i owned a 2000 bandit 12, and have a 2000 triple right now. i would say they are somewhat similar, power wise they are close. with the bandit having a bit more on the bottom and the triple having a bit more in the mid. the upper end of the power band is real close. hands down the brakes are WAY better on my triple then the bandits were( i had ss lines and hh pads on my bandit) and the triples were better stock. i have since upgraded my brakes on my triple, so there is no comparision. the suspension is better on the triple also. mine have been rebuilt by racetech and with my rebuild mine feel like the new 1050 ones do stock. the 1050 have very good suspension on it. as for comfort thats is a personal thing i think. i found the bandit very comfortable, but also feel the same way about my triple. i have done many 300-400 mile days on both bikes and say it is a draw. my bandit was a naked streetfighter, so it is about the same as my triple is for wind protection. bandit wins hands down for ease of maintenence, and cost of it. triple has shim under bucket valses much more labor involved in checking or adjusting them. both bikes are great. bandit also has a much better aftermarket for it. triple is better with the 1050 bike then mine is. i have ridden a 1050 a few times and like them alot. more power better suspension, and good brakes. but the bandit still stirs my blood as well. i look for 05 bandits in the blue and white all the time used. want one to tour on. my triple will do it, rode to Ga from Oh. but the bandit is better for long rides. sorry long winded but both bikes are real nice in there own ways.
mike