Suzuki 1250FA questions

[nzspokes]

Kinda thinking about a 1250FA. Trying to work out why they are so much heavier than the Bandit 1250.

What kind of fuel range do you get out of them?

[Hitcher]

Kinda thinking about a 1250FA. Trying to work out why they are so much heavier than the Bandit 1250.

What kind of fuel range do you get out of them?

Define "so much heavier".

The only weight difference should be a couple of extra plastic panels covering the engine and other cosmetics. A couple of extra kg will make fuck all difference to what that engine can poke along.

[nzspokes]

Define "so much heavier".

The only weight difference should be a couple of extra plastic panels covering the engine and other cosmetics. A couple of extra kg will make fuck all difference to what that engine can poke along.

Specs say 25kg more. Has a bigger Radiator and plastics. Cant see 25kg in that.

[caseye]

I get 320 Indicated K's on a full tank, usually got about 2-3 litres left even then.Averaging 20 K's to the litre, even when motoring on a bit. Only known problem with these between 208-2014 I think is the rec/reg problem, which Suzuki NZ is fixing for free if you can be arsed getting your bike booked into a Suzuki dealers place to do it, on them.

[nzspokes]

I get 320 Indicated K's on a full tank, usually got about 2-3 litres left even then.Averaging 20 K's to the litre, even when motoring on a bit. Only known problem with these between 208-2014 I think is the rec/reg problem, which Suzuki NZ is fixing for free if you can be arsed getting your bike booked into a Suzuki dealers place to do it, on them.

Cheers. Decent range then. 2016 FAs are on sale at 13k. Few mods and they produce some power. But they do suffer from being porky.

Rec should be a 15min swap over.

[caspernz]

Cool bike overall. Was on my shopping list back in 2013. By the time all the mods are done, it made more sense to grab a Busa. You might not be far off the same logic by the time you do the maths...:innocent:

[nzspokes]

Cool bike overall. Was on my shopping list back in 2013. By the time all the mods are done, it made more sense to grab a Busa. You might not be far off the same logic by the time you do the maths...:innocent:

No they are to long for me, same with ZX14. Mind wants Gixxer and body wants cruiser. To be fair the normal 1250s sell cheap used but I like the dash on the FA.

[Gremlin]

Cheers. Decent range then. 2016 FAs are on sale at 13k. Few mods and they produce some power. But they do suffer from being porky.
Handling and ability are far more important. Plus when manufacturers try to lose weight they'll go as far as hollow bolts etc. Guess what, it's going to break more easily isn't it? I'd much rather have more weight and have it robust.

The GSA spec says 256kg fully fuelled, but I'm sure mine is heavier. Doesn't matter to me, it handles great, I can do what I want with it... just a bit heavy when picking the damn thing up :sweatdrop

[Hitcher]

Given that creative fiction is (inevitably) starting to emerge in this thread, I thought it may be timely to post this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/136304-Suzuki-GSX1250FA-5-000km-update?highlight=suzuki+1250

[nzspokes]

Given that creative fiction is (inevitably) starting to emerge in this thread, I thought it may be timely to post this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/136304-Suzuki-GSX1250FA-5-000km-update?highlight=suzuki+1250

Well given that its a bit odd that it only has 100hp stock and has a big steel frame it is not a bad bike. But struggling to justify the spend over our K4 1200 which has the same power and is 40ish kg lighter.

Can get a decent BKing for the same money.

[Ulsterkiwi]

I am a wee bit biased but every time I contemplate changing the bike I look at what I have in my TNAB and think...why would I?

I am not small so while the bike isn't a lightweight I do not find it difficult to manage at all. I keep it in a shed and have to pull it out over a ramp rather than ride out of a garage. Its not a problem.

Mileage is good, easily get 350kms out of it. I keep pushing the patience of the fuel gauge which starts flashing at a ridiculously early point. The most I have ever had to put in is 17l, this in a 19l tank. Easy 20kms per litre.

I think the weight is a combination of a bigger radiator, a second fan for said radiator, the fairing and supposedly heavier duty suspension. The fairing creates more downdraft than a naked so needs sturdier bits (not my story, tis the official line). There is also a substantial ABS unit, not sure how much that means weightwise.

For sure its "only" 100hp stock. A slip on and some tweaking with the secondary butterflies and the breather and you can release a few more. Even without that the 0-100 is supposed to be sub 4 seconds. Where in the real world do you actually need more? Its torquey, (search youtube for stump puller, the guy moves away in 4th gear).

Admittedly the suspension is the main weakness. Spend some $$ on upgrading that and you still have spent WAAAAAY less than the competition stock standard. Its comfy and you cant kill the engine. Not perfect or even remotely close to superlative but its a lot for the $$

[nzspokes]

I think the weight is a combination of a bigger radiator, a second fan for said radiator, the fairing and supposedly heavier duty suspension. The fairing creates more downdraft than a naked so needs sturdier bits (not my story, tis the official line). There is also a substantial ABS unit, not sure how much that means weightwise.



ABS is standard on the normal 1250. Forks being "stronger" will just be a one rate up in spring and extra shim or two on the stack.

I just struggle to see paying that much for a 1250 with a 100hp. The motor is restricted. They seem easy to find 120hp out of but why buy a new bike then have to tune it?

[Ulsterkiwi]

ABS is standard on the normal 1250. Forks being "stronger" will just be a one rate up in spring and extra shim or two on the stack.

I just struggle to see paying that much for a 1250 with a 100hp. The motor is restricted. They seem easy to find 120hp out of but why buy a new bike then have to tune it?

Hmm, the story seemed a bit thin to me. I have had different springs put in anyway.

Yep, when there are 180hp demons out there you could be justified in feeling short changed. On the other side of the coin you could be looking at a 260+kg Harley with a 1200+ motor giving you 50 or 60 HP.

Some would see the ability to tweak and get a 20% improvement as a plus?

Then again I have a declared conflict of interest, I really like the bike, or at least my example of it.

Genuine question and not just directed at you, if a bike has the torque found in the GSX1250FA, has a top speed of 260ish kph and can do 0-100 in sub 4 seconds, what is the advantage of more HP?

[mulletman]

Can get a decent BKing for the same money.

Now ya talking ! Should get 250kms before light comes on i reckon , its got a radial m/c and calipers so it pulls up reasonably well and has a better starting point suspension wise too . I managed 235kph indicated in 3rd so it go's ok :)

[nzspokes]

Hmm, the story seemed a bit thin to me. I have had different springs put in anyway.

Yep, when there are 180hp demons out there you could be justified in feeling short changed. On the other side of the coin you could be looking at a 260+kg Harley with a 1200+ motor giving you 50 or 60 HP.

Some would see the ability to tweak and get a 20% improvement as a plus?

Then again I have a declared conflict of interest, I really like the bike, or at least my example of it.

Genuine question and not just directed at you, if a bike has the torque found in the GSX1250FA, has a top speed of 260ish kph and can do 0-100 in sub 4 seconds, what is the advantage of more HP?
Because I may need to overtake a Gixxer 1k.

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[Ulsterkiwi]

yep, that would be a reason.
Sounds like you are actually building a case for a gixxer 1k not the TNAB :msn-wink:

[nzspokes]

yep, that would be a reason.
Sounds like you are actually building a case for a gixxer 1k not the TNAB :msn-wink:
Nah want something comfortable. Read somewhere that a Bking will idle in 6th at 30kph. Had been thinking Tuono but they worry me about reliability.

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[TheDemonLord]

Nah want something comfortable. Read somewhere that a Bking will idle in 6th at 30kph. Had been thinking Tuono but they worry me about reliability.

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Get the Gixxer - stick a Comfort bar set on.

I myself put one on the 'Busa - and it is now just as comfy as the 1250

[nzspokes]

Get the Gixxer - stick a Comfort bar set on.

I myself put one on the 'Busa - and it is now just as comfy as the 1250

It would need to be a huge rise to match the BKing.

[Banditbandit]

Well given that its a bit odd that it only has 100hp stock and has a big steel frame it is not a bad bike. But struggling to justify the spend over our K4 1200 which has the same power and is 40ish kg lighter.

Can get a decent BKing for the same money.


ABS is standard on the normal 1250. Forks being "stronger" will just be a one rate up in spring and extra shim or two on the stack.

I just struggle to see paying that much for a 1250 with a 100hp. The motor is restricted. They seem easy to find 120hp out of but why buy a new bike then have to tune it?

The bandit is around 120 horses ... where did you get the 100hp from? I know the GS1200SS is only 100 .. but they are early 2000s bikes ..

[nzspokes]

The bandit is around 120 horses ... where did you get the 100hp from? I know the GS1200SS is only 100 .. but they are early 2000s bikes ..
Suzuki specs say 97hp for the 1250

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[Big Dog]

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsx1250_fa%2010.htm says 96.5hp... not sure many would notice 5hp difference let alone .5.

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[nzspokes]

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsx1250_fa%2010.htm says 96.5hp... not sure many would notice 5hp difference let alone .5.

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I would.:msn-wink:

[Hitcher]

Can get a decent BKing for the same money.

Not a good comparison for several reasons. B-Kings are hopelessly set-up for touring and pillions. They're also designed for quite short riders -- taller folk will have their knees splayed like a [rude analogy deleted]. At least a Hyabusa can be modified for touring, pillion and rider comfort. The B-King's short lived life (particularly for a Suzuki) is testament enough to its many limitations.

[nzspokes]

Not a good comparison for several reasons. B-Kings are hopelessly set-up for touring and pillions. They're also designed for quite short riders -- taller folk will have their knees splayed like a [rude analogy deleted]. At least a Hyabusa can be modified for touring, pillion and rider comfort. The B-King's short lived life (particularly for a Suzuki) is testament enough to its many limitations.

Im short and fits me fine. My lady rides her own bike. Luggage is easy to make.

been reading on the FA and another 20hp plus a ton of torque is an easy ask and about $300usd.

[Ulsterkiwi]

been reading on the FA and another 20hp plus a ton of torque is an easy ask and about $300usd.

Holeshot? If so, have heard very good things about them/him

[nzspokes]

Holeshot? If so, have heard very good things about them/him

Yerp, A wee box and the mods to go with it. Have bought off him before.

[AllanB]

Holeshot can get silly power from them. Got a recent article on their 1250 somewhere.

Tuono - don't worry about reliability, been proven to go the distance.

Chalk and cheese bikes there NZS - a bread and butter jobbie compared to a prime steak with side salad.


Really depends what you are buying it for. I have the luck of only needing to purchase for myself when looking at bikes. So any short-comings are something I have decided to live with taking all the greatness over any weaknesses.


The ideal bike? I keep thinking of that Simpsons show when Homer got to design the ultimate car - it had it all, but was a absolute sales flop!

[Banditbandit]

Suzuki specs say 97hp for the 1250

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http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsx1250_fa%2010.htm says 96.5hp... not sure many would notice 5hp difference let alone .5.

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Thanks .. (+10 chars ...)

[nzspokes]

Holeshot can get silly power from them. Got a recent article on their 1250 somewhere.

Tuono - don't worry about reliability, been proven to go the distance.

Chalk and cheese bikes there NZS - a bread and butter jobbie compared to a prime steak with side salad.


Really depends what you are buying it for. I have the luck of only needing to purchase for myself when looking at bikes. So any short-comings are something I have decided to live with taking all the greatness over any weaknesses.


The ideal bike? I keep thinking of that Simpsons show when Homer got to design the ultimate car - it had it all, but was a absolute sales flop!
Dale at Holeshot gets 148ish hp with pistons cams etc. His base kit is 120ish.

Our I can get 170ish on a BKing .

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[Mike.Gayner]

I would take a B-King over a bandit any day. Tons more power, tons more character, amazing engine.

[nzspokes]

I would take a B-King over a bandit any day. Tons more power, tons more character, amazing engine.

It would seem fairly easy to get them over 200hp if the forums are correct. Big bike to try and stop though.

[Madness]

It's a Bandit, don't worry about HP.

[nzspokes]

Huh, turns out I have the correct weight springs kicking about for the B King. They are very softly sprung stock.

[nzspokes]

Here is a 1250 that sounds ok with some revs on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8Gy5JPLaVw