Author Topic: Bandit 1200S shootout (Read 4531 times)

S_Kisby · « **on:** September 02, 2005, 06:51:12 PM »

Shootout in this months Rider magazine. Pretty good article

fake · « **Reply #1 on:** September 02, 2005, 07:55:44 PM »

I've got the September issue of Rider. The only mention of the Bandit, was with the listing of the other "naked bikes".

jimmym1296 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2005, 11:42:21 PM »

It might be October's issue. The Bandit didn't have the most HP, but it had the most torque of the bunch. Considering it's the grandfather of the lot, not to mention the least expensive, it showed well. For the real world, it's tough to beat.

smooth operator · « **Reply #3 on:** September 03, 2005, 12:39:16 AM »

Someone left a Rider mag. at the bike shop. So I took it home with me and read it. If I was to get another bike for touring,I'd probably get another Bandit. Wow! over 200 miles,thats awsome. 100 miles on my 98,and I have to fill up.

banditII · « **Reply #4 on:** September 05, 2005, 12:24:23 AM »

Follow the Horsepower curves as shown in the Oct. Rider issue ( page 34 ) comparing the Bandit and the FZ1. What you'll find is that the Bandit absolutely whomps the FZ1, often by 20HP all the way to 7500rpm. For instance, at 6000rpm the Bandit is making about 85HP while at same rpm the FZ1 is making about 63HP. It's only in the over 7500rpm range that the FZ1 has any horsepower advantage. It proves what I've thought for a long time, in real world riding you've got more power exiting a corner on the bandit than on a lot of other supposedly more desirable motorcycles. Unless I'm on a racetrack, I'd rather be on a Bandit. My kaw 9R has same peak power as FZ1, but is even more top end tuned, and it's fun, sure, but the Bandit's massive low / midrange punch is great! It's an easy going Brute, better for the street.

Warren

B6Matt · « **Reply #5 on:** September 07, 2005, 12:01:35 AM »

Quote

It's only in the over 7500rpm range that the FZ1 has any horsepower advantage.

Yeah, about 20 hp/20% advantage.

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2005, 02:04:24 AM »

Which is quickly made up with a jet kit and a slip-on.

You could argue that with the same mods a FZ will get more power, and you'd be right. With a s/o & jet kit, it will outpower a similar B12, but the FZ will NOT get the kind of gains from those mods a B12 will.

I think the B12 is a better looking bike than the FZ, too. The Fazer fairing doesn't look as finished (nor is it as protective) and the engine isn't very pretty. It is obvious that engine was originally designed to be hidden behind plastic.

banditII · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2005, 10:18:13 AM »

I agree Paul. The Bandit looks better than the FZ1. I really have nothing against the FZ1, might even own one one day, but it just gets old with me how the mag journalist are always drooling over the FZ as if the Bandit is a nothing. I remember when the same people talked of the Bandit as if it were the best thing since indoor plumbing. Bikes with peaky powerbands can be fun, but like with my 9R, you have to keep them constantly screaming to get that power. For ex: I'm riding 60-70mph in top gear and I want to pass a car with limited space. On the Bandit I just twist the throttle, or at most shift down once. On the 9R to get max thrust I prepare for the pass by making two quick downshifts to fourth.......getting ready......another down to third...........then bang another to second, twist the throttle and I'm off like a rocket! It's two very different riding experiences.

Warren

PitterB4 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 07, 2005, 10:47:20 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

I think the B12 is a better looking bike than the FZ, too...

Hmm... I don't mean to start a firefight but... I will very respectfully disagree. The FZ is much sleeker and sportier IMHO. The B12 is a big bike. The plastics, especially that big, thick, fat tail section make it look even more so. I will agree that the B12 engine is better looking. The B12 is a great looking bike I just think the FZ's sleeker, more angular lines are more modern looking.

B6Matt · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2005, 02:12:23 PM »

You tell 'em, Rob!!

I wouldn't call the FZ1's powerband "peaky," like a crotch rocket's. Plenty of roll-on power there.

I didn't mean to start a fight, as much as defend my Fizzy. The Bandits are great bikes too, but the popularity of the FZ1 has flooded the market, and you can pick up a used FZ1 pretty cheap, so they are a good, relatively low-cost option, much like a Bandit.

I will agree that the FZ1 lump is hardly a work of art, but not many water cooled naked bikes look any better.

With regard to the protection of the Bandit vs. Fizzy fairing, I don't notice a bit of difference when it comes to protection from wind/rain. The fairing inserts (top of the fairing) look nicer on the FZ1.

Other observations: FZ1 gear box is not as silky as the Bandit's, but has 6 speeds instead of just 5 (B6 has 6 speeds), but I don't miss-shift the FZ like I occasionally did on the Bandit when getting on it.

FZ1 stock suspension is much more tunable than a B12s.

FZ1 headlights are nicer.

Bandits are easier to work on that FZ1s.

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 07, 2005, 03:13:08 PM »

When it comes to looks, it's always a personal thing. I'm not saying the FZ is ugly. I think it is a good looking bike. Almost bought one in '01. I just like the lines of the B12 better... and the motor is part of that. I like the softer, curvier lines over the sharper, more angular ones. Maybe it comes from my professional background?

When I was shopping, I felt the FZ's fairing looked less complete or integrated to the bike's design from the rider's point of view - and that's where I prefer to view my bikes from anyway. Some may feel the FZ & B12 have equal wind protection, but most who have riden both say the 2G B12 has better protection (comes up frequently at ST.N).

As to few watercooled lumps in naked bikes having style... that's true, but the manufactures should really do something about that! Yamaha stylized their V4 when they drug it from behind the plastic of the Venture, hot-rodded it up and put it in the V-Max. Kawasaki stylized the ZX11 mill when they unshrouded and detuned it and slapped it the ZRX. Look at the B4! To the casual observer, they'll think that's an air cooled motor, it has so many fins.

The Fizzy isn't as peaky as the R1 it is derived from, but it is peakier than the B12 - which is why it gets six cogs to the Bandit's five

fake · « **Reply #11 on:** September 07, 2005, 04:29:53 PM »

I chose the B12 over the FZ1, because the FZ1 was 1200.00 more. Even though it has 140hp, It's performance # are not that much better than the B12.

banditII · « **Reply #12 on:** September 07, 2005, 07:05:15 PM »

Have you all seen the new 06 FZ1? It's on www.motorcycledaily.com. It is totally redesigned and has later generation R1 motor with fuel injection. I bet it makes well over 130hp. Suzuki will surely introduce a new bandit or new naked bike with gixxer 1000 engine. Plus, kawasaki is rumored to be launching a 1300cc ZZR. 2006 is going to be a great year for motorcycles in general.

Warren

doublenaughtspy · « **Reply #13 on:** September 07, 2005, 09:11:37 PM »

I find myself wishing I'd bought another B12 now that I bought the FZ. Should have picked up one nice and cheap and spent the $1500 to get it up to snuff with a new shock, redone fork internals, jet kit and pipe. Oh well....anyone want a slightly used '04 FZ1? I sure do miss my Suzuki transmission...OH WAIT! My new SV1000 has one!

The Yammy is on the block.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 07, 2005, 09:27:16 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

When it comes to looks, it's always a personal thing. I'm not saying the FZ is ugly. I think it is a good looking bike. Almost bought one in '01. I just like the lines of the B12 better... and the motor is part of that. I like the softer, curvier lines over the sharper, more angular ones. Maybe it comes from my professional background?

Could be an age thing too, Paul. Ya never know.