Naked Motorcycles

1996Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit

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The 1996 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit is a versatile middleweight naked bike that appeals to riders seeking practical performance and comfortable everyday usability. Its 1157cc inline-four engine delivers accessible power and torque, while the manageable weight and seat height make it suitable for various skill levels. Best known for offering excellent value and reliability, the Bandit became iconic for combining streetfighter styling with real-world practicality.

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 214.0 kg
Seat height: 835 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering65%

City riding60%

Daily riding75%

Touring80%

Two-up75%

Track40%

Best for: Built as a sport-touring all-rounder, blending big-bike comfort with a strong naked-bike engine for both weekend blasts and longer rides.
Built for: A muscular, unpretentious in-line four with a broad torque spread that rewards relaxed, confident riding rather than frantic revving.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for off-road use or for newer riders wanting a light, low-effort commuter bike.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 835mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1996 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit, with a relaxed knee angle of around 130 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)
Torque: 90.7 Nm (9.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four
Power/weight ratio: 0.4673 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 59.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Oil_air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Overall length: 2070 mm
Overall width: 765 mm
Overall height: 1220 mm
Seat height: 835 mm
Dry weight: 214.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 125 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1998	1999	2002	2003
Capacity	1157 cc	1157 cc	1157 cc	1157 cc	1157 cc
Dry weight	214 kg	223 kg	223 kg	220 kg	220 kg
Seat height	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm	790 mm	790 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	20 L	20 L