The Suzuki Bandit series has gained a loyal following in the decades since its release and has a reputation for being a solid motorbike and great value for money. So why do people think the Suzuki Bandit is one of the great all-round bikes of our time?
We’ll have a quick look here and see if they’re right.
Versatility
You can’t be a good all-round bike if you’re only good at one particular thing. From stunts to daily commutes – the Bandit has been used by many different riders for a wide range of reasons. If you can think of it, it’s likely that the Bandit has at least had a go.
The Suzuki Bandit’s great strength was in its customisations. Motorbike riders have been able to add luggage racks, aftermarket accessories, and windshields, as well as alter the suspension and brakes and even tune up the engine to their own desires – leading to a completely unique bike, designed solely for the rider’s particular needs. The Bandit can be tuned tightly for a day of track racing or loaded up with luggage to travel the length of the country – the rider is in complete control.
Few bikes can offer that kind of customisation.
Comfort
The Bandit was very well designed for comfort. The upright position for the rider and comfortable pillion seat meant it was easy enough to use the bike for holidays or as a touring bike if you wanted to. The size and power of the engine had the additional advantage that adding luggage and a pillion made little difference in power and handling. The Bandit could take everything in its stride.
Reliability
Suzuki is generally a manufacturer that tries to focus on simplicity and reliability with its bikes. Not only was the starting price for the Bandit series incredibly low for the amount of bike you got, but the running costs were equally appealing. These bikes were the kind that could be ridden hard daily and not cause their riders any worries at all.
Negatives
Of course, no bike is perfect, and although the Suzuki Bandit is a firm favourite with many who love it, even with its flaws, it’s still worth highlighting some of its issues.
Suspension: Many riders automatically switch out the stock suspension on the Bandit, saying that it’s too soft and isn’t adjustable enough. As mentioned, the bike is easily adapted, and this can be replaced or upgraded, but for those who want to ride the bike out of the shop, it might not be good enough.
Brakes: The braking system on the Bandit is solidly reliable with few faults. But when driving more aggressively or needing emergency stops, riders have felt it needs sharpening up. Again, upgrading to a preferred system is easy, but you don’t want to buy a bike simply to replace each part individually.
Carburettor Problems: This is a more specific problem for older models, particularly pre-fuel injection. Riders have often reported clogged jets, leaks, and worsening performance with carburettor wear. Online communities often discuss the problem. It’s easy to fix with maintenance, but that might be more work than you want to do.
Sell Your Motorcycle Today
If you’re looking to sell your Suzuki Bandit, then contact us today.
We’re bike buyers, and we buy any bike! We take modifications into account when providing our quote, not just the brand and model, so you can be sure that we give you a fair deal. Just contact our helpful team to get your no-obligation quote and see how easy the process of selling your motorbike can be.