Just how "grim" really is the stock 2G shock?

[rider123]

I just wanted to know how grim really the stock shock is? I've only been riding 500kms on my new 2005 Bandit 1200S. But it seems to me that the stock shock is almost stiff in comparison to my other bikes I've ridden. It seems to go over the bumps well and doesn't feel too bad in the corners even on the stock adjustment level. I relalize I fairly average weight at around 180, is it advisable to change the shock as soon as possbile? You guys are scaring me with your talk about the stock shock like it's going to explode any minute by going around a corner!    Can I not use this shock for at least a couple of years?

Now if you want to talk about the stock tires. They are "grim" Is it just me or changing the tires have a more noticable impact on handling?

[Red01]

Tires are a great improvement!
The stock shock fades and gets wallowy if you press it in the twisties, but if you don't ride very hard, it'll probably do you fine.
I had put off a rear shock thinking it was OK, but after I put the Hayabusa shock on, I saw what I was missing - and I'm not a kneedragger, but I do like a brisk pace.

[rider123]

Thanks Red, I'll take it under advisment. I too am far fom squidly but I like to move smartly when safe to do so. I think I'll start with the tires first and look into the hyabusa shock a little later.

[Desolation Angel]

I've considered changing mine just for the h$ll of it, but honestly, I can't tell you I notice any sort of problem with the Bandit shock.

Not to mention it's actually designed to be on THAT bike.  

[Fromage]

Does the center stand becomes useless after putting on the busa shock?

[Red01]

Yes, the stock shock was designed to be on the bike... but it also seems to be designed for the typical Japanese rider of ~150 lbs... and not a "supersized" American.

The centerstand is still useful with the Busa shock, in fact, I got a hair more clearance than when I had Banditmania's tail lifting dogbones on it. (With the bones, the back tire barely cleared the ground on the centerstand, I've got ~3/8" now.)

[PaulVS]

At 235 lbs... I really don't like the stock shock.

But I also don't like the idea of hacking in a 'busa shock (Albeit a hack that only involves cutting off an airbox tab.)

Here's what I'd do if I had my pending inheritence....

1.  Buy a new Bandit.
2.  Put on a new slip-on and jet kit.
3.  Put on a set of Pirelli Diablo Strada tires.
4.  Put on the RaceTech Gold Valves etc. up front
5.  Put on a  Progressive 420 rear shock.
6.  Put on a Givi windscreen
7.  Put on a throttle lock.
8.  Put on 1st Gen handlebars.
9.  Put on SS brake lines and upgraded brake pads.

And all that would still cost me a lot less than any bike I put in 2nd place.

(Actually... I'd do the above TWICE to make sure I had a spare.  Because there really isn't any bike I know of that would fit me like the Bandit does... and it doesn't look like any other is forthcoming.)

[solman]

I personally don't have any issues with my suspension.  Different tires do seem to help the handling.  I am in the 218 lb range and I have been quite happy with the stock setup so far.  The only thing that I have done is stiffen up the front one notch.  With that being done, I rode the Dragon (US 129/Deals Gap) with much success and no apparent handling problems.  I also know that Rickey in AZ ('01 Bandit 1200 naked) has ate up many crotch rockets with stock suspension, so it can't be too horrible of a setup.  Sometimes adding a certain type of tire or doing something with the suspension, adds confidence in one's vehicle.    Don't get me wrong better suspension can help.  All I am saying is sometimes people use it as a crutch when it is really their riding skills or techniques can use some help.  I had one guy showed me a technique for cornering and it improved my turns on the Dragon immensely when I remembered to apply it.

[Fromage]

Okay well good I wasnt sure if the busa shock would make the rear tire touch the ground...good to know it doesnt. Very small garrage = centerstand only room.

[Desolation Angel]

Yes, the stock shock was designed to be on the bike... but it also seems to be designed for the typical Japanese rider of ~150 lbs... and not a "supersized" American.

Hey!   I resemble that remark!   Just because a Japanese couple could fit inside me, well, that's no reason to mention it!

D@mn it!

[Red01]

I wasn't referring to you, DA... I was referring to ME!