Alan's 2010 Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit test bike
Sometimes, this job does feel like working for an outpost of the Serendip civil service. No sooner did BMW carry out that most foul of moves, by asking for its property (a very nice F800R) back, than the folks at Suzuki GB presented the opportunity to borrow a Bandit 1250 for a few months. With a straight choice between a spanky new 1250 roadster and my venerable-but-aged 150 Peugeot scooter, I'm afraid I made the choice of Mammon and snapped up the keys to the big Soozook.
So, since xmas, I've been easing myself into the mindset of the Bandit owner. Part of that is re-adjusting to the riding experience: it's a big old lump, weighing in about 45kg heavier than the BMW F800R I had so much fun on. At first the mass is very noticeable, but after a few days (including one snatched ride on dry, relatively warm roads between xmas and new year) that feeling passes.
The other thing is mods. Partly that's because the basic Bandit is pretty short of gizmos. So you have to fit them yourself! But the main job so far has been winterproofing the beast. That means heated grips, heated vest connection and plenty of F365 spraying to defeat the salt.
More soon.
Subscribe to Superbike Magazine
What is SuperBike?
SuperBike is an irreverent, humorous and massively informative magazine for all kinds of bikers. The staff has decades of testing and riding experience and are all still passionate about bikes. Biking is – or should be – great fun as well as a huge thrill.