Suzuki Bandit a legend

Until the end of June it is even better with Suzuki Australia paying 12-months registration, compulsory third party, insurance, stamp duty, dealer delivery and freight charges.

That means a rideaway price of $12,090 for the GSF1250 naked model and $12,590 for the faired version with ABS models costing an extra $2000. That's around $1 per cubic-centimetre of engine capacity which makes it simply the best bargain on the showroom floor.

Add to that the legendary reliability of the bike and it becomes a best buy to suit most riders. It will stand up to the rigours of commuting, match it with the superbikes on the Sunday morning mountain sprints and tour two-up comfortably around the continent with a decent set of luggage.

The 1250 Bandit features an upright riding position, a lusty transverse four-cylinder engine, silky smooth and foolproof gears, strong brakes with the added safety of ABS on some models and attractive "universal Japanese motorcycle" looks.

Suzuki has been making Bandit models since 1989, first as a 250cc, then later as larger capacity bikes. The range-topping 1200cc version was introduced in 1996 and the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1250cc model from 2007 with ABS as an option.

Suzuki's offer to pay on-road costs until the end of June extends to every new Suzuki Boulevard, GSX-R, Hayabusa, V-Strom 650 or GSX1250FA. The company is also offering a finance rate of 4.99 per cent on new off-road bikes (DR-Z250, DR-Z400E, DR-Z400S, DR650SE, RMX450Z, RM-Z250 and RM-Z450).

Fuel-injected RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocrossers get a $750 cash back and farmers can get $500 back on all KingQuad 750, KingQuad 500 and KingQuad 400 models.

Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit

Prices: $12,090 (unfaired), $12,590 (faired) plus $2000 for ABS
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited km
Service: 6000km/12mths
Resale: 58%
Engine: 1255cc, 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive
Dimensions: 2130mm (l), 790mm (w), 1235mm (h), 785/805 (seat)
Weight: 254kg
Fuel: 19-litre tank