Well, It's not a BMW

[Ves]

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... Here's the new beast...



2007, Bandit 1250, Sargent, Givi's, Touring Shield, ABS... Hope you guys will still let me come to the bashes...

[Buckster]

That looks sweet!!
That thing is ready to go! How much longer before you can ride?
I was looking at those at the International Motorcycle Show in DC. I just don't know how I would like a four cylinder bike and if it would be harder to maintain.
Enjoy and have a speedy recovery. Let us know how you like it after you get some saddle time!

[boxermania]

Ves

Kudos.....that would have been my bike choice had I been 10 years younger.

I had a 98 Bandit 1200S with 98 advertised hp, on the earlier models the can was the most restrictive element and I replaced it with a Micron can, then from Holeshot Performance (great guy) I obtained a 5 degree advance kit, along with their jet kit and K&N pod filters. The mods got me 118 rwhp and the bike was a dream.....no flat spots, turbine like pull, crisp throttle....what can I say. The only thing thaty I ever did to that bike was put tires, replaced the chain with a Busa one and oil/filter changes.

The Bandit and the R1150R had to go when I agreed to accept the overseas assignmnet.....I miss them both....but life goes on......

I'm sure you will enjoy the new mount inmensely....and I'm green with envy. Keep us posted and share your experiences.

[Ves]

I'm chomping at the bit... actually I rode it once already... just a few miles... but my first impression is; smooth (it's counterbalanced) and quiet. It literally sounds like a low speed turbine. It weighs in about the same as the Rock, but seems much more maneuverable at low speed.

It was a rough choice. There really are not too many do-it-all bikes out there other than the BMW. But I think this is definitely one of them.

Yeah, I read up on all the Holeshot stuff. He's doing it for the 1250 now too. Impressive. Nothing like a Suzuki big inch motor to do some tweaking... not that I would.



[Yes, I'm still limping a bit, and it tends to swell up by the end of the day, but got the news last Thursday that I can put all my weight on the leg, and I have been. I'm definitely over the hump. Now I just need to get my full range of motion and build the muscles back up. I hear riding motorcycle helps... ]

[iowabeakster]

The Bandit 1250 is my #2 on my "wish list". Wow, the previous owner has it all done up for you already!!! Excellent choice.

If you promise to slow down for the guys still riding the stodgy Beemers, you are still invited.

[Ves]

...

If you promise to slow down for the guys still riding the stodgy Beemers, you are still invited.

I promise... I'm a born again flower sniffer...

[gbagen]

I sold my R1150GS because I wanted a lighter, lower and newer bike for solo and track day riding. The R1200R was my first choice, but I didn't find one in my price range. So, I bought a Bandit 1250SA with 6K miles on for $6500. It's a super bike, fast, flickable and smooth running.

Then, as fate would have it, a got a call back on an R bike, and wound up buying a 2007 with 4K miles, ABS, heated grips, center stand, OBC and sport shield for $9500 under warranty until Dec. Now I have them both. I'm setting up the Bandit for track days and short rides, and the R will be for longer rides, two up when my RT is in the shop or the weather is too hot for the fairing, etc. I don't yet know if I'll keep the Bandit, but for now it's a hoot. The R bike just seems more refined, plenty quick and my wife will get on it. No go for her on the B.

The thing I've yet to understand is why the Bandit feels so much faster than the R, when they are basically equal in HP, torque, 0-60 and weight. MCN does rate the B quicker in 0-100. Do any of you have an explnation for this?

[sjbmw]

I had the Bandit's Grandfather from 1985 through 1991. The GS1150E.
Man I loved this bike, and if the Bandit has the same ergos, you will LOVE it.

Back then, this GS was 119 bhp. I did reach 150mph on it.

[Ves]

I had the Bandit's Grandfather from 1985 through 1991. The GS1150E.
Man I loved this bike, and if the Bandit has the same ergos, you will LOVE it.

Back then, this GS was 119 bhp. I did reach 150mph on it.

Ah yes, that was the beast of the time. I had a GS750E and lusted after the 1150. Everyone hopped that motor up. Drag racers loved them.

As for the ergos on the Bandit, they're perfect now. I modified the stock seat to flatten it out and give it some more width, and replaced the bars with a set of MX bars from Fly Racing (about the same rise but flat and much less pullback). The motor is definitely a piece of work... gets up and goes... no substitute for a big inch motor tuned for torque of the line... sounds and goes like a turbine. With the quiet stock exhaust all you hear is the whine of the gears. Definitely happy camper so far.

[sweatmark]

If only Suzuki would make a retro-modern big GS using either 'busa motor, and with restrained old school styling like this bike from a classic era. As opposed to over-the-top B-King abomination. Yes, a modern muscle UJM standard:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... wered-zrx/
http://www.midmomc.com/kawabusa.php
http://www.midmomc.com/kawabusaII.php
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ ... wabusa-II/

[Buckster]

Love those ZRX's. I read at one point that Kawasaki might be in the works of bringing the ZRX back in a modern fuel injected engine. I would definitely be interested if it came the the states!

[OU812]

Nice replacement for the Rock. You are the Rockster killer!

[Ves]

... You are the Rockster killer!

I can probably get in the Guiness Book for trashing two of the same model of bike, limited addition non the less, in less than a year. But actually I can only take credit for one... the first one was not my fault...

The way I look at it, I'm just doing my part to make the remaining one's more valuable.