Suzuki have slapped on a fairing to the age old Bandit to create one of the dullest looking bikes on the planet – the GSX1250FA. Yes, sure, with a fuel-injected 1,250cc inline-four that produces 104 horsepower and 108Nm of torque, relaxed ergonomics and full weather protection, the 1250FA may well be a competent sports-tourer (with the emphasis being on ‘tourer’…), but did it have to look so terribly dull? Anyway, Motociclismo recently tested the bike and here are some excerpts from what they have to say about the big GSX...

With the addition of a full fairing, the Bandit has become a ‘modern’ touring bike that seems to offer excellent value for money. Yes, there are bikes that are much faster, better equipped and more sophisticated, but at just 9,999 euros, the GSX1250FA is economical and practical – a machine that’s well suited to the ongoing economic crisis!

The 1250FA’s full fairing has been designed to protect the rider from bad weather and Suzuki also offers an optional taller screen, which should offer even more wind protection at higher speeds. The ergonomics are perfect for touring – soft, comfortable seat, rubber insulated footpegs and wide bars that don’t put a lot of weight on your wrists. Also, the 1,250cc engine feels adequately powerful and offers good fuel economy, using just seven litres of fuel over 100km.

At 257 kilos, the GSX1250FA is clearly not a sportsbike and while the engine feels energetic, the softly suspended bike is slow to respond to rider inputs. It has a high centre of gravity, pitches fore and aft under braking and acceleration and is sometimes reluctant while turning in. Take it a bit easy, however, and the 1250FA feels all right.

To sum up, the Suzuki GSX1250FA is a comfortable, stable long-distance tourer that is blessed with a flexible and powerful engine. And with ABS, it should be quite safe as well.