Bandit 12.5 Reviewed in Two Wheels Only

[Sven]

The new Bandit is all over the May issue of the Brit MC mag, TWO (Two Wheels Only).

The basic article, "Looks Who's Torquing" pits the B12.5 v. R1150S Boxercup v. ZRX1200S v VTR1000.  None of the bikes got a bad review (does any bike ever get a bad review in any mag?), but the Bandit did win by getting 24/25 points in the five categories of Road, Value, Liveability, Performance, and Overall.  The nearest competitor was the ZRX, but the author thought the Bandit was better looking (gee, they have almost the exact same profile!) and handled better right ou tof the box.  The main complaint about the Bandit's looks:  "All Bandit's look alike".  (Geez, like nayone can tell gixxers apart?)  The one technical note I found interesting:  The Bandit's engine feels like it was MADE for this kind of bike, unlike the tuned-down ZRX engine.

In the following article, members of the  Suzuki Bandit Owners Club appraise the B12.5.  Bascially, they all liked the bike, thought the bars were too low, but would only buy one used or after when their current Bandit was dead.

The Bandit 12 was included in the mag's listing of Wheelie Bikes.

[Vidrazor]

>>Bascially, they all liked the bike, thought the bars were too low...<<

I haven't seen or have had an opportunity to ride the new Bandit, but from a tourer's standpoint, you have to be more of a tourer than a sport in a sport-tourer. Although you want the spirited-ness of a sport bike, you  are primarily interested in a tourer. That means you need elevated handlebars. In touring, distance and, more importantly, time riding is paramount. Comfort rules. I think the new Bandit probably inherited a bit too much of it's former sport bike self in that respect.  

[leedogg]

I think they are just right myself- I would rather more legroom myself...after about an hour I am 2 things. tired of gripping the throttle- and my legs start feeling cramped..other than that it is just right.  But still if the bars is there only gripe- it is a 50 dollar fix....try moving the pegs.  I have thought about mounting some highway pegs on the downtubes.

I think the bike is a hit!

[ZenMan]

I think the new Bandit probably inherited a bit too much of it's former sport bike self in that respect.  

I agree with you... but for my preferences I'm glad that it did.  

If I wanted shaft drive or integrated hard luggage, I would have went for an FJR. I'm modding my B1250 into a sport-tourer, with the emphasis on sport. So this bike is perfect for me.

Then again, a lot of people are buying the B1250 to fill their need for a sport-bike that doesn't twist you into a pretzel when you sit on it... a muscle-bike, if you will. And it can be easily modified in that mode, too.

I think that's the beauty of the big Bandits... including all the previous models. They are a great basic platform that can be easily tweaked into each riders personal ideal bike. It starts at a low price, and by the time you get it to where you want it, you will still have less $$$ into it than if you had bought a bike already built for a certain category or niche.

Granted, my first mods are "comfort" upgrades... windscreen, handguards, soft luggage, lower fairing... but nothing that will detract from the power and handling. Other folks start with performance upgrades... new pipes, slip-on, EFI tuning, suspension... they want more of a hot-rod. For me, those upgrades will come later. It's all about personal priorities.  

It'd be a lot more expensive to buy an FJR or Concours, then try to convert it to chain drive and lighten it up 100 pounds...    

[SteelD]

>>Bascially, they all liked the bike, thought the bars were too low...<<

I haven't seen or have had an opportunity to ride the new Bandit, but from a tourer's standpoint, you have to be more of a tourer than a sport in a sport-tourer. Although you want the spirited-ness of a sport bike, you  are primarily interested in a tourer. That means you need elevated handlebars. In touring, distance and, more importantly, time riding is paramount. Comfort rules. I think the new Bandit probably inherited a bit too much of it's former sport bike self in that respect.  

The bars are fine for me for touring. They're not sports bike low and neither are they cruiser high. If all they've got to complain about is an item that can be easily modded for personal comfort/preference then it speaks volumes for the rest of the bike.

[leedogg]

If all they've got to complain about is an item that can be easily modded for personal comfort/preference then it speaks volumes for the rest of the bike.

That was my point too.  

No bike will be perfect for everyone.  And not having ridden a B12- I can compare the 2.  It is the near perfect balance, IMO, between sport and touring.  I sat on the Z1000 Kawi- and the bars are a little higher with more leg room, but the seat sucked, so I went with the Bandit- I do not regret it at all.

[banditone1250s]

I have had my new Bandit 1250s for about three weeks now and was riding a cruiser berfore that. A VT 1100 Honda Sabre... I thought that the difference in the "comfort" issue would take me a little while to get used to. It didn't!!! The seat was a little harder than I was used to but the first two rides that I took on it were 570 miles and 623 miles respectively. The seat bothered me a little at first but in no time at all I got used to it really easy. The Bandit will be a "hit". I guarantee it, so with that being said, if you have any doubt, like it was said in here before, go ride it and it won't take long at all for you to make up your mind...Banditone1250s....