Bye Bye Baby Bandit

[MazdaRx]

I ran across a deal on a 2005 suzi SV1000s so i took my friend up on his offer to purchase the Bandit from me.   The Bandit will always be my first love but I have had 2 'dream' bikes, one semi affordable, the SV and one that i wont be able to get for a while still (05+ triumph sprint ST).  I told the new owner :(  to join the forum as i have lurked for a while and enjoyed the wealth of knowledge on this site.  I must admit, seeing someone else ride your old bike around is weird but atleast i get to see her still.
Cheers.

[txbanditrydr]

Congrats on the new machine... and hopefully your Bandit went to a good home.  You'll be back....   

[PitterB4]

That is a tough feeling!  Good luck with the new ride.  The SV1KS is on my very short list of next bikes.  They look like way too much fun!

[Vidrazor]

>>..but I have had 2 'dream' bikes, one semi affordable, the SV...<<

I'd love to find a naked SV1000, but they're like hens teeth. Most people that own 'em keep 'em, I guess.

>>...and one that i wont be able to get for a while still (05+ triumph sprint ST).<<

I've looked at some earlier year STs (~2000-2002), which are more affordable. I personally like the earlier models with their rounded fronts as opposed to the newer "anime" models.

BTW, there have been reports of poor performance from the new headlights in the newer models. Even recent modifications haven't effective fixed the problem.

One of the things I really like about STs is that they are the lightest Sport-Tourers on the road.

All of these are unfortunately out of reach for me right now 'cause I'm out of work. 

[MazdaRx]

The SV1000 is a lot of fun.  Its lighter and more nimble then the 600 i had.  I actually get better gas mileage too. 
I did put Buell Firebolt pegs on which lowered them an inch or more (i am 6'5").  Also the Sargent seat and Double Bubble windscreen along with new pro grip gels all add up to a more tour capable bike for me.  I added some Titanium Microns on it to pull out that L-twin sound a bit more.  Here are a couple pics

[smooth operator]

   I've been lovin' mine,but I kept the Bandit too. For what I could sell my 98 B12 for, I figured I might as well keep it for 2 up with the wife and comuting when I can.
  I get about 10 more mpg on my SV than the Bandit,about 42 vs 32. Its sneaky quick and I love the wt. loss.
  SV 1k has a good site too. Very knowledgable and like the Bandit forum,a more mature group. Most of the young whippersnappers look for the latest quickest and so on.
  The only thing that is a concern is the "green conector" between the ignition switch and the wiring harness. But most issuse have been on the 3k. I havn't had any problems, but I going to cut mine out and soilder and shrink wrap mine befor I do.  Dan

[MazdaRx]

thanks Dan.  I will check out that site.  I have mainly been lurking on sv-portal.com and have seen the info on the green connector.  Like you said though, i think its mainly the 03 version as there was only one 05 on that site that had replaced it and it was not fried yet but replaced out of prevention.  I will eventually purchase a bandit again and it will be the 1200 instead of the 600.  I really enjoyed the bike but my friend offered me a good deal and the guy i got my SV from just wanted me to pay off his loan so i got a 05 SV1000 with 8xxx miles for 3500 bucks :)  score for me.  sold my friend the bandit for 2500 so a grand got me an SV 

[smooth operator]

my friend offered me a good deal and the guy i got my SV from just wanted me to pay off his loan so i got a 05 SV1000 with 8xxx miles for 3500 bucks :)  score for me.  sold my friend the bandit for 2500 so a grand got me an SV 

   WOW You can't beat that! Awsome deal!

[solman]

I have a friend who had a SV1000S and didn't like it.  He found to too unpredictable.  He basically described it as good days and bad days.  He's had a lost list of bikes to compare to including the TL000S, which is still one of his true loves.  He has a B12 as well and says that he likes the B12 better.  Needless to say, he sold the SV and still hasn't looked back.

[MazdaRx]

I have a friend who had a SV1000S and didn't like it.  He found to too unpredictable.  He basically described it as good days and bad days.  He's had a lost list of bikes to compare to including the TL000S, which is still one of his true loves.  He has a B12 as well and says that he likes the B12 better.  Needless to say, he sold the SV and still hasn't looked back.

So far i love it and have had no bad days with it.  I think we each will have a different experience on bikes then someone else.  its all opinion. 

[solman]

I do agree.  I just thought that I would pass on some info.  He is  a very good rider and can ride a bike to the edges.  Unless you are doing so, you probably won't notice what is possibly lacking.

[smooth operator]

  I have had no bad days either.Your feriend may not have had the suspension adjusted properly. Like the Bandit the suspension is where Suzuki saved some $. But the SV stock suspension is still better than my 1st gen B12. The Bandit got Race Tech gold valves and springs for y wt. And a Works Performance shock ( and a GSX-R shock for a spare) The last track day on the SV had me tightening up the preload and I still don't have it dialed in just right yet. But it does have adjutable compresion and reboud on the forks and shock.
  The seat is defenatly not a comfy as the Bandit and the suspension not as soft. The weight of the bike is more on the front as where the Bandit is more centered. I can defenatly make better lapX with less effort on the SV,oh ya, better ground clearance too.
  The Bandit gets all the 2 up duties, my wife has yet to sit on the SV. Hurts her back just thinking of it.But for me on a solo ride,the only reason I turn back home is on account of my wife getting jelous of the time I'm spending on the bike But I could just keep on going into the sunset. (if the roads are twisty enough)

[solman]

I am sure that he had the suspension set up properly.  He is one of the best  and most experienced riders I know and that isn't saying that lightly.  Like I said, he is one of the few riders that I know that can ride a bike to it's limits.  Not saying that it is a bad bike, just passing on what I know of it.  I suppose if you ever spent time on a TL1000R or TL1000S, you would understand more.