Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 vs Suzuki Bandit 1200
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 vs Suzuki Bandit 1200. Kawasaki Zephyr 1100: 89 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 210 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited/varies by market), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Suzuki Bandit 1200: 98 hp @ 8,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 220 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
Suzuki Bandit 1200
Horsepower (hp)
89 hp
98 hp
Torque (Nm)
93 Nm
108 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
210 km/h
220 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
228 kg
Type
Naked
Naked
Horsepower
89 hp @ 8,000 rpm
98 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque
93 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
108 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Top Speed
210 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited/varies by market)
220 km/h
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L typical real-world average)
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
7.5/10
"A no-nonsense torque machine that rewards patient, informed buyers."
Pros
+Massive low-end torque
+Simple, reliable mechanicals
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
−Carbs need regular attention
−Heavy for the class
−Dated suspension components
Suzuki Bandit 1200
8.5/10
"The best raw-boned big-bore bargain you can buy used today."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine, stupid reliable
+Massive usable torque everywhere
+Comfortable for long distance
Cons
−Soft OEM suspension components
−Carbs need regular synchronizing
−Regulator-rectifier fails frequently
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
