Suzi GS1200SS

[rok-the-boat]

What is the Suzuki GS1200SS like to live with - might consider going for one? They seem to be bargains, like, 3-4 year old bikes for $6.5 - 7k. I doubt they are as good as the GSXR bikes but for the average joe, like me, it looks like a bandit with a body kit. Apart from the exhaust, I think they look pretty good, so, does anyone have one? Do they have any faults?

[Jantar]

You'll find lots of threads on here about the GS1200SS. I'd own one again in an instant. I just couldn't afford to keep my old one and buy a new VStrom as well.

Good handling and a bullet proof engine make a bloody good all round bike that's easy to ride and cheap to maintain. As you mention, they are effectively a Bandit with a body kit. The are a retro copy of Suzuki's 1986 GP bike based on the bandit frame and engine. They are slightly detuned to suit the Japanese domestic market, but the result is a bike that is very tractable at all revs, and a real fuel miser at normal cruising speeds.

[Lil_Byte]

Loved mine - other than the ugly exhaust.

It had enough power to get me in trouble if I wanted.

Ugly exhaust and limited to 180kph - easy to get removed but the speedo will never read more than 180kph.

Comfortable long distance bike, although I have heard some people complain than you cannot slide back on the seats due to the seat setup.

I would have had one again in an instant but had truble finding one after mine was written off

[avgas]

They were $10K (or cheaper) new, so the price is relative. I like em - but it was just too many steps backwards - twin shock, old motor, ugly exhaust, 80's GSX fairing, 80's seat...

[Jantar]

They were $10K (or cheaper) new, so the price is relative. I like em - but it was just too many steps backwards - twin shock, old motor, ugly exhaust, 80's GSX fairing, 80's seat...

New price was initially $13K, then dropped to $11k with after market exhaust or $10K standard.

Too many steps backward? Twin shock, yes, but effecticely two monoshocks with remote dampening adjustment. This makes for improved handling, but with a slight weight disadvantage. 80's GSX fairing? Try 1986 GP fairing. 80's seat? Have a closer look at most of the 2007 sports seats. The GS is similar in design, but more comfortable.

If you really look close, they are a Bandit with twin shocks, retro fairing and a lower seat.

[Deviant Esq]

Suzuki has completely revised the Bandit 1200 for 2007 - the new one is the GSF1250 Bandit. It's got a completely new, water cooled and fuel injected motor. Same peak horsepower as the old air cooled lump, 108bhp, but 18% more torque than the old bike. Also max torque is made at 3700rpm as opposed to 6500rpm on the outgoing machine. It's also now got a 6 speed 'box (finally). So, big changes (mainly to comply with emissions), but it's still cheap and looks similar to the old bike. They even made the new engine look similar to the old one. Makes an interesting proposition for people considering a new big bike!

Information source: UK Superbike mag, April 07 issue.

[Denniso]

Havent owned a 1200ss but do know a little bout them and the only faults I know of is that they are too comfortable , too reliable and worst of all too practical , shame realy they could have been a good bike.

[coltnz]

I've had my GS1200SS for over 4 years and have done 43K km and I think it's a great bike - simple and well-proven mechanicals - good for long trips (750km in a day) and good for trackdays. I do all my own servicing as I'm into the tech side of biking as well as riding. I've done a few mods which has made it quite a lot quicker at reasonable cost.
Try to get a ride on one to see if it suits your stature and riding style.
The looks of them are very subjective but a lot of people think they look good and aggressive.
The main difference of their engine compared to a bandit is the gearing. No-one seems to mention this. The GS runs 124kph at 4,000rpm - the bandit (I think) around 115kph. This makes the GS nice and easy on long touring. It also makes some people think they are a lot slower than a bandit 'cos if you give it a handfull at, say, 100kph, it's pulling lower revs than a bandit and therefore doesn't respond the same. If you rev it through the gears, there wouldn't be much difference vs the bandit.
So, yes I really enjoy mine. If you've got specific questions, I'll try to answer them.

[T.W.R]

What is the Suzuki GS1200SS like to live with - might consider going for one? They seem to be bargains, like, 3-4 year old bikes for $6.5 - 7k. I doubt they are as good as the GSXR bikes but for the average joe, like me, it looks like a bandit with a body kit. Apart from the exhaust, I think they look pretty good, so, does anyone have one? Do they have any faults?

Awesome base to work from

[nudemetalz]

Nice pics, Bill !!!!

Here's a link with parts so you can make your GS1200SS into a GS1000R (XR41) replica it was originally styled from.
http://www.katanakaji.com/products-gs1200ss.html

Now that is sexy !!!! (for us oldies who can remember Mr Crosby racing one)