Author Topic: New Bandit Owner - Today! (Read 4490 times)

Eleggua · « **on:** July 21, 2007, 10:38:27 PM »

Woooo Hoooo - I did it.

My wife and I bought new bikes today. Just had to tell someone, so I'm posting it here.

I got the 2007 Bandit 1250 and she got the SV650S.

We don't get our endorsement till the 10th of next4 month, so left them at the dealer to get stuff added on and ready for us.

Even without the endorsement I took the Bandit out for a spin and OMG I was grinning from ear to ear. It is an amazing bike. I'm so glad I got so many recommendations from this group to get the Bandit over the Strom.

Here's a few questions for anyone with suggestions.

1. Would you buy the 4 year warranty?

2. Would you buy the prepaid service agreement? I bought the bikes without either of the above, with the understanding that when we pick them up we could buy them. They want $1200 per bike and covers the 1st 6 service visits (they claim it's a $1900 value).

3. I want to put really nice side and top cases on the Bandit. Any suggestions.

4. Any suggestions for cool electronics? We love our toys. :-)

I'm so happy I'm gonna go jump up and down or something. LOL

Kenrick

ZenMan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2007, 11:38:35 PM »

Mr. and Mrs. Ellegua on your new bikes!

You both made sporty choices, I think those two bikes will match up nicely together. You're a lucky guy to have your wife as a riding partner.

Personally I don't go for the extended warranty or the prepaid services, but then I'm an old hand with a wrench and I do all my own maintenance and repairs.

If you'd like to learn how to work on your own bike, I can tell you it is a rewarding experience, and gives you confidence in both your mechanical skills and your motorcycle. Having a new bike is a good way to learn because the first services are simple oil changes, bolt tightening, and chain adjustment. As your bike gets older, you progress with the repairs as things wear out. Makes for an intimate relationship.

As far as the warranty, a lot of dealers are real sticklers about warranty work and will use the slightest excuses to charge you for repairs even if you are covered. Some dealerships don't employ the best mechanics, and some are not altogether ethical. How much do you trust your dealer and their mechanics? Do they have a good reputation with other customers?

Also keep in mind the warranty does not cover normal wear items like tires, brake pads, cables, hoses, chain, sprockets, etc.

The things that make it worth it is if your computer goes out or you have catastrophic mechanical failure in your engine/tranny, or chassis component failure caused by manufacturer defects. It happens... not often, but it happens.

If you decide against the prepaid service agreement and/or extended warranty, that's a lot of money you can spend on accessories, like your racks and cases.

There's a lot of aftermarket gear already out there for the SV, and more is coming out for the B1250 all the time. Also, Suzuki has their accessories for both bikes. If you are buying on the finance plan, you could put all that stuff on your financing. Genuine Suzuki gear usually gives your bike a better resale value, not always so with aftermarket stuff.

Just my 2 cents... make the choices that are right for you and your wife.

And

to the community... ride safe, ok?

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2007, 12:14:21 AM »

Hey, congrats...two new bikes at one time, and the wife has her own, very nice!

I am not much on extended warrenties. The consumers groups (like Consumer Reports) suggest that you rarely get your money out of them.

I don't know what the first six maintenance visits cover...they would have to carefully define what that covers, the time limitation, etc.

I was never a DIY'er when it came to automotive stuff, but I've learned that the routine stuff on the bike, like the fluid changes (oil, clutch, brake, etc.) are really easy even for a novice. Changing brake pads and the like takes a little more patience but I learned that too, with some help from the folks here at B.A. Chain adustments drive me crazy, but I think that if you have a good relationship with your shop (that is, buy your accessories and supplies from them), they would do it at no cost, if the techs aren't busy, it only takes a minute when you know what you're doing.

So I'm probably in the "pass this offer by" camp, unless you can get them to do the harder stuff internal to the engine.

Be sure to post a pic of the two of you and your new scoots as soon as you can!

elbandito · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2007, 12:17:17 AM »

I paid $400 for the 4 year, unlimited miles warranty. Had I actually gotten to do more riding it might have been worthwhile. I never used it once, though. Over 5 years now and not a single repair (like someone else said, maintenance is not covered).

heath3n · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2007, 12:18:00 AM »

Congrats! I'm sure you two will have a great time!

Eleggua · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2007, 01:19:11 AM »

Thanks for the support and kind words.

I'll get pics posted soon as we get these babies home.

I have to leave Tuesday for Vegas to teach a seminar and I'm trying to figure out how to get out of it to go ride my new bike. LOL

I don't think Suzuki has the bags available yet for the Bandit. Maybe I should wait till they do? Anyone heard anything about if/when they'll be available?

Kenrick

ZenMan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2007, 02:19:09 AM »

Suzuki B1250 accessories now available:

Bandit Lower Fairing $590.95
Bandit Rear Hugger $229.95
Windshield $69.95
Bandit Chin Spoiler $304.95

Bandit hard Cases
Top Case $229.95
Side Case Set $455.95
Passenger Back Rest $39.95
Top Cover Inserts $75.95
Side Cover Inserts $104.95

Mounting Hardware
Top Case Rack $208.95
Side Mount Bars $104.95

The fairing, hugger, spoiler and case inserts will be factory painted to match yourbike.

The prices are MSRP, you should get a better deal from your dealer.

Eleggua · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2007, 02:24:05 AM »

Hey ZenMan.

When the sales person went online to check it out with us today, he saw the same thing I see on the Suzuki site. Do I need to tell him to call the factory or... ? How do we get those cases you posted?

Kenrick

orionburn · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2007, 11:12:19 AM »

Congrats on the new rides

I have to lean towards the others about the service agreements. Japanese bikes hold up pretty darn well. You may want to check the fine print and see exactly what all it would cover for the "service visits." If it covered something like a post break-in period valve check (which you may not even need to bother with) then maybe, but the cost of something like that would be cheaper than what they're offering. Would be a waste to spend that much money on simple things such as oil changes and chain adjustments.

Personally, I'd take that money and invest it in tools and bike stands if you don't have them already. Maybe some new gear? That's the only time in my life that I actually enjoy going "clothes" shopping with a woman

ZenMan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2007, 12:42:18 PM »

Quote from: "Eleggua"

Hey ZenMan.

When the sales person went online to check it out with us today, he saw the same thing I see on the Suzuki site. Do I need to tell him to call the factory or... ? How do we get those cases you posted?

Kenrick

The Suzuki website is behind. Your dealer needs to get ahold of their Suzuki company rep. My dealer received a flyer from SuMoCo with the above accessory price list, and she called me to let me know the items are available for order.

I think you need to light a fire under somebody's butt.

leedogg · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2007, 02:06:29 PM »

well mine came with a 1 year unlimited mile warranty..then I paid for another year. Think it was like 200 bucks...but I got a Suzuki Gold card for 20 bucks off service and 10% off parts/accesories. Saved me 45 bucks on my first service and rear tire. I figure it'll save me a chunk on my side cases and mounts eventually too.

heath3n · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:07:21 AM »

Quote from: "ZenMan"

Suzuki B1250 accessories now available:
Bandit Rear Hugger $229.95
Bandit Chin Spoiler $304.95

Did you mix those prices up Z?

leedogg · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:52:05 AM »

Quote from: "heath3n"

Quote from: "ZenMan"
Suzuki B1250 accessories now available:
Bandit Rear Hugger $229.95
Bandit Chin Spoiler $304.95

Did you mix those prices up Z?

Judging by ebay prices...I'd say no he didn't. BTW- he said he copy/pasted those prices from a email he got from his dealer.

heath3n · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:54:14 AM »

Quote from: "leedogg"

Judging by ebay prices...I'd say no he didn't. BTW- he said he copy/pasted those prices from a email he got from his dealer.

He said that about his FIRST list...not his second.

leedogg · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2007, 02:00:05 AM »

Quote from: "heath3n"

Quote from: "leedogg"

Judging by ebay prices...I'd say no he didn't. BTW- he said he copy/pasted those prices from a email he got from his dealer.

He said that about his FIRST list...not his second.

Thanks for making me recheck my facts

...the prices are the same on both lists.