Full fairing vs partial fairing

A little bit more weather protection with fully faired, not much though. 
Extra fan on the radiator is the only other difference.

JimColeman has owned both and will no doubt have a valuable contribution to this question.  When I looked at the GSX1250F I thought the fairing seemed more about aerodynamics than rider protection, compared to things like the Honda 1300 (and many other bikes) which allows the rider's legs to be tucked in behind the fairing. I've never ridden a GSX so I can't comment from experience.

I've put a bellypan on my 1250S (see pic) and that needs to be removed for an oil change - just 4 small allen key bolts, so no real issue.  The GSX looks a bit more detailed.

Suzuki did put better springs into the front end of the GSX and it gets reported as firmer and better handling than a standard 1250 (ie naked or S) in many reports (have no idea if the valving and/or oil weight was also changed). Jim might also comment.

It probably comes down to personal preference. I like the look of the S and wind protection was pretty good.
The FA is a better bike suspension wise (I've ridden Colemans) but it's heavier.
Up to you.

Ewok1958 wrote:

I've put a bellypan on my 1250S (see pic) and that needs to be removed for an oil change - just 4 small allen key bolts, so no real issue.  The GSX looks a bit more detailed.

About half a dozen screws on one side, so not too bad. Add frame sliders and they have to come off as well.
Of course fairing makes it harder to clean those beautiful pipes. I take them both off about twice a year just to polish the chrome.

As for wind protection you get a little bit on the legs but not much, and only if you consciously tuck your legs in tight.

Personally it all come downs to aesthetics, and what you prefer

I have a 2014 FA. The weather protection is mostly in the upper part of the fairing, very little for the legs really. Cleaning and maintenance will probably be a bit longer rather than more complicated. I still get servicing done at a dealer and they probably charge me an extra half hour for the removal and fitting again of the fairing.
Yes the suspension is supposed to be better, I still had mine resprung and revalved but then I am a fat B*****d at 113kg in the nip.

Incidentally a mate who used to hang around here until he went to the darkside and got a bimmer GS had an 07 with factory lowers, he reckoned they were little more than window dressing.

I just did the suspension on my 07 bikini fairing. Total cost including new rear shock was around $800 which included new springs, gold valves and fork brace. It's certainly sorted the suspension somewhat. I prefer the half faired just because it's easier to do servicing. They are essentially identical bikes with different dashes.

Another perspective over and above the cosmetics and visual aspects and although not something that we like to think about, but some damage/accidents (talking minor ones) are a reality and there are a number of crash bar and engine protections options for the Bandit that are not available for the GSX/FA. May not be the sleek options but it is another perspective to consider. I love my GSX/FA there have been a couple of times I was wishing for crash bars! 

TT

Trucktoe wrote:Another perspective over and above the cosmetics and visual aspects and although not something that we like to think about, but some damage/accidents (talking minor ones) are a reality and there are a number of crash bar and engine protections options for the Bandit that are not available for the GSX/FA. May not be the sleek options but it is another perspective to consider. I love my GSX/FA there have been a couple of times I was wishing for crash bars! 

TT

There are frame sliders and engine covers available for the FA

Don't crash

with regard to crash protection ive seen plenty of newish bikes at auction that have crash knobs etc etc and these machines are still written off even with light damage. fairing just makes the likelihood of a writeoff that much higher. ever priced up a genuine fairing half for prettymuch any bike on the market lately? fkn ell

Ironman wrote:with regard to crash protection ive seen plenty of newish bikes at auction that have crash knobs etc etc and these machines are still written off even with light damage. fairing just makes the likelihood of a writeoff that much higher. ever priced up a genuine fairing half for prettymuch any bike on the market lately? fkn ell

Yeah frame sliders aren't going to save a bike from a down the road slide, but they are good for static falls