Head Count: '07 B1250 Bandit Riders

[WiNoJoE]

Just got a 1250SA (blue) shipped down to DFW from Ridextreme (Ohio) on eBay.  Paid $7850, about $1000 cheaper than local dealers wanted.  Of course there was the shipping charge of $500, and windshield/mirror assembly once it arrived, but still saved approx $500.

I'm riding again after a 20 year layoff (marriage, middleage, etc).  My first bike was a Suzuki AC50, paid $275 for it brand spanking new in 1970.  Then onto a few more bikes, mainly a used 1968 YR2 Yamaha 350, which I bought in 1972 and kept riding/rebuilding until 1987 or so.  What a great reliable bike that was, but could have used a little more power.

Mainly a lurker, but will post here when I can contribute something.  Take care all, and be careful out there!  You wouldn't believe all the idiot drivers here in DFW area!

[Ed G.]

I Just got my new , Blue Bandit.
None of the three dealers w/in 30 miles in New Jersey had an ABS model, nor could they order one from Suzuki.  I bought it in Staten Island, N.Y. Cost was $8,400 (plus N.J. sales tax when I registered it in NJ.)

I'm a BMW deserter. My last bike was a 1999, R110R (horizontal twin). What a difference! The Bandito turns much quicker, vibrates much less and the difference in speed is incredible.

At the price of the new Bandit, I was looking at 3 to 4 year old used K1200RS's  (inline 4).  The big BMW's are slightly smoother, and the seat  & accessories seem of better quality, but they are so much heavier feeling & don't have the low end punch of the Bandit. The Bandit engine is clearly better. Plus, the maintenance costs of the Bandit should be less than a Beemer.

Love my new Bandit!
Ed G.

Moderation in all things, including moderation.
Oscar Wilde

[ZenMan]

WiNoJoE and Ed G.   and  

Two new ABS models brings it up to 22 now.

Ya'll ABS folks be sure to let us know how the brakes are... Some of us standard folks might be interested in getting ABS when we trade-up to a 2012 Bandit...  

[wristwister]

Present and accounted for ... SIR!

[skipper]

here here abs model

[Roy]

I am new here as well but have a posted a few times already.

[ZenMan]

 Wristwister, Skipper and Roy!

Yep, ya'll have posted around the board. I just started this thread to see how many new members are also new B1250 owners...

Looks like 25 now and counting, with a few that haven't posted here yet.

That's a good indication that the bike is selling well... and nobody seems to have had any major problems with it yet (knock on wood!).  

[Spinmon]

Red 1250 owner here in SW Florida.  She's got about 450 miles on her so far.

[rhenriksen]

Houston - bought a black '07 a couple of weeks ago from Stubbs on Telephone Road. Houston traffic hasn't been as bad as I remembered from 20 years ago, but now I've gone & jinxed myself.

[cookie99]

#21 But sorry folks I am from a lot further South than you folks but who knows, one day..

[Mrndt]

I work in Saudi Arabia, coming home on vacation to Memphis on the 6th of Sept, picking up a new 07 Red 1250 on friday.  Picked it up for the days when I don't really want to ride the M109R.  Have to get it broken in before I go back to work on the 25th of Sept.

[billincentraljersey]

#93 checking in.  

ABS, got it in May, so far 5000 miles.  This bike really sucks !  Mirrors can't see anything but my elbows.  Seat slanted forward and my boys gets cramped into the crotch of my pants.  Bars too low for 14 hours days for 10 consecutive days.  There are a few more things that bothers me.  I'll post when I can think of it.

[woodsm]

Couple solutions to your problems:

1) Mirror extenders.  You can get them from Holeshot or Twistedthrottle.  I got them from holeshot, and am happy with the improvement.  They make useless mirrors half way decent.
2) Raise the front of your seat, but not the back.  I did this months ago, and am very happy with the improvement.  This has worked well for some, and not so well for others.  It only a 15 minute time investment to try it, so why not?
3) New grips.  I installed a barrel shaped grip and am now OK.  They are called Grand Touring grips, and I think I got them from Calsporttouring.com.  If you google grand touring grips, you will find them.

Overall, these are inexpensive changes you can make that will solve some of your issues.

[ZenMan]

SpinMon, Rhenriksen, Cookie99, Mrndt, and Bilincentraljersey...

   and  

That makes 30 B1250 riders by my count.  

The only complaints I've heard about this bike have been very minor and easily corrected... handlebars, mirrors, footpeg position, and the seat. This is to be expected, since it's impossible to build a "one-size-fits-all" motorcycle. I'm not thrilled with the seat myself, but it'll do till a good aftermarket alternative comes along.

I'm very pleased that the new model is doing so well, and upholding the tried-and-true reputation of power, reliability, and value that's been the trademark of all Bandits since the introduction of this great motorcycle over a decade ago, and counting!  

[gunz]

2007 bandit 1250 Rode more than 600 miles already. I have owned it for 4 days. Love it. Ready to start upgrading it to start sport touring again. My only complaint is the lack of aftermarket stuff, Great position, Very comfortable, Tons of power.