Author Topic: New owner - get ready for lots of questions (Read 3502 times)

dpturner · « **on:** December 13, 2006, 04:50:43 PM »

Hi all,

After being out of biking for around 10 years, I have recently purchased a 2001 1200S, silver, totally stock, with only 1700 miles on the clock, for $3200. Yeah, I think I got a good deal. I won't bother posting a picture; it looks just like every other 2001 1200S, silver, totally stock.

By "recently", I mean September. So I've had a couple months of riding. I've been taking it easy; I realize I'm a member of a statistical group identified in the Hurt report (middle-age guy who has been away from motorcycling for several years and then buys a bike with much more capability than his previous rides). I've also enjoyed reading these forums for ideas.

Christmas is coming, and I'm planning some winter projects with the components I'm hoping Santa brings. So look for me posting stupid questions in the other forums.

My mother calls me David; you can call me Dave. Or dt.

zeebandit · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2006, 05:56:08 PM »

Dave: Welcome and congratulations on the new bike.

mothman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2006, 07:42:33 PM »

You've got a great bike there. I have the 2000 model. As long as you know to take care you'll be fine, I think. Sometimes I get a bit silly on mine.
The only thing that's been done to mine is a supertrapp slip-on and a nice Corbin seat. I plan to get those carbs off and get that mixure right(drill out those plugs), although after about two blocks that leaness doesn't bother me. I am considering the hole-shot kit. Yet don't know, I haven't been smoked by anyone. I want to go as fast as I can but they are already so fast, and comfortable and solid two-up. Go figure.
Cheers on the bike/

solman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2006, 10:56:47 PM »

It was definitely a jump in power and handling compared to my '82 Honda. It did manage to get my attention once or twice while it was fairly new. But, it didn't take me long to get used to it and add some performance to it as well. The first thing I did was get a slip-on and jet kit for itl. Wow, what a difference those two made! Just remember to continue riding at your level and hopefully some cage won't come and knock you off. Enjoy your ride...

JamieK · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2006, 11:22:55 PM »

I went from a KLR650 to my 06 B12...talk about a power difference...I think the B12 has more HP at idle than the KLR could produce

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2006, 12:29:04 AM »

WELCOME! 8^D
Get the Ivan jet kit and Yoshimura RS3 pipe and do the full intake mod instructions that come with the kit. It will make your good running bike unbelievably perfect. Like the difference between a pretty looking girl and a vivacious woman. Or you can go the experimental rout and spend allot more time and money which seems to be a hobby for allot of folks.

smooth operator · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2006, 07:28:48 AM »

Dave, Great deal! Still in the break-in miles. I found a low milage 03 for my yougest brother last yr. ( I have a 98,B12) He's still dangerous after stepping up from other bikes. I have to keep slowing him down and getting him to pay more attention. You can get some amazing deals on a Bandit if you look and watch for awhile.
Dan

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2006, 06:23:13 PM »

Welcome to the club Dave. Where do you hale from?

dpturner · « **Reply #8 on:** December 15, 2006, 01:48:25 PM »

OK, a little more about me: I live in Castro Valley, work in Oakland, both in the SF Bay Area. My previous bike was a 1982 Honda VF750S (first-year V4 Sabre). Original owner, but the bike sat in my garage for 10 years (having a kid will put a crimp in your hobbies). As it aged, it became less and less likely that I would ever fix the carburetor problems that sidelined it.

I would occassionally whine to my wife about how some day I would get it running again. She would reply, "You should just buy a new bike and get rid of the old one". But I knew we couldn't afford payments on a "new" motorcycle. I had been following the used Bandit market for years (mostly on craigslist), and when I saw this bike, I asked my wife if she was serious. She said go for it, and the rest is history. Well, actually, it's current events, but you know what I mean.

So, yeah, going from a 1982 750 to a 2001 1200 is a jump.

My first planned mods are all practical: case guards, louder horn, headlight/brakelight modulators, running lights. Maybe next year a Holeshot slip-on, stage 1 jet kit, and ignition advancer. Perhaps some soft luggage and a tail rack.

Thanks for all the welcome messages! dt

H2RICK · « **Reply #9 on:** December 15, 2006, 02:41:31 PM »

Way to go, Dave!!! You've got the right attitude to be able to survive that crazy traffic on the Nimitz and the Bay Bridge.
Been on 'em both in rush hour and it was quite an experience....and that was 20 years ago. I'm sure it's a lot worse now.....

banditII · « **Reply #10 on:** December 15, 2006, 03:02:49 PM »

Dave, might I suggest an addition to your planned modifications? Put a Zero Gravity Sport Touring windscreen on it. Makes a big difference for me. The stock screen was not bad under 70mph but prolonged highway miles would really cause some neck strain. The taller screen helped a lot.

texasbandit · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2006, 09:37:32 PM »

Welcome, great bike the Bandit. You will find that Bandit owners tinker. The bike came with a D&D can. I added a Dale Walker Stage II kit, I like bikes you can see through. a 5 degree ignition advancer, fender extender, flush turnsignals, grip warmers, various windshields, Givi style trunk, soft bags. It has become my sport touring rig - 5 trips to Mid-Ohio and points east from my home in Texas for Vintage Days and Superbikes. Your bike isn't even broken in yet. Mine got much better after 10K - performance and milage improved. Welcome to the club, start tinkering.

solman · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2006, 10:02:07 PM »

That is one nice thiing about this bike. It is so easy to tinker with and there are so many options for you to choose from in the tinkering department. From what I read about you so far, you sound like a perfect candidate for a B12. I am sure that you will enjoy your ride, especially after the weather warms up.