No more Suzuki Bandits
Last Bandit dropped to ‘streamline’ range
SUZUKI has dropped the GSF650S Bandit from its UK line-up.
A spokesman for Suzuki GB said the move was intended to ‘streamline’ its mid-capacity range, which also includes the faired GSX650F, half-faired SV650S and naked SFV650.
The four-cylinder Bandit 650 has been on sale since 2005. Before that a 600 version was produced from 1995. It was available in naked and half-faired variants. The naked GSF650 Bandit was dropped in 2012, while the half-faired GSF650S continued in 2013.
The GSX650F is effectively a third variant with sportier looks and full-fairing but not carrying the Bandit moniker.
Once a top seller, registration figures show the latest GSF650S Bandit was not in the top 10 of the sports-tourer class either this year or last.
The withdrawal of the model marks the end of the Bandit series in the UK, a range which achieved a cult following and continues to have an active owners’ club.
The series previously included a 1250 which, like the 650, effectly survives as the fully-faired GSX1250F, but isn't called a Bandit.
A Suzuki spokesman said: ‘Bandit 650 models are still in production, but they do not form part of the UK line-up. Suzuki GB streamlined the mid-capacity range a short while ago and offer the GSX650F as an alternative to UK customers.’
The Bandit was missing from Suzuki’s catalogue at the Milan motorcycle show along with the SV650S. However, Suzuki says the SV will continue to be sold in the UK alongside the SVF650, which uses the same V-twin engine.
