No Sale

[Old_n_Slow]

I've been looking for something more modern, faster, lighter and sexier to replace my '05 1200/S ever since I picked up my cross continent touring mount, a Honda ST 1300. Having two big bikes in the garage seemed like a bit of overkill, so I've been shopping. I've looked at VStroms and KLRs, but living in Florida off roading isn't all that exciting, and I've been there and done that. Looked at some nice middleweights, ZZR 600; Ninja 650, passed on the all out sportbikes (I'm past that part in my life), and today looked at a really nice VFR.

In the end, I just can't justify replacing the Bandit!. It'll kick the crap out of all the bikes I'm interested in, it's already setup for me with Progressive shock and springs, has an all day Corbin saddle, the ladies tell me the blue and white is really pretty, and it's paid for! There's no sensible reason for dropping a wad of cash for something that is, in truth, less than what I have! It's a great feeling when you realize that you made the correct decision in the first place. 

.....but that VFR sure was pretty!...

[longislandbandit99]

That is exactly why I bought my Bandit in 2002.

[H2RICK]

Well, O & S, it's always nice to have your decision reinforced by a little research and I agree completely with your analysis. The ST is a great bike for what it is and does....but it's nice to know that the Bandit can do what the ST does (although maybe not as comfortably) AND do a whole bunch of things the ST can't. The Bandit is definitely a first class all-rounder and at the asking price (then and now) is one of the bargains of this or any other century, IMO.
Nope, hang onto your Bandit and leave those other bikes alone. You'll still be happily riding the Bandit in the NEXT decade, I'm sure.

[interfuse]

DRZ400sm would be my choice for a second bike...

[Slider]

I agree that the Bandit is a great choice and hard to part with. The only reason I can fathom for a ST1300 Honda... is two up long distance riding. Cushy and sporty but still a relative heavyweight... about 200 lbs more than a Bandit. Would you really like to cowtrail it?
I've stuck with my old beast since I've spent $$$ customizing it and am comfy touring for weeks at a time. Adding GenMar risers helped as did forward pegs on the engine guards. Helps avoid rigormortis in the leg bones, y'see.
The Bandit using regular gas wasn't much of an issue in the past. It sure as hell does now.
I can't find anything that matches the original Bandits, (97-2006), for adaptability. The new one weighs more with less ponies and is hostile to simple aftermarket engine tweaking, (well to my knowledge, anyway).

 I got to hankering after the Yamaha FJR1300 and now the new Concours 1400. Neither will alow forward pegs which will alow you change of leg position. Both are much heavier and more $$ than the Bandit... the Yamaha MUCH more $.

About the only thing I've compared on specs for wt. is the BKing... but it is still 70 lbs more and NO Fairing whatsoever. Even a bikini fairing does make a difference after a few hours, methinks. 

[Bandit1250]

I can't find anything that matches the original Bandits, (97-2006), for adaptability.

Try a Kawasaki ZRX1200.
It's faster than a Bandit AND more top end.
Both my ZRX 1200's hit about 157 top end stock......my new Bandit1250 is done at about 140 or so.....and the ZRX pulls harder than the Bandit.
The ZRX also had mucho storage under the seat. (no fuel injection or computer)

[Red01]

Try a Kawasaki ZRX1200.
It's faster than a Bandit AND more top end.
Both my ZRX 1200's hit about 157 top end stock......my new Bandit1250 is done at about 140 or so.....and the ZRX pulls harder than the Bandit.
The ZRX also had mucho storage under the seat. (no fuel injection or computer)

I've gone 157+ (indicated) with my B12... Never raced and ZRX1200's with it though.
I rode a ZRX1100 with ZX11 cams back to back against the B12S back when I was bike shopping and it was a nice bike, but I preferred the wind protection of the B12S, so it got the nod.  If we would have gotten the ZRX-S in the states, it probably would have been a different decision though. 

The reason the ZRX has that cavernous underseat storage isn't because of it not having fuel injection or a computer, it's because it has dual rear shocks, so the space taken up by the shock on single shock bikes, like Bandits, is available to create a storage compartment. 
I'll bet the ZRX does have a computer - it just doesn't manage an EFI system.

[Bobcat]

The reason the ZRX has that cavernous underseat storage isn't because of it not having fuel injection or a computer, it's because it has dual rear shocks

Ding Ding. Winner.

[Bandit1250]

I've gone 157+ (indicated) with my B12... 

Was your B12 stock??
What's the HP of a STOCK B12??
And how much do you weigh If you don't mind me asking?  I tip the scales at about 288.

[Red01]

I've gone 157+ (indicated) with my B12... 

Was your B12 stock??
What's the HP of a STOCK B12??
And how much do you weigh If you don't mind me asking?  I tip the scales at about 288.

Just a jet kit & slip-on.  Pretty sure a stocker will go that fast, too - just won't get there as quickly.
Stock hp is ~100.  As currently set-up ~115.  I've never dyno'd mine, but based on the charts of others I've seen with a similar set-up, 112-118 is about the norm.  Top speed is more a function of gearing, unless the mods allow the engine to pull more rpm - and I don't think mine will turn any more rpm than a stocker.  FWIW,   I have a feeling if I kept it pinned long enough, it would go faster. I've never had the nerve to keep up that kind of speed for long, too much can happen... and the roads around here don't offer a lot of visability to be sure a deer, or some other varmint don't suddenly appear from the sidelines.
As for weight, 260 lbs + riding gear.

I seem to recall a road test or two where the top speed of a B12S was cited in excess of 150 (actual). 
Maybe your 1250 will get faster as it breaks in more?

No offense to the Rex - they're fine bikes!  Even in green.   

[pmackie]

Maybe your 1250 will get faster as it breaks in more?

Maybe...but the dyno chart for the 1250 shows it running out of breath on top as the torque starts to fall off, so it doesn't surprise me that the 1250 may have a lower top speed than the B12. Also, your slip-on, jetting and air box mod likely DO help the top end to a small extent.

OTOH - the 6th gear on the 1250 should allow the revs to get back into the meat of the torque? So...given enough time/room it should eventually reach a similar top speed?

[Dave 02 1200]

My solution was to keep my 02 Bandit (paid for and a really good all-around bike) and I recently bought two tube-frame Buells, an 02 M2 and an 01 S3, for less than a new bike.

Now I have less invested in my three bikes than most people spend on just one new one.

I couldn't be happier that I did not give in to the urges created by the motorcycle magazines and sell my B 12 to get a new bike last year when I was lusting after a Ducati 1098.

The plan is to ride the B12 for long or fast rides, hot rod the M2, and cruise the backroads on my S3.

There are some really clean used bikes out there at good prices.  That way, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Regards,

Dave

[Have Blue]

Just a jet kit & slip-on.  Pretty sure a stocker will go that fast, too - just won't get there as quickly.
Stock hp is ~100.  As currently set-up ~115.  I've never dyno'd mine, but based on the charts of others I've seen with a similar set-up, 112-118 is about the norm.
As for weight, 260 lbs + riding gear.

My 03 B12 is set up the same as yours and it reaches 155 indicated easily, with maybe 1/4 throttle still left.  I havent felt the need to max it out.  I think I could see 160+ indicated if I was inclined to try.  :-)  I weigh 165 lbs, so the old girl is running light to boot.  hehe

Earl

[dhcolesj]

This is funny.  When I was shopping for a new bike I found the Bandit was not the lightest, not the fastest, not the most comfortable, not the most fuel efficient, and not the Coolest looking.  However, it was enough of all of these to make it a DARN GOOD DEAL!  I've been riding my '08 since April, and I'm glad I bought it.