US RIDER Poll/Do you want to see the new 1200 here?

[Sven]

They think it's some kind of crotch rocket, I guess.

Hey, I live in a town where you still see El Caminos on the street every day.  I think they have collected them from all over the country and brought them here to live out their "golden years".  This city marches to a slightly different beat.

[fritobandito]

I love the look of the '06. I just wish they would have nixed that goofy back fender. I guess if I ever get one, the hack saw will have to come out. I'm a new B12 owner and love the looks of my '01. But, I'd take an'06 anyday. Looks a little sleeker to me. And, like some others here, whenever I get on mine and go, a have a big wide sh$t-eatin' grin all over my face.


'80 GS550L
'81 GS1000G
'86 V65 Magna
'87 Concours
'85 VT1100 Shadow
'01 GSF1200S

[B12Teuton]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think the bike is ugly.  To the contrarty, it has rugged good looks and GREAT lines.  That ominous black engine... it just looks like it wants to throw down!
The first time I actually got turned on to this look was back in '95 when I bought a H-D Sprotster.  The dealer carried Honda as well and there was a CB1000 on the floor which looks a whole lot like you-know-what (Black B12N)


Only this bike was out in the early '90's and never cought on, even though it was arguably more advanced THEN than the B12 is over a decade later!!

Again, I love the style and I even love the engine. Suzuki can beef it back up to GSXR1100 performance level and design an updated chassis for it.  At least put the engine on par with the FZ1.  Same HP as the FZ1 and more TQ than a ZRX with halfway decent suspension and an aluminium frame.

[fritobandito]

I guess I'm just too new to this bike and am still too close to being a shadow rider. But, to me, the B12 is such a solid, stable, smooth and fast machine compared to what I'm used to. To hear people talk about how much upgrading it needs makes me go......huh?

[B12Teuton]

It's all relative, as you say.  In and of itself the Bandit is a great bike.  If it weren't, it would have been gone years ago (like the CB1000) and would not have won best in class way back when it did.  Don't get discouraged.  It really is a great bike, but it's effectively been forced from the market by that powers that be.

[PeteSC]

Yeah, Manny, the twin shocks on that old Honda were so ground breaking!
 
Most of the naked bikes are languishing in the US.
  We've got ignorant consumers.....

[Red01]

Only this bike was out in the early '90's and never cought on, even though it was arguably more advanced THEN than the B12 is over a decade later!!

What would you argue is more advanced? Water cooling?

Not knocking the CB1000, I like 'em, too - but it's just another UJM in my book, no high-tech there, even for it's day.

[Daytona]

The 06's won't be offered until the left overs are eaten up! You think any MFG is going to offer a product that is as no nonsense, long lasting, low maintenance, reasonable priced, more than adequate performing, top notch sport/commuter,easy to upgrade,easy to work on,(even though its unnecessary in most cases) Great all around product, if they aren't making a BIG profit on it? Hell no! they will come out with something like the R1! I have almost 40k with nothing but oil/filters, a couple of chains/sprockets, tires, carb sinc, that was really needed. I had to hunt for stuff to mess with, even the valve adj wasn't really needed! Try that with those radiator'ed  rocket's !!!  If you want one get one!!! but leave the Bandit Alone!!!!   Thank's to the UK etc for keeping Zuki from throwing away the mold, they can always make more, later for us.        You are darn toot'n I'd buy another!! and would like one just like the one i have 98, faired or un! If it ain't broke don't fix it!

[solman]

I noticed that Yamaha upgraded the FZ1.  I would've loved to see Suzuki do the same for the Bandit.  Newer Gixxer motor, inverted forks, fuel injection, etc.  Keep the same style, just give it a bit of a make over.

[Red01]

I suspect that's what Suzuki will do with the GSR600's as yet unreleased bigger brother that's rumored to be using the Hayabusa motor. What the rumors haven't addressed is if it will use the current Hayabusa motor, or the one that's to be in next year's rumored upgraded Happy Bus.

[smooth operator]

Since I customized my 98 to be more track oriented,I would like to have a new Bandit to set up for doing some trips. It's not on the top of the spending list,(or atleast my wifes)but if I had the $ I'd buy a new one.

[GaryB12VA]

I'm very happy with the Bandit I have now, but would still like to see Suzuki continue to offer the 1200 in the US.

As far as new models available, here's one that has me excited

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/16september05_2006kawasaki_zx14.htm

I could be tempted to trade my R1 for this beast. I'm looking forward to seeing it at the motorcycle show in January.

[Desolation Angel]

Yeah, I saw this some time ago.  It's way prettier than a 'Busa.

[B12Teuton]

Yeah, I saw this some time ago.  It's way prettier than a 'Busa.

I guess that's in the eye of the beer holder.

I think it looks like the crap I took after hot-wing night last week.

Not that the busa is much better.
It kinda looks like a cross between a Busa and a RF900

[Ronin]

I think it looks like the crap I took after hot-wing night last week.