Segment:
Standard/Naked Sportbike
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on the GSF1200 Bandit.
Competitors:
Yamaha XJR1200, Kawasaki ZRX1100, Honda CB1000 Super Four.
Vehicle Appeal:
Torquey inline-four engine, comfortable riding position for a sportbike, robust and reliable performance, versatile for touring and commuting.
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining peak performance, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs correctly, thus preserving the motorcycle's value and longevity.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Bodywork, Troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 400+
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete teardown, inspection, and reassembly of engine components including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, and timing system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni BDSR40) diagnosis, cleaning, synchronization, and adjustment; fuel tank, lines, and petcock maintenance.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing adjustment, and troubleshooting.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox inspection, lubrication, clutch operation and adjustment, drive chain maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator, lighting, indicators, fuses, relays, and instrument cluster troubleshooting.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork (telescopic, cartridge type) disassembly, service, and adjustment; rear shock absorber and linkage maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, brake pad replacement, fluid bleeding, and hydraulic system troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, hoses, thermostat, and fan operation checks and servicing.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, and oil passages maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank, and fender maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustments, brake inspections, and fluid flushes.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine rebuilds, carburetor overhauls, suspension component replacement, and brake system servicing.
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, carburetor synchronization, clutch and throttle cable adjustment, brake lever adjustment.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical fastener torque values for engine, chassis, and body components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures (e.g., valve spring compressor, timing tool).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting flowcharts for all major systems.
Specifications:
Extensive list of all technical specifications, measurements, and tolerances for engine, chassis, and electrical components.
Length:
2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Height:
1,095 mm (43.1 in)
Wheelbase:
1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Dry Weight:
214 kg (472 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 235 kg (518 lbs) (estimated with fluids)
Front Tire:
120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
Rear Tire:
170/60ZR17M/C (72W) tubeless
Front Brake:
Dual 310 mm discs, 3-piston calipers
Rear Brake:
Single 240 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Suspension:
Telescopic, oil-damped, 4-way adjustable spring preload
Rear Suspension:
Swingarm, oil-damped, 4-way adjustable spring preload, adjustable rebound damping
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Check:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Chain Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-40
Engine Oil Standard:
API SG or SH
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mixture)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, swingarm bushings, steering head bearings, and suspension seals can wear over time.
Carburetor Quirks:
Carburetors can require regular cleaning and synchronization due to their age and the nature of their design.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can sometimes lead to intermittent issues, especially in humid environments.
Oil Leaks:
Potential for minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or crankcase seals as the bike ages.
Founding:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, founded in 1909 in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a renowned manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, marine engines, and wheelchairs.
Bandit Lineage:
The Bandit series began in the late 1980s, evolving into larger displacement models like the 1200, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and value.
Model Introduction:
The GSF1200 Bandit was introduced to the market in 1996, building upon the success of the earlier 600cc model.
Manufacturing Location:
Typically manufactured in Japan.