QUIKSPIN: Suzuki Bandit 1250 - Nude Tradition

Suzuki’s Bandit 1250 underwent a range of styling updates for 2010, giving the big-bore nakedbike a fresh new feel. 

With edgy revisions including redesigned bodywork and an adjustable seat, combined with a sleeker headlight, taillight and indicators, the classic styling of the Bandit has taken a step forward in time.

The Bandit 1250’s instrument cluster has also been updated, where the analogue tacho is complemented by a LCD digital speedometer, fuel gauge and clock. It also includes LCD indicators to identify neutral position, oil pressure, high beam, water temperature and gear position.

Those who have minimal experience on big-bore nakedbikes will be surprised at the handling – it outperforms expectations in many areas.

When cornering through sweepers you’ll enjoy the way it holds its line, and despite feeling rather weighty at a standstill, it’s a fairly light-handling package.

The braking package is consistently strong even without the ABS on our testbike, and I’d even go as far as to say that there’s more feel at the front lever compared to the ABS version that I tested last year.

While the ABS version weighs an extra three kilograms, there’s no real advantage handling-wise that you can feel on the non-ABS version. 

Wind won’t affect your ride too much even on this naked version of the Bandit 1250, however if you’re looking for more protection, then you could look toward the half-faired 1250S model. 

Perhaps the greatest thing about the Bandit 1250 is the broad range of power that’s on tap whenever you twist the throttle – pretty much in any gear and at any time you feel the need to get on the gas. 

You can rev it hard or chug along in a higher gear and the engine will pull accordingly, something that comes in handy when you’re in cruise mode. 

Suzuki’s Dual Valve Throttle (SDVT) fuel injection system means you’ll have great throttle response, all the way from around 3000rpm to 9500rpm as you work through the rev range. 

I hardly ever ride it in the high revs though, preferring to use the torquey part of the output from around 3500rpm to 6500rpm, clicking up a gear and taking advantage of its capacity. 

The engine revs low at cruising speed on the freeway, and vibration is almost non-existent due to the secondary balancer shaft in the motor. Despite its capacity, the muffler makes the bike very quiet. 

Adding to the package are ample tie-down points, a comfortable pillion seat and rubber footpegs, making it all the more versatile if you’re planning a trip away. 

The revised appearance deserves great applaud, giving it a fresh new lease on life while still retaining the styling that has made the Bandit 1250 what it is today.