The 2016 Suzuki GSF1250->ke2126 and GSX1250->ke2373 models are good to go in California after the California Air Resources Board released a new executive order certifying the two models. It’s still unclear how Suzuki->ke371 plans to offer both models, but reports indicate that the GSF1250 will likely come in the form of the partially faired Bandit 1250S that the company revealed at the Intermot show last year.

As for the GSX1250, speculation abounds that Suzuki will use a fully faired version of the GSX1250F that has been dormant in the market for the past three years, last appearing as a 2012 model. It’s worth noting that other markets are still offering the GSX11250F as a 2015 model so it’ll be interesting how Suzuki approaches the bike’s supposed return to the US market.

Both models are expected to feature a 1255 cc inline-four engine, capable of hitting 96 horsepower at 7,500 rp and 80 pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm. Likewise, the two models will use a telescopic fork and a rear monoshock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping for their suspension systems.

One thing to look out for is how the bikes will be designed. If Suzuki follows through on reports that it’s using the Bandit as a start point for the 2016 GSF1250, don’t be surprised if the new bike receives similar styling updates, specifically the new fairing design that covered the sides of the radiator to bolster protection from the wind while also improving the bike’s overall aerodynamic qualities.

Continue reading to read more about the CARB certifications Suzuki got for the GSF1250 and GSX1250 models.

Why it matters

It’d be easy to sell this CARB certification as the ultimate form of validation for the Suzuki GSF1250 and the GSX1250. But the importance of this announcement lies deeper than that. As some of you may know, the California Air Resources Board is largely responsible for determining which vehicles, be it cars or motorcycles, meet its stringent emissions standards, thus allowing them to be sold in the state.

This certification opens the two models up for that particular market, enabling Suzuki to begin the process of planning out its strategy for these two bikes in California. It does seem to a handful of changes are in order for the two bikes, specifically the GSX1250, which could make a return to the US with a different name and a new styling language inspired by Suzuki Bandit.

It’s going to be interesting how the two bikes will be received should they return to US shores soon. But Suzuki can take comfort knowing that when somebody asks if the two models are friends of the environment, it can point to their respective CARB certifications for the answer.