BMW S 1000 R versus Suzuki GSX 1250 F

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

Suzuki GSX 1250 F

Sporttourer

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

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Powerful all-rounder with sporty genes

The Suzuki GSX 1250 FA is a bandit with full fairing, even if Suzuki does not like to hear the nickname "Bandit" on this model. It was built from 2010 and fell victim to the Euro 4 standard at the end of 2016. It's a pity, our author thinks, because all-round sports tourers... weiter

Suzuki GSX 1250 FA im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~

Built von 2009 bis 2016

RRP 16.000 €

RRP 8.990 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

Pros:

bearish engine with powerful torque
Seating position suitable for travel
rich road holding, good wind protection
reliable bike without repair susceptibility
a lot of motorcycle for little money

Cons:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

a bit cumbersome in tight corners
unsuitable for novice drivers

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length : 2.130 mm Height : 1.245 mm
Seat : 805 mm
Weight : 257 (max: 475 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.255 ccm
Hub: 64 mm
Hole: 79 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 km

Maximum speed: 230 km/h
Performance: 98 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 108 NM bei 3.700 U/Min

Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 345 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17

Frame type:
Double loop (double loop tubular frame steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 130 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 136 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!

The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Suzuki GSX 1250 FA is an all-rounder in the best sense of the word. It can be driven sportily, is suitable for travel and is really fun on the country road and motorway. Due to its weight, high performance and chassis characteristics, it is certainly not a bike for beginners. Even small or petite people should look for another motorcycle.

Due to the technically rather simple equipment and a good production quality, the GSX 1250 FA is certainly one of the more reliable bikes. It can hardly break anything and all bandits have always had a reputation for doing their service uncomplicatedly for years without repairs. It is therefore ideally suited as a workhorse for the daily commute to work. If you want to buy a used GSX 1250 FA, you don't have to shy away from bigger mileages. The machines of this type are considered to be unbreakable.