Author Topic: Attn. TX Bandit Riders!!! (Read 13613 times)

bullfrog · « **on:** June 04, 2007, 11:47:57 PM »

New to the site.

I have been wanting to add a highway machine to the stable for some time. I think that the gen1 or gen2 B12 is right for me. I will be saving my birthday card money (and father's day, anniversary, and Christmas...my wife always gives me $$$ as a gift) and use part of my tax refund next year to buy (by late winter/early spring '08) a used Bandit as the current used prices are awesome for a frugal guy like me.

Here's the deal....I want a Bandit but want to make sure it will fit me. I am 6'2" 230# and don't want to be cramped up on a bike that is too small.

Before I get my heart set on actually getting a Bandit I wanted to see if there are any Bandit owners here who live in West Texas that would let me check out their bike in person??? Hopefully said Bandit owner will be a big guy with said Bandit set up for big guy comfort. That would be very cool. Even cooler if said big guy Bandit owner would like to test a KLR650 while I test said Bandit in a very responsible manner for a few miles. Or...if any Bandit owners will be passing through SE NM this summer of fall, I would be very happy to take them on a spirited 200-400 mile tour through the area on some swoopy curvy backroads. Either way would be great.

I will buy the gasoline for said Bandit and a cheeseburger (or two) for said Bandit owner...

I just want to make sure I will like the Bandit, because when I have the $$$ together, I will find one online somewhere in the South or Southwest and fly there then ride it home. Sure would hate for that ride home to be miserable.

Thanks in advance...

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2007, 10:59:47 AM »

I'm probably a little too far east to be of much help but wanted to

you to BanditAlley.

I really think you'll be happy with the Bandit - I can't blame you for want to try one out before plunking you hard earned (and soft earned) money down. Lot's of low end grunt... comfortable ergos... easy to change those ergos too... lots of good mods available for cheap.... easy on insurance... easy to maintain.... the list goes on and on.

On thing to consider in the used Bandit market is whether the suspension has been upgraded. The stock springs are rather soft and the rear shock is considered barely adequate. If the bike is stock consider budgeting some for that upgrade. I'd do the suspension before any jetting or pipe.

Let us know what you find... and again - welcome!!!

bullfrog · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:49:32 PM »

Hey rydr,

Thanks for the welcome. Yeah unfortunately you are a bit too far east to make for an easy daytrip. You answered a B6 vs B12 question for me at the twtex site...glad to see a friendly face over here...thanks for the info...

As far as suspension goes I am 6'2" 230# and plan to ride pretty hard on a lot of curvy and twisty backroads that tend to be pretty rough in this state:

I hear the the easiest way to fix the rear is to slap in a 'busa shock...I found a couple of take-offs at a mc salvage place pretty cheap..Will the 'busa shock work on both gen1 and gen2 B12s???

What about the front??? Will Progressive Springs (and maybe gold valves) make for a drastic improvement or will I be better off getting stiffer straight-rate springs and gold valves??? Or just try some better springs and put the gold valves on the later project list??? What weight fork oil do the security squad sized guys use???

Thanks again...

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 03:10:07 PM »

There are lots of good threads on the Busa shock over in the Suspension/Tire forum.... I had a custom shock made by Cogent Dynamics - very comparable to a Penske and less money.

I also just had RaceTek springs (.95) and Gold Valves installed... worth every penny IMHO. You'd likely benefit from the 1.0 springs but Cogent Dynamics will be more than happy to set up your forks based on all criteria (weight, riding style, etc.) They can be found HERE!!!

bullfrog · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 03:27:42 PM »

Awesome info here...thanks a LOT!!!

pmackie · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2007, 03:31:52 PM »

The Busa shock is a great upgrade for the 2nd gen. I think it is too long for the 1st gen.

I have Progressive Springs, and I was initially very happy with them, but if I had to do it again, I think I would go with Race Tech straight wounds.

bullfrog · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2007, 03:54:44 PM »

Quote from: "pmackie"

The Busa shock is a great upgrade for the 2nd gen. I think it is too long for the 1st gen.

I have Progressive Springs, and I was initially very happy with them, but if I had to do it again, I think I would go with Race Tech straight wounds.

Thanks for the heads up on the shock...i'll have to check into that for sure...

I was thinking that race tech would probably work best for my weight and the type of riding i want to do...

Thanks.

deepink · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:05:58 PM »

Noticed a B12 in Central Texas for sale.

drewpy_dawg · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2007, 11:12:11 PM »

I'm 6'2" tall, 300lbs and the Bandit fits great. I've not had a chance to go for a LONG ride yet but the 45-60 minute rides have been wonderful.

mwheat308 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2007, 09:14:55 AM »

Good to see some more texas boys here.
I picked up a 2000 bandit 1200 s a couple of months ago.
These people will save you a lot of time and money, if you take the time to look around at the info.
My bandit is soft in front with my wife and I on it, combined weight is 295 lbs, I'm going to replace the fork oil, prior to springs, since I have to many toys that need up keep.
My bike is great fun, hope it all works out for you