B-1250 Review

[Bazza]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1&xml=/motoring/2007/02/03/nosplit/mfbikesuz03.xml

[ZenMan]

Thanks, Bazza.  

Great review... and in my color, too!  

"As for the engine, it's a giant leap forward. Peak power is the same at 96bhp, although it arrives 1,000rpm sooner at 7,500rpm, but the key to the difference is in the torque. This is up 18 per cent to 79lb ft, but look at where the maximum occurs: 3,700rpm rather than the old bike's 6,500rpm. In other words, that's a huge increase in thrust at the lower end of the rev range, and thanks to the crisp throttle response, it's like the Bandit has come alive."

[JamieK]

3,700rpm rather than the old bike's 6,500rpm

That is a somewaht misleading statement from the writers...sure the new 1250 reaches its peak sooner, but the SACS engine was still at or above 90% of peak torque at that same RPM. I am not in any way saying that the new engine is not all that and a bag of chips but the old engine is no slouch in the torque department either. Mine dynoed at 73ft/lbs peak and that torque curve  is nearly flat from 4000 (run started at 4000) to 7000 before it tapered off...peak was at about 5800. Hp was still increasing up to 8200 and started to drop off after 9000. That dyno run was on a brand new engine (160mi) with no mods.

[ZenMan]

That is a somewaht misleading statement from the writers...

Dreadnought, I thought the writers were a bit harsh on the "old" Bandit also. I've always thought the Bandit was a hell of a motorcycle since it first came out. I'm not going to put it down or say anything defamatory about it, I'm sure the air-cooled models will be out there kicking ass for a long time to come.

But with all the negativity and derogatory statements from some members about the new B1250, I'm just happy to see the reviews coming out now that support what I gambled my money on when I ordered one... that it is a hell of a motorcycle too.

Like I've said before, I'm a big fan of water-cooling and fuel injection, and I don't have piles of money laying around, so the new '07 is right up my alley. That's not taking anything away from the air/carb models for a second. They are great bikes, I understand their appeal and the loyalty they have and rightly so.

We've been tossing numbers around in other threads for awhile now, but when it comes down to it, the specs are not that far off from each other. One is a low-revving torque monster and the other a high-revving power beast. They both rate around the same HP's off the dealer floor, and I'm sure the new models will respond just as well to some tweaking as the old ones have. They are both great, solid muscle-bike platforms from which each individual can mold easily into what suits them best.

Whether you own a G1, G2, G3, or are soon to recieve a G4, we can all feel damn good about our bikes because they are damn good bikes, and if anybody doesn't like it, well they can eat hydrocarbons.  

[JamieK]

Yeah I can live with that ZenMan

[LowRyter]

good article.

I'd still like more top end power and have 120+ hp.  I guess they're saying the torq wakes this baby up.  I'd still like to have another 1000+ rpms of peak power going up the scale.

If a muffler & power commander would do it, OK.  But if you have to go with cams, compression, & suspension, you might as well spend another $1200 and get a 'Busa.

If they're saying it's an alternative to an FJR-1300, ST or Beemer, that's another kettlle of fish.

....guess we gotta hear from Dale, Ivan, or Brock.

[PaulVS]

good article.

I'd still like more top end power and have 120+ hp.  I guess they're saying the torq wakes this baby up.  I'd still like to have another 1000+ rpms of peak power going up the scale.

If a muffler & power commander would do it, OK.  But if you have to go with cams, compression, & suspension, you might as well spend another $1200 and get a 'Busa.

If they're saying it's an alternative to an FJR-1300, ST or Beemer, that's another kettlle of fish.

....guess we gotta hear from Dale, Ivan, or Brock.

The 'busa list price is almost $3000 more than the Bandit's, but the Yammie FZ1 is in the price ballpark, probably about the same ergos, and comes with 140+ HP stock.

[LowRyter]

The Busa is in the mid -$10k with plenty of bikes to choose. plenty of '06 and '07 models (some in hi $9k range).   The FZ-1 is about $9k and not available, perhaps that's a blessing- I wanted one, couldn't find one, now hear they are a little glithcy.  The new Bandit will be mid to hi $8k.  But if you need $1500 in mods, you're almost to 'Busa.  

A 'Busa with a Gel Sea and Bar Riser is another $300.  It will outhandle the Bandit or FZ out of the box....and power?  We can't go there.

....it's all talk.  None of us have ridden the new B12.  I imagine it's a geat bike.

good article.

I'd still like more top end power and have 120+ hp.  I guess they're saying the torq wakes this baby up.  I'd still like to have another 1000+ rpms of peak power going up the scale.

If a muffler & power commander would do it, OK.  But if you have to go with cams, compression, & suspension, you might as well spend another $1200 and get a 'Busa.

If they're saying it's an alternative to an FJR-1300, ST or Beemer, that's another kettlle of fish.

....guess we gotta hear from Dale, Ivan, or Brock.

The 'busa list price is almost $3000 more than the Bandit's, but the Yammie FZ1 is in the price ballpark, probably about the same ergos, and comes with 140+ HP stock.

[CWO4GUNNER]

I will concede that as a stand alone stock bike it is a better first time muscle bike purchase compared the B12. But as a an experienced buyers move up from the B12, it is a minuscule step when for just one to two weeks wages you can be in the saddle of a far superior machine.

[gyrogearcrunch]

good article.

I'd still like more top end power and have 120+ hp.  I guess they're saying the torq wakes this baby up.  I'd still like to have another 1000+ rpms of peak power going up the scale.

If a muffler & power commander would do it, OK.  But if you have to go with cams, compression, & suspension, you might as well spend another $1200 and get a 'Busa.

If they're saying it's an alternative to an FJR-1300, ST or Beemer, that's another kettlle of fish.


....guess we gotta hear from Dale, Ivan, or Brock.

The 'busa list price is almost $3000 more than the Bandit's, but the Yammie FZ1 is in the price ballpark, probably about the same ergos, and comes with 140+ HP stock.

Yeah, Dammit! I've owned more Yammers than any other make, but oh, baby! Do I ever like Suzukis! My son-in-law has a ZRX1100, and he went ga-ga over my Bandit. So, why would anyone want anything else?  The FZ-1 may have 140 HP, but what use is that except on the interstates?  More like cop-bait. Also, check the insurance rates between the two bikes.

Speaking of Beemers - I sat on an GS1150 beemer and couldn't detect ANY difference in the ergonomics between it and my slightly modified (GS1150 handlebars) Bandit. The price tags told a different story.

I think the 'Busa is really the bike most Bandit owners want (there: I've said it!). Even though the 'Busa is uglier, the mechanics speak for themselves.

Herb

[Daytona]

You know i can't sit here and take it anymore!   The seat on this! stock is way more comfy than even the Corbin was on my beloved bessey! And she gets 48 mpg on a long ride! like the few i've been to Asheville none stop! 623 miles! 155 or so speedo said, on a Bandit! A memorable occasion! 155 on a Busa Too easy to do! No valve adj 4 18K and the head light on this vs any Bandit is just!! UNREAL!! I bonded with her as much if not more than Bessey and more every day.  You can pick up a used Busa with alot of the goodies on her for what a new B1250 cost! This bike is as the B12 was! Stick a pair of the Raised clipon on and you won't feel any diff Pure zuki.   You won't B sorry.  

[ZenMan]

I will concede that as a stand alone stock bike it is a better first time muscle bike purchase compared the B12. But as a an experienced buyers move up from the B12, it is a minuscule step when for just one to two weeks wages you can be in the saddle of a far superior machine.

I've been riding big-bore muscle bikes for over 40 years. Hardly a first-timer. I'm buying one.

I don't know what your idea of "superior" is, but the B1250 suits me to a tee... price, insurance premiums, power, handling, styling, potential for individual customization... it's got everything I'm looking for.

Perhaps "superior" is in the eye of the beholder... and your opinion is no more "superior" than anyone elses, no matter how many times you state it.  

[Daytona]

Hey too each his own! variety is the spice of life! And we Americans demand more of it than any! If a bullet proof, best engineered, comfy, fast, good on gas, 2 trip meters w/mpg read out, low fuel light, super bright headlight that will show both sides of the road almost to tree tops and enough ahead you to do 125 mph on a moonless night!! Good on tires, out handle most bandits out the box! Don't interest you So be it. Like Harley owners! someone got to buy em if they gona stay in biz!!! JUST KIDDIN its all in FUN rite!!  

[ZenMan]

Daytona, I can handle some good-natured ribbing as well as the next guy, even when it's stated in bold italics, exclamation points, and big pictures of your Busa again and again.    

What I take offense at is consistent, obsessive attacks on me and my bike over and over for no good reason but to be petty and mean-spirited.

Stating a negative opinion a few times, even on a bike one has never even sat on, is fine. But constant insults and trash-talk everywhere on this board for over two months now is way over the line and I'm not going to let it slide anymore.

By the way, congrats on your Busa, I'm glad you are so happy with it. I look forward to feeling that same excitement when my 1250 arrives.  

[Daytona]

Yep! And all that matters is that you get out and enjoy it! One thing i can   ya about !Our weather is better than yours! Comin down anytime let me know! But the riding sucks here unless you drink alot! Oh yea AND almost fergot!!!