Suzuki GSX 1200 2000 — Specifications

Who remembers the Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma today? Overshadowed by the resounding success of its cousin, the Bandit 1200, this 2000 Inazuma is nevertheless a gem that deserves attention. It shares with it the frame, that famous air-oil four-cylinder engine inherited from the legendary GSX-R 1100, but the philosophy is radically different. While the Bandit aimed for a sporty neo-retro look, the GSX 1200 Inazuma fully embraces its classicism, with a tubular double cradle frame, lateral shock absorbers, and a silhouette that evokes the 1980s. A bold aesthetic gamble that, it must be acknowledged, did not appeal to the masses, who preferred the more taut lines of its rival. Yet, beneath this retro finish lies a mechanically well-tempered character.

The large 1156 cm3 four-cylinder engine was specifically reworked for the GSX. With different camshafts and carburetors than the Bandit, the objective was clear: prioritize torque. Mission accomplished with 98 Nm available from 4500 rpm, a generosity in the low and mid-range that makes the motorcycle surprisingly easy to handle in the city or on light touring. The 100 horsepower at 8500 rpm are there to recall the engine's sporty origins, propelling this 234 kg machine fully fueled to an honorable 221 km/h. The technical specifications of the Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma reveal a balanced motorcycle, not a race machine, but a supple and powerful touring bike. The average fuel consumption of the Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma? Expect around 7L/100km, honest for the time and the displacement.

In terms of handling, the difference with the Bandit is noticeable. The more direct front end offers more lively sensations and a generally more playful motorcycle in tight corners. The braking, a double disc at the front and a single at the rear, does the job correctly without being outstanding. Comfort is good, the 78 cm seat is accessible, and the 18 liters of the tank promise beautiful ranges. It is a machine without frills, robust, which wants to be a credible and more classic alternative to the Yamaha XJR 1300, then queen of the segment. Its major flaw was its style, too out of step with the tastes of the early 2000s. Today, this retro aspect gives it a certain charm, and many enthusiasts on the Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma forums are making it an ideal base for a personalized cafe racer project.

Finding a used Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma is now a treasure hunt. With a new price approaching 7800 euros, it represents an excellent value for money on the used market for those looking for a characterful, simple, and reliable touring bike. It is aimed at the motorcyclist who loves authentic mechanics, who prefers torque to stratospheric revs, and who is not afraid of an assumed style. The technical manual of the Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma, often available in PDF, is a testament to its robustness. It is a forgotten motorcycle, unfairly, which has all the qualities to become a classic at a low price.