Naked Motorcycles

1997Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit

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The 1997 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit is a versatile sport-tourer that appeals to riders seeking balanced performance and practicality. Known for its potent 1157cc inline-four engine delivering strong mid-range torque, accessible ergonomics, and affordable thrills, the Bandit became legendary for delivering genuine sportbike excitement at an accessible price point.

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 225.0 kg
Seat height: 840 mm
Power: 98.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Engine capacity	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.0 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)
Power	100.00 HP	98.0 HP
Torque	90.70	93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m or 68.6 ft.lbs)
Top speed	—	225.0 km/h (139.8 mph)
Weight	214.0 kg (471.8 pounds)	225.0 kg (496.0 pounds)
Seat height	835 mm (32.9 inches)	840 mm (33.1 inches)
Cooling	—	Oil_air
Compression	—	9.5:1

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 840mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1997 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: 98.0 HP
Torque: 93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4356 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

Performance

Top speed: 225.0 km/h (139.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 840 mm
Dry weight: 225.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

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	1997	1998	1999	2002	2003
Capacity	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)	1157.00 ccm (70.60 cubic inches)
Dry weight	214.0 kg (471.8 pounds)	225.0 kg (496.0 pounds)	223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)	223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)	220.0 kg (485.0 pounds)	220.0 kg (485.0 pounds)
Seat height	835 mm (32.9 inches)	840 mm (33.1 inches)	835 mm (32.9 inches)	835 mm (32.9 inches)	790 mm (31.1 inches)	790 mm (31.1 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	—	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)