possible upgrade

[moosehead28]

This is my first post in a while, the gs has been in winter storage for about 2 months now. 

I have been riding for 2 years and have about 15000 km seat time in the old gs, and while i still enjoy it, I am getting the itch to upgrade,   We have our first child on the way, so I will have to keep this next bike for some time.

I am interested in this bandit 1200, and was wondering if anyone has any info on them, and if they are a good long term bike, any reviews i have read say they are an excellent sport tourer, and that is exactly what I am looking for

http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-2001-Suzuki-Bandit-W0QQAdIdZ229602854

thanks

Dave

[tt_four]

Madjak had spent some time checking out the same exact bikes. Check out this thread for some information.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=54073.0

They're seriously good bikes. Great motors, good parts, super reliable, powerful, comfortable, smooth. They're one of those bikes that does everything well, but it'll just never be the lightest/fastest/best at anything. You'll definitely be pleased with it if that's what you're looking for.

[madjak30]

tt_four is right...it is one of the best deals out there...comes standard with the center stand...nice big fuel tank for touring...torquey and comfortable...

The one you are looking at is a pretty good deal...and the right range of years to look for...2001-2005 they added a TPS to the carb to smooth out the throttle, it gets better fuel economy and has a larger tank...the frame is stiffer, brakes are better and the faring has less buffetting...those years are still air cooled, but are just plain reliable...

Yup, I may have looked into them a little...maybe specifically at a 2002 deep blue Bandit 1200S...maybe...

Later.

[burning1]

Might want to look into BMWs as well. I had a 2004 BMW R1150R Rockster, and really enjoyed it. I've found that while the Japanese manufacturers seem to treat the standard market as an 'economy' part of their line-up, the Germans take it pretty seriously.

[moosehead28]

while id love a bmw, there is not much around in the 3 to 4 grand price range

Great motors, good parts, super reliable, powerful, comfortable, smooth. They're one of those bikes that does everything well, but it'll just never be the lightest/fastest/best at anything.

thats is exactly what i'm looking for. I not looking for the best of the best, if I was it would likely cost me 3 times as much

thanks for the response

dave

[burning1]

I've seen R1100RT and K1200RS in your range. Really depends on how old you want to go, and how many miles you're comfortable with on the odometer. FZ1 would be another bike to look at - I've seen em for less than $4K. You might even get lucky and score a VFR for that price.

[moosehead28]

the Intercepter is what i was initally looking for.
I still have a few months before riding season, so Im going to keep an eye on whats out there

thanks
Dave

[SAFE-T]

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-1999-Honda-VFR-800-3000-W0QQAdIdZ236213029

Cost much to ship it out to Halifax ?

[johnny ro]

I think they are great. Simple, bulletproof, pretty, comfortable, fast.

I personally want a 600, only cause I drive in slower areas, and want less excess power. That is a wonderful motor in either size.

[Toogoofy317]

I would love to have a 07 honda interceptor to add to Flick it would be for long distnace riding?

Mary

[tt_four]

The only downside to the bandits, and it's not objective at all, is that the bike just seems to lack character. Nothing about it really stands out. That's not a bad thing, but that's why madjak is considering the MT01 instead of the bandit, it's why I ended up with a Buell xb. They both have their definite downsides compared to the bandit, but they're just the kind bike that can make someone drool for days if that's what they're into. Bandits have been around forever. They're reliable, serious, comfortable, but how often do you see one go past and hear someone next to you say 'I love those things.... I can't wait until I have one someday' like you do with some other bikes. It's gonna be the guy who quietly commutes to work, takes road trips on the weekends, tries to squeeze in some back roads whenever they have a free afternoon. Nothing wrong with being practical and picking a bike based on it's function.

[Twisted]

The only downside to the bandits, and it's not objective at all, is that the bike just seems to lack character. Nothing about it really stands out. That's not a bad thing, but that's why madjak is considering the MT01 instead of the bandit, it's why I ended up with a Buell xb. They both have their definite downsides compared to the bandit, but they're just the kind bike that can make someone drool for days if that's what they're into. Bandits have been around forever. They're reliable, serious, comfortable, but how often do you see one go past and hear someone next to you say 'I love those things.... I can't wait until I have one someday' like you do with some other bikes. It's gonna be the guy who quietly commutes to work, takes road trips on the weekends, tries to squeeze in some back roads whenever they have a free afternoon. Nothing wrong with being practical and picking a bike based on it's function.

Yes, I often wish I could be that guy. Practical. As soon as someone says the word I zone out.........

Good luck to you if you can be that way. I have never heard a bad thing said about the Bandits.

[Twisted]

I would love to have a 07 honda interceptor to add to Flick it would be for long distnace riding?

Mary

Is there much difference in ergos on this from the GS? They look a little similar to me is all 

[Suzuki Stevo]

Large sport tourers like the Bandit 1200 should have shaft drive (IMO), and the Bandit doesn't  

[saxman]

I would love to have a 07 honda interceptor to add to Flick it would be for long distnace riding?

Mary

Is there much difference in ergos on this from the GS? They look a little similar to me is all 

It's a larger bike. Has some more weight to it. Far more comfortable in my experience.

They're fantastic bikes

[tt_four]

Plus, if anything 'unfortunate' should ever happen, you've always got options....





They make some great looking project bikes, and unlike most of your normal 600/1000cc sportbikes, the bandits have a design that never really seems to look outdated. Kind of a classic look.

[madjak30]

It's gonna be the guy who quietly commutes to work, takes road trips on the weekends, tries to squeeze in some back roads whenever they have a free afternoon. Nothing wrong with being practical and picking a bike based on it's function.

Okay, now you sound like you are describing me to a tee...I was heading in to buy a Bandit today, but the bike shop was closed a 1/2 hour before I got there...I was kinds pissed, but I'll keep looking...not going to make the trip down to see that bike again though...after sending an e-mail to verifiy there hours, they were closed...the guy that replied maybe didn't read my whole e-mail...missed a sale for being an idiot...

Yup, I'm pissed...

Later.

[tt_four]

Yup, I'm pissed...

Later.

Not as pissed as your MT01 is gonna be after I tell it you tried to buy a bandit  right before you realized your mistake and went back to pick up the yamaha!

[madjak30]

Maybe...I'm on a cheaper is better kick...also after sitting on the MT-01 again at the bike show, it isn't as comfortable as I remembered...but the Bandit was...

Later.

[ariwhiteboy]

Bandit's are great bikes.  I personally know two guys who "upgraded" to 1200s Bandits and love them.  They are awesome for touring with a set of bags and a Corbin seat, but you won't have to worry about being able to keep up in the twisties.  Plenty of go fast goodies available from http://www.holeshot.com/bandit/ too.