Author Topic: 1998 Bandit 1200 "The Good and The Bad"???? (Read 17687 times)

Seniorbiker · « **on:** March 30, 2005, 07:48:22 AM »

There is a 1998 1200 Bandit with fairing and about 4500 miles for sale, basically stock, in my area.

Can anyone tell me the negatives and positives of this year compared to the current generation of 1200 bandits? Any specific problems?

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2005, 08:18:04 AM »

No major problems...no problem areas.
The newer Bandits have throttle position sensors, I think which help MPG a hair.
The styling changes are pretty minimal, slighly different frame, and more modern appearing fairing on the newer bandits.

I'm guessing a 'good' price range for that bike with that mileage, in good condition, would be in the $3000-$3500 range.

Seniorbiker · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2005, 09:00:31 AM »

That is right where the price range is.

Haven't seen the bike yet, so I am not sure of the condition (just going by the ad and the picture). Thanks, Pete!!!!

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2005, 06:55:19 PM »

Positives: Better headlight than 2G "S" model, a hair more power when stock (but we're only talking 1-2hp), no "oil burning" issues.

Negatives: Weaker front brakes, slightly softer suspension, slightly slower steering geometry, 0.3 gallon smaller tank.

There's over 100 differences between the two, most are trivial and other than what's been mentioned above, I wouldn't really put them in positive/negative categories.

terrebandit · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2005, 08:40:46 PM »

Add weaker clutch to the list on the 1G's but its not noticable to me (I've had both bikes and currently own a 1G - a 2000 model). 1Gs are also easier to wrench on and seem "smaller/lighter" overall, IMO.

Here are some possibilities with the 1G (link to photos below). I actually like it better than the 2G!

http://groups.msn.com/DavesBanditHomePage/banditmodificationlist.msnw

RUSS M8 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2005, 06:16:03 AM »

Pros and Cons of 1Gen and 2Gen, well 1st gen looks good, and 2nd Gen looks like someone at Suzuki got very confused during the whole styling exercise!!! But, styling aside, I think the new Bandits are a better package (like they figured out what was wrong with the first one and fixed it) and looks a little "neater" around the engine area. But as I said I just couldn't get up in the morning and face that new generation fairing - argghh!!!

aussiebandit · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2005, 08:10:57 AM »

There are only 3 things that bug me on the 2G

the headlights - only one on low beam,
the OEM Macadams don't do anything for the handling, and
the fact the side covers are black - unless the rest of the bike is black it looks like you've had an off and done the repair on the cheap.

Otherwise absolutely no probs with the 2G, and to be honest 1 of the probs is fixable with a new set of tyres, to other 2 are purely personal - and just for the record I've got a BLACK 2G

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2005, 06:58:23 PM »

Quote from: "aussiebandit"

There are only 3 things that bug me on the 2G

the headlights - only one on low beam,

FWIW - The 1G (and 2G naked) only has one filamentt lit on low bean too... and to top it off, it only has one lit on high bean, too

aussiebandit · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2005, 05:41:42 AM »

Quote

FWIW - The 1G (and 2G naked) only has one filamentt lit on low bean too... and to top it off, it only has one lit on high bean, too

But at least they only have one, single, individual lamps so you avoid the "Did you know one of you lights is out" questions.

B6mick · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2005, 05:53:47 AM »

Quote

the fact the side covers are black - unless the rest of the bike is black it looks like you've had an off and done the repair on the cheap.

Soon fix that my friend, next time your in Melb bring new gaskets and I'll fix that little problem for you in a couple of hours. What the hell make it for a day and we will do the rims too

Slider · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2005, 09:15:39 PM »

Got one. Great bike! When I picked it up used with similar mileage, it came with a Yoshi slip on. Like most bikes of the era, it ran lean and bucked some at slow speeds. If not already done, it needs to have the jet route. One is buy 'em but another is just to raise the high speed jet needles one notch and drill out the low speed jet covers for enrichment a tad. Then it will run down to 1.5k rpm with manners. Otherwise do a jet kit, especially if you have grand soup up plans. Ask any dealer you wish to do these mods how many he has done & how he did it. Any hesitation means he speaks with forked tongue.

Otherwise, it is a great bike for Dam little $. Others please corroborate, but they don't break, don't crab and don't surprise you in the twistys.

Good luck

stetracer · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2005, 11:03:42 PM »

I got my 1st bandit 98 1200S 5 months ago I paid $3000 with 20,000 miles the bike is very clean and well cared for and all the mods were done at 17,800 H.S Vortex pipe, stage 3 jet kit, ing. adv., Dana coils, GSXR intake cam, 1216 pistons the bike runs great when you add up the cost of the mod I only Paid $1000 for the bike so keep your eyes open you will find a good one

Slider · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2005, 11:25:41 PM »

Re:
got my 1st bandit 98 1200S 5 months ago I paid $3000 with 20,000 miles the bike is very clean and well cared for and all the mods were done at 17,800 H.S Vortex pipe, stage 3 jet kit, ing. adv., Dana coils, GSXR intake cam, 1216 pistons the bike runs great .

Sounds like good stuff.
Just wunderin...
Have you thought about GSXR exhaust cams?
Any particular reasons for choosing your first choice of intake???
Where does your usable power band begin?
I don't want to sound like a nosy parker... jus wunderin?... since I thought about some of this stuff myself.

Oh... What the hey are 1216 pistons?

May your gas always be cootie free.

Mike in the north.

stetracer · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2005, 11:49:56 PM »

Mike
Thats the way I bought it. I did planed on going with a bigger intake and exhaust cam but it runs really strong so Iam going to get some 40 rs carbs next and a 50 tooth rear sprocket. The power startsin around 4000 rpm

OH! a 1216cc is the size of the pistons I belive it's 81mm

J.D.

Red01 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2005, 11:56:37 PM »

"1216" is referring to displacement... stock, the engine is 1157cc.

Using just the GSXR intake cam (on an 1157) will give a 4 to 6 horsepower gain with only a very minimal change in the midrange power band. Installing both as a set and pick up another 3 to 4 HP on the top end with a little loss on the bottom.