I picked up a 2011 GSX1250 FA last week. My first big bike. Rode 120miles home from the dealer and was so impressed and giddy at how the bike feels and performs. The centre stand was an non-negotiable for me, purely for chain maintenance. Wasn't so much an issue when I had my Triumph Bonneville, cos that we so easy to push around. But the Suzuki is so big and heavy I really didn't want to struggle with that. I am planning a lot of day rides and longer trips around the UK as soon as the wetter weather eases up. It's gonna be so much fun.
@@plaxsax I have the GSX 1250SA 2012, and I'm still considering to change it to gsx s1000gt, I have even booked one. And still have some uncertainty and anxiety...do it or do not. I afraid to loose something unique... of course it's always possibility to have both but it's a little bit not economical ...help :-)
Yep tough choice. The 1250s are great bikes and I had spent a lot of time getting mine just how I liked it but it was getting a bit old at 2011. I would happily have stayed with the 1250 if the GT wasn’t available. I love the quick shifter and the cruise control in the GT especially on long trips. It’s a good looking bike as well. The changes I’ve made with the seat and bars and bar risers make it more comfortable. I’m happy but it’s your choice. Both great bikes. Hope this helps. Cheers.
I picked up my new GSX S1000 GT 2 months ago after trading my 1250 FA which I had from new in 2012. I put 100,000 completely trouble free kilometres on the FA. Whilst I'm loving the GT, I just can't get the same range from the tank. It seems to be about 50 klms less. I thought it would be at least the same. I do really love the new bike but I miss the FA. Such a solid effortless cruiser. Great review, thankyou.
Well u cant have an actual gsxr engine downgraded a bit and expect the milage of a bandit. Gt:150hp/1000cc-bandit 1250:100hp/1250cc. Love both of them,though am not gonna have the experience of riding a Gt,the bandit is an all time classic value for money bike and sure hope to get my hands on one someday as an actual owner.
A great difference is the 1250FA has an incredible torque curve that starts at 3.8k revs and remains constant. It’s a truly great engine and bordering on a classic. The new model is a-fine machine, but more revving machine max Torque at 6.8 k revs….yes the FA is a bit Lardy so watch it when stationary on road surfaces , but I am still in love with it after 8 years… and just returned from trip round Spain… it’s truly timeless
Just waiting to pick mine up in the spring. Its sitting in showroom for the winter. Pretty excited, I also got panniers for mine. I'm upgrading from a gsxs650f which I also found to be a great bike. Great video.
I have a 2012fa which I bought new & would not part with it…it does all I require & looks great. I contemplated the GT but as my Wife rides pillion on our trips & a top box is not an option, this alone made the decision for me. The panniers alone, even with a tank bag do not provide enough storage…and the GT is supposed to be a sports tourer. The app connection would be enough to put me off too. Cheers for the review, really interesting & reinforces my desire to keep my fa 😁 Andy
The FA is a bit more comfortable and a bit bigger too. I sat on the GT and for a 6ft 1 tall rider is just to small, otherwise a great bike. Thanks for this comparison. Enjoyed. Drop by to check my content, you may like it. Cheers.
I will say that I concur as far as ergos go. I noticed it when I sat on a GT, it was the first thing that popped up for me. That said, I didn't get to ride it, so I can't say if that would be a factor. But for me, as a larger person, it was noticeable. I'd still love to have a go on a GT though to get a feel for it.
What about that peg position? As a three-time GSF1200 owner, (plus one 1250Fa), I found the GT pegs (in the showroom at least) to be pretty cramped. Thoughts?
Sir, you talked about alot of minor things but i expected you to describe the differences in driving both bikes. I own a 1250S bandit and thinking of buying the GT. Bandit has huge torgue at 3500 and GT the same torgue at 9000 rpm. Is the torgue of GT enough at low rpms or do you have to rev it alot to feel like the bandit? Did you feel like the GT is not strong unless you rev it high? For sure handling is much better on the GT. Please tell me something about the feeling with the GT. I love my bandit and I want to buy something that feels like the bandit and even better.
When I did this video I had not ridden the GT much. I have now done a reasonable amount on it. After reshaping the seat and putting on bar risers and changing the bars (see my other videos) it now feels very similar to the FA but with all the modern features (quick shifter, cruise control, big TFT screen etc) it has plenty of torque at lower revs plus heaps of bhp if you want to give it a squirt at higher revs. I loved my FA but it was getting on in age (like me 😅). After the ergonomic changes mentioned above I love the GT.
I have the little brother gsx650f and a gsxs100gt+. Gsx650f feels a bit heavier as centre of gravity is higher and the steel frame but a much more comfy bike for just jumping on and going any kind of run. Its just a well comfy bike. Im dialing in the suspension to my taste on the gt at present and Ive ordered voigt bar risers to hopefully mimic the front ergonomics of the gsxf and give my arms a bit of respite after an hours drive.( left elbow injury) . Hope i can love the gt as much as the old gsxf that i am only selling to a friend who is going through his bike test , because its just two types of similar style bike that i am going to keep investing in the gt for heated grips and a few other things maybey a scottoiler. Oh an abba bike stand is next on the list for home maintenance/ cleaning as the paddock stand is a fiddle as side stand lean in severe
I just got the GSF650Sa. A cool machine. I got as my second bike, but there is a whole story behind it. Will upload a video soon. Drop by to check my content, you may like it. Cheers. :)
Hello! Very glad I happened to see this channel. First off, congrats on the new GT. I bought my 1250FA brand new in 2011 and have absolutely enjoyed this bike ever since. Over the nearly 14 years and 70,000+ miles of service, this machine has been flawless. Of course, I have made a lot of changes over the years. I have (and when I say "I have" I really mean I have had it done!) had the brakes completely redone with new rotors, pads, master, levers and braided steel lines, I had the front forks rebuilt with better springs etc., I had a custom-built shock installed and set up for my specifications, a Yoshi R-77 can with a fueler, and a gearing change. Other than the exhaust, the engine has been left alone as I never felt the need to do anything more to it. This bike has been and still is a good friend and a proper road missile, but she is getting a bit long in the tooth. So it was great to discover this video and get your take as an actual rider who has made the switch. Cheers!
I can't believe it took Suzuki this long to make the "right" version of this bike. They could've just used the GSXR1000 engine in the 1250 model and got more HP and better fuel mileage. Unfortunately they dropped the ball with the FA and now they are dirt cheap used.
I put on Michelin Road 6's and changed the rear tire to a 55 and the bike handles the twists so much better!! You should have bought the GT+ that comes with the panniers... a lot cheaper than buying them after. My next change will be the chain and sprockets to increase the torque and flash the ECU to remove all restrictions... that will increase the HP to the wheel and get closer to the claimed 150HP.
Using the GT+ wasn’t an option. In fact finding a dealer that had one at all was difficult. Will look at different tyres once I’ve worn the old ones out. Thanks for watching!
The "bandit" name was dropped by Suzuki for the FA in most countries. Also the FA changed to liquid cooling and fuel injection so a fair bit different from the real "bandit"
You are correct, they are basically the same exact bike minus the fairing and the instruments. I used to have a 2011 GSX1250 FA and now I have a 2008 1250 Bandit. I have two things to say about the two: The FA had less vibration through the handlebars, although the ‘08 isn’t bad. And now that its getting warm outside I’m noticing a lot of engine heat on my lower legs. ( I just bought the bike October 2022 with only 11,000 miles) I never noticed that on the FA, maybe because it had a full fairing. The FA also had a gear indicator, which was a nice perk. Oh, and the 2007 Bandit was when it changed to liquid cooling. I don’t know why this presenter said the FA changed to liquid cooling. In the U.S. the new 1250 Bandit came out in 2007, and the FA in 2011. (Only available that year in the U.S.)
I picked up a 2011 GSX1250 FA last week. My first big bike. Rode 120miles home from the dealer and was so impressed and giddy at how the bike feels and performs. The centre stand was an non-negotiable for me, purely for chain maintenance. Wasn't so much an issue when I had my Triumph Bonneville, cos that we so easy to push around. But the Suzuki is so big and heavy I really didn't want to struggle with that. I am planning a lot of day rides and longer trips around the UK as soon as the wetter weather eases up. It's gonna be so much fun.
Yep. Great bikes. I loved mine. Have fun! 👍🏼
@@plaxsax I have the GSX 1250SA 2012, and I'm still considering to change it to gsx s1000gt, I have even booked one. And still have some uncertainty and anxiety...do it or do not. I afraid to loose something unique... of course it's always possibility to have both but it's a little bit not economical ...help :-)
Yep tough choice. The 1250s are great bikes and I had spent a lot of time getting mine just how I liked it but it was getting a bit old at 2011. I would happily have stayed with the 1250 if the GT wasn’t available. I love the quick shifter and the cruise control in the GT especially on long trips. It’s a good looking bike as well. The changes I’ve made with the seat and bars and bar risers make it more comfortable. I’m happy but it’s your choice. Both great bikes. Hope this helps. Cheers.
I picked up my new GSX S1000 GT 2 months ago after trading my 1250 FA which I had from new in 2012. I put 100,000 completely trouble free kilometres on the FA. Whilst I'm loving the GT, I just can't get the same range from the tank. It seems to be about 50 klms less. I thought it would be at least the same. I do really love the new bike but I miss the FA. Such a solid effortless cruiser. Great review, thankyou.
Well u cant have an actual gsxr engine downgraded a bit and expect the milage of a bandit.
Gt:150hp/1000cc-bandit 1250:100hp/1250cc.
Love both of them,though am not gonna have the experience of riding a Gt,the bandit is an all time classic value for money bike and sure hope to get my hands on one someday as an actual owner.
@@ΔημήτρηςΗλιάδης-ε6γ truth 150 hp vs 100
A great difference is the 1250FA has an incredible torque curve that starts at 3.8k revs and remains constant. It’s a truly great engine and bordering on a classic. The new model is a-fine machine, but more revving machine max Torque at 6.8 k revs….yes the FA is a bit Lardy so watch it when stationary on road surfaces , but I am still in love with it after 8 years… and just returned from trip round Spain… it’s truly timeless
A great bike indeed. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Just waiting to pick mine up in the spring. Its sitting in showroom for the winter. Pretty excited, I also got panniers for mine. I'm upgrading from a gsxs650f which I also found to be a great bike. Great video.
Yep, love my in-line 4 Suzukis. I’ve got 4 now but trying to sell my GSX-1250FA. Cheers.
I have a 2012fa which I bought new & would not part with it…it does all I require & looks great.
I contemplated the GT but as my Wife rides pillion on our trips & a top box is not an option, this alone made the decision for me.
The panniers alone, even with a tank bag do not provide enough storage…and the GT is supposed to be a sports tourer.
The app connection would be enough to put me off too.
Cheers for the review, really interesting & reinforces my desire to keep my fa 😁
Andy
The FA is a great bike. I loved mine. 👍🏼
Perfect video for me this as I currently own the gsx1250 and looking to potentially upgrade to the 1000gt at some point!
Very happy with the GT especially after some of the mods I did to the seat and bars shown in my other videos. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
The FA is a bit more comfortable and a bit bigger too. I sat on the GT and for a 6ft 1 tall rider is just to small, otherwise a great bike. Thanks for this comparison. Enjoyed. Drop by to check my content, you may like it. Cheers.
Will do. Cheers! 👍🏼
@@plaxsax Thanks a lot bro.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace HA! There you are! We briefly interacted on the LCR channel, and I lost it. Glad I saw this. I will see you over there. Cheers!
@@Raptorace225 Cool. It is always nice to read such things. :) Great. Thanks a lot bro.
I will say that I concur as far as ergos go. I noticed it when I sat on a GT, it was the first thing that popped up for me. That said, I didn't get to ride it, so I can't say if that would be a factor. But for me, as a larger person, it was noticeable. I'd still love to have a go on a GT though to get a feel for it.
I had a gt and my pillion just was not comfortable, I also struggled after 2 hrs
I'm now looking at a FA for a mile munching machine
What about that peg position? As a three-time GSF1200 owner, (plus one 1250Fa), I found the GT pegs (in the showroom at least) to be pretty cramped. Thoughts?
Can’t say I noticed a huge difference to be honest.
Sir, you talked about alot of minor things but i expected you to describe the differences in driving both bikes. I own a 1250S bandit and thinking of buying the GT. Bandit has huge torgue at 3500 and GT the same torgue at 9000 rpm. Is the torgue of GT enough at low rpms or do you have to rev it alot to feel like the bandit? Did you feel like the GT is not strong unless you rev it high? For sure handling is much better on the GT. Please tell me something about the feeling with the GT. I love my bandit and I want to buy something that feels like the bandit and even better.
When I did this video I had not ridden the GT much. I have now done a reasonable amount on it. After reshaping the seat and putting on bar risers and changing the bars (see my other videos) it now feels very similar to the FA but with all the modern features (quick shifter, cruise control, big TFT screen etc) it has plenty of torque at lower revs plus heaps of bhp if you want to give it a squirt at higher revs. I loved my FA but it was getting on in age (like me 😅). After the ergonomic changes mentioned above I love the GT.
@@plaxsax Thank you for your reply sir, it is very important
Torque not torgue
I have the little brother gsx650f and a gsxs100gt+.
Gsx650f feels a bit heavier as centre of gravity is higher and the steel frame but a much more comfy bike for just jumping on and going any kind of run. Its just a well comfy bike.
Im dialing in the suspension to my taste on the gt at present and Ive ordered voigt bar risers to hopefully mimic the front ergonomics of the gsxf and give my arms a bit of respite after an hours drive.( left elbow injury) .
Hope i can love the gt as much as the old gsxf that i am only selling to a friend who is going through his bike test , because its just two types of similar style bike that i am going to keep investing in the gt for heated grips and a few other things maybey a scottoiler.
Oh an abba bike stand is next on the list for home maintenance/ cleaning as the paddock stand is a fiddle as side stand lean in severe
Cool. I highly recommend the Rizoma bars to go with the bar risers. Much more natural position for the hands. Cheers!
I just got the GSF650Sa. A cool machine. I got as my second bike, but there is a whole story behind it. Will upload a video soon. Drop by to check my content, you may like it. Cheers. :)
Hello! Very glad I happened to see this channel. First off, congrats on the new GT. I bought my 1250FA brand new in 2011 and have absolutely enjoyed this bike ever since. Over the nearly 14 years and 70,000+ miles of service, this machine has been flawless. Of course, I have made a lot of changes over the years. I have (and when I say "I have" I really mean I have had it done!) had the brakes completely redone with new rotors, pads, master, levers and braided steel lines, I had the front forks rebuilt with better springs etc., I had a custom-built shock installed and set up for my specifications, a Yoshi R-77 can with a fueler, and a gearing change. Other than the exhaust, the engine has been left alone as I never felt the need to do anything more to it.
This bike has been and still is a good friend and a proper road missile, but she is getting a bit long in the tooth. So it was great to discover this video and get your take as an actual rider who has made the switch. Cheers!
Loved my FA as well but it was time to upgrade. Love the GT too! Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Hey Mate, great video. Can I ask where you picked up your tinted double bubble screen on your FA?
Hmmm, good question. Think I bought that back in 2015 when I first got the bike. Best to ask on the FB bandit forum. Can’t remember, sorry.
It was by Powerbronze I think.
I can't believe it took Suzuki this long to make the "right" version of this bike. They could've just used the GSXR1000 engine in the 1250 model and got more HP and better fuel mileage. Unfortunately they dropped the ball with the FA and now they are dirt cheap used.
I put on Michelin Road 6's and changed the rear tire to a 55 and the bike handles the twists so much better!!
You should have bought the GT+ that comes with the panniers... a lot cheaper than buying them after. My next change will be the chain and sprockets to increase the torque and flash the ECU to remove all restrictions... that will increase the HP to the wheel and get closer to the claimed 150HP.
Using the GT+ wasn’t an option. In fact finding a dealer that had one at all was difficult. Will look at different tyres once I’ve worn the old ones out. Thanks for watching!
Can you really change the tyres to 55? doesn't this effect speedometer and abs (or enything else)
@@gerokatseros speedo is driven by the front wheel
Lovely bike based on the gsxr1000 k5 engine I believe hopefully you’ll be able to up grade the software? From a newer. Model to the TFT
Yes, hopefully Bosch make some changes in the future.
Thanks cobba
Great video. Do you sell it?
Yes, I sold the FA. Still have 3 bikes. Didn’t need two touring bikes.
Which one is smoother?
Very similar although the GT has a quick shifter so that makes gear changes much smoother.
Isn't the FA basically a Suzuki bandit with different styling
The "bandit" name was dropped by Suzuki for the FA in most countries. Also the FA changed to liquid cooling and fuel injection so a fair bit different from the real "bandit"
You are correct, they are basically the same exact bike minus the fairing and the instruments. I used to have a 2011 GSX1250 FA and now I have a 2008 1250 Bandit. I have two things to say about the two: The FA had less vibration through the handlebars, although the ‘08 isn’t bad. And now that its getting warm outside I’m noticing a lot of engine heat on my lower legs. ( I just bought the bike October 2022 with only 11,000 miles) I never noticed that on the FA, maybe because it had a full fairing. The FA also had a gear indicator, which was a nice perk. Oh, and the 2007 Bandit was when it changed to liquid cooling. I don’t know why this presenter said the FA changed to liquid cooling. In the U.S. the new 1250 Bandit came out in 2007, and the FA in 2011. (Only available that year in the U.S.)
@@plaxsaxno its just a faired bandit and still known as a bandit 1250fa.
@hattster1818 the bandit 1250 didn't have the full fairing like the 1250fa.
Strip away the fairings and headlight and they are the same
@@louislopez55 A very detailed description, I just agree. Thanks for sharing it. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers. :)
BTW, I ride that same tail bag and I love it. Great choice, Sir! 👍
I love my bike but myspin is a huge disappointment.
Yep. Don’t know why it is designed like it is. If they just used Bluetooth and could allow the phone to lock, that would be a big improvement.