Versatile and affordable

The Suzuki Bandit 650S is a European-style sports bike that is very popular in Quebec. Comfort, styling and versatility are the key ingredients of any motorcycle aiming for success in this category.

This mount is easy to approach.

Upon its introduction on the Canadian market, the Bandit 600 was the lone queen in the standard sports bike category. It was attractive, comfortable, easy to ride and priced to sell. A lot of Bandit 600s found takers thanks to their simple and affordable package. But the competition, which became more and more intense, forced Suzuki executives to revise their strategy. In 2005, a new and improved version was launched, much to the delight of all versatility fans.

Since coming to market, the Bandit has benefited from numerous enhancements in terms of styling and ergonomics. However, its powertrain remained unchanged throughout the years, even though it proved to be outdated. This oil- and air-cooled engine, derived from the old GSX-Rs from the nineties, was rapidly getting eclipsed by the more modern rivals.

This year, Suzuki improved the Bandit by introducing a new liquid-cooled engine specially designed to power a standard, stripped-down bike. Engineers and stylists have put in a lot of efforts to develop the cylinder head and engine block. The cam chain is located at the centre of the engine, which gives the latter a stand-out look.

Smooth but lively
The new engine of the Bandit 650 is an inline 4-cylinder with DOHC and a "dual-throttle" electronic fuel injection system. Exclusive to the 650S model, this motor is now mated to a catalytic converter that meets the stringent Euro-3 emission regulations. In addition, the manufacturer coated the cylinders with a proven antifriction product, which should result in longer-lasting internal parts.

For 2007, the Bandit gets an all-new engine.