Author Topic: Are earlier Bandits better? (Read 7164 times)

SteelD · « **on:** May 01, 2007, 03:53:52 PM »

I have a B1250 on order and paid little attenttion to the Bandit range before now. So, the new bike has a good engine and maybe the handling has been tightened up but have corners been cut in other areas over the years to keep the price down?

For example, the rear grab rail now isn't as useful as on earlier bikes, the headlight appears to have gone from a twin headlight design to a single headlight design, the mirrors used to be on chunky stalks but are now on spindles, and the instrumentation has been cut back to one analogue clock and everything else crammed into one digital readout instead of the comprehensive instruments it once had.

Maybe I'm just nit-picking - all this could be the latest fashion and I'm living in the past....

zeebandit · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2007, 04:11:05 PM »

SteelD: Let me put it this way, I'll trade you even. My 2000 1200 Bandit for your 1250.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2007, 04:46:49 PM »

They went to a single grab rail in 2001. My guess is this was done for styling purposes over functionality.

I do believe the newest body style still uses two bulbs in the reflector. In any case, all reports are this newest headlight assy is better than the dual projectors on the 2nd generation bikes. Lots of people complained about the 2G's headlights, though there are mods out there to improve them.

The 2G's mirror stalks aren't THAT chunky. Their arms are hidden under rubber boots that give them a heavier duty look, that's all.

As for the instruments, the 2G did have two big clocks, but the speedo was still electronic (1G's were cable driven though), just had a analog display. So for the most part, that just depends on what you like. Personally, I like the the look of the sweeping needle, too... but when you cram all those numbers in there, it does get a little tough to see exactly what your speed is with a quick glance, so maybe the digital readout is better.

ZenMan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2007, 07:43:56 PM »

The mirrors on my B1250 are plenty sturdy... the only thing I don't like about them is all I can see is my elbows. I guess that's typical for fairing mounts though.

I like the digital LED speedo, I can see the number at a glance. And I like the analog tach too, I look at it more often and it's easier to tell from the sweep of the needle what my RPM's are.

The headlight is indeed seperate high and low beam bulbs, but they are arranged vertically, with the low beam on top, high beam on the bottom. They seemed bright enough, but mine were pointed at the ground the first time I rode at night.

The adjustment is easy, using a 5mm allen wrench on an adjuster right underneath the fairing for vertical, and a small hole in the right-side dash for the left/right pointing.

But with my glaucoma and resulting terrible night vision, a headlight bulb upgrade is on short order.

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2007, 02:50:33 PM »

Do you know what the automotive #'s of the bulbs are?
It'd be good to post this info for the future for folks looking to upgrade.

PaulVS · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2007, 03:03:40 PM »

Quote from: "SteelD"

Are earlier Bandits better?

SteelD · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2007, 03:11:49 PM »

Quote from: "ZenMan"

But with my glaucoma and resulting terrible night vision, a headlight bulb upgrade is on short order.

So, are you just thinking of popping in some Philips Vision Plus bulbs or do you have something more radical in mind?

ZenMan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2007, 03:40:28 PM »

Quote from: "SteelD"

Quote from: "ZenMan"

But with my glaucoma and resulting terrible night vision, a headlight bulb upgrade is on short order.

So, are you just thinking of popping in some Philips Vision Plus bulbs or do you have something more radical in mind?

Actually, I'm open to any and all suggestions... as long as don't have to do any wiring mods or change sockets.

I'm looking for the most economical yet fairly long-lasting 100w + high beam bulb I can find and just "pop in" there... and maybe a 65 or 70w low beam. Don't wanna blind any oncoming cars, but when I flick on that high beam I want all the brightness I can get.

Phillip's Vision Plus, aye? Got a link for those?

ZenMan · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2007, 03:42:05 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Do you know what the automotive #'s of the bulbs are?
It'd be good to post this info for the future for folks looking to upgrade.

I will find out and post the part numbers as soon as I get to it.

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2007, 08:58:16 PM »

Quote from: "ZenMan"

Quote from: "Red01"
Do you know what the automotive #'s of the bulbs are?
It'd be good to post this info for the future for folks looking to upgrade.

I will find out and post the part numbers as soon as I get to it.

I'll put THAT in by book.

ZenMan · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2007, 04:59:10 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "ZenMan"
Quote from: "Red01"
Do you know what the automotive #'s of the bulbs are?
It'd be good to post this info for the future for folks looking to upgrade.

I will find out and post the part numbers as soon as I get to it.

I'll put THAT in by book.

They're both 55w H7's. The Stanley part number on the bulb itself is #SN911-01200

I posted the info and pics in "General Mechanical & Technical": http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=8813

dgc · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2007, 10:32:44 PM »

i have a 1g bandit, so label me a hater, but i have to say that 2gs and 1250, while might have performance upgrades and better tech solutions, look like...well, crap. the new one reminds me too much or v-storm and similar bikes, and bulky sport-tourers are not the esthetic direction i want to take. front looks like it landed off the ugly tree. although i have an S model, i am considering getting it naked, with a removable windshield.
some people go to far with cosmetic upgrades though, performance ones, too. in my opinion if i wanted more power so bad, or better bragging rightes, you know what, i would have just saved some more dough and bought a liter gixxer, so F the jet kits.

Rocketjock · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2007, 10:50:49 AM »

I'm real happy with the look of my 06. Which is basically identical to the 1250 except for the engine. I find the grabrail stylish and sturdy. It's probably going to hold up better than the older ones did. The mirrors work and adjust well but everybody seems to complain about not being able to see enough. I added a couple of 2" billit aluminium extensions shaped and painted to fit. The view is now perfect. And the headlight has got to be better than the old ones. I always liked the two round look better but for vis., this new one really lights up the road! And the gauges are simple but efficient. At a glance you have a tach that's easy to read, a speedo that's even easier, fuel that lets you know your running out with a good 20 miles to spare (I know, I ran it out on purpose), and an accurate clock. Not to mention the odo and trip. What more do you want?

rmtcook · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2007, 11:06:55 AM »

I had a 99 1200S for a couple of years and I now own an 03 Naked 1200 that I got a couple of months ago as a leftover. I was disappointed when I went to look at this one and it didn't have the fairing, but the naked look has really grown on me. I notice a difference in the way the 03 handles, but I don't know if that's a 1G vs. 2G improvement or just the lack of fairing weight on the front end. Also the 03 seems much less tempremental. Starts easier and doesn't give me a hard time if I start it to go on a 5 mile trip to the store, shut down, then start it again 15 minutes later. The 99 would give me fits when I did that. So for what it's worth, I'll cast my vote for the 2G, although I'm sure most everyone would vote for the bike they own!!

I agree with dgc about the performance mods, I can't imagine wanting more power than this bike already has, but that might have something to do with my advanced age. My mod money will go towards comfort and sport tourability. A corbin or gel seat is next on the hit parade. My butt is sound asleep after an hour on this beast!

ZenMan · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2007, 11:40:40 AM »

Quote from: "Rocketjock"

I'm real happy with the look of my 06. Which is basically identical to the 1250 except for the engine. I find the grabrail stylish and sturdy. It's probably going to hold up better than the older ones did. The mirrors work and adjust well but everybody seems to complain about not being able to see enough. I added a couple of 2" billit aluminium extensions shaped and painted to fit. The view is now perfect. And the headlight has got to be better than the old ones. I always liked the two round look better but for vis., this new one really lights up the road! And the gauges are simple but efficient. At a glance you have a tach that's easy to read, a speedo that's even easier, fuel that lets you know your running out with a good 20 miles to spare (I know, I ran it out on purpose), and an accurate clock. Not to mention the odo and trip. What more do you want?

As you said, my '07 and your '06 are nearly identical except for the engine, and I have to agree with everythibng you just wrote...

One question... where can I get those 2" billet aluminum mirror extensions?