Production to be stopped on the Bandit

[orionburn]

Came across this article last night. WTF??? 

Suzuki Motor Corporation announced today that the company will be downsizing their line of production motorcycles. While it is uncertain which models will be affected it has been confirmed by a source from within the company that the first motorcycle to be cut with be the GSF Bandit 1250S.

Even though Motorcyclist Magazine named it "Best Bang for the Buck" in their 2007 Motorcycle of the Year competition, Suzuki has stated that due to dwindling sales in the U.S. market, and more and more competition from other manufacturers such as Honda and Yamaha, that they must make cuts in order to focus on their more popular line of super-sport bikes. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, also stated that part of the reason for the demise of the Bandit is due in part to the release of the new B-King which has the Hayabusa power plant.

Suzuki hopes that while many owners will be disappointed at the news they hope it will also create a boost in sales for the B-King.

More information can be found here: Suzuki Press Release

[Bob Holland]

That's to bad  

[PitterB4]

I don't blame them.  They're ugly, slow bikes anyway!   

[mademiriam]

interesting, i never thought the GSF would die in favor of the B-King...but alas...

[pmackie]

Your press release link really says it all...

[bngboyd]

 

[mademiriam]

some related info here here Point #4 is awaiting results. 

[Have Blue]

I read somewhere that the rights to the Bandit line had been bought out by Jincheng. As I understand it, the bandit will still be produced, but only in the Chinese 49cc version.  Look for the new B 49 SS at your local dealer.

Blue

[pmackie]

I read somewhere that the rights to the Bandit line had been bought out by Jincheng. As I understand it, the bandit will still be produced, but only in the Chinese 49cc version.  Look for the new B 49 SS at your local dealer.

Is that the version that's going to use the new Cast Iron frame and wheels?

[aussiebandit]

All I can say is that thank god the B12 is such a good bike that it'll probably out live me, that way I don't have to worry about ever replacing it.

Mind you a B King would certainly be a good replacement.

[billincentraljersey]

I sure hope this is an April Fools joke.  Otherwise, we'll be owners of a short production run bike that may become a classic in 20 years.  Meanwhile, finding pats will be difficult, aftermarket goodies will also be rare.

[bngboyd]

Click on the link in the original post and all your questions shall be answered.......

[billincentraljersey]

Click on the link in the original post and all your questions shall be answered.......

You guys are killing me!  As if my job, my age, my wife, my kids, and global warming is not enough to put me in my grave.

[orionburn]

I really pissed off the guys on my Yamaha board a few years back. Made up this article that said Yamaha was going to be bringing the FZR back into production. Boy were they upset