predictable handling
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or as needed
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, or SG, JASO MA
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.4 Liters (3.6 US qt) without filter change, 3.6 Liters (3.8 US qt) with filter change
Fork Oil Type:
Suzuki Fork Oil SS-02 (or equivalent 5W-10W)
Fork Oil Quantity:
465 ml (15.7 US fl oz) per fork leg
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled)
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80 API GL-4 (Gear oil)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.9 Liters (0.95 US qt)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, front fork seals, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets
Carburetor Cleaning:
Carburetors can become gummed up if the bike sits for extended periods, requiring cleaning and synchronization.
Charging System:
Occasional stator or rectifier issues can occur, though generally robust.
Brand Reputation:
Suzuki has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, particularly known for its GSX-R sportbikes and the robust Bandit series.
Bandit Series:
The GSF1200 Bandit line began in the mid-1990s, evolving from the successful GSX-R engine platform. The K2 model represents a refinement of this established formula for the 2002 model year.
Production Era:
The GSF1200 Bandit series was produced from the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, with the 1200cc engine being a staple for many years.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan