Author Topic: Longevity? (Read 5254 times)

jared1970 · « **on:** April 30, 2005, 04:15:59 PM »

I'm thinking about buying a Bandit 1200S when I pay off my SV. I'm wondering how many miles people typically get out of their Bandit. I've never owned a large air/oil cooled bike, so I'm wondering if there are any longevity issues with being air/oil cooled, or if it makes any difference not being liquid cooled.

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2005, 04:58:04 PM »

There was one B12 being used as a bike courier in LA that went well over 200000 miles without any major repairs.
Not sure what happened to the guy..........

Steve · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2005, 05:36:39 PM »

I don't think that we are far enough along in product life to have an answer. I don't recall anyone posting that they have had to replace or repair their Bandit due solely to high miles.

As far as the cooling goes, I remember being stuck in dreadful traffic during the heat of the summer riding along with a TL. That guy was really concerned over his engine temp - switching off and restarting... I was concerned about mine too but just because it was cooking me.

The b12 engine has evolved from (OK Paul, how long?) over a decade of oil-air cooled high performance engines, well recognized for reliability.

Steve

B6Matt · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2005, 12:15:50 AM »

I think Chupacabra has > 40,000 miles on his B6. Anybody on here have more than that?

cb400bill · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2005, 12:33:22 AM »

Since when is oil not a liquid? :-)

Bill
02 B6

victor55 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2005, 06:58:17 AM »

Trevor who is looking after my B12S has a 1996 B12N and has clocked up 150000km without even looking at the engine. He tells me that this winter he is going to do the top end only, Valve clearances and a few other bits. Longevity is a fact of life with the B12 so it would seem

B12Teuton · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2005, 04:06:35 PM »

Quote from: "jared1970"

I've never owned a large air/oil cooled bike, so I'm wondering if there are any longevity issues with being air/oil cooled.

You mean the most long-distance/endurance race winning design of all time??

And on the four wheeled front, no one has come anywhere even close to the track record of Porsche for endurance. And that's historically all based on air/oil cooled designs.

BMW's are famous for longevity in their air/oil cooled boxers twins.

jared1970 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2005, 06:48:45 PM »

Well, I think you've all helped convince me: When my SV is paid off, my next bike will be a B12. The SV is a great bike, I love it. But I want to get something that I can tour with. The SV leaves a little to be desired on long rides, and doesn't cruise comfortably above 75 mph. I suppose I could gear it higher to help with the highway cruising, but why not do the impractical thing and buy another bike?

Steve · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:43:17 AM »

Jared you don't get away that easy. When I am considering a SV I NEED to know what you meant. What occurs at 75 that keeps you from running on? What is your RPM at that speed (WAG is fine)?

I thought that with the 6 spd the SV would be good for a fair range of conditions. If I'm wrong tell me please.

If riding 2 up is the concern that won't bother me. The only time I'm 2 up is when I talk to myself. I usually ride with a tank bag, for longer rides I throw on a pair of soft saddle bags.

Steve

jared1970 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:53:24 PM »

Due to my recent knee surgery, I haven't rode in almost a month, so I'll try my best to remember what rpm it cruises at. I think 75 mph is around 6500 or so. It really starts buzzing at that rpm. Like I said, I could just gear it higher and probably not have that problem. The other problem is its such a light bike that it blows around pretty easily when there's a crosswind or semi truck going by. I've nerver tried two up, so I don't know how it does for that.

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2005, 06:01:32 PM »

Quote from: "Steve"

The b12 engine has evolved from (OK Paul, how long?) over a decade of oil-air cooled high performance engines, well recognized for reliability.

You're right, over a decade, in fact, just over a score.
It's evolved from the 1985 GSXR 750 lump.
These engines are just as reliable as a car engine. 100,000 miles shouldn't be any problem with proper care.