Comfortable standard ergonomics, with a clearly sporty inclination
The riding position of the GSX1250FA remains identical to that of the older Bandit, with a height-adjustable seat. I quite like the FA’s riding position, as you lean slightly forward, just enough to be protected by the full fairing and efficient windscreen and its adjustable deflector. The position is still straight-up enough to allow you to get an overall view of your surroundings without having to cock your head up and strain your neck. What’s more, the foot pegs positioned directly under the seat allow riders to lift their hinds and dampen the worst bumps, as well as throw their weight around in corners – just for extra fun that is.

And thankfully for the tourers among us, the 1250 offers enough room to allow the pilot-in-command to wear a backpack, even when riding two-up.

Suzuki also announced a touring version of the 1250, the Bandit 1250SEA ABS Touring, with standard sidebags and Top case. (Photo: Suzuki)

Powerful and versatile
The engine pushes hard as early as 3000 rpm and claws up the rev range eagerly until it runs out of steam as it nears top revs, a small price to pay given the gobs of torque you get to play with lower in the torque band. If you are used to large sport bikes, you can actually fell the drop off in torque and power, as sportier engines are just getting into their stride at 7500 rpm. The GSX1250 engine clearly prefers the mid-rpm range, where it offers surprising throttle response, shooting past slowpokes at a light flick of the wrist - no downshifting necessary.

Despite impressive weight that you can feel at a standstill and very low speeds, the 1250 becomes agile as soon as you pass the 20 km/h mark. The engine tolerates a snail’s pace easily, allowing you to crawl along with the four-wheel boxes in rush hour without having to constantly de-clutch.

At high speeds, the 1250 is dead stable on straight stretches. On winding roads, its mass requires a certain level of dexterity to get it to lean into corners, a skill without which you’ll feel the bike’s inertia resisting the change in trajectory. Be that as it may, if you take the time to aim smoothly, consciously countersteering to lay it over, quick cornering becomes a dance and the GSX follows the trajectory you want precisely. It’s then up to you to push as much or as little as you want on exit, where the beefy torque launches you towards the next corner in a, shall we say, “very convincing” way.

Lots of bang for the buck
Like its predecessor, the GSX1250FA doesn’t have flaws worthy of the name. It’s great to look at in a classic sort of way, versatile, comfortable, powerful, easy to ride and affordable. With these qualities, the biggest GSX of the bunch can take you to the ends of the earth – and have you back home in time for work on Monday. What more can you ask for?

Plus
Versatile
Comfortable
Powerful

Less
Unwilling to climb past 7500 rpm, where things start to get exciting…