Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: ant_129 on August 12, 2006, 06:31:38 PM

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: ant_129 on August 12, 2006, 06:31:38 PM

Hi guys,

I did get the 2002 B12 with 3167 miles on it bone stock except for clear tail light.

Inital thoughts:

I got to ride it on I-45 all the way through Houston  :shock:
But it was not as bad as I thought, I acutally rather enjoyed it because I haven't gone over 50 mph in a while.  

All I have to say is dang that sucker is smooth and has power no matter what gear you are in.  I love the riding position better than the b4, I don't feel as cramped.  I have to get use to the gearing because I am use to riding in 5th or 6th alot at 30 or 40 mph.  

I never stalled it (hit quite a few lights and stop signs on the way to I-45). I like the high speed crusing (70 mph) rpms.  The bars are not at all buzzy.  My butt was not sore after riding it a hour.  

I can see now why people can endure 4 hour plus riding days and am looking forward to some in the near future.

The greatest thing about it all is that I can stay an active member of this awsome BBS.  Now I guess I got to start reading the b12/6 section.

 :thanks:  for all your advice, so far I am totally happy with the purchase.

Here are some pics

(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3763/b12rscopycn2.jpg)

(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/4828/b12lscopyqs4.jpg)

(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3725/b12frontcopyup7.jpg)

(http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/7519/b12backgx4.jpg)

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: ant_129 on August 12, 2006, 06:32:34 PM

Can anyone recommend a good chain and lock set for keeping her safe?

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: RDUBandit on August 14, 2006, 11:04:10 PM

Congrats!  The B12 is an outstanding all-arounder...enjoy!!

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: banditII on August 15, 2006, 07:14:11 PM

Nice bike Antman!  Will a better all rounder ever be produced?  I doubt it.

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: PaulVS on August 15, 2006, 07:17:19 PM

Nice bike and welcome aboard!

I guess I'll be the first one to be a buzz-kill here.  All 2001 and some 2002 Bandit 1200's had defective pistons, causing them to burn an excessive amount of oil.  You may want to check out the VIN number of your new bike to see if yours falls into the range.

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: ant_129 on August 15, 2006, 08:22:28 PM

Yeah I looked at that before I considered buying.  They guy said he had it checked out and was told that his was fine.  He still recommended that I do it anyway.  It might have helped that it was probably one of the last of the 02's because he bought it  as a leftover in 03.

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: amboman on August 16, 2006, 06:02:05 AM

Nice machine, welcome to the fold brother.   :congrats:

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: txbanditrydr on August 16, 2006, 10:55:04 AM

Congrats Ant.....  you made a wise choice IMHO.   Proper bike security suggestions really depend on how you plan to park it.  Out in the open, covered or not, any nearby ground based objects, etc.

If it's out in the open I highly recommend using a cover every time you park... out of sight, yadda yadda.  Always use the steering lock too - discourages the casual thief.

Disk locks add another level but be sure to use the coiled reminder or you won't get very far.  This still won't prevent someone from simply lifting the bike (wrecker lift) and taking the whole thing away.  I recently picked up a disk lock for less than 40 bucks.

There are alarm systems available for less than a 100 bucks worth considering too.

There are also heavy duty cables and chains available too assuming you have a light pole, fence post or some other non-removable object to anchor your bike to.  These things are effective but cumbersome to carry around.

Remember though - you will not stop a determined thief so some good theft insurance is also recommended.  Hope this helps and again.....  glad you're still part of the Bandit family.

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: interfuse on August 16, 2006, 01:06:43 PM

Quote

Disk locks add another level but be sure to use the coiled reminder or you won't get very far.  This still won't prevent someone from simply lifting the bike (wrecker lift) and taking the whole thing away.  I recently picked up a disk lock for less than 40 bucks.

I put a small rare earth magnet over the ignition key hole when I'm using a disk lock as a reminder. When I'm not using the disk lock the I just stick the magnet on my handle bars. No need to carry around a coily thing.

Title: Security lock
Post by: lucas on August 16, 2006, 01:40:16 PM

I bought a cable with loops at each end at Home Depot (about 15 bucks) and a lock that connects the loops so that the arch of the lock is tight against the loops. This way I can lock the bike to a pole or something like that. I think it would be very difficult to get bolt cutters on the arch of the lock and cut it since it is so tight on the cable. And I suppose ( or hope) that the bolt cutters would just smash the cable and not cut it.

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: chupacabra on August 17, 2006, 07:14:19 AM

Be very careful with those disk locks because disks cost about two hundred dollars each :crybaby:

Title: New B12 Owner
Post by: bngboyd on August 17, 2006, 05:17:52 PM

Smoking! SaaWeeeeeet.

Have fun and be safe.  :motorsmile: