Suzuki is launching its latest Bandit bikes today. Since its arrival in 1995 the Bandit, a naked 599cc, air-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder, weighing in at 195kg, producing 78bhp, with a top speed of 125mph (201km/h) and giving 35mpg, became an instant hit.
It redefined the roadster market.
Derived from years of GS(X) development, it immediately proved to be a generally sound all-rounder. If not the most stylish nor the best performing 600 of the time, it was very attractively priced and proved undemanding and great fun to ride.
Over the years the Bandit had become dated and was criticised for being under powered and having crude suspension. Throughout its history it has been price competitive.
Given Suzuki's reputation for bullet-proof engines, it gained a loyal following and has been among Suzuki's best sellers.
"New" in the biking lexicon can cover a multitude - at times little more than slightly different graphics or paintwork. At first glance the new Bandits look as if they are stretching the vocabulary, but the new features for the 2005 models should even further widen their appeal.
Engine size has been increased to 656cc (bore 65.5mm, stroke 48.7mm). This increased capacity results in more power and more torque in the low and mid-range levels, coupled with a smoother power delivery, better throttle response and brisker acceleration. As yet no power output or torque figures have been released. Indeed many manufacturers are no longer providing this information.
Given the various improvements, it's unlikely that power output would not be 85bhp or more at 10,500rpm, equivalent to 423bhp per tonne, with torque of 43 ft.lbs. at 9,500rpm.
Improved fuel economy should give a range of around 205 miles from the 20-litre tank.
New cast aluminium-alloy pistons are fitted with a modified dome shape giving a compression ratio of 10.5:1. There are now electro-plated upper compression and oil-control rings, with a chrome-nitride coating to cut friction and improve cylinder sealing.
Keihin CVR 32mm carburettors and an electronic throttle position sensor allow the digital engine management control unit to match ignition timing to throttle opening thereby improving response.
There is a lighter 4-1 stainless steel exhaust system with catalytic converter, and a Suzuki Pulsed-Air (PAIR) system to reduce exhaust emissions. There is now an integrated, sculpted frame cover between the steering head and the tank, with a streamlined headlamp and instrument cover cluster.
The 650S version is fitted with a stylish half-fairing with stacked headlamps. Wind-tunnel tests have cut turbulence and enhanced efficiency.
Importantly for many riders, seat height can be adjusted by 20mm, from 770-790mm, and handlebars by 10mm. These seemingly small amounts can make a big difference. Dry weight is 201kg for the naked GSF650 and 204kg for the half-faired GSF650S.
The frame is a double-cradle, very rigid, steel tube and carries a rectangular cross-section swinging arm. Front forks are 41mm with 41mm stanchions and now have spring pre-load adjustment. The single rear shock absorber is connected to the swinging arm through a progressive link.
The Bandit has never claimed to be the cutting-edge, best-performing roadster of its class. What made it successful, is price, comfort, reasonable (by Irish standards) insurance cost and reputation for solid reliability. The new models, significantly but not radically changed, are faithful to the original concept.
How big a difference the changes make remains to be seen. We will be putting it through its paces before it is generally available in Ireland.
ABS is available on both models. However on the 650s, the half-faired model, will have ABS for the Irish market. The non-ABS models will be available in Ireland in March, with the ABS model coming in April.
Prices will be €8,250 for the GSF650, €8,450 for the GSF650S and €8,950 for the GSF650S-ABS.
TechSpec
ENGINE: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC, air-cooled with SACS. 656cc, 10.5:1 compression
CHASSIS: Double cradle (stainless steel); front suspension 41mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable spring pre-load; rear - swinging arm, progressive linkage, 4-way rebound damping and 7-way spring pre-load; brakes - front 290mm dual disk, twin piston callipers, rear - single 240mm disk, twin piston callipers
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 770-790mm; wheelbase 1,440mm; fuel 20 litres; dry weight 201kg (204kg for S version)
PRICE: 8,250 to €8,950