All jokes aside, I had a bike to test, and what a bike at that. A budget priced, high performance blaster that can lift the front wheel in the first 3 gears (I wasn’t game to try for fourth, as I was going too fast!). The 2003 model is basically unchanged from 2001 except in minor details. This should assist the bike’s resale value as, the older bikes if kept in good nick, will still look every bit as good as their newer descendants. Chris paid approximately $12,500 on road for his bike and this represents awesome value for money with what you get. I’m surprised that after seeing how popular the Bandit is, Suzuki haven’t jacked up the price to match demand, could it be they have a hidden agenda? Maybe get as many people into motorcycling as possible? No surely not!

Test bike had an air / oil-cooled, 4-cylinder, Direct Overhead Cam 1,157cc engine with 16-valves, driving through a fairly basic specification 5-speed transmission, 6-piston calliper front brakes, new non-slip seat, plus digital fuel gauge & clock. But wait there’s more, you also get a smooth operating hydraulic clutch, adjustable hand levers, fork tubes have built-in stone protectors, centre stand, pillion grab rail, 20 litre fuel tank, very good finish, plenty of chrome shiny bits and all wrapped up in a 220kg (dry) package.

I found some documentation that quotes the 2001 Bandit at 78kW @ 8800rpm measured at the rear wheel, on Parry’s Dynotune.

With a seat height of 790mm it should fit a good number of rider heights. Chris’s pillion Jo, loves the bike and says it is very comfortable for her, bear in mind though that she is smallish and light. The pair have done a couple of return trips to Glen Innes, so there is plenty of experience to draw from.

Being critical, I didn’t like the rear brake, it lacked bite, but I guess a set of softer pads might fix that somewhat. I think that the horn is barely adequate for the task, but then, you could always go to the wreckers and get a car horn to fit in it’s place. The mirrors vibrate like a bastard and it would take a bit of thought to figure out how to improve them, maybe the ‘03 model has already done so?

All the rider serviceable bits are easy to access and the included tool kit has most of what you require. Speaking of the tool kit, it resides under the seat where there is about 3 litres of useable storage area.

On the road, the Bandit is very smooth, and the suspension quite plush. Don’t interpret this as meaning it won’t handle, for it does very well. Poor and uneven surfaces are soaked up beautifully, even on corners, so the bike feels very sure-footed. If you decelerate from 100kph and take your hands off the bars you will experience some minor "tank slap" right on 80kph, but, it is completely controllable and nothing to worry about. The bike feels nicely balanced and just enough drag in the steering to give a nice secure feel. The air over the fairing seems to roll over and down the front of the rider, without a lot of buffeting. There are lowers available for the fairing to increase weather protection. The engine note is unobtrusive and could actually be a little louder to allow for easier gear-shifting without looking at the tacho.

The tubular steel frame is strong, extending all the way up under the duck-tail, with lots of triangular bracing. The engine is cradled in the frame and not used as a stressed member. The pillion foot pegs (better than rests) look tough and capable of taking fair loads. There is provision on the bike for adding luggage carrying capacity and doesn’t look like an afterthought.

I can’t correctly recall the revs at 100kph, but it wasn’t very high, maybe 3,000rpm, which means it should acquit itself well as a tourer. The rider sitting position is very comfortable and the bars don’t force you to lean forward, these could be swapped with a wide variety of different styles and heights. The fuel tank range appears to be around the 300klm mark for reserve, which again should make it suited as a tourer. This fuel consumption doesn’t seem to change much for city or country cycle.

Chris’s Bandit has around 2700klms on the dial, so it has only just been run in, but based on what I found and what he told me, yeah, I’d probably buy one, they’re great value, gangs of fun, well thought out, comfortable and very, very fast.

For further information visit Graeme Boyd Suzuki Broadmeadow, 49521577.

May your lid never skid….www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp

Engine - 1,157cc, 16-valve, 4-stroke, air / oil-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC,
Transmission 5-speed

Front suspension Telescopic, oil damped, spring preload adjustable

Rear suspension Link type,adjustable rebound/preload

Front brakes 6-piston calipers, 310mm dual discs

Rear brakes Twin-piston caliper, disc

Seat height 790mm

Wheelbase 1,430mm

Length 2,070mm

Width 765mm

Height 1,220mm

Dry weight 220kg

Fuel capacity 20L

Colour Pearl Blue

Warranty Two-year unlimited kilometre warranty

Instruments include digital fuel gauge & clock

New non-slip seat