2006 Bandit Alternatives

[Sven]

Several times a year, someone on this board has to trade their Bandit for something else...sometimes they want a little different bike, sometimes the Bandit has been wrecked...whatever.  Usually they seem to already know what they want.  Sometimes not.

Since the Bandit is not available in the US this year (along with the oft-compared Kawasaki ZRX12...the UJMs are dying out!), what 2006 bike would you go out and buy if you needed to replace your Bandit.  (Sure, the 2005 model is still commonly available, but let's assume you're buying a 2006 model to force you to pick something else).

Since the Bandit is a great all-around bike, please explain why you view your choice as a legitimate replacement. For example, perhaps you view the Bandit as a tourer/commuter, so you think the all new Sven "Ambulator 1200"    is similar in that regard.

I am really interested in what you suggest.  No, I don't have to replace my Bandit, but I'm not sure what I would pick if I had to.  Most of the things I considered three years ago are no longer offered.

[BlkJello]

If i HAD to replace my bandit i would look at 2 bikes .  The triumph sprint st and the fz1000.  Im into sport-touring rather than hard canyon carving and i think both bikes would make comparable\better  replacements.  Prefer the 05 fz than the 06. Ergos are alittle better on the 05 imo and it has the 5.6 gal tank..whereas i believe the 06's tank has shrunk to 4.8 gal. Also the 06 fz's seat doesnt look as comfy as the 05.   The truimph is just plain beautiful without the racer ergos.  Love the sound of the triple.  Might just be my next bike.    

[Red01]

I love the looks of the new Sprint ST, but it has been getting pummelled in the press - with faults that are simply not acceptable in a sport-tourer (bags that leak and hard to fit, seat like a plank, heat issues).

Aprilia's dropped the Futura, which I really like, so since it has to be a 2006 model for this thread, that one is ruled out.

The only other bike I really have a strong jonesin' for - and honestly, like it overall better than the two above anyway - is the Yamaha FJR1300.
(One with a clutch lever.)

[Vlad]

FZ1, although it's ugly, IMHO.

[terrebandit]

A used ZREX, FJR or ST

[Tundrahog]

Probably the FZ1 ( I agree ugly and reworked to be something it didn't need to be).  Maybe the Monster S4R as well

[WEINERDOGBONE]

I'm gonna side with Paul on this one. I have admired the FJR 1300 for quite a while. They reportedly have good ergo's and solid power. The 2006 model brings a fix to engine heat blown on the rider and an accessory outlet. I love the looks of the bike as well.

On the downside, they are sorta rare. The local Yamaha dealership has a horrible reputation and the bike is pricey at 13 large or so.

[LowRyter]

I'm serious about the FZ-1.  I have 48k miles on the 98 B12

[Maniac]

If I had to get a new bike, I'd probally try to swing a Honda 919. But every dealer local I've been to has said they are discontinued, so...

Well, I don't know what I'd get. The issue isn't very likely to come up, since even if I -did- get a new bike it'd have to be a used one. In that case it'd probally be a Bandit 1200N, 919, or maybe a Sprint.

Although if I came across a '70s Honda Scrambler in good shape, I'd be all over that.

[Lmario]

Well, I would choose the new Suzuki GSR.
Same HP, almost same dimensions, less weigth, so more "sportbike", yet naked.

But I don't know if i'll become availbe soon in the US.

Just my 2 cts.

[scooter trash]

If I were to buy a new bike to replace my Bandit it would probably be the new BMW K 1200 R with 163 horsepower. I really don’t know what I’d do with 163 horsepower but it would be fun experimenting. I like the electronic suspension adjustment idea. You can set your suspension from the dashboard. Nice and soft for riding to the mountains then push a button and you’re carving the canyons. But why would I want to get rid of a perfectly good Bandit ?!??!?!?!?!


 

[PitterB4]

While if I were to get another bike it would definitely be a track-only ride, I'll play along.  In decending order of lust-factor: Speed Trip, Monster, FZ1 (which I think is gorgeous).  Any of the above would get some sort of lower bars/clipons attempting to get more race-replica ergos in a naked bike.  I just like the naked look.

[Bantana]

I like the looks of the new FZ1 and the rest of the world gets a naked version that looks very good. But I'm really tired of heavy bikes and don't find the ultra-lightweight sport bikes comfortable. My DR650 has been a great bike and I have managed to do some 300 mile days on it. Along those lines I would like to see the Ducati HyperMotard come to market.
Low end grunt, upright ergos, legroom, narrow profile and lighter than my Bandit750. Of course, I'm not buying anything until I sell the Bandit.

[Vidrazor]

I prefer a light bike also, and I don't need a big engine. I also prefer a more upright seating position, so the SV650 and Honda 599 are attractive bikes to me. I particularly like that the 599 is carburated, because the jury is still out on fuel injection in day-to-day street use. Unfortunately it's $1400 more than the SV650. Other than the fuel injection, I find the SV650 more attractive, just 'cause it's a lighter bike.  

[b4cruz]

what if you added easiest bike to work on
easy wheel access easy engine access
included to the easy ergos + sport tourer
everyday bike

with features like
quick rear wheel removal
and hinged tank
naked
easy bag removal
what other features do you guys look for