New member with questions

[the ferret]

Hello all..new forum member here.

Considering a new 1250 S with ABS. Currently riding an 04 Yamaha FZ1 which I'm selling to my son, and a 2000 Honda 750 Nighthawk. The FZ1 is fast no doubt but not comfortable for me but fits my 28 year old son to a T. The Nighthawk fits me to a T but is a little underpowered and is undersuspended when carrying a passenger. I'm an older dude who likes standard seating/bars and torqey engines. Bandit looks to be the best of the lot at this point. Only a couple things I'm concerned about.

(1) Oil filter. I've looked at the bike and can't for the life of me figure how you change the oil filter without A) getting the crap burned out of you and b) getting a tool in there to get it off...also just getting it out of there.Looks like an awfully tight fit.

(2) rear passenger comfort. My wife rides with me 90% of the time.Been reading threads on this forum for a few days now and I've not seen anyone even mention carrying a passenger or comfort for them.

Comments?

[skyrider]

(1) Oil filter. I've looked at the bike and can't for the life of me figure how you change the oil filter without A) getting the crap burned out of you and b) getting a tool in there to get it off...also just getting it out of there.Looks like an awfully tight fit.

I used the largest pair of channel locks from the set I bought at Costco.  So, first thing, go to Costco and buy some...tell your wife its okay!  It was VERY easy to get in there and turn the filter.  Many on this forum, and others, have mentioned using tin foil to lay on top of the pipes...worked great, no mess.  [disclaimer: this is not my idea, I don't have the original link to post, nor do I recall all of the boards where I have read this suggestion...other's will know what I mean   ]

Haven't riden two up, so can't answer your other Q.

Great bike, love it...much faster/smoother/quieter/better-lookin/etc. than the Thumper DR650 I retired.

Sky

[ZenMan]

[disclaimer: this is not my idea, I don't have the original link to post, nor do I recall all of the boards where I have read this suggestion...other's will know what I mean   ]

Oh, come on, Sky... you're making a lot bigger deal out of this than it needs to be. Get over it it, huh?  

Ferret... there's a tool you can get from your Suzuki dealer for around $6 that is like a big socket that fits over the end of the oil filter. It pays for itself the first time you use it. It has a 3/8" square hole on the end for a ratchet or extension, and also a raised nut that a 17mm wrench fits on.

Once you get the filter off, you can leave it set in there on the pipes hole-up until the pipes cool off. Your oil will have plenty of time to drain through the drain-plug during the wait. Then the filter comes out through the left side by moving the radiator hose out of the way. It's really pretty easy and painless.

My ol' lady finds the rear seat comfortable and the pegs ok... but she does wish there was a backrest and grabrails. We're gonna fix that with the Suzuki sport-rack as soon as it's available here in the U.S. then it should bo fine.

Some riders are finding the stock seat pretty uncomfortable, others think it's fine. To me it's ok, but I think I'll upgrade by next spring. In the meantime I might get used to it.  

[the ferret]

Sky like i said I've been readiing the board for a couple days and I know what you're talking about    A big set of pliars is not a reasonable solution IMO.

Zen, I have one of those cup type tools for my FZ filter but it didn't look like there was any way to get it on in there, at least and still use my extension and ratchet (blocked from the front). When I asked about it at the only Suzuki dealer I've found with a Bandit on the floor, they didn't know because they had never changed the oil on one (they also didn't know how to adjust the height on the seat..not that I'll need that being stubby legged and all).

There's a lot I like about the new Bandit and a few things I don't care for especially (that humongous exhaust can  and no grab rail for putting on the centerstand being a couple of them). I'm going to wait until the bikes have been on the road for awhile to see if there are any glitches that show up. If none do I'll try and pick up a left over 07 at a steal price, if they do I'll let Suzuki work it out, and get an 08. A rack and short backrest would make the Mrs very happy.

In the meantime I'll be reading the board and soaking up the knowledge and experience of the members.Thanks

[ZenMan]

Zen, I have one of those cup type tools for my FZ filter but it didn't look like there was any way to get it on in there, at least and still use my extension and ratchet (blocked from the front). When I asked about it at the only Suzuki dealer I've found with a Bandit on the floor, they didn't know because they had never changed the oil on one (they also didn't know how to adjust the height on the seat..not that I'll need that being stubby legged and all).

As I said, there's a nut on the tool for a 17mm wrench.

You can get the tool on the filter easily, but you're right, you can't get a ratchet or extension on the tool. You CAN use a 17mm box-end or open-end wrench, coming in from the right side, and utilizing the 17mm nut on the tool, turn the filter about a 1/4 turn at a time until it comes off.

I keep trying to explain this to people but for some reason nobody is getting it. Am I just saying it wrong?

Also, if you reach in there while the bike is cold, put the tool on and get the filter broke loose a little, and then fire it up and get it hot, you won't get burned.

Then once you have the filter off and laying hole-side-up on the pipes, have your drain plug open and drain your oil as you wait for it to cool. Then you can fish the old filter out and install the new one once it's cool. No burns.

There's a lot I like about the new Bandit and a few things I don't care for especially (that humongous exhaust can  and no grab rail for putting on the centerstand being a couple of them). I'm going to wait until the bikes have been on the road for awhile to see if there are any glitches that show up. If none do I'll try and pick up a left over 07 at a steal price, if they do I'll let Suzuki work it out, and get an 08. A rack and short backrest would make the Mrs very happy.

No bike is perfect, and I've found some of the same quirks as you've pointed out. But not many... and no issues so far with the engine, tranny, or fuel injection. That's pretty good. The bike runs like a raped ape! Ya gotta test ride one, if you haven't done so yet.

As far as the grabrail, they should have them for the passenger. But for putting it up on the centerstand, you can reach the frame rail under the seat with your fingers, and it takes very little effort to put it up if you know how. The secret is in the foot-lever. Put all your weight on your foot and it pops the bike up without having to pull much at all with your hand. There's a whole thread about it somewhere around here...  

In the meantime I'll be reading the board and soaking up the knowledge and experience of the members.Thanks

I forgot to   you to the board! I hope you enjoy the place whether you buy a 1250 or not. As far as Sky's comments, Ihave no idea why he's still going on about the link/source thing. It's really no big deal and I thought it was worked out and done with. Don't worry about it.  

[the ferret]

No your not saying it wrong, it's just none of the cups I currently have have the nut on them. Just have to buy one that does. I understand what you are saying completely.

I'm not worried about what sky said. I saw the original confrontation and saw the apologies and saw that it got worked out. No biggie. I have been around various boards for 10 years now  (FZ1OA Board, NewTriumphBonevilles board and several archery related boards..have even served as a moderator on one) and have seen every type of interaction there is I think from misconstrued thoughts to full fledged screaming hissy fit name calling fights.

I popped the Bandit up on the centerstand several times while at the dealership without any strain, just found it odd they didn't put a bar of some sort on there to grab onto. Its good to hear no problems with the engine. trans, FI on the Bandit so far. Part of my dissatisfaction with the FZ stems from its notchy shifting, and the rest with the seating position and suspension, but it has an awesome engine and awesome brakes (no ABS) and as you are undoubtedly aware, the Gen 2 FZs have been having FI problems.

[the ferret]

Another question for you all...

Cycle World in its comparo with the Yamaha FZ1 (july 2007 issue) complained of the Bandits "heavy clutch pull" and "Clackity-clack twistgrip"

are those issues you have noticed?

[ZenMan]

"Heavy clutch pull"? Wow, that's suprising. On mine at least, it's one of the lightest hydraulic clutches I've ever experienced, and the tranny shifts so slick that my shifts happen instantaneously with out even thinking about it. I've been using just 2-3 fingers, haven't missed a shift yet. Maybe they got one with a defective clutch or mis-assembled from the factory?

As far as the throttle, I did notice some play in the cable which I adjusted the first day. But the fuel injection is nano-second responsive, and takes some getting used to for folks that haven't ridden many FI bikes.

There was also some play side-to-side which disappeared when I installed the Vista-Cruise throttle lock. Can't remember it being all that distracting before, though.

I replaced my grips with big fat foam ones from Parts Unlimited... I have big hands and the larger diameter helps my carpal tunnel. Fat grips also make the throttle slightly less sensitive... probably a good thing in this case.  

[roberto]

As far as waiting for an 08 my information is that the 08's are now available and they are 07's rebadged without a single change. I was going to get an 08 and my dealer checked them out and said... old Chinese friend of mine " Sam Ting". The bike is a winner, great engine,tranny...love it! And by the way my wife rides with me 95% of the time and she gives it a solid thumbs up, smooth running,butter like gear shifts and quiet . Like you I'm not happy with the can and that will be gone next year, course if you did any camping you could cook your dinner on it for a couple of hours after it was shut down so maybe its a plus..Cheers

[the ferret]

roberto..what was your source of info. Heck the 07's just came out. No change in colors for 08? They are 100% positive no one is going to come up with an issue they don't have to address? Doesn't make sense that Suzuki (or any manufacturer) would do that..

[Barbarian]

Stiff clutch? Yeah, when I got my 650 I felt the clutch was very stiff. But after I adjusted it to fit my hands things got a lot better.

I can't be the only one with small hands out there ;)

[roberto]

My source of info was a Suzuki dealer in the PNW. He had attended the dealership get together a few weeks ago in LV and told me that because the first year (2007) had only been a few months the 08's were already sitting in the warehouse ready for delivery and they were nothing more than re badged 2007's. He was going to get me a 2008 model and assured me that it was the same bike as the 2007. I decided not to wait as the season was half over already so I traveled further but found the bike I wanted at a good price. When you think about it makes sense. The first bikes were delivered late spring of this year and mid summer the new models are out. Who in their right mind would set up a factory to do that, so I believe him.
I considered the value of having an 08 rather than an 07 a few years down the road, then I considered finally getting that bike sometime this fall and decided that I'd rather ride now. I love the bike and am happy I chose this route..not too many things in life live up to our expectations..the Bandit 1250 exceeded mine...Cheers, Robert

[SteelD]

I said I wouldn't take my missus on the back while I was breaking it in and I've only done 500 miles so far. However, I have bought the Suzuki rack that has nice big grab rails at the side for passengers and for getting the bike onto the stand. I've also got the Suzuki top case with back rest for when I do take my other half out.

[Bazza]

roberto..what was your source of info. Heck the 07's just came out. No change in colors for 08? They are 100% positive no one is going to come up with an issue they don't have to address? Doesn't make sense that Suzuki (or any manufacturer) would do that..

Ferret:

This is quite common with motorcycles as they have to schedule a production run for each model. My 2002 Bandit was made in early 2001. (They had a manufacture date on the VIN tag on mine). Remember the oil burning issue? This affected 2001 & some 2002 Bandits, and the production run was the reason why. I saw the 2006 Canadian Bandit in
my dealers back storeroom, long before its release date.

It is quite conceivable that Suzuki made all 2007 & 2008 Bandits in a single production run. And yes, any problems that required a recall would affect 2 years worth of Bandits.