🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

GSF1200 Bandit

Model Code Gsf600:

GSF600 S/N

Model Code Gsf1200:

GSF1200 S/N

Generation Name:

First Generation Bandit

Generation Years:

1995-2005 (with variations for specific models)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Naked Sportbike / Sport Touring

Target Audience:

Suzuki GSF600 Bandit and GSF1200 Bandit owners, mechanics, enthusiasts.

Competitors Gsf600:

Honda CB600F Hornet, Yamaha FZ600, Kawasaki ZR-7.

Competitors Gsf1200:

Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer, Kawasaki GTR1000, Honda CB1000R (later models).

Gsf600 Engine Type:

Air-cooled, DOHC, inline-four cylinder.

Gsf1200 Engine Type:

Oil-cooled, DOHC, inline-four cylinder (derived from GSX-R1100).

Gsf600 Power Output:

Approx. 78 hp (58 kW) at 9,500 rpm (may vary by region).

Gsf1200 Power Output:

Approx. 98 hp (73 kW) at 8,000 rpm (may vary by region).

Gsf600 Torque:

Approx. 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm (may vary by region).

Gsf1200 Torque:

Approx. 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm (may vary by region).

Gsf Series Philosophy:

Versatile performance, accessible power, robust construction, and reasonable pricing.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Models Covered:

Suzuki GSF600 Bandit (all variants), Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (all variants)

Estimated Pages:

~800-1000+

Type:

Master Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems (Mikuni BS32/BS34), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance and cleaning.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, electronic ignition unit (CDI), wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation, shift mechanism, transmission oil specifications.

Drivetrain:

Chain and sprockets maintenance, rear wheel hub, final drive.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), caliper maintenance, master cylinders, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front telescopic forks (including oil change and seal replacement), rear monoshock absorber, linkage maintenance.

Electrical System:

Battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, wiring harnesses.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm maintenance.

Bodywork And Fairings:

Removal and installation of body panels, seats, fuel tank, handlebars.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks, chain lubrication and adjustment, brake pad checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common running issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Engine Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetor synchronization, jetting adjustments, idle speed setting.

Suspension Overhaul:

Front fork seal replacement, rear shock absorber service, linkage bearing maintenance.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of ignition system components, charging system troubleshooting, wiring continuity checks.

Brake System Service:

Brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, brake line bleeding.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic checks to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Searchable:

Yes (text-based PDF)

Printable:

Yes

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Download Speed:

Instant High Speed Download

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gsf600 Engine Displacement:

599 cc (36.6 cu.in.)

Gsf1200 Engine Displacement:

1157 cc (70.6 cu.in.)

Gsf600 Bore X Stroke:

72.0 mm x 73.4 mm (2.83 in x 2.89 in)

Gsf1200 Bore X Stroke:

79.0 mm x 58.0 mm (3.11 in x 2.28 in)

Gsf600 Compression Ratio:

10.4:1

Gsf1200 Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Gsf600 Top Speed:

Approx. 200 km/h (125 mph) (varies by conditions).

Gsf1200 Top Speed:

Approx. 230 km/h (143 mph) (varies by conditions).

Gsf600 Carburetors:

4 x Mikuni BS34, Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors.

Gsf1200 Carburetors:

4 x Mikuni BST1200 Bandits, Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors.

Fuel Tank Capacity Gsf600:

19 Liters (5.0 US gal)

Fuel Tank Capacity Gsf1200:

20 Liters (5.3 US gal)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher (RON+MON)/2.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed constant mesh

Transmission Options:

N/A (Standard 6-speed gearbox)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Final Drive:

O-ring sealed chain

Transmission Oil Capacity:

~2.0 - 2.5 Liters (Varies by model, check manual for exact capacity)

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-1 or GL-4, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle gear oil (Verify with manual).

📐 Dimensions

Gsf600 Length:

Approx. 2,140 mm (84.3 in)

Gsf1200 Length:

Approx. 2,170 mm (85.4 in)

Gsf600 Width:

Approx. 745 mm (29.3 in)

Gsf1200 Width:

Approx. 770 mm (30.3 in)

Gsf600 Height:

Approx. 1,065 mm (41.9 in)

Gsf1200 Height:

Approx. 1,065 mm (41.9 in)

Gsf600 Dry Weight:

Approx. 193 kg (425 lbs)

Gsf1200 Dry Weight:

Approx. 214 kg (472 lbs)

Gsf600 Wet Weight:

Approx. 213 kg (470 lbs)

Gsf1200 Wet Weight:

Approx. 235 kg (518 lbs)

Wheelbase Gsf600:

Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)

Wheelbase Gsf1200:

Approx. 1,470 mm (57.9 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings were not standardized or widely published for this era).

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.

Brake Disc Size Front Gsf600:

290 mm (11.4 in)

Brake Disc Size Front Gsf1200:

310 mm (12.2 in)

Brake Disc Size Rear:

240 mm (9.4 in)

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, taillight, and turn signals.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (No integrated infotainment system, features analog instrumentation).

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic rider aids or driver assistance systems).

Connectivity Options:

N/A (No connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months.

Oil Filter Change Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or with every oil change.

Air Filter Inspection Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles), clean or replace as needed.

Spark Plug Inspection Interval:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

Valve Clearance Check Interval:

Every 18,000 km (11,000 miles).

Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:

Every 1,000 km (600 miles) and after washing/rain.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil (verify viscosity for climate).

Engine Oil Capacity Gsf600:

3.4 Liters (3.6 US qt) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity Gsf1200:

3.7 Liters (3.9 US qt) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50% mixture with distilled water (for GSF1200 oil cooling system auxiliary, if applicable, otherwise not used).

Cam Chain Tensioner Wear:

Can develop rattle on startup or at idle; often requires replacement.

Carburetor Synchronization:

May drift over time, leading to rough idling or uneven throttle response.

Stator Failure:

Common on many bikes of this era, leading to charging issues.

Fork Seal Leaks:

Wear and tear can lead to oil leaks from front fork seals.

Rear Shock Degradation:

Original rear shocks may lose damping effectiveness over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Suzuki Motorcycle Division:

Suzuki has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable, performance-oriented motorcycles across various segments.

Gsf Bandit Origin:

The Bandit series was conceived to offer a balance of sportbike performance with everyday usability and comfort, often utilizing detuned or adapted engines from existing sportbikes.

Gsf600 Engine Source:

The GSF600 utilized an engine derived from the GSX-R600, but retuned for broader power delivery.

Gsf1200 Engine Source:

The GSF1200 shared its core engine architecture with the legendary GSX-R1100, renowned for its torque and power.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Japan

Initial Release Year Gsf600:

1995

Initial Release Year Gsf1200:

1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognition:

The Suzuki Bandit series was widely praised for its value, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice in the naked and sport-touring segments. Specific awards are not typically documented in the same way as automotive vehicles.