Suzuki has moved closer to offering a contemporary Sport Touring bike with the new-for-2010 GSX1250SEA, a new model based on the much-loved Bandit 1250 chassis and drivetrain from past years. The new machine features all-new bodywork, removable hard side and top case luggage, and a touring windscreen.

Removing the luggage and replacing the snap-on touring windscreen with a smaller one makes it easy to turn the SEA into a sportier bike in a matter of minutes.

Suzuki also sells a less equipped version, without the bags and larger windscreen, the GSX1250FA, for $1500 less than the full dressed SEA. Buyers can then buy the extra equipment they need, when they need it.

The fully dressed SEA model provides you with all you need for sporty touring - at an attractive price.

Both models come with ABS as standard equipment, and use the chassis and smooth 1255cc fuel injected engine from the Bandit, so power and torque should not be a problem.

MSRP for the basic GSX1250FA $11,799, while the fully dressed GSX1250SEA will come in at $13,299.

This has all the looks of a solid, satisfying bike to ride, with an attractive price for a relatively basic machine. But they are not alone out there, as the big Sport Touring bike segment is a hot landing zone these days - think BMW K1300GT, BMW R1200RT, Kawasaki Concours 14, Yamaha FJR1300, and Honda ST1300.

It will be interesting to see how a no-frill, cheaper machines fares against that better equipped and somewhat higher-priced competition.



Photo Credit : Suzuki