First Ride: 2010 Suzuki GSX1250FA

A FULLY-FAIRED big bore sports-tourer for under £7000? Now that's something I've got to see.

It sounds almost impossible, but that's exactly what Suzuki has delivered with the GSX1250FA and Visordown's just tested the new wallet-friendly machine for 120 miles, in Girona, Spain.

Based on the company's existing Bandit 1250, the full- faired GSX has been updated with revised front suspension, which provides a firmer, more planted feel to the front end over the existing Bandit 1250.

ABS is now fitted as standard and it works a treat. We tested the bike on some slippery Spanish mountain switchbacks and found the system to be effective, yet unobtrusive.

New GSX-R-style digital clocks give the GSX an up-to-the-minute look from the rider's perspective, featuring a gear selector, programmable shift warning light and countdown reserve trip meter.

The GSX also gets a height-adjustable seat - 805mm - 825mm (31.7in - 32.5in) so riders can tailor the bike to their needs. The Suzuki's even been armed with a centre-stand, for easy maintenance and safer parking.

On the move the GSX is a treat. As you'd expect, there's loads of wallop on tap from the 1255cc inline four, six-speed motor, but it's delivered in a smooth, tractable user-friendly way. The Suzuki's equally as easy to ride, pointing effortlessly in the direction the rider tells it to go. The new full fairing gives plenty of protection, although I found some annoying windblast over 90mph; Suzuki offer a wind deflector as an optional extra.

But more than anything, the most impressive part of the GSX1250FA is the price tag. With bike prices seemingly going through the roof (over £14,000 for the new top-spec Multistrada) the new Suzuki is a refreshing change at a bargain price.

Whether you're an experienced rider, or have come up through the ranks and want your first big bike, then you won't go far wrong with this one.

Highly recommended.

Read the full report in the next Issue of Visordown magazine.

Follow me on Twitter @TimSkilton

Price comparison

Suzuki GSX1250FA - £6,999
Honda VFR1200 –  £11,596
Kawasaki ZZR1400 - £9,799
Yamaha Fazer FZ1 - £10,399
Yamaha FJR1300 - £14,499

Technical Specification

Overall length:    2130mm (83.9in)
Overall width:    790mm (31.1in)
Overall height:    1235mm (48.6in)
Wheelbase:    1485mm (58.5in)
Seat height:    805mm (31.7in)
Kerb Mass:    257kg (566.6lbs)

Fuel capacity:    19.0litres (4.2 UK gallons)
Engine capacity:    1255cc
Engine:    4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore:    79.0 mm x 64.0mm
Compression ratio:    10.5 : 1
Lubrication:    Wet sump
Ignition:    Electronic ignition (Transistorised)
Fuel system:    Fuel Injection
Starter:    Electric
Transmission:    6-speed constant mesh
Drive:    Chain

Front suspension:    Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension:    Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front brakes:    Disc, twin
Rear brakes:    Disc
Front tyres:    120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
Rear tyres:    180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) tubeless

Main image: Jason Critchell