TBH, I wouldn't have considered a Bandit. They just weren't what I wanted. My dealer was shrewd enough to put one on his demo fleet and persuaded me to test ride it. I came back grinning from ear to ear - the bike sold itself. It still wasn't exactly what I wanted (better weather protection and shaft drive) but that bike was a hoot to ride and put some real excitement into my journey.
If the dealer expects bikes to sell on paper spec, there is little to attract a buyer apart from the price. Dealers that get bums in the saddlle probably can't supply enough bikes to meet demand (well, that's the way it's been in the UK since the bike was released). You've just got to read the positive feedback on BanditAlley about this bike - it's a real keeper.
BTW, this is probably a difference between the UK and US markets, but us Brits have no problem in paying a little more for ABS. There seems to a macho image about not having ABS or thinking that a good rider can do without it. It's one of the best safety measures ever to be put on a bike and when out on a bike, we need all the safety we can get. Not because we are necessarily stupid (well, we all do a few stupid things from time to time) but mostly because other road users might be stupid and not see us thus putting out butts in real danger.
Just yesterday, I was filtering down the down on the outside of a line of cars when a Porsche coming the other way, seeing the road was clear for him, decided that he'd floor it. I had to brake quickly and tuck in and the front 'clunked' - yep, this was the first time that I had the ABS cut in. Without it, that front wheel might skidded, I might have come off and I might have been under the wheels of that Porsche.
So, IMHO, the Bandit 1250 is one of the finest bikes I have ever owned and ABS is one of the best things you can have on a bike and I'd much rather have it on my bike than any other accessory or option you can think of.