Author Topic: plans for the new B12? (Read 4769 times)

Snubnose · « **on:** August 21, 2005, 09:58:23 PM »

I hear, that the B12 will be going the way of an older GSXR 1000 engine, (not unlike that of a, say, 1998 model GSXR 1000) with the body work of the new 650 bandit. Sort of like the newer Kawasaki Z1000, which is a toned down NINJA. Closer to the Yamaha FZ1...Is this right?

solman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2005, 10:52:47 PM »

That wouldn't be so bad, at least I wouldn't think so.

PeteSC · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2005, 11:55:41 PM »

That's the rumours, or speculation for a while.
I haven't heard anything official.....

jared1970 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2005, 01:19:50 AM »

I hope it's true. I like the B12, but the main reason I haven't bought one yet is I just can't bring myself to pay good money for such an old design. It just seems like the old saying about Harleys, yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices. It's a tried and true design that has stood the test of time, but it's the 21st century now. Let's at least bring the Bandit up to late 90's technology. Liquid cooling, fuel injection, and a six speed transmission. And while they're at it, why don't they do the same thing with the old gsxr750 engine? Seems like a logical replacement for the B6/650, or maybe just to fill the gap between 600/650 and 1000.

billybandit · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2005, 06:14:49 AM »

I thought the B12 was liquid cooled! My 250 is. I personally like the styling of the B12 - it looks like a bike. The new 650 has an ugly frame. If they are going to update the 1200 I think making the frame and styling like the 400 or even the SV range would be best. And, fuel injection of course.

PeteSC · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2005, 08:41:41 AM »

The reason the Bandits are priced the way they are, is they don't attempt to incorporate all the newest technology. If you brought the B12 up to date with all the trendy stuff, it would be a $10,000 bike, at least.
The Bandits are a good deal since they use some old, proven stuff from older bikes, along with some cheaper components.

A little lighter, more power, fuel injection, and better suspension is cool with me. Suzuki ought to be able to dive into the parts bin and come up with a new B12 with that stuff.

Kamzilla · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2005, 10:32:29 AM »

I read that it's going to be not much more than a rebadged Kawi Z1000. If there's any truth to it, I hope they ditch the quad exhaust for a one pipe per side design and put a real fairing up front for wind protection.

The Bandit has a huge sport touring following, and it'd be a shame to neglect that customer base.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2005, 10:56:04 AM »

The Bandit "old" technology? Hmmm, well, mine is fast and dependable as a delta whore at Mardi Gras, so keep these things coming!

There's a big difference in prices on the newest technology bikes and Bandits. Big. I'd rather have white knuckle fast and rock solid dependable for a price I can actually afford, than the absolutely newest technology money can buy. Besides, the riding position on the plasticky, more expensive bikes, is crap.

From my perspective, the Bandit needs a nice seat and taller handlebars on it stock.

Now that I've gotten the Helibars and all longer steel braided lines/cables, I've gotten really fond of the 1200. What a difference those made.

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:10:24 PM »

I think if they went with lighter wheels, a little better suspension, and maybe a choice of higher handlebars or clipons, it would really make a difference. As far as the engine, making them more highstrung would take away from the personality of the bike for me. I like the fact that you don't need 9000 rpm to get decent power, but its there when you want it.

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:17:29 PM »

Quote from: "Kamzilla"

I read that it's going to be not much more than a rebadged Kawi Z1000. If there's any truth to it, I hope they ditch the quad exhaust for a one pipe per side design and put a real fairing up front for wind protection.

The Bandit has a huge sport touring following, and it'd be a shame to neglect that customer base.

THAT ain't gonna happen. The Kawi/Suzi agreement is falling apart and there won't be any more shared bikes or development beyond what's already out, and even several of those won't be shared much longer.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:20:17 PM »

First, if this hasn't been said before... outstanding avatar, Herb.

Quote from: "Desolation Angel"

From my perspective, the Bandit needs a nice seat and taller handlebars on it stock.

Quote from: "dsartwell1"

and maybe a choice of higher handlebars or clipons

It's gotta be tough for Suz to figure out what their target is. I read Herb's post and was thinking the opposite would be true for me. If I got a B12, the absolute first thing I would do would be to figure out a way to get a more aggressive riding postition - drag bars or something. Guess maybe I'd be more of a Kat person - 'cept I don't like the fairing on them much.

chrissinc · « **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2005, 06:01:26 PM »

Personally I love that the bandit is air/oil cooled. It's extremly reliable. However I would like a factory oil temp guage like on my '84 GS750EF, it really helps to know how hot the oil is getting. I had an oil cooler line leak and installed a new oil line on the oil cooler in 10 minutes. Try that with a liquid cooled bike. There are some definate advantages to oil cooling. Not having to flush radiators every two years is but one. I hope to be gettting a bandit 1200 in the next year and am liking these forums every bit as much as the GSresources forums. A good bunch of people with no attitude that actually help people. WHy even I can come up with a semi-sane nugget of info or advcice once in a while. :-). As as far as old I'd rather have a proven design with a proven upgrade path that something that may or may not work. Which is more economical? Turning out the mixture screws a half turn to get rid of a flat spot or buying a $500 power commander to do basically the same thing? Old definatly has some advantages. How many miles do these bikes get on these engines? 100,000 miles? 200,000? I've seen some insane milages out there on the internet with some no more than a top end rebuild every 100,000 miles. Could a new superbike do that? I don't know but at least we found out on the bikes that this forum is catered to.

If there was any improvement on the new B12's I would put the money into the suspension. Having more adjustability would even garner more of a market share as the guys who want a plush sports tourer or a supersport could be had with simple turn on the suspension.

For reference this is my bike:(same colours)

It's basically the same sort of engine. TSCC with 16 valves Air/oil cooling. I did a top end rebuild at 78,000 kms as the previous owner let it sit to long and it runs like new. It still to this day get 80+ horspower and doesn't leak one drop of oil. Pretty good for a 20+ year old bike. Considering the Bandit is basically based on this type of engine I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest buying one.

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2005, 08:59:22 PM »

Nice looking bike. I've never seen one of those before. A wheel pattern similar to that would look sweet on a Bandit. I really like the mid-80's bikes, especially the Interceptors and that one you have. Someday, I hope to get one as a project to play with.

chrissinc · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:27:31 PM »

Thx I will be selling it in the spring just have to replace a couple of decals to make it perfect for selling. It was a lot of fun to restore, now that all the bugs are worked out I need a new project. :-)

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:27:54 PM »

Quote from: "PitterB4"

First, if this hasn't been said before... outstanding avatar, Herb.

I'm rather fond of her, myself. Sung Hi Lee. I love her!