Author Topic: Chicago Area Mechanic (Read 4429 times)

s1n1c · « **on:** April 28, 2005, 09:25:45 PM »

Greetings all. I am a new member who just got an 01' B12. A local dealer had 2 that had been in storage for the past several years and was selling them as new. Got a great deal on a fantastic bike. My other bike is a Moto Guzzi California II, so this was like going from a Cadillac to a Porsche...A very comfortable Porsche.

Anyway, after reading all the threads I would like to have some of the mods done on the bike like a jet kit, exhaust, air filter, etc., but have a couple of questions.

First, should I wait until after the break in to any engine mods or does it matter?

Second, does anyone know of a reputable Chicago area mechanic who could do these modifications? Or are there any board members who would be willing to teach a newbie how to wrench for some extra $$$? I fix computers for a living, but for some reason fixing an engine scares me... Go figure. I would like to learn to do it, but would feel more comfortable if someone could show me the ropes so I don't mess up what is currently an awesome motorcycle.

Thanks,
Todd

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2005, 11:05:55 PM »

and

on the new ride!

Since it is an '01 and has the possibilty if being an oil consumer that may need warranty attention, I would hold off until after break-in and be certain you don't have any issues. Simple mods shouldn't effect your efforts to get warranty attention, but if it is totally stock, they can't try to blow you off because of any mods.

If you haven't already read up on the oil issue, you will want to check out the 600/1200 FAQ section and read up so you'll be prepared just in case.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2005, 10:49:34 AM »

Welcome to the board.

Yes, wait until it's broken in and you are comfortable and familiar with what you've got. Even a stock Bandit is pretty lively at 8000rpm.

As far as the work, the Bandit is very easy to work on. Look in the FAQ section on this board to see details of lots of the mods you want to do, including a jetkit install.

Get a service manual. You can do pretty much anything yourself, save a ton of money and learn a lot in the process!

Where in Chicagoland are you? I used to live up in Libertyville (Lake County)

s1n1c · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2005, 12:13:47 PM »

Manny / Paul,

Thanks for the advice. I will wait to do any engine mods until I know if I've got a leaker. I am not really looking for more speed. This thing is more than fast enough for me stock. I am really just trying to see if I can smooth it out some. It seems to run rough at some RPMs and a lot of the messages seem to indicate that jetting will help smooth out response across the power band. Of course, this could improve with time as the engine is not broken in yet.

Also, is it possible to change the exhaust without re-jetting? Again, I am not looking to increase horse power, just don't like the way the stock muffler sounds. I am used to a nice throaty sound and this is pretty weak. Could I put on a scorpion slip-on, or something similar, to improve the way the bike sounds without doing engine mods?

I live in Hanover Park (DuPage County). I will most likely be coming to the 2005 Bandit Rally, so maybe I will get to meet some of you there. Thanks again for the advice.

Regards,
Todd

PaulVS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2005, 12:44:13 PM »

http://www.dgy.com/

I haven't tried them out yet... but I did go into the service department and it looks more professional than most, and the service manager seemed good. There's also Lombard & Schaumburg Suzuki near you.

As Red said, many of the '01-'02 1200 Bandits had faulty pistons that you should be able to get replaced under warranty if yours is one of them. I'd have that checked out before doing any other modding. But you can put an aftermarket can on without re-jetting.

Also... I'm setting up a Bandit-only ride from Naperville to Starved Rock on May 29th. Let me know if you're interested in joining up.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2005, 01:15:18 PM »

Todd,
If you are talking about the vibration you get around 4200-4400 rpm, you can do a number of things to quiet it down.
Pipe and jet kit won't do that much, but a good synthetic oil and a bar-snake are where I would start.
If it's in the vibe range on the freeway, buy a different rear sprocket to increase or decrease the gearing to get you away from it.
There are many options, none of which are excessivly expensive.

The stock sprockets are 15/45 front /rear.
I ran a 15/48. This increased rpm several hundred and improved acceleration. You can also go with a smaller rear sprocket that will drop the rpm and help fuel economy. You can get a sprocket for around $40 and they are easy to install.

Chi-TownBandit · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:48:21 AM »

I go with the Lombard Suzuki--they've actually done some of the tune up work on my bike, before my buddy sold it to me. So, they know the Bandit. Anyways, DGY kills you on their prices--services and gear.
Paul, let me know about the Bandit run from Naperville to Starved Rock--I'm on the Southside of Chicago, and I do runs to downtown Napervile all the time, with my cousin, who owns a B6. I was planning a trip up to Starved Rock this summer, anyways, and might as well do with other Bandit buddies!