Bandit came in last?

[kevinfromrex]

I agree the bike has sat idle but sometimes upgrades are not the best thing. I would rather have a 2001 FZ1 than a 2006. The newer bike with fuel injection is too buggy, fuel injection bike doesnt seem to run as good as the carb version. Sometimes progress isnt progress.

If I was the factory, I wouldnt contiue to build a bike that I would not put any upgrades into. If Suzuki doesnt think the Bandit has fans willing to spend some money than the model has to go. I dont understand building a water cooled Bandit and letting it weigh 500 pounds, that isnt going to help sales any.

[CWO4GUNNER]

I was actually thinking the V-storm would be my next bike with all the good review but there was something butt ugly about it that bothered me that I cant put my finger on.  But then I noticed how much sharper the SV1000s looked and I know that would be my 1st sport standard twin.

[Bazza]

I got to ride a new FZ-1 this fall.

All I can tell you is that when I got back on my Bandit, it felt like I had mounted a 1939 Sherman tank. There is that much of a difference between the two bikes. I wanted to ride the Bandit back to the daler for a trade in.

The fun factor on an FZ-1 is right off the scale when comparing it to my Bandito. (I am sure however that someone has worked out a new mapping program for the FZ-1).

After riding the new FZ-1, I would not even consider the purchase of the new 1250 Bandit, just due to the 438 lbs versus the Bandits 505 lbs.

[Desolation Angel]

I was actually thinking the V-storm would be my next bike with all the good review but there was something butt ugly about it that bothered me that I cant put my finger on.  But then I noticed how much sharper the SV1000s looked and I know that would be my 1st sport standard twin.

What you gain in looks you lose in riding position & comfort.

[solman]

The more that I think about it,the more I am to stray away from the 1250. Let's think about the facts:

1. PRO - Bigger displacement
2. PRO - Fuel injection
3. PRO - Water cooled
4. PRO - Same great looks
5. CON - Higher price(Gonna miss the cheap entry price)
5. CON - No upgrades to frame
6. CON - No inverted forks
7. CON - Higher weight(bad enough that I gain weight over the years, the that shouldn't happen to a bike.
7. CON - Probably going to lose some handling due to the weight gain
8. CON - Sould've used the GSXR 1000 motor

I know that some may disagree with some of my pro's and con's, but these are the thing that I see at this point.

[Yep !]

Most of us have been through many bikes__I have anyway__and the B12 is the only one wich has me thinking: When they stop selling it I'm gonna buy two of the last batch and be sure I don't run out of Bandit before I'm ready for another two wheeler...a wheel chair.  
Granted, not the flashiest, but it does it all so well...

 [/img]

[solman]

I just found out that the frame did get changed.  The tubes are thicker to make up for the increased weight and torque.

[Big Bo]

[Big Bo]

What`s a Bandit?










































 

[gyrogearcrunch]

The funny thing is that the Bandit looks like a sleeper bike.   I drive a 99 Bandit 1200s, and if I am stopped at a light even toyota's and suped up neons revv at me, and want to race.  The funny thing is the look on their face when I leave a blur.  
The bandit gets a bad rap because of the way it looks.  So I say let them all think it is an old POS, then that way you can just shake your head when its all done.  I love my bandit and wouldn't trade it for anything.

He must've been quite the dumb@ss to stand there looking at ANY 4 cylinder, 1200cc, from a Japanese manufacturer and thinking he could take it!     How many decades will it take to sink in with people about these bikes?  

Couldn't have said it better. I especially enjoy the looks I see on their faces as I CASUALLY open the throttle away from a light and then SHORT-SHIFT EVERY GEAR, yet appear to them as if I'm going into hyper-drive.

A new Corvette decide to run up on me recently, so I let him come even. I dropped a cog and whacked the gas, got some air under the front wheel while already doing 60 and proceeded to redline the beast. I have to give the Corvette driver an E for effort because he stayed with me until I upshifted to 5th at over a 100 and then the Bandit REALLY took off as the engine dropped into the peak torque zone.

Ah, yes, boys and girls - money spent on a Bandit is WELL SPENT. You get more smiles per mile than anything else can give.

Herb
1999 1200S, British Racing Green, slightly raised carb needles, Yosh RS-3 can, snorkel removed and X-ring chain lubed with Lubriplate No.105 (secret weapon).  

[Tarquin]

If the bandit did do all the flash, I don't think I would own one.  The bike LOOKS responsible, and that's an image I want to project.  But 0-100k in 4.1...that keeps me happy. ('01 B6)

Add to that the solid, time tried engine, and I was sold.

[LensWork]

I was torn between the Bandit & the Kawi ZRX1200R. I liked the old school look of the ZRX, but my wife preferred the styling of the Bandit. I am very happy with my purchase of the Bandit.

For those that moan & complain about the weight of the Bandit, for me I am glad to have a 500 lb. bike. After owning a Buell XB12S, which weighs less than 400 lb., the extra weight of the Bandit makes it much more stable, and comfortable, on the highway, especially when passing or riding behind an 18 wheeler.

The Bandit is NOT a GSXR, nor is it a Gold Wing. What it is, and why I purchased mine, is a combination (or compromise if you will) of the two. A capable sport bike that also serves well as a commuter. My wife finds the passenger accommodations much more comfortable on the Bandit than she did on the Buell, yet I still have a bike that exceeds my needs for a sporty ride.

Many will say that the Bandit does not do either sport or touring particularly well, but for me, it is what it is, a bike that does both well enough to suit me.

[Chris Bandit]

The Bandit 1250 is one of the few new bikes on the marked I'd be interested in.  

"IF" I was to buy a new bike, it would be a tough choice between the '07 Triumph Tiger, SV1000, and B1250.

FZ1?  They ruined it by taking away low and midrange torque.  The ZRX isn't being made anymore.  Thank God they brought the Bandit back.  

Guess I'm getting old.

[B6mick]

What the Rex won, Bull shyte.
The Rex may be a good bike, but I shyte you not its the biggest pain in the butt I've ever owned. The Bandit kills the Rex for comfort, for rides anything over 1 hour long.
So therefore the journo's who wrote that crap didn't ride for long or far.
Sad really, that bull shyte like that sells bikes.

[Swamp Rat]

Personally? If I replace the Bandit it will be with either the new Connie or FJR 1300. I like the Idea of speed and comfort with emphasis on the comfort. Harleys are nice for what they are. But they definately aint me. The Euro trash is just to darn expensive...pretty, but expensive. Until my back goes out or my bumm goes numb I'll keep the Bandit for my smile miles