Author Topic: Bandit 12 rear shock - any good? (Read 2282 times)

mattylees46 · « **on:** October 02, 2006, 03:18:45 PM »

Ive just bought myself a cheap bandit 12 rear shock off ebay for £20, its hardly been used and is from the '96-00 model.

Basically my rear shock is pretty much dead, so I'm considering replacing it with the bandit 12 shock. Anyone had any experience of fitting a B12 shock to a bandit 400 or have any idea how well it would work? I wouldnt mind getting a bit more ride height too as my bike sits too low for my liking, would it raise the rear at all?

Thanks in advance for the help

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2006, 04:36:04 PM »

only one i have tried that raised the rear just a bit and worked good was a rf 900 rear shock
cheers
Jay

PitterB4 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2006, 09:22:50 PM »

IIRC the first gen B12 shock will be too long. I had a 2nd gen on mine and it was a big improvement. It raised the rear a decent amount. I'm pretty sure the 1st gen is considerably longer. Check throught the FAQ. I think they're listed in there.

mattylees46 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:07:34 PM »

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it

Ive just done a search as you mentioned Pitter and it turns out the '96-00 B12 shock is actually a bit shorter than the '01- B12 shock and a few people have actually fitted one with positive results, so I'm a happy man

I tried measuring the shock and I make it to be about 325mm, does this sound like it will work?

Thanks again for all the help

PitterB4 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:37:33 PM »

Check this thread. I knew there was an issue with the 1G B12 shock - it's SHORTER than the B4 shock and will LOWER the ride height. Measuring from the center of the eyes, the B4 is ~305mm and the 1G B12 is ~300.

JmuRiz · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2006, 03:06:26 PM »

Quote from: gsxr400 racer

only one i have tried that raised the rear just a bit and worked good was a rf 900 rear shock
cheers
Jay

If it raises the rear any it's a very little bit. Didn't really notice the increase when I installed mine. Now I have a progressive so I may have a 900 shock for sale on the cheap some time.