GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 10:59:15 AM

Title: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 10:59:15 AM
http://www.preowned.rivamotorsports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=06242182X9K7K2010J8I37I43JAMQ3471R0&veh=14020&pov=1739681

2005, 7000 miles.  It's got an aftermarket exhaust...not too loud, nice growl.  Let's hope it hasn't been thrashed too much in 7000 miles!   Riding position leans forward a little more than I wanted, but I think I'll get used to it.

It's hard to believe it's been over 3 years since I traded the '05 GS-F for a new Wee-Strom.  14,000 miles of trouble-free service.  Suzuki's are definitely high-reliability machines!

Doesn't Cal have a Bandit?

Tremendously more power than my 650 V-Strom!   I'm a little scared of it right now.    :thumb:
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: mister on September 07, 2010, 12:18:03 PM
Did they allow Test Rides. They do in Aust but I've heard Not in the US.

If so, by any chance did you take the Honda behind it for a spin or was that not there or...

ANyways. a Nice  :thumb: :thumb: ride you've got yourself.

Michael
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: bubba zanetti on September 07, 2010, 03:09:05 PM
I've had a run on a mates Bandit, freakin awesome. Power no matter what gear you're in, just roll the throttle on and next thing you're doing 200km/h.
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 05:24:58 PM
Had it on a mix of side streets and highway today.   It runs great when accelerating, but sputters and backfires a little when you're just tooling around at 25-30.   I'll have to get it back to the dealer for some carb tweaking.  A knowledgeable friend told me the previous owner probably put on the Yoshi exhaust then either jetted it wrong or didn't jet it at all, so it's probably a little out of whack.    It's also got 4 carbs, so maybe they're synched wrong?

Lots of power...yeah!  :oD   I'm feeling all squidly!

Also rides fairly hard.   I suspect the suspension is tightened all the way.   I'll back it off a few notches.
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 07, 2010, 06:37:11 PM
Nice bike. I'd have to get the lower fairings for it. How's the insurance on it?
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 06:58:57 PM
Quote from: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 07, 2010, 06:37:11 PM
Nice bike. I'd have to get the lower fairings for it. How's the insurance on it?

I like naked!  Engines are a beautiful thing!

Insurance will be a couple hundred more/year.   I didn't think it would go up that much.
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: bubba zanetti on September 07, 2010, 11:45:46 PM
Quote from: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 05:24:58 PM


Also rides fairly hard.   I suspect the suspension is tightened all the way.   I'll back it off a few notches.

Find some one who can set the suspension up for you.
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: mister on December 28, 2010, 01:33:42 PM
Three/Four months on, hows the love affair going with the new bike now the honey moon period is over?

On the Bandit I rode I felt...

- the seat had a forward lean so it felt like it was sliding me into the tank
- it liked to stay upright when cornering instead of fall into the corners like the GS does, though I had gotten somewhat used to it by the end of the ride. (Diff center of gravity and larger rear could explain this.)

Darn sweet machines, though.

Michael
Title: Re: Just bought a Bandit 1200
Post by: Cal Price on December 29, 2010, 03:28:07 AM
Yes, indeed, very nice bike. A bit different to a GS or even the Strom. I ride a 650 naked Bandit and keep toying with the idea of a 1250 faired version. Two of my regular riding companions are currently riding them. Mine has carbs, it's the K5, I bought it new in 07 at a very good price because the injected and much more high tech versions were starting to appear here.
Enjoy the ride.