Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Sven on January 04, 2006, 05:43:31 PM
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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" :bomb: 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.
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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. :?: :lol:
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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.)
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FZ1, although it's ugly, IMHO.
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A used ZREX, FJR or ST
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Probably the FZ1 ( I agree ugly and reworked to be something it didn't need to be). Maybe the Monster S4R as well
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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.
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I'm serious about the FZ-1. I have 48k miles on the 98 B12
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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.
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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.
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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 ?!??!?!?!?!
:motorsmile:
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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.
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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.
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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. :grin:
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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
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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! :grin:
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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.
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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.
:thanks:
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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.
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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!
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/paulweit/Bandit%20Alley/k1b12gt.jpg)
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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.
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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"
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I'd be looking closly at the GSX1400
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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?
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I would go with the Kawasaki zx 14 or a busa!
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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
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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.
:motorsmile:
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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)
(http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/files/images/Bandit_1200SA_K6/520_1200S_01.jpg)
Some will get the naked version, too:
(http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/files/images/Bandit_1200_K6/520_1200N_03.jpg)
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.
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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
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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.
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I agree with SVEN, never really liked the HAYABUSA. I am kind of old school I guess, I just like to see the MOTOR, on a Motorcycle. I know the plastic covered bikes have some advantages, like better aerodynamics, but I hardly ever get over 130mph and I hear thats when the aerodynamics really start to work on a motorcycle. And the platic covered bikes are costly even if you drop one over in the driveway its going to cost you a bundle on platic repairs I like the Naked look on a bike or the Half fairing look for a little more wind protection, but you can still see the MOTOR and as Maintenance goes the plastic bikes are more trouble as far as pulling off and putting back on plastic, just for minor maintenance, it becomes a big ordeal. And not to mention the Higher cost of Insurance on platic wrapped bikes! Of course thats just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions, they are like _____ and everybodys got one!
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I think my next bike will be the VStrom. Yes, its ugly but its been written up well. All the magazines like it as its a great do it all bike. I'd like something that could handle some light off road as we have miles of logging roads around here. Then I'll have to decide on the 650 for 1000.
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I've been thinkng about a new bike,the 97 bandit is Ok, I just want something newer. I'm not really sure if there is a good replacement in the 06 models out there. Money wise nothing is even close, for the value you get in a Bandit. An FJR is on top of my list,just not sure I can afford one. Maybe an FZ1 there pretty nice.
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My problems with the Hayabusa are...
i don't support it either
i'd love to ride one but i don't think i'd keep it
It does seem like Suzuki hides so many bikes from the USA.
Its kinda telling, almost insulting when they don't offer a bike
as versatile as the b12 here but everywhere else.
like we don't have any taste or common sense here or something
or i'm just thinking too much into it
Or maybe it is just that naked or sport tourer bikes are a used
market purchase in the USA. It'd be interesting to know how
many naked bike owners purchased thier bike new vs used in
all the different markets.
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So the FZI and FJR seem to be leading the pack. The FJR, always shown with saddlebags and two-up riders, seems to fill a similar gap as the Concours, but nobody's mentioned that one yet.
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I think my next bike will be the VStrom. Yes, its ugly but its been written up well. All the magazines like it as its a great do it all bike. I'd like something that could handle some light off road as we have miles of logging roads around here. Then I'll have to decide on the 650 for 1000.
As you say...lots of good reviews and has some serious off-road capabilities. It sits a couple inches taller than the Bandit, which puts weight a little higher, could be a problem for anyone with shorter legs. Don't really think it's ugly, but the front fairing/windscreen doensn't seem integrated with the rest of the bike's appearance.
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So the FZI and FJR seem to be leading the pack. The FJR, always shown with saddlebags and two-up riders, seems to fill a similar gap as the Concours, but nobody's mentioned that one yet.
My only beefs with the Connie are it's down on power compared to other ST's and a new one looks just like the original '86. Sure, there have been some upgrades over the years, but the look is the same. At $8499 MSRP for a new '06, it's THE bargain ST mount - and that's where the 20 years of keeping the same design has paid off.
I did lust after a Connie back in '86, but I was also lusting after the Yamaha FJ1200, too. Time marches on though, and I lust after something younger now. :lol:
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Speed Triple!
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Prior to tonight's RiverKings game (that would be the snapping turtle with the hockey stick to the left), I talked to a guy riding an FJR. He's had it for about 6 months and is pretty happy...said it's very comfortable for long rides, had spent about 6 hours on it today on a ride down to Greenville MS and back. Hasn't done any two-up touring, and did not have the luggage attached.
I figure his opinion is pretty solid...motorcyclist hockey fans are pretty smart cookies!
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I've been pondering on this a bit myself. I don't have plans on getting rid of my Bandit,although I had a couple of offers.
The speed tripple and the FZ1 both deinatley look like good alternatives.But neither are sold by a dealer that I know,who will have me tile his new show room if he sells the building that he's in now (tiled that show room). So I'll pick from Suzuki,Honda or Kaw. Then my Budget comes into play as well. A SV1000 would suit me fine,and I think I'd feel right at home on a 750GSX-R but my wallet may point closer to the 600 GSX-R or a 650SV. Both the 1000GSX-R and the ZX10 would be out of my price range, and I don't need them to start getting good lap X on the track. I'd have to look at unsold inventory,and see what I could get the best deal on(my leathers have Suzuki on them) I know he doesn't have a SV1000, but I think I'd fall in love with one.
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To me, my Bandit is, first and formost, a sport-tourer. So, anything that might replace it would have be capable of traveling long distances in comfort and still be a hoot in the twisties. This being said, my first pick would be the DL1000 V-Strom. I like the fact that it will do everything that the Bandit does (OK, slightly less mid-range punch and the pegs scrape a little too soon) plus adds some off-road capabilities. In fact, I am seriously considering adding one to my personal fleet (I have no plans on selling the Bandit). Second choice would be an FJR1300; more power, more comfortable and shaft drive.
Other options that I would consider include the SV1000, FZ1, ZZR and more. Plus there are several other bikes that I would like to have in addition to the Bandit including the SV650 or Ninja 650 and various others.
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If you are restricted by the fact your leathers say Suzuki on them, SV1000's can be found for a very good price.
Ninja 650? The ER-6 should never be given the Ninja title. Neither should the GPZ500, 250 and the other one. Kawasaki of America have it all wrong!
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I'm a little biased, as an SV1000 owner, but I gotta say it was a good move. I had to replace the 1G B12 for the worst reason...the engine threatened to jump out of the frame after a crash. I've done 500 mile days on the Vtwin beast and it ain't so bad, folks. I took the long route to Mid-Ohio from ATL last summer and it was a great two-day ride even if it was over 90 deg most of the time. Give it a shot. :motorsmile:
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I'm kinda biased, cause I got one in the shed for sale, (HINT, HINT).
The Kawasaki ZRX (Rex) is a pretty awesome, bike. Heaps of grunt, power monos no clutching it up. Farely comfortable, on long hauls. With a little work, can be made to look quiet smart, smart swingarm. But one major fault, no centre stand :sad:
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If you are restricted by the fact your leathers say Suzuki on them, SV1000's can be found for a very good price.
Youre right, where I live, a local dealer had purchased a slew of 03 sv1000's back in 03 and for some reason, couldnt unload all of them. Since then, the dealer has added some AMP's, i.e Yosh pipes, gel seat, taller windshield and lower fairing or belly pan and is clearing them out, still NEW, at $7900 CDN. If I wasnt so strapped for cash as i am right now, I might consider trading me beloved Bandito in for it.(although I would probably regret it later).
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Here in Memphis, they are the black version of the Harley...see and be seen on one, but don't do any real riding.
You got that right. I was in the Olive Branch dealer the other day checking out the Vstrom and there were five guys checkin out the Busas and talking about what chrome options there were for them.... some other guy came in to look at the Strom as well... suprised the heck out of me to see anyone else actually interested in the strom. He rode in on an ST1300 I believe.
So my two bikes of interest lately have been the Vstrom 650 & the EX650r ("Ninja" if you must). I came away more impressed with the Strom than 650r. I think I'm finally through with the initial nausea induced by the Stroms looks and it's finally growing on me. 5.8gal tank, great head lights, compliant suspension... hmmm My B6 is getting jealous right now.
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Thank God the Harley forum talked me out of selling my Bandit (glad I didn't), If I had to replace it now, it would either be a VStrom or Triumph Sprint ST. I like my Harley, but I love having another in the stable.
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A Harley forum actually talked you out of selling your Bandit?
:shock: AMAZING! :bigok:
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I'm not really sure if there is a good replacement in the 06 models out there.
Yamaha made a big move for '06 with the FZ1. Inverted forks, increased the horsepower, different exhaust, fuel injection, etc. If I was to look at new bikes, I think that I would have to seriously consider the FZ1.
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For the '06 bike most like the B12, I agree, the FZ1 deserves a look - as does the Speed Triple, especially if a naked bike is more your liking. While the FZ1 has some great new features, it takes some hits in my book with the styling... I don't like the tail or the R1 replica seat or the smaller gas tank.
(Likewise, the 1050 Speed Trip's tail is a little too short looking for me, too.)
Good thing I'm happy with the bike I have. Maybe when I finally get tired of it and/or wear it out, there'll be something out there even better than today's offerings.
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I agree with Red about the new FZ1 and its short comings. I'm happy with my '05 FZ , glad I got it when I did. Is there going to be a '06 Bandit in the US?
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Is there going to be a '06 Bandit in the US?
NO! Hence the purpose behind this thread. :wink:
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I am in the most fortunate position of having accepted a very fair offer for my 05 B12 naked and am now awaiting the New Zealand release of the 06 B12s. I did consider a number of other options but I just can't get past the value for dollar of the Bandit, besides which it does everything I need in a bike. :banana: :banana:
Here is a link with a few details on the new model.
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2006/suzuki/road/bandit/intro_a.htm
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http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2006/suzuki/road/bandit/gallery_detail/pages/naked_blue_rhs_700p.htm
I would seriously consider trading in my 03 Bandit for this one. This is the bike and color I WANT!!!!!! :motorsmile:
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http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2006/suzuki/road/bandit/gallery_detail/pages/naked_blue_rhs_700p.htm
I would seriously consider trading in my 03 Bandit for this one.
It does look great!
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I wonder if the tank and tail section is interchangable with the 2G Bandits. If so, I would'net mind ordering a couple of parts. Actually after looking at it a bit closer, the tank shouldn't be a problem, but the tail might be. I noticed in one of the pictures having an adjustable seat. I don't know if a standard seat would work with the tail section.
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I wonder if the tank and tail section is interchangable with the 2G Bandits. If so, I would'net mind ordering a couple of parts. Actually after looking at it a bit closer, the tank shouldn't be a problem, but the tail might be. I noticed in one of the pictures having an adjustable seat. I don't know if a standard seat would work with the tail section.
From my seat of the pants inspection all the plastic will interchange (The frame has not changed at all on the new Bandit.
I am not sure about the 2005 seat fitting the 2006 tail section, but on a guess, I would say no.