Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: PeteSC on October 11, 2005, 08:07:42 AM
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US riders, please.
Would you consider buying the 2006 Bandit 1200 if it were sold in the US?
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I would love to see a 2006 version but probably would not replace my 2005. Didn't see that option so no vote here.
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I have been begging for the 1400 since I first heard about its inception. e
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With only 2.5 years on el bandido, I'm not in the market to replace it. But, I'd like to see the line continue for obvious reasons...to ensure continued service & support, to continue "perceived value", and to grow new Bandit riders.
I figured the line was faltering when the 600 and 1200N were no longer imported.
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I went ahead and voted in the "have older Bandit but would consider replacing it" category, because I probably wouldn't replace my Bandit with another, but I'd consider it from time to time.
Heck, I consider replacing things all the time. Sometimes I even do!
Offer me a GSX1400, though, and I guarantee you I'll replace it!!! :grin:
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All the options in that Poll are effectively a YES vote :duh: so I didn't vote.
As much as I loved my B12, it is getting dated and long in the tooth. It's so uncompetitive in the shootouts that it's not even included anymore in a lot of them!
It needs to be completely re-done! Engine, frame, suspension, style... all of it.
I would certainly be interested in another NEW Super Standard/ Hooligan bike from Suzuki whether it's called Bandit or not, but I can't think of any version of the current model I would buy new. Especially considering how terrible the resale value is on the G1 and G2 bikes and the fact that the market is flooded with CHEAP, clean used B12's and B6's.
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I added a few more options to this less than scientific poll............
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I hear a lot of usually gentle criticism of the Bandit like B12T above is making. I'm never sure how to take it. The Bandit looks cool to me; not dated. I mean, it's not like walking up to an '84 GS1150ES, which pretty as they are, do stand out as a bike from yesteryear. When I had my Bandit at a shop for 2 weeks while waiting on custom steel braided cables the shop owner would set the bike outside every day in front of the shop in a kind of protected, photogenic spot, and he told me when I came to pick up the bike that I wouldn't begin to believe how many of his customers asked over and over whether that bike was his and was it for sale. He said they thought it was gorgeous. I ain't bragging, but that's what he said. :grin:
I'm not arguing with anyone's opinion, but every time I ride it I am amazed by the power and slick handling. Not counting finding a way to shave a few tenths of a second off it's quarter-mile times, what can really be done that would substantially improve it? I used to think fuel injection would be nice, until I had a completely dead battery and had to push start it, which my mechanic said I couldn't have done with a fuel injected bike with a completely dead battery. So, OK, stiffen the springs or what? I'd really like to know.
I noticed that you can't sell a Bandit for what it's worth, but to me, greedy fellow that I am, that just means cheaper Bandits for me if decide I want a black one, or the blue-white comemorative version. And it means really nice, inexpensive, faster than cr@p, big bikes for others, too! :grin:
Other than the DL1000, nothing else in Suzuki's showroom even begins to peak my interest. :sad:
Oh, please God, make them import the GSX1400! I promise never to ask anything else of you! (Was that over the top?)
(http://www.suzuki.at/stuff/bike/farben/GSX1400K5_YAY.jpg) (http://www.suzuki.at/stuff/bike/farben/GSX1400K5_LR5.jpg) (http://www.suzuki.at/stuff/bike/farben/GSX1400K5_red.jpg)
(http://www.suzuki.at/stuff/bike/galerie/GSX1400_K5_2.jpg)
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This message board, and magazine reviews, are full of comments about how bullet-proof the Bandit 1200 engine is. Sure, it's not fuel-injected, but if you're having fun on it, whether commuting to work zipping on the freeway ramps or surface streets, or whether enjoying some "crooked and steep" mountain roads, why change?
The appearance of the Bandit 1200S has been a little dowdy...the half-fairing is sort of...chubby. I like the more angular look of the '06 fairing that we've seen pictures of. Looks a little leaner and meaner. Overall, I wish I had bought a 1200N and put my own windscreen on. I don't think the 1200N looks/would look dated at all!
My riding buddy has a Kawasaki ZRX-1100. Bottom line about appearances: White guys love to look at his bike, black guys love to look at mine. So apparently there's nothing wrong with the Bandit's appearance...if it appeals to you!
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I would love to see a 2006 version but probably would not replace my 2005. Didn't see that option so no vote here.
That option is there now... :grin:
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That option is there now... :grin:
Thanks..... vote is cast. :motorsmile:
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Walked into the Suz dealer a year ago and walked by everything else and right over to the '03 B12N sittin' there! Something about the 'look' AND of course the price for the leftover. Yeah, yeah....sat on a couple Gixxers... then the Bandito. Felt at home and in 15mins. had me a new 'modern' bike. The thing outstrips anything I've ever ridden in my life and undoubtedly outstrips my riding skills if i'm not prudent. Yeah...it's got an tubular steel frame, and 'normal' forks and normally aspiration engine....I like that. I've put 6,000 miles on this thing and it STILL grin 'Holy shit!' behind my faceshield every time I take it out. Putting together the stuff to do the suspension and ride position over a bit but I'm not nor ever will be a threat to Rossi...
....ergo, I voted to keep my nekkid. I'm happy. :banana:
(http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/suzuki-gsf1200-03-bikepics-434929.jpg)
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You know, something about the look of those nekkids from the front always sort of reminds me of some kind of wicked police bike. Can't put my finger on it...
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I call her "Bulldog".
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black guys love to look at mine.
Is that because it's TEAL???? :stickpoke:
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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.(http://www.xs4all.nl/~ernstmul/images/msn60/smile039.gif)
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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
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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)
(http://www.sizemoresr.com/mt/archives/1994CB1000.jpg)
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.
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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?
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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.
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Yeah, Manny, the twin shocks on that old Honda were so ground breaking!
:monkeymoon:
Most of the naked bikes are languishing in the US.
We've got ignorant consumers.....
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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.
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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!!!! :annoy: Thank's to the UK etc for keeping Zuki from throwing away the mold, they can always make more, later for us. :motorsmile: 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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yeah, I saw this some time ago. It's way prettier than a 'Busa.
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/091605zx14_top.jpg)
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Yeah, I saw this some time ago. It's way prettier than a 'Busa.
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/091605zx14_top.jpg)
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. :roll:
Not that the busa is much better.
It kinda looks like a cross between a Busa and a RF900 :lol:
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I think it looks like the crap I took after hot-wing night last week.
:toofunny:
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Yeah, I saw this some time ago. It's way prettier than a 'Busa.
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/091605zx14_top.jpg)
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. :roll:
Not that the busa is much better.
It kinda looks like a cross between a Busa and a RF900 :lol:
O-o-o-o...kay. :shock: While you're feeling industrious, would you cr@p me out a DL1000, please? :grin:
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I'm still perfectly happy with my '99 Bandit, but if I had to replace it, I would definately consider the 3rd. gen. I don't know what kind of upgrades they did to it, but I would like to see it become more competitive with the other new standards. But even as it stands now, it's still a great bike and an awesome value!
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I'm pretty well married to my 98 Bandit. Don't think I'd get rid of it, I've got too many mods and too much fun invested into it. But it does have 48k miles and I would consider something with more performance.
The B12 is gone in the US even though revamped in other markets.
I was at the Ft Worth CycleWorld show and the Suzuki rep hinted that the B-King would be out soon. He talked like the Bandit wouldn't return. I hope the B-King is light & sporty if it comes out. I'f hate too see something heavier than the B12.
The new FZ-1 is really nice bike. That one is tops on my list. Really looks like a naked sportsbike with all the goodies right out front- except for those ulgly radiator hoses.
I saw the Z-14 there too, more for the Busa crowds I think.
John
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I agree...The FZ1 is like the stripper that gave me a lap dance last week...great fun but I think I'll stick with the 'Ol girl for a while.
Hmmm...maybe the FZ can be my mistress?
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All the options in that Poll are effectively a YES vote :duh: so I didn't vote.
As much as I loved my B12, it is getting dated and long in the tooth. It's so uncompetitive in the shootouts that it's not even included anymore in a lot of them!
It needs to be completely re-done! Engine, frame, suspension, style... all of it.
I would certainly be interested in another NEW Super Standard/ Hooligan bike from Suzuki whether it's called Bandit or not, but I can't think of any version of the current model I would buy new. Especially considering how terrible the resale value is on the G1 and G2 bikes and the fact that the market is flooded with CHEAP, clean used B12's and B6's.
I think Manny hit it right on the head here folks!
I love my B-12 also, but it really is getting long in the tooth, and while I have sat on a new B-12, it really does feel just like the old B-12. That old expression "like putting lipstick on a pig" comes to mind.
Yes, the new B-12 is prettier than the old B-12, but nothing much has really changed on the bike, other than some changes in plastic & gauges.
There are just so many nice bikes out there now I am not sure I would fork out cash for another B-12.
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I don't know...if a really super good deal appeared locally, a Bandito a couple of years newer than mine, I might just snag it. But gotta be a different color. I can see 2 completely differently set up Bandits gracing my garage! :grin:
I really love the new Bandit's sheathing! Very nice. :grin:
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I think what kills the new B12 for the US market is the new FZ1... the old one already had a bit of a leg up on the B12 in most areas, and it's major overhaul for '06 really leaves the minor upgrades of the B12 in the dust.
Still waiting to see the GSR1300... been reading rumors (can't remember where, now) that the big GSR may be out as early as spring '06.
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Here's my poll question.
If your Bandit 1200 or 600 dies an untimely death next week... and you want to buy a new motorcycle....
What would you buy?
For me, it would be an '06 Bandit. That NOT being an option, I'd buy a leftover '05.
The FZ is TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED dollars more... and it's the only bike in the Bandit-type category. Think there are a lot of new FZ owners who think the bike is perfect from the factory? Guess again.
Think about what kind of mods you could even have the dealer ($$$) do to a new Bandit for 2.5 large before you even drove it once.
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Here's my poll question.
If your Bandit 1200 or 600 dies an untimely death next week... and you want to buy a new motorcycle....
What would you buy?.
Start the thread, Paul. I'd list the main "standard" competitors - FZ, ZRX, VFR.. - and I'd put in a option for Super Sport, Cruiser, Pitter's B4... :lol:
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I know they're more - but not $2500 more (new '06 MSRP's @ $9099, '05's @ $8599, vs the B12 @ $7399). I know they aren't considered perfect out of the box by most either... but the 1G FZ1 do seem to be better sellers than the B12 despite the higher price. I considered one, but opted for the B12 because of it's lower price and wider availablity of performance upgrades and easier DIY maintenance. Personally, I'm not that fond of the new FZ1 (I think the tail is too short, the passenger accomodations are worse than the 1G and that can is an eyesore - but will probably be one of the first things most people change). It seems to have lost some of it's UJM charm in an effort to be more like a naked R1. If I were in the market for a naked hooligan bike, I'd probably spend the extra coin for a Tuono R and get some exclusivity and Italian charm along with it.
If my B12 were to meet an untimely end, it would probably be replaced with an FJR... but if that weren't financially reasonable, I wouldn't be unhappy with another B12, and IF the 3G B12 were available here, I would take one over the 2G FZ1, but most people use magazine shootouts to help them decide, and the B12 is either forgotten, or gets overshadowed by the FZ1.
Most would say the Kawi Z1000 ($8499 MSRP) is in the Bandit category, as is any leftover ZRX's. The Z750S maybe, too, though it's a bit small in displacement for someone that wants the power of the liter/liter-plus bikes.
Then there's the Speed Triple, Monsters, Rockster, etc. The prices may be more than the Bandit (which is undoubtedly the best bang for the buck winner), but the category is hardly populated by just the FZ1...
IMHO anyway... :beers:
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Now that I know exactly what modifications will make a Bandit near perfect, for me, I would be tempted to go Bandit again.
Price not being an issue, hmmm, maybe FJR1300AE or a Beemer, but the cost differences are unbelievable.
Naw, I know me, I'd want a brand new '05 Bandit before they're all gone.
I got my '01 by accident, knowing nothing about them and not even ever having heard of them, and now I really dig it.
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I was actually looking at the 'going rate' for Bandits ($800 under list) when I calculated price... so I was a bit unfair in my comparison.
If you're looking for a semi-faired literbike in the USA... the choices are few and far-between. The US has probably the slackest import restrictions of any country and Suzuki couldn't import the Bandit this year????
Comparisons? From what I've heard, the FZ motor is a twitchy hi-rpm engine... and while it will smoke the Bandit... the powerband isn't nearly as linear and smooth.
The Bandit, Kawasaki, FZ-1, and Viffer are the only "UJM" S/T literbikes left in existence in this country to my knowledge under $10k.
The FJR has its own set of problems from what I hear as well (roasting your legs to a golden crunch not being the least of them.) The Kawasaki has a 'baby fairing', and the VFR is supposedly high-maintenance.
My knowledge on the Bandit competition is admittedly a lot less than a lot of you guys... but my question is... why couldn't Suzuki at least continue to offer their entry in this class until they came up a suitable replacement?
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My knowledge on the Bandit competition is admittedly a lot less than a lot of you guys... but my question is... why couldn't Suzuki at least continue to offer their entry in this class until they came up a suitable replacement?
I think that Suzuki thinks that they already have a (slow selling) entry in the "class" - the SV1K.
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I think Suzuki totally blew it with the SV1K... they already had the TL-R & TL-S, which were pretty good except for the funky rear shock the magazines always complained about, so what do they do with it when they update to the SV? They "fix" the rear shock by putting a so-so conventional shock on it, but drop the TL's better front end and detune the motor (even from the TL-S spec). I think many were hoping for the SV1K to be an improvement on the TL's and have friendlier ergos in at least one version, which even the naked one didn't do well. The downgrading of power & hardware was a disappointment. It's still a good bike, but it could have been so much more...
The FZ is peakier than the B12, but it is still a pretty tractable unit.
Go to Holeshot's site (http://www.holeshot.com/) and look at FZ1 dyno charts and you can see for yourself.
Honda still has the $8399 919, too.
As for the FJR's heat issues, that's supposedly fixed with the '06, but even on the older ones, it seemed like not everyone complained, so it could be where they ride or their sensitivity to heat (and the Honda ST13 is just as bad, or worse). Since I live in the temperate Pacific Northwest and don't do a lot of riding in hot, arid places, I think I could deal with a little warm air on my legs - and in the cooler months, this could be a plus, not a minus.
Now if Suzuki tweaked the B12 a little harder and say added EFI, another point or two of compression & hotter cams they'd have a more competitive bike with the new FZ - and if they added a shaft final drive, full fairing and hard bags, they'd have a low budget FJR fighter (and I'd be very interested in that). Suzuki already has a reputation as having the best EFI in the m/c biz, so it shouldn't be hard to adapt something to the B12, and they've got the parts already in the bins for a shafty.
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But the Bandit is still selling in almost every nation in the world except the USA.
I find it hard to believe that Canada, Australia, UK, et. al. have a much bigger market for a variety of motorcycles than the USA.
What do we demand from the Big 3 U.S. car manufacturers? We want sports cars, SUVS, Pick-up trucks, sedans... all the options, from every one of them.
But the American equivalent of those companies in the motorcycle arena(Suzuki/Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha) are reduced to offering 'crotch rockets' and Harley knock-offs?
What's up with that?
Bandit = CB750 of the 21st century.
Some things just don't get obsolete, IMHO.
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I ask the SAME thing!
JMHO...
I think it's the difference in the mindset of the honchos that head the importing divisions for the Japanese Big Four in the US and their counterparts other areas. I think the US guys only want to deal with models they can sell container ships full of and screw everything else. Right now, they think young people all want crotch rockets and middle age and older riders all want cruisers or a Gold Wing. You can pretty much get ANY European bike in the US (with the exception of road going 2-strokes over 50cc, certain KTM dirt bikes for some odd reason and Suzuki powered Cagivas [part of the licensing agreement with Suzuki]). In other parts of the world, I think they're happy to sell you anything they can, so they give you all the choices possible. Tiered licensing, stiff insurance, tarrifs, etc. in many countries also make big bikes unattainable or unaffordable for many, so there are more choices in small to medium sizes. Here in the US, a 16yo kid can walk in and ride away on anything in the store - often without the dealer even requiring them to have a license, just as long as they get their $$$$.
Part of it could also be due to motorcycles being viewed as toys in the US and taken more seriously in other places.
I don't understand why the US importers couldn't let us have anything they make (that'll pass federal muster). Slower selling models could always be dealt with on an order basis, like Yamaha has done with the FJR.
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...I don't understand why the US importers couldn't let us have anything they make (that'll pass federal muster). Slower selling models could always be dealt with on an order basis, like Yamaha has done with the FJR.
I hate that order only thing, though! I went to Yamaha for the first time in years recently, one near my house, and I thought I'd walk in to see their PRODUCT LINE. Stupid me! :duh: In the center of the store were about 20 different cruisers (do nothing for me), across the front and all one side of the store was ATVs and Jet Ski-lookin' things, and in a corner were THREE, and THREE only sport-type bikes. The real radical kind where you lean forward and hold the front axle to steer. Nothing else. At all.
Want something else? You gotta order sight-unseen. :roll: I don't think so. I wanted to see an FJR1300, or a Fazer, or MT-01...something.
My Suzuki shop is about as bad. Not quite as cruiser obsessed, but almost. You'll never see a Bandit there. Occasionally a V-Strom. Guess it will really be bad during the off season.
Can you imagine going to a car dealer to see their car line, but all they have are pickups? You can't even look at one of their cars...you have to order without ever sitting in it or taking a test drive. Would you buy one that way? :grin:
But the Bandit is still selling in almost every nation in the world except the USA.
I find it hard to believe that Canada, Australia, UK, et. al. have a much bigger market for a variety of motorcycles than the USA.
What do we demand from the Big 3 U.S. car manufacturers? We want sports cars, SUVS, Pick-up trucks, sedans... all the options, from every one of them.
But the American equivalent of those companies in the motorcycle arena(Suzuki/Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha) are reduced to offering 'crotch rockets' and Harley knock-offs?
What's up with that?
Bandit = CB750 of the 21st century.
Some things just don't get obsolete, IMHO.
Yeah, I've read that in Europe the Bandits are well loved and popular. There's a psychological thing going on here with the cruisers. I don't know if it's ignorance and Harley marketing efforts that leave people thinking that cruiser are the only way to go...even if it's a fake Harley. :duh:
And yes, a shaft driven fuel injected Bandit with slightly different gearing sounds great to me! 'Course, no American but you and me would buy it. :sad:
I also get the impression that in Europe motorcycles are considered more seriously as transportation, rather than a weekend toy for an hour ride. Come to think of it, their gas prices over there are insane, which may explain the demand for bikes.
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This appears to be the closest thing to a Bandit for us in '06, as far as I can tell.
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/mcy/500/fz1_red_3sized.jpg)
It any good? :grin:
And maybe this for the naked guys.
(http://www.avto.over.net/slike/7/638-mt01.jpg)
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No MT-01 in the USA. Canada will get 'em tho.
I don't think anyone has had a chance to test the 2G FZ1. (All I've seen are trade show impressions and spewing from the press kit.) It looks to be more sporting (and less comfortable) than the previous FZ1. Big horsepower jump (advertised 150 @ the crank) and the new FZ uses a current gen R1 lump instead of a few gens back like the last one.
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...I don't understand why the US importers couldn't let us have anything they make (that'll pass federal muster). Slower selling models could always be dealt with on an order basis, like Yamaha has done with the FJR.
I hate that order only thing, though! I went to Yamaha for the first time in years recently, one near my house, and I thought I'd walk in to see their PRODUCT LINE. Stupid me! :duh: In the center of the store were about 20 different cruisers (do nothing for me), across the front and all one side of the store was ATVs and Jet Ski-lookin' things, and in a corner were THREE, and THREE only sport-type bikes. The real radical kind where you lean forward and hold the front axle to steer. Nothing else. At all.
Want something else? You gotta order sight-unseen. :roll: I don't think so. I wanted to see an FJR1300, or a Fazer, or MT-01...something.
It's not that I think the order program is great. Wouldn't it be better to be able to order a less popular bike than to not be able to get it at all?
(IMHO, Yamaha has proven the FJR doesn't need the program anymore - yet they continue to sell them that way...)
It may be tought to by a brand new model sight unseen, but an existing one, like the FJR, you know what they look like, and can probably manage to sit on one, especially if you're already a rider and encounter one at a stop sometime.
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I understand your point.
It's just the principle of the thing to me. You sell bikes? Stock some! :duh: :roll: :grin:
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(http://www.striker.co.jp/jpn/item/image/gs1200ss.4-1.temage.std.ca.jpg)
(http://www.suzuki.co.jp/release/b/image/b020320b.jpg)
sign me up for a GS1200SS. Why Suzuki does not bring this thing into the US is beyond me. Same powerplant as the B12 in a sportier package-who cares about the twin shocks, this is one mean looking retro machine. Brings up visions of the late '80's endurance racers.
If they decide to bring this into the US, one of my current bikes is gonna have to find a new home.
Ride On, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED[/img]
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:clap: I've never noticed that one before. Interesting.
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I hate that order only thing, though! I went to Yamaha for the first time in years recently, one near my house, and I thought I'd walk in to see their PRODUCT LINE. Stupid me! :duh: In the center of the store were about 20 different cruisers (do nothing for me), across the front and all one side of the store was ATVs and Jet Ski-lookin' things, and in a corner were THREE, and THREE only sport-type bikes. The real radical kind where you lean forward and hold the front axle to steer. Nothing else. At all.
Want something else? You gotta order sight-unseen. :roll: I don't think so. I wanted to see an FJR1300, or a Fazer, or MT-01...something.
I see you are in Mckinney, Plano Suzuki and Sherman Powersports (exit 57 off Hwy 75) both have a pretty decent selection.
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I see you are in Mckinney, Plano Suzuki and Sherman Powersports (exit 57 off Hwy 75) both have a pretty decent selection.
Plano Kawa/Suzy/Aprilia is OK sometimes. Their big thing, though, is cruisers, ATVs, and scooters. And dirtbikes. You're right about Sherman's store. I was there once and they had a lot. Only thing is it's 45 minutes or some such up the road, while Central Yamaha is in North Allen just 10 minutes from my house. Drat!
I went to Sherman during the summer to check 'em out. One room was barely air conditioned, while the other wasn't at all. Miserable experience. To look at bikes you had to be willing to literally melt. I wasn't. After about 5 minutes I realized I may have taken a shower for nothing and beat it out of there. Maybe I should give 'em a second chance. Perhaps they're better able to afford heating, do you think? :grin:
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I see you are in Mckinney, Plano Suzuki and Sherman Powersports (exit 57 off Hwy 75) both have a pretty decent selection.
Plano Kawa/Suzy/Aprilia is OK sometimes. Their big thing, though, is cruisers, ATVs, and scooters. And dirtbikes. You're right about Sherman's store. I was there once and they had a lot. Only thing is it's 45 minutes or some such up the road, while Central Yamaha is in North Allen just 10 minutes from my house. Drat!
I went to Sherman during the summer to check 'em out. One room was barely air conditioned, while the other wasn't at all. Miserable experience. To look at bikes you had to be willing to literally melt. I wasn't. After about 5 minutes I realized I may have taken a shower for nothing and beat it out of there. Maybe I should give 'em a second chance. Perhaps they're better able to afford heating, do you think? :grin:
They do not have the best showroom, but are willing to deal. Low overhead I would imagine. I went in to look at the blue/white 2005 B12 they had, I bought it that day for $6499- sticker was $7399. Did not take that much effort. Plano Suzuki would never have done that deal.
I go to Plano for parts and to brouse but I would never buy a bike from them. Their salesmen are some of the most unfriendly around.
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...I go to Plano for parts and to brouse but I would never buy a bike from them. Their salesmen are some of the most unfriendly around.
Ah, but the parts girl. A nice distraction. :grin:
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You noticed that too :lol: very nice eye candy
It's pretty obvious why she got hired, she knows nothing about bike parts
Now they need to replace the sales team-reduce the snob quotent and get some real bike guys.
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You noticed that too :lol: very nice eye candy
It's pretty obvious why she got hired, she knows nothing about bike parts
Now they need to replace the sales team-reduce the snob quotent and get some real bike guys.
Hey, if you were hiring for an unskilled position, and this rather attractive 1% body fat young chick walked in with jeans that barely, only barely, covered her "little princess", don't try to tell me you wouldn't fall all over yourself hiring her! :lol:
I would've! :lol:
I like Preston OK in the service department, too. Just not in the same way...
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i'd liked to see a complet re-do, new alum. frame,inverted fork, a really warmed up mill,a great rear shock, all wraped up in neked body work. i'd like to see the s model with great sport/tour perfomance with the naked be'n just this side of full on croch rocket power. lets face it your not buy'n the n for your full time sport/tour duty, your get'n it to have fun on and put in to sport/tour mode when the needed. i would all so like to see them injected!
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i'd liked to see a complet re-do, new alum. frame,inverted fork, a really warmed up mill,a great rear shock, all wraped up in neked body work. i'd like to see the s model with great sport/tour perfomance with the naked be'n just this side of full on croch rocket power. lets face it your not buy'n the n for your full time sport/tour duty, your get'n it to have fun on and put in to sport/tour mode when the needed. i would all so like to see them injected!
That would be a "Hayabusa S/T"... not a Bandit. :wink:
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i'd liked to see a complet re-do, new alum. frame,inverted fork, a really warmed up mill,a great rear shock, all wraped up in neked body work. i'd like to see the s model with great sport/tour perfomance with the naked be'n just this side of full on croch rocket power. lets face it your not buy'n the n for your full time sport/tour duty, your get'n it to have fun on and put in to sport/tour mode when the needed. i would all so like to see them injected!
I think that bike is in the very near future (late '06 or an '07 model), at least in the naked version. Imagine the look of the new (not for the US) GSR600, add inverted forks and a Hayabusa based mill. Basically the look of the B-King show bike with mods to make mass production practical. In case anyone forgot what the B-King looks like:
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/B-KING/B-KING2_450.jpg)