Market Position:
The Suzuki Bandit GSF1200 was positioned as a powerful and versatile naked sportbike, offering a blend of muscular performance and everyday usability. It competed in the large-displacement naked bike segment.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other large-displacement naked bikes and sport-touring motorcycles such as the Yamaha XJR1300, Kawasaki ZRX1200R, and Honda CB1300.
Key Features:
Torquey inline-four engine, comfortable ergonomics for a sportbike, street-focused performance, robust chassis, and widely available parts.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Periodic Maintenance, Engine, Fuel and Lubrication System, Chassis, Electrical System, Servicing Information
Page Count:
Not Specified (PDF manual, page count can vary with zoom/display settings)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanicals, Carburetion, Ignition system, Charging system, Starting system, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension (front and rear), Brakes (front and rear), Wheels and Tires, Frame, Bodywork, Fuel tank, Cooling system (oil cooler), Electrical wiring diagrams, Lighting, Controls
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, Valve clearance adjustment, Engine disassembly and reassembly, Clutch inspection and replacement, Transmission overhaul, Fork service, Shock absorber service, Brake system overhaul, Electrical troubleshooting, Wiring harness repair, General component inspection and replacement
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhaul procedures, including torque specifications, fluid capacities, and detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams.
Parts Identification:
Diagrams and illustrations for most components aiding in identification and replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Includes troubleshooting steps for common mechanical and electrical issues.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all major components.
Fluid Capacities:
Precise capacities for engine oil, brake fluid, and fork oil.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction, suitable for printing with clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF, no physical binding)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Zoom Functionality:
Yes (Zoom In/Out capability)
Primary Engine:
1157cc, Air/Oil Cooled, DOHC, Inline 4-Cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 98 HP @ 8,500 RPM (at crankshaft, may vary by market)
Torque:
Approx. 95 Nm @ 6,500 RPM (at crankshaft, may vary by market)
Fuel System:
4x Mikuni BST40 Carburetors
Ignition:
Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Lubrication System:
Wet Sump with Oil Cooler
Cooling System:
Air/Oil Cooled
Bore X Stroke:
79.0 mm x 58.0 mm (3.11 in x 2.28 in)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2,165 mm (85.2 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 790 mm (31.1 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1,075 mm (42.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 135 mm (5.3 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 835 mm (32.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 237 kg (522.5 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gal)
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycles are not typically rated by crash test agencies in the same way as cars. Safety relies on rider skill and adhering to maintenance schedules.
Active Features:
Responsive Braking System (Dual Front Discs, Single Rear Disc), Balanced Chassis Design
Passive Features:
Sturdy Frame Construction, Rider Aids (provided by chassis geometry and rider input)
Infotainment System:
N/A (Basic motorcycle instrumentation: Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Trip Meter, Fuel Gauge, Neutral Indicator, Turn Signal Indicators, High Beam Indicator)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Relies on rider skill and mechanical systems)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Chain Clean Lube Interval:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or as per inspection
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or SH, JASO MA compliant motorcycle oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.2 L (3.4 US qt) without filter change; 3.5 L (3.7 US qt) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Not Applicable (Oil-cooled engine)
Fork Oil Type:
Suzuki Fork Oil SS-02 or equivalent (e.g., 10W)
Fork Oil Level:
171 mm (6.7 in) from top of fork tube with spring removed and fork compressed
Known Issues:
Carburetor synchronization drift, potential cam chain noise if not properly maintained, clutch wear under heavy use, occasional electrical connector issues.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Carburetor cleaning and synchronization, checking and adjusting idle speed, valve clearance adjustments, chain maintenance, brake pad replacement.
Brand Heritage:
Suzuki has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its powerful engines and innovative designs across various categories, including sportbikes, cruisers, and off-road machines.
Model Evolution:
The Bandit series began in the early 1990s. The GSF1200, introduced in 1995, evolved from the earlier 1100cc models, utilizing the oil-cooled GSX-R engine. The 2003 model represents the second generation (GV73C), which saw styling updates and chassis refinements compared to the original.
Production Years:
GSF1200: 1995-2006 (with generational updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Primary)
