Author Topic: Bandit may be hittin the road (Read 5973 times)

BBurton · « **on:** April 17, 2005, 05:51:39 PM »

I had a friend make me an offer yesterday on my B12.

I've had my eye on the DL1000 V-Strom for quite some time now. Now with the black paint scheme "frame and swing arm" I'm afraid that I'm taking the plunge. I took a long hard look at my bike today and was trying to talk myself out of it. I really want to take some nice long rides, and I just don't feel comfortable on the Bandit beyond a 300 mile day. I am ready for a little more new technology and a bike that also has a great reputation among the motorcycle world. Good thing is that I know she is going to a good home, heck I will still get to ride her now and then. I am test riding the DL1000 2morrow but still keeping an open mind that the sale may not happen. Still love the Bandit and think that it is a sleeping giant among all motorcycles!!

Steve · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2005, 12:09:05 AM »

Good luck with the new scoot! I really don't get your reservation about going over 300miles in a day though. I've seen Paul go more than that before work, and I have done three +800 miles days back to back without problems (that was one the stock seat, before I got my Corbin).

With the protection from the wind, decent gas range, good handling, and insatiable appetite for more asphalt, the B12 does what the full on tourers are supposed to do, only better and faster.

I'm curious to hear how such a tall bike as the V-strom does in cross winds, that has been some of the most adverse conditions for riding that I have run into over the years.

Think hard about your Bandit, I've sold several that I really wish that I would have kept.

Steve

BBurton · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2005, 01:11:18 AM »

I have thought long and hard about letting the Bandit go. I have actually seen posts on the V-Strom forum from riders who were once Bandit owners. They have absolutley no regrets, both bikes are a blast to ride. I personally don't think that the Bandit is all that comfy, guess I have ridden around on my buddy's ST1100 too much

There is a reason why the motorcycle magazines and tons of riders say that the V-Stroms are such great bikes, because quite simply they can do alot of things VERY well, "like a Bandit". I wish that I could keep the B12 too, but the wife says 1 or none.

Trust me, when I am finished with the performance mods on the new bike, I don't think that I will have much problem hanging with a B12. There is an SV1000 engine in there just dying to come out. The big Strom also has better two up riding capabilities IMHO. I love the sound of my scorpion exhaust on the B12, but I have always been partial to the big Vtwin sport bike thump and thunder. Hey, if the deal doesn't work out, I feel that it is still a win win situation.

It all boils down to the point that both bikes are great bikes, and you really can't go wrong with either one.

terrebandit · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2005, 06:51:15 PM »

V-strom vs. Bandit = apples vs. oranges (in my book). Totally different feel (torque, power, sound, looks, riding height/position, etc). I think both bikes "will do it all" (e.g. UJM's) but the bandit is definately more "sporty" than the V-strom (DL1000). My brother has a yellow DL1000 and we traded up while in Arkansas riding together. Personally, I was GLAD to get my bandit back for the twisties, especially for pullin out of corners and overall smoothness of the 4. Also, I feel like I'm "part of the bike" as I move through the corners rather than being "perched on top of one" like a V-strom. Just a matter of preference, I guess. Also, I think the V-strom is butt ugly (I'm sorry). Its also much harder to work on yourself and there is less stuff to "tinker with" (mods) on a strom. They are just two different motorcycles and I get "wood" from looking at the engine of the bandit and the sound of a "piped, jetted and natually aspirated 4" riping down a lonely stretch of the highway. Heck, even cattle turn there heads when I go by on a bandit;

not to mention all the humanoid life forms in existence (biker and non biker types). If I wanted a twin, I'd probably get a beemer.

Nothing against the V-strom, it is a FINE MC, BUT really its not any more of a "touring bike" than the bandit is. Niether of them are in the same class as the FJR, ST or GW when it comes to that department. In fact, with my Corbin and HS risers on my bandit, I could out last any normal rider (IB folks not included) sitting on a V-strom. I did a 650 mile on the bandit last May (one day, one way) without any issues. I had a friend who came down from OK and rode with me this past weekend and he did 610 miles in one day on a NAKED bandit!

Good luck with your decision.

BBurton · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2005, 04:00:04 PM »

Bandit is gone as of 2day.

Sure made my friend happy to take possession, and I felt very happy for him. Picking up the New Strom on Thursday, test drove one yesterday morning. I have ridden alot of bikes over the years and I will say without question that it was the funnest bike I've been on as of yet. Really have enjoyed being on the Bulletin Board and will still continue to post about anything and everything motorcycles.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2005, 05:05:52 AM »

You'll have to give us updates now and then.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2005, 08:51:53 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

You'll have to give us updates now and then.

Yeah - what he said!!! Good luck!

PeteSC · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2005, 09:00:07 AM »

NAh, go away, and stay away....you traitor!

I like the Vstrom. If I had ONE bike, it might be it.

BBurton · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2005, 09:01:45 PM »

I have read about more riders on the V-Strom bulletin board who have owned some of those bikes that Terrebandit mentioned, and they have said that the Strom does almost everything as well or better. That is what happens when you own a bike that can hang in so many categories.

I guess that is the beautiful thing about opinions, we would all have to own and ride the same bikes.

I'm still owning a bike that isn't seen everywhere you look, "just like a Bandit". It's nice to get questions from people who say, "what kinda bike is that?"

SV Larry · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2005, 11:24:38 PM »

Yet another one comes to the dark side.

Resistance is futile,you will all be asimilated.

BBurton · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2005, 10:12:41 AM »

When it comes to reliability, function and fun, it is hard to beat the engines in the Bandits and SV's/DL's.

tacoman · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2005, 02:36:08 PM »

Let us know how things go. Every time I'm at the dealer I go back and forth from Bandit to Vstrom, comparing the two. I'm really leaning toward the Vstrom. I've had my B6 for 3 years and I'm looking for a change. The only issue is cost. There are a lot of good used B12s out there under $5k. I rarely see a Vstrom used (which is probably a good thing, owners are keeping them). This means buying new and the strom is pushing $10k out the door. Hmmm, what to do.

BBurton · « **Reply #12 on:** April 22, 2005, 01:11:42 AM »

Got my new Strom 2day and already put over 100 miles on her!!

You were right about not seeing many used Stroms for sale, not many people get rid of them once you own one. As far as price goes... mine was brand new out the box. I got the dealer down to $8,700 out the door and not a penny more. If you play hardball with a dealer, you will get a good deal. Heck, I was playing 3 dealers at one time trying to get the best deal.

Breaking the engine in is killing me, this bike wants to rev and man does it have some grunt!!

You could always step up to a B12 or give the big Strom a shot.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2005, 03:31:30 PM »

Sorry if you discussed this in another thread, but after a month + what think you about that V-Strom? Details, please!

I've a 1200S and I'm thinking of going to a V-Strom later this year. Would love to hear some performance comparisons.

smooth operator · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2005, 09:55:17 PM »

Its always great to get a new bike. I'm kinda partial to the sv1000,although I never rode one. I'd like to try one ,but only if I could afford it 1st.My Bandit has been a great bike,and I have enough sunk into her,that I'd hate to start all over again. It took awhile getting the Bandit all customized to my liking. And I can still think of more things to do!But some day,(probably after a dealer needs a new tile floor)I might make a change. It would be nice to keep the Bandit though incase I change my mind. Dan