Road-testing the 2005 Suzuki 650cc Bandit (GSF 650)
Suzuki's Bandit has been around for over a decade. From the first, it won high praise for combining price and performance.
In many ways it helped to redefine the roadster market and the "Bandit-look", once unique and distinctive, has become almost the definition of the conventional modern motorcycle.
Changes to the Bandit over the years have been modest, in line with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" maxim. The most noticeable, visible change was the introduction of the S version with its bikini-type fairing.
The formula is conventional enough - a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC naturally (ie carburettor) aspirated, oil and air-cooled engine with a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. The rest of the machine - telescopic front forks, twin front discs, single rear disc and swinging arm suspension - is utterly conventional and well-proven.
Suzuki has an enviable reputation for unburstable, bullet-proof engines and this new 656cc power plant is very much in that tradition. It has a smooth, un-fussy, solid, go-for-ever-and-a-day feel about it - a real thoroughbred, in short.
The 2005 Bandit is new only in the sense that the engine size has been increased to 656cc. Suzuki claims this gives "a broader powerband and more low-down torque", but it doesn't quote either maximum power or maximum torque figures.
The previous 599cc produced 77.5ps., or 78.6bhp and 39.8 lb/ft of torque at 9,500rpm. The new model, we've discovered, has exactly the same power output, but the difference is that it now produces 43.2 lb/ft of torque at 7,500rpm - that is at 2,000rpm less. This really does make a difference.
The stainless steel 4 : 2: 1 exhaust system is redesigned for greater burn efficiency and reduced emissions.
Riding position is improved with a reshaped fuel tank, adjustable seat height and increased handlebar height. All this adds markedly to the machine's comfort and rideability.
The bikini fairing on the S version of the Bandit, said to have been wind-tunnel tested, is surprisingly effective at keeping off the worst of the wind blast, enabling motorway speeds to be maintained with ease.
The increased torque means that main-road overtaking rarely needs a downwards change to get enough acceleration for a safe manoeuvre.
The mirrors, mounted on tall, fold-back stalks, give a much better than average rearward view.
Clutch operation struck us as altogether better and smoother than on the previous model. The gear change is smooth and precise, although with a cold engine neutral could be difficult to find at times.
Whether used mostly for commuting, weekend recreation or touring, the Bandit can do all that's asked of it. Although we wouldn't rate pillion comfort at all high, it can perform well with two up. However, for extended two-up-plus-luggage trips we would regard it as under-powered, especially for longer trips on faster European roads.
Even in its heyday, the Suzuki Bandit never claimed to be cutting edge in terms of performance, but simply a very honest machine at a sane price. The 650cc Bandit is, in that sense, a worthy successor.
It's a machine which would suit novice riders upgrading from smaller machines. It's also one with which an expert rider would be happy.
A restricted power (33bhp) version is also available, suitable for those within the first two years of passing their test. Interestingly there will soon be an ABS version, though as yet its price has not been fixed.
It's an inevitable part of the tester's life that one appreciates some machines more than others. Although earlier versions of the Bandit did all they claimed to do, and did it well, they did not impress us to the extent that this new 656cc version has done. It was one of those machines which we were reluctant to hand back.
TECH SPEC
ENGINE: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC, air-cooled with SACS. 656cc, 10.5:1 compression
CHASSIS: Double cradle (stainless steel); front suspension - 41mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable spring pre-load; rear - swinging arm, progressive linkage, 4-way rebound damping and 7-way spring pre-load; brakes - front 290mm dual disk, twin piston callipers; rear - single 240mm disk, twin piston callipers
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 770-790mm, wheelbase 1,440mm; fuel 20 litres, dry weight 201kg (204kg for S version)
PRICE: €8,475 for restricted and full-power versions of naked/ unfaired models; €8,675 for restricted and full-power versions of faired or S models; price of ABS model to be announced