Author Topic: If Suzuki can build a beautiful bike like the bandit..... (Read 3799 times)

jbrough7 · « **on:** April 18, 2006, 08:14:32 PM »

for really not a whole hell of a lot of money, they must be incredibly sharp, right?? Then why can't they put a seat on it that lets you go for more than 30 minutes without feeling like you have a rod stuck up your a$$??

They could build their 'own' corbin and charge an extra $20 per bike! Wouldn't that sell a million more bikes? Does suzuki own some corbin stock and wants them to do well?

Reminds me a bit of Japanese bikes in the 70's with great engines but crappy suspensions. First thing you did was replace everything!

Jim

PaulVS · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2006, 08:33:52 PM »

It's the same with many parts on the Bandit, and most other bikes as well.

Here's just a few of the things that fall short on the Bandit:

Exhaust
Brake pads
Brake lines
Rear shock
Front suspension
Jetting
Tires
Seat
Handlebars
Windscreen
Headlights

Suzuki could fix all those things for about an extra $1000.... but then what fun would YOU have?

jbrough7 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2006, 09:12:52 PM »

Boy, everything is relative, isn't it? I went over each item in your list and I wouldn't change anything except for maybe adding a taller windshield. But I've been riding an older ('88) cruiser with the original tires(!!) for the last season and a bit so the bandit feels like it's out of 2026 to me!

I think the brakes impress me the most...no muss, no fuss...they just haul her down to zero every time.

Jim

Dave 02 1200 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2006, 11:02:58 PM »

I find the seat on my 02 Bandit 1200 quite comfortable for long rides. If your butt hurts after 30 minutes in the saddle, it could be that the problem is not the seat. Or maybe you will find comfort with a Corbin or some other aftermarket seat. Either way, it doesn't sound like you will be entering the Iron Butt competition any time soon. Good luck.

deepink · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2006, 11:59:06 PM »

It is probably something you will get the feel for. The seat is just different and a double s needs some time to adjust to the differnet angle, width and leg position.

I have a friend with a 96 GSX-r 750 w/ corbin seat, and my arse hurts evertime I get off that thing. Just not used to it. He thinks it is the most comfortable thing ecer though.

Oh well. Hope it gets better.

PaulVS · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2006, 12:08:54 AM »

I'm pretty sure that everyone on the planet (who has a pulse) will get tired of sitting in the exact same position for over an hour.

Cruiser-types feel free to correct me it I'm wrong.

tacoman · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2006, 04:07:49 PM »

Most bikes fall short in these areas because that's where the money is saved. Its also what makes the aftermarket so huge. The jetting is lean to meet emissions. The carbs are not tamper proof so they're an easy fix. A lot of carbureted bikes, especially the off road models, come from the factory with terrible jetting. My brother in law owns JD Jetting and is making an absolute killing right now.

GaryB12VA · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2006, 10:41:27 AM »

I've had my Bandit for a little over 4 years now and have done some of the popular mods: Stage 1 kit, Holeshot exhaust, gel seat, Progressive springs, and have happily put over 41,000 miles on it.

Last Sat. I was at the dealer getting my R1 inspected and they had a couple of '06 FJR 1300s sitting on the floor. I sat on one for a few minutes, and started thinking "I wonder how much they'd give me in trade on the Bandito?"

Then reality took over and I said "Get thee behind Me Satan" .

But it sure is a nice ride.

Vidrazor · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2006, 09:21:46 PM »

I don't think any sport bike has a seat designed to be sat on for more than 1~2 hours. That's about the limit on my B4 seat, and if I ride it every day, it'll go down to less than 30mins.

Someone suggested I try out the AirHawk, so I ordered one last Saturday and I'm still waitin' on it. Supposedly that's the cure for the problem, we'll see.

Also, when you consider that Suzuki makes the cheapest bikes out of the the big four, some things are going to not be idealized. Still, most bang for the buck, methinks.

jbrough7 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2006, 10:02:36 PM »

It's not that my arse is THAT wide but I'm wondering if the seat is just too narrow to support anything. I think I'm going to cut a piece of foam rubber and try it out tomorrow. I'll report back on a new show called, "the state of the ARSE!"

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2006, 09:15:05 AM »

Quote from: "Vidrazor"

...
Also, when you consider that Suzuki makes the cheapest bikes out of the the big four, some things are going to not be idealized. Still, most bang for the buck, methinks.

I sort of agree. But if you add minimal aftermarket improvements...

Bandit+new seat+decent tires+rear shock+progressive front springs+sliders+decent windshield+Helibars=the more expensive bike you should have bought in the first place.

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2006, 11:41:00 AM »

Quote from: "Desolation Angel"

I sort of agree. But if you add minimal aftermarket improvements...

Bandit+new seat+decent tires+rear shock+progressive front springs+sliders+decent windshield+Helibars=the more expensive bike you should have bought in the first place.

Just curious, what bike would that be?
Seems most of the bikes out there tend to get many of these mods, too.

Some of the bikes are starting to come with adjustable seats (even the 3G Bandit) or other ergos, but why is it so hard for the manufacturers to put adjustable bars, pegs & seats on everything? Ditto for windscreens on bikes equipped with them that are not repli-racers, ie; marketed as commuters or some class of tourer.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:06:01 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "Desolation Angel"
I sort of agree. But if you add minimal aftermarket improvements...

Bandit+new seat+decent tires+rear shock+progressive front springs+sliders+decent windshield+Helibars=the more expensive bike you should have bought in the first place.

Just curious, what bike would that be?
Seems most of the bikes out there tend to get many of these mods, too.

Some of the bikes are starting to come with adjustable seats (even the 3G Bandit) or other ergos, but why is it so hard for the manufacturers to put adjustable bars, pegs & seats on everything? Ditto for windscreens on bikes equipped with them that are not repli-racers, ie; marketed as commuters or some class of tourer.

They're in cahoots with the aftermarket parts and accessories manufacturers in some way.

Oh, I don't know what bike, really, Paul, 'cept maybe a Tiger or better yet a Spring ST. Maybe my accessories didn't run the price up all that high, eh?

Red01 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:28:54 PM »

I assume you mean the Sprint ST?
The new one is famous for its board-like seat... and leaky hardbags... and exhaust that cooks the riders right legs and passenger's bottom.
Looks great though.

With a $10,899 MSRP for the Sprint ST ($11,899 if you want ABS) and $10,499 MSRP for the Tiger, you can buy a LOT of accessories for your Bandit.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #14 on:** April 21, 2006, 01:01:43 PM »

OK, I'm sold! Where can I get one?!