Want to buy a GSX1250FA but does the FA give off a lot of engine heat?

I had a bad experience buying a GSX1250FA that kept overheating. I returned it and I am looking for to get another one.

Just a couple of simple questions which I hope you guys can help me with to help me buy one:

1. Does the FA give off a lot of heat from the engine to the point where you get really hot and its uncomfortable to ride?

A dealer once told me that some Harleys did that but I thought Suzuki would have that pretty well sorted out. None of my three previous Suzukis had that problem but they all had aircooled engines. Do liquid cooled engines run hotter?

Would it be better to get a Bandit without a full fairing? Would that reduce the heat being trapped around the engine and heating up the ride?

2. Is it risky buying a 2 yr Bandit SA that has only 200 kms on the clock?

I heard that it's not good to get bikes or cars that have been sitting around a lot. Creates internal problems. Its a demonstrator at a dealer so it did get started now and then and went for short test runs. I took it for a ride and it went great. Very responsive.

My other option is getting an FA only one year old with 3000 km on the clock for the same price at a dealer.

It's $10,700 with one year factory warranty and rego and a set of GIVI pannier's. Is that a good price?

What would be a better deal?

Thank you! This forum is great! Really helpful!

Answered your question about heat in your other post.
Mine I can feel some hot air when stopped with the fan going but not enough to be uncomfortable. Hardly notice it when moving.

As for the 2 other bikes. I'd be going for the 1 year old. The other one is still a 2 year old bike even though the K's are lower. Better resale later..

Or it just comes down to personal choice in styles.

I'd go for the newer bike with warranty remaining. The K's are bigger all.
Screw the dealer for a oil change now just so you know what's in it. It will cost them $60 they won't say no.
If its the correct colour and condition go with the warranty protection.

It takes more than a quick start to keep an engine in good nick and there is much more to a bike than just the engine.

Compared to the heat a Sprint ST gives off, the Bandit is a comfortable summer breeze. My GSX is 18 months or so old and I've never had any problems with excess heat.

Four40 wrote:Compared to the heat a Sprint ST gives off, the Bandit is a comfortable summer breeze. My GSX is 18 months or so old and I've never had any problems with excess heat.

Thanks for that! Funny enough, Im abouut to take a Sprint for a test ride but I definitely prefer the GSX. There is something special about large bore Suzukis.

Four40 wrote:Compared to the heat a Sprint ST gives off, the Bandit is a comfortable summer breeze. My GSX is 18 months or so old and I've never had any problems with excess heat.

Same here with mine. No problems at all. ( I bet something goes wrong after saying that )

This is not a plug but I work with a bloke who has a 2009 Sprint and he is thinking of trading - no issues at all with the Sprint but he is the "I should trade up every 3 years" type. I've ridden with him and he is a Grandma rider (its probably never seen 7k on the tacho) - that Sprint (serviced at the kms interval or on time whichever is soonest) is a second-hand gem. He is thinking of a Guzzi California, which he really likes - I can't even relate to this kind of change because he also likes the Triumph Scrambler!

So, if anyone knows anyone who thinks they might want a 2009 Sprint let me know.

look at it this way if it was a year old car with 3000 km on it you wouldn't think twice. i bought mine with 48000km full service history and the right price reckon its good for another 100000 km sell it for $4000 ish in a couple of years. the depreciated value vs the Fun value
i am miles in front

Never had an overheating problem with mine mate. The only problem I have is that it needs a few hundred mill of oil in between service intervals, but that's OK.

If your used to naked bikes then i think you will notice a differance .I've always had naked or S type cowl .The moment i went to full fairing
i was shocked buy the heat .It was a Sprint though (new ) hated it ,rather catch the bus .

gus wrote:If your used to naked bikes then i think you will notice a differance .I've always had naked or S type cowl .The moment i went to full fairing
i was shocked buy the heat .It was a Sprint though (new ) hated it ,rather catch the bus .

Thanks Gus. Good point! Have you had a chance to ride the FA?

IF so, how is that compared to the S/SA model? I'm also looking at that as an option.

I have just done an 800k round trip to Albany in 30odd degree heat. The SA half faired bandit engine heat isn't bad compared to how hot it is riding in leathers. If you have a relocated rectifier that is far hotter again.

Thanks guys for all the input. Very helpful! Took another one for a test rdie the other day and goes very nicely.

Did you get your refund yet ?

paul wrote:Did you get your refund yet ?

Yeah what's the latest?

4wheelsagain wrote:

paul wrote:Did you get your refund yet ?

Yeah what's the latest?

Still waiting! They did send me a legal doc they want me to sign to process the refund but haven't seen the cash yet. Fingers crossed it will come through coz Im now up in Lismore test riding some other bikes. Need the cash to buy another one.

Theov39 wrote:

4wheelsagain wrote:

paul wrote:Did you get your refund yet ?

Yeah what's the latest?

Still waiting! They did send me a legal doc they want me to sign to process the refund but haven't seen the cash yet. Fingers crossed it will come through coz Im now up in Lismore test riding some other bikes. Need the cash to buy another one.

Might i suggest a independant mechanical check just wouldnt like you to see it happen again

Jimcoleman wrote:

Theov39 wrote:

4wheelsagain wrote:

paul wrote:Did you get your refund yet ?

Yeah what's the latest?

Still waiting! They did send me a legal doc they want me to sign to process the refund but haven't seen the cash yet. Fingers crossed it will come through coz Im now up in Lismore test riding some other bikes. Need the cash to buy another one.

Might i suggest a independant mechanical check just wouldnt like you to see it happen again

Good idea. I'm up in Lismore but I'm sure I could find someone here to do that. I know the NRMA provides this service for cars so I will check if they also do bikes.

Does anyone know any other individuals or companies that provide this service?

I've nearly done 20,000km on my FA and it's only uncomfortable when it gets into the high 30's. But only if you have to stop at a lot of red lights.

My bike has never had any overheating issues............ you must of got a dud!

1050 ST tend to heat your butt on a long ride with the under seat exhaust......... but they're fun to ride.

you know the thing i can't understand the about all this. the bike was under warranty whats was the problem, why didn't you just take it to a suzuki dealer to have it sorted, that what i would have done. and why didn't the dealer do it regard less of the dealership brands its no big deal for them. bizarre

Depends if the bike was taken to a suzi dealer within 14 days of purchase.

The warranty book for my FA that I bought new last July is fairly specific on subsequent ownership. Notwithstanding the service history needing to be proven, it states as follows and I've quoted word for word....

"A subsequent owner can obtain the benefits of any remaining warranty by taking the motorcycle or ATV to an AUTHORISED SUZUKI DEALER for inspection within 14 days from the date of purchase. The Dealer will then notify SAPL. The AUTHORISED SUZUKI DEALER will need to see proof of ownership and a service history. To obtain warranty as a subsequent owner all requirements as set out in this handbook must still be adhered to."
End quote.

I'd reckon that if the bike is as cactus as it sounds to be. The suzuki dealer will be following their legal obligations. That's why I said in my earlier post - check with office of fair trading to get the lay of the land before getting steamrolled by dealer speak.