Author Topic: Just bought new '05 1200S (Read 5643 times)

LensWork · « **on:** March 30, 2006, 12:46:17 AM »

I just bought the one of the last brand new '05 1200S left in Central Florida. It is being prepped tomorrow for pick-up Friday after work. I chose the Bandit because my 40+ body can't handle the ergonomics of a GSXR, but I'm not ready for the slow lane on a cruiser either.
The Bandit will be a daily rider to work & back on good weather days, and a sport-tourer with my wife on-board on the weekends. Any suggestions that you might have as to absolute must have mods/accessories for this 1st time Bandit owner would be greatly appreciated. I have been riding street bikes for about 25 years, and have had everything from a '79 Yamaha Midnight Special II to an '04 Buell XB-12S, and just about everything in between.

cb400bill · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2006, 06:56:10 AM »

I love the look of the 05 Bandit. The blue and white paint scheme is beautiful.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2006, 09:01:20 AM »

Change exhaust, and holeshot or Ivan stage 2 jetting with k&N filters. Instantly gain about 25-30 hp for only a few hundred bucks!

ATC'er · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2006, 09:02:05 AM »

I would recommend a jet kit and aftermarket exhaust.

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2006, 10:09:33 AM »

Quote from: "chevsuz12"

Change exhaust, and holeshot or Ivan stage 2 jetting with k&N filters. Instantly gain about 25-30 hp for only a few hundred bucks!

You'll get a big jump, but not quite THAT much, not at the rear wheel where it's easiest to measure for us non-factory folks. 15-20 is more like it.

Ivan doesn't do a Stage 2 with K&N's, just a one stage. His philosophy is to always keep the airbox. Holeshot has a Stage 1 & 2 with airbox and a Stage 2 with K&N pods.

I do agree it's a great way to improve the bike for a small investment.

Depending on your tastes though, some may perfer to improve the seat and/or suspension before adding more power.

I say wait till you get it home, ride it for a couple weeks and decided where you think your first improvements should be.

on the new bike! I love that blue/white scheme, too.

And

to the Alley!

PitterB4 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2006, 11:09:21 AM »

If I were to get a B12, I’d do shock, fork springs, slipon/needle shim in that order. Out-of-the-box engine performance would be plenty for me. I’d be more interested in giving it handling performance to match and making it sound better. Just my $.02.

Bob Holland · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2006, 11:37:51 AM »

My $.02. I would ride it stock for the break-in period, 1000 miles or what ever Suzuki calls for. While doing that, decide what you want, it may be that it is just right just like it is.
For me, when you start doing mods, there is no end.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2006, 12:24:27 PM »

First modification I did was to add a luggage rack and tail-pack assembly... especially handy if you are using it as a commuter bike. There are several options but I do like my Rentec set-up with expandable tail-pack.

I also agree with Bholland... run it awhile first - you'll be pleasantly surprised at the existing power. Mine is still stock to a large extent and I'm leaning toward suspension mods before engine mods.

Others will chime in to get rid of the stock tires but I ran mine into the ground and didn't find the Mac 100's to be all that bad.

You are going to LOVE this bike... enjoy!!

fake · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2006, 01:58:14 PM »

ATC'er,
Where and how did you get the blue on your wheels? Love it!

PitterB4 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2006, 04:41:31 PM »

Quote from: "fake"

ATC'er,
Where and how did you get the blue on your wheels? Love it!

See his thread over in Gear right here.

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2006, 05:59:16 PM »

I bought a Corbin seat first, then a Hole shot slip on [haven't rejetted yet] and a busa shock[not installed yet]. Still many more things I want to do to Suzy but I got to slow down on the expeditures until after vacation.

LensWork · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2006, 01:15:20 AM »

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I will probably keep it stock until everything shakes down. Power & sound are nice, but I probably will go for more practical, functional mods at first, like the tail rack that txbanditrydr suggested. I guess I was looking for suggestions from current owners as to known issues that need to be addressed ASAP. In reading other threads, there seems to be a general feeling that the rear shock, and stock tires are less than desirable.

Sixteen hours to go before I take delivery, can't wait!

LensWork · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2006, 12:48:43 AM »

Picked up the new Bandit this evening

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

Did the rapid break-in on the way home, now it's back to the dealer in the morning to get the oil changed before heading to Daytona for a day of riding the new toy with a friend.

smooth operator · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2006, 07:41:10 AM »

I would say put the $ into good riding gear for now and enjoy the bike. And if you still want or later want to make improvments start with suspension. Enjoy

Dan

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2006, 08:12:54 AM »

If you and the wife are riding together, then you need to be able to carry goodies...a cooler, picnic lunch, blankets, etc., or whatever else you think of.

Get your best removable luggage here >>> http://www.giviusa.com/

Comes off with the push of a button so you can be Billy Bad@ss alone, but Mr. Practical with the wife!

Luggage first, then after your warranty expires, play with the other stuff posted above.

I just love that early '80s Cooleyesque paint scheme!