Author Topic: 2006 Bandit Alternatives (Read 16661 times)

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #15 on:** January 05, 2006, 01:33:00 PM »

Trying to be as close to the Bandit and how I use it as I can, just spur of the moment, I'd say DL1000 V-Strom, or Triumph Tiger.

The ST1300 and that FJR1300E are just way too big of a price difference to really compare to the Bandit and too much of a difference in their ultimate purposes and equipment.

Hmmmm....

Yeah, that's my answer and I'm sticking to it!

SHREDDER · « **Reply #16 on:** January 05, 2006, 05:25:39 PM »

I would have to go with the Kawasaki Z1000. The ergonomics and insurance rates are a bit more sport bikish but what a sweet ride.

ttewejnodnarb · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2006, 06:06:33 PM »

I'd go with the '06 FZ1.

I haven't riden it yet but I do have the thing as a choice for my wallpaper!

Pros:

1) EFI
2) Twin spar frame
3) MORE POWER
4) SEXY, SEXY, SEXY

Cons:
1) EFI
2) MOOOORE POOOWER!
2) Not a Bandit
4) Getting me excited for no reason! Even if I needed a "new" bike, I would not be able to afford a NEW bike!

Conclusion:

I listed EFI as a pro and con because while it is easier to set up, tune and change (with a PC or Cobra) it adds to the complexity of the mechanics. Anytime you add a "chip" to anything, IMO, this happens. Being a newbie mechanic I like the idea of learning carbs and the raw mechanics of it all, without having to worry about silicon and soldering guns.

I listed more power twice because at 4 years riding, I don't even know what to do with all the power I have NOW. I am sure eventually I will get used to it, but I don't ever see myself getting on my bike, twisting back and saying to myself "come on....COME ON!"

I do think the '06 FZ1 looks HOT...not like bike hot, like supermodel hot!

Sorry to be so long-winded...just wanted to stand out from all the others that would choose the FZ.

Banditboy600 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2006, 06:55:51 PM »

IMHO, the FZ1 is the best comparable bike to the B12. Although the FJR is an awesome machine, is not comparable, to the B12 in size, price, etc. The FZ is in the same ball park. I wanted a B12, the local dealers did not have any, I went with the FZ1....for about the same money. The FJR is more comparable to the Kaw. ZZR1200R, or even the Honda ST 1300, not the Bandit 1200 S. THe FZ1, Honda 919, speed triple, are etc. Just my $.02.

Red01 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2006, 07:09:22 PM »

I agree with that, Banditboy600... but for what I use my Bandit for, the bike I would replace it with would be the FJR. True, there are other bikes closer to the Bandit in price and design, for what I like to use my bike for a ST bike fits the bill. The sportier ergos and more Streetfighter sense of purpose of the new FZ-1 - along with it's smaller tank, rule it out of contention for me. The ZZR is more of a Busa class GT bike, but the Honda ST13 is a good comparison to the FJR, but the ST13 just doesn't do anything for me emotionally. I think the FJR & the B12 are comparable in size, engine-wise, and do turn similar performance numbers. The price tag is heftier, but you're getting bags, full fairing and shaft drive in the package.

Now if Suzuki made a bike that looks like the JMV Concepts Bandit GT (pic below) and added shaft drive (like the GSX1100G) and factory hard bags, I'd buy it!

Wooddog · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2006, 09:25:30 PM »

Since everyone talked me out of trading my Bandit for a BMW R1150R, THANKS! I need to save my money! I am only 5'8", so several of the bikes yall have mentioned such as the FZ 1 and the v strom would be great alternatives but I have sat on both of these and they feel too tall for me to be comfortable on. Being a short guy the seat height is one of the first things that I look at. And BMW offers a low seat option on there R1150R, and so does Buell on there 1200 Lighting. But for the money and maintenance issues, I think I will stay away from those 2 models. The ST 1300 Honda offers a adjustable seat and I have sat on it but the bike feels way to heavy compared to the Bandit. I dont know much about the New Yamaha FJR but I think the seat is about 2" taller than the Bandit as well. O well, I am Happy with the Bandit for now.

Red01 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 05, 2006, 10:49:23 PM »

The 2G B12 has an advertised seat height of 31.1"
The 3G B12 has an advertised seat height of 31.0-31.7"
The '06 FJR has an advertised seat height of 31.5-32.3"

kpresco2 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:00:09 PM »

I'd be looking closly at the GSX1400

Banditboy600 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:15:29 PM »

Quote

The sportier ergos and more Streetfighter sense of purpose of the new FZ-1 - along with it's smaller tank, rule it out of contention for me.

I agreee. The new FZ is definitely out. I was referring to the 01-05's. That why the Banidt is the best all rounder, can do it all.....and half the price of the FJR. I am guessing that we won't see a '06 Bandit in the States this year? Does anyone have a picture of one?

Bandit K5 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:28:49 PM »

I would go with the Kawasaki zx 14 or a busa!

aussiebandit · « **Reply #25 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:46:15 PM »

Since the B12 is still available in Oz, I don't have to worry about it.

But, if I had to make a change, the choice would be out of the following bikes, depending on how much money I could spend, what I could get out of the Dealer and where the dealer was located - being in the country travelling for 100 plus K's for a service is not on my list of things to do. The list is in no particular order.....of the bikes listed below, only the Suzuki and Kawasaki have dealerships in Wagga. For the others I'd need to travel to Albury (around 120km) or Canberra (about 250Km).

BMW K1200R - $21,750
Kawasaki Z1000 - $15,490
Aprilia Tuono R - $19,990
Suzuki SV1000 - $12,990
Triumph Speed Tripple - $15,990

Oldschooler · « **Reply #26 on:** January 06, 2006, 12:34:57 AM »

Wow,
I guess I'm the only poor one on this thread! I have to say I like the FZ1 also but it's just out of reach for me so I would have to go with some smaller bikes like maybe the Honda 599, FZ6, or the new red SV650. The standard one without the fairing and the more upright riding position. I like the red one because I'm currently on a red 1996 B6.

Red01 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 06, 2006, 01:00:28 AM »

Quote from: "Banditboy600"

I am guessing that we won't see a '06 Bandit in the States this year? Does anyone have a picture of one?

That's right - no 3G B12 for the USA.

Here's what everyone else gets:
(Some markets have ABS, some don't, others give you a choice)

Some will get the naked version, too:

Basically, it gets new bodywork, with a new headlight system on the S models, adjustable seat, 4 piston calipers (instead of the 6 pots of the 2G), and a catalytic converter for all markets to meet Euro 2 and Tier 1 (UK, I think) emissions.

b4cruz · « **Reply #28 on:** January 06, 2006, 09:29:55 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Now if Suzuki made a bike that looks like the JMV Concepts Bandit GT (pic below) and added shaft drive (like the GSX1100G) and factory hard bags,

+ a perfect 6 manual speed tranny!

I've been dreaming of a b12 & Vstrom in shafty form
for a long time. A street bike and a trail bike tourer
with japanese everlasting no fus drive.

I love the look of the concept and original Bandits
way more than the yamahas & kiwis

Maybe Suzuki is just secretly telling us all to give in and all get BUSAS?

here is a site i found while searching for pics of all the bikes everyone posted
http://www.cmgonline.com/bikes/buyers_guides/NMBG/2006/index.html

Sven · « **Reply #29 on:** January 07, 2006, 12:33:08 AM »

My problems with the Hayabusa are (1) the leany-over clip-on grips and (B) the whole shrouded in plastic thing. Here in Memphis, they are the black version of the Harley...see and be seen on one, but don't do any real riding. It sometimes seems like the GSXRs are handed out like government cheese, but at least the guys who have them actually ride them, and appear to be having fun doing it.