Author Topic: metric or standard tool set for 97 b1200s? (Read 3840 times)

westofzero · « **on:** May 28, 2006, 03:22:08 PM »

I just bought my first bandit and I know I'll need a trusty tool kit to help me along the way.

This is the most trivial question, but I'm going to assume that I would want a metric set to work on my bandit, correct?

Thanks!

H2RICK · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2006, 03:56:22 PM »

Absolutely correct, westofzero. There are NO inch-dimensioned fasteners ANYWHERE on your Bandit. If your bike was used and didn't come with a tool kit, you may want to check out the price of a replacement kit from your local Suzuki dealer. The kits typically run in the US$40-$60 range BUT......you want to see what's included BEFORE plunking down the cash. Some kits have special wrenches and/or other tools specific to that particular bike.....and some have no special tools at all. In case #2 you'd be better off spending the money at a tool place and buying a nice set of tools yourself for 'wayyyyy less money.

westofzero · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2006, 04:04:49 PM »

Thank you. Much appreciated.

tacoman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2006, 02:20:20 PM »

The only tool I use out of the factory kit is the spark plug socket because I can't find a long, thin wall socket to fit in the head. The stock tool kit is really poor quality (very soft metal) so its only for emergency use. If you don't have any tools those combo sets you get at Sears are great. For about $50 you'll get just about all you'll need for most maintenance/repairs.

westofzero · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2006, 03:44:26 PM »

Quote from: tacoman

The only tool I use out of the factory kit is the spark plug socket because I can't find a long, thin wall socket to fit in the head. The stock tool kit is really poor quality (very soft metal) so its only for emergency use. If you don't have any tools those combo sets you get at Sears are great. For about $50 you'll get just about all you'll need for most maintenance/repairs.

Yeah, I found that out last weekend. One of my next stops is to get one of those kits.

I'm up here in Bremerton, do you have any good rides I should check out? I was thinking of doing the loop around the Hood Canal.

- Brian

tacoman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2006, 05:39:18 PM »

A good tool kit will make life easier and you won't strip bolt heads. Actually, my big combo tool kit is a Home Depot "Husky" brand. Nice tools, lifetime warranty and they replace if you break em. As for rides, the Hood Canal is nice. Scenic, not much in the way of twisties. Hoodsport Winery is a good stop and the Geoduck Tavern in Brinnon has good food. If you're in Bremerton I'd try the Loop road around the big peninsula, great twisties from Port Angeles to Sekiu along the strait. Other than that, the passes are opening so lots there. Check out the PNW thread, we're trying to put together a MT Baker ride.

westofzero · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2006, 10:39:29 PM »

I'd be down for a day ride, I can't get away from work for too many days though. Keep me posted on what you decide to do.

Thanks.

- Brian

jeffw · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2006, 11:26:04 PM »

West, the run up/down the west side of Hood Canal and the south side past Belfair is a great stretch of twistie road, but,, it can get crowded on weekends, and lots of slow speed limits. Well worth the ride, just be aware of the traffic and sometimes slow pace.

westofzero · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2006, 12:58:48 AM »

Quote from: jeffw

West, the run up/down the west side of Hood Canal and the south side past Belfair is a great stretch of twistie road, but,, it can get crowded on weekends, and lots of slow speed limits. Well worth the ride, just be aware of the traffic and sometimes slow pace.

Sweet, thanks. I think I might make the drive down to portland this weekend, if not that's my next option. Any other good rides I should check out? I was thinking I might try to find a good road over the Olympic Mtns to the coast.

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2006, 12:08:53 PM »

A nice day ride out on the Penninsula is to head out on US 101 thru Port Angeles and out past Lake Crescent, then head out to Neah Bay on SR113/112. When you come back, head back east on SR112 instead of taking SR113 back to US 101. SR112 comes out on US101 just west of Port Angeles.

One of my favorites!

Other favorites:

The east side of Mt St Helens - take on FS25 off of US12, run FS99 out to the overlook and back, then continue south on FS25 to FS 90 and SR503 to Woodland (on I-5), or FS25 all the way down to the Columbia River and back to I-5 via SR14.

North Cascades Hwy (SR20) to Winthrop/Twisp - or even further over Loup-Loup & Sherman Passes if you have the time.

Mt Baker Hwy (SR542) out of the Bellingham area.

tacoman · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2006, 01:52:26 PM »

A word of caution on the Belfair area of Hood Canal. The state patrol has its academy outside of Shelton and they like to break in the new recruits there. Tons of speed traps. My wife's uncle is a leadfoot and lives on the canal. I think he's one step away from losing his license. I joke with him and say there's probably of poster of him in the training room labeled "easy pickins"