Suzuki GSX1250FA

[flaadvandmtbrider]

Has anyone seen these bikes deeply discounted as of yet? Local dealers have leftover 2011 models at $8999.- From what I understand it is an evolved Bandit with a few upgrades.

[Jim K.]

I've heard of deep discounts, & the 1250 looks to be just about the most bang for the buck in motorcycling right now. It's been around for years & got a solid rep. for reliability. No traction modes, & only average suspension, but an ABS equipped, I-4 1250, fully faired, brand new for under $10,000 US? Discounted factory bags available at a discount as well, if you want 'em. What's not to like? Not as light as a current liter class sport bike, but it won't make your wallet much lighter either.

[cls]

Originally Posted by Jim K.

I've heard of deep discounts, & the 1250 looks to be just about the most bang for the buck in motorcycling right now. It's been around for years & got a solid rep. for reliability. No traction modes, & only average suspension, but an ABS equipped, I-4 1250, fully faired, brand new for under $10,000 US? Discounted factory bags available at a discount as well, if you want 'em. What's not to like? Not as light as a current liter class sport bike, but it won't make your wallet much lighter either.

The only problem w/that is that I'd have to spend another bundle w/Dale at Holeshot to get the performance up to where I'd want a 1250 bike; suspension and engine/exhaust. Then it's still old-tech, steel framed, and heavy, though very good. I just couldn't stand that in an over $8K bike. But that's my take on it. I've looked, and am still looking, for a good used one that's already been modded out for the right price. Just know what you want and how much it's worth to you in the long haul.

[Bama67]

It is a good value, I had a Bandit 1250, but you would have a much more capable package, and much more bang for your buck with the Ninja 1000 with hard bags.

I've had both, and the Ninja is a better bike by miles.

[elementalg20]

The Ninja 1000 definately offers a more technical performance orientated package. It does have a few trade offs as it's ergo's are slightly more agressive and only judging by a picture but I think the bandit would be better suited for 2up use as well....although it generally doesn't get glowing review for 2up use either.

With a few tweaks the ninja would likely be as comfy and still be the better performer. Now a used 1250s....now that can be a smoking deal from time to time, seen them in the $4-5k range for nice stock low mile bikes.

[Bama67]

Good point about the two-up, my cry baby wife couldn't handle multi-hour trips on the Ninja.

The Bandit was a good bit better for that, but still not great, if you are going to have a passenger the Corbin GunFighter and Lady seat, or a top case would help out big time.

Another tidbit, I have never ridden a bike that felt like it had more low end stonk than my Bandit 1250, and that includes big twins. The N1K killed it everywhere else, but I feel like you could pull a truck out of a ditch with the Bandit, or just shift straight from 1st to 6th. lol

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by Bama67

Another tidbit, I have never ridden a bike that felt like it had more low end stonk than my Bandit 1250, and that includes big twins. The N1K killed it everywhere else, but I feel like you could pull a truck out of a ditch with the Bandit, or just shift straight from 1st to 6th. lol

That's one of the reasons I want one.

I'd never even consider the N1K as a direct competitor, and it costs a lot
more (at least here). Maybe the FZ1S.

[HarveyMushman]

Originally Posted by flaadvandmtbrider

Has anyone seen these bikes deeply discounted as of yet? Local dealers have leftover 2011 models at $8999.- From what I understand it is an evolved Bandit with a few upgrades.

I paid a little less than that for a new '11 in July.

I also looked at the Ninja 1K but decided the Suzuki was a better fit for my needs (mostly commuting). After 100K miles on a Wee Strom I was looking for diesel torque and the 1250 has that; it must be the least stressed engine on the planet. Feels good.

[30Bones]

Originally Posted by Bama67

Another tidbit, I have never ridden a bike that felt like it had more low end stonk than my Bandit 1250, and that includes big twins. The N1K killed it everywhere else, but I feel like you could pull a truck out of a ditch with the Bandit, or just shift straight from 1st to 6th. lol

Yeah I miss that a lot. My 07 was a freight train but I can not get over the looks of a Bandit. Just ugly, this bike does it for me.

[mrbreeze]

Originally Posted by Bama67

Good point about the two-up, my cry baby wife couldn't handle multi-hour trips on the Ninja.

The Bandit was a good bit better for that, but still not great, if you are going to have a passenger the Corbin GunFighter and Lady seat, or a top case would help out big time.

Another tidbit, I have never ridden a bike that felt like it had more low end stonk than my Bandit 1250, and that includes big twins. The N1K killed it everywhere else, but I feel like you could pull a truck out of a ditch with the Bandit, or just shift straight from 1st to 6th. lol

It's not a direct line of descent, but my 1993 GSX1100G (precurser to the Bandit 1200) had tons of power down low. I smoked more than a few Valkyries and Goldwings (1500) in top gear roll ons. I am glad to see that characteristic has carried through.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by 30Bones

Yeah I miss that a lot. My 07 was a freight train but I can not get over the looks of a Bandit. Just ugly, this bike does it for me.

This one isn't:

[30Bones]

Originally Posted by Cortez

This one isn't:

I agree, but after several 700 mile trips on my Harley Nightster sith no wind protection I will wave the white flag when it comes to a naked bike for my needs. Friend has a B-king he's been trying to sell me

[Nitro1970]

Got a test ride coming up in morning. It's been a toss up for me between the v Stroms (wee, glee and vee) and now the gsx1250fa. I'm not sure if it's a killer deal (I've not even seen one till today) $13,800 OTD hard luggage included. Deal or no?...

Power and torque wise, the numbers look similar to the v strom 1000.

Oh well it ought to be a rocket ship compared to my KLR650 ;)

[nbsdave]

Originally Posted by Nitro1970

Got a test ride coming up in morning. It's been a toss up for me between the v Stroms (wee, glee and vee) and now the gsx1250fa. I'm not sure if it's a killer deal (I've not even seen one till today) $13,800 OTD hard luggage included. Deal or no?...

Power and torque wise, the numbers look similar to the v strom 1000.

Oh well it ought to be a rocket ship compared to my KLR650 ;)

That is absolutely NOT a good deal.
New 2011, leftover GSX1250FA's are available at many, many dealers for under 9000 and adding luggage will be 600-800.
No way can you compare the smoothness of the 1250 to a Vee-t he motor in the 1250 pulls like a train from 2500 rpm & up.
In fact, comparing the two is not fair to either. They are very different riding experiences.

[30Bones]

Originally Posted by nbsdave

That is absolutely NOT a good deal.
New 2011, leftover GSX1250FA's are available at many, many dealers for under 9000 and adding luggage will be 600-800.
No way can you compare the smoothness of the 1250 to a Vee-t he motor in the 1250 pulls like a train from 2500 rpm & up.
In fact, comparing the two is not fair to either. They are very different riding experiences.

x2, although my two local dealerships think even leftovers are only worthy of $500 off MSRP and will not budge off MSRP in the warm months. Somehow they stay in business and the recession hasn't closed their doors yet.

I search within 500 miles of me usually and have found some real good deals on new leftovers.