Suzuki Bandit

[Erase]

Anyone here done a Bandit trip?

William

[GB]

Let's try this in Road Warriors..

[deaconjones]

Originally Posted by Erase

Anyone here done a Bandit trip?

William

[Cat0020]

Over 700 miles since Oct 22nd on my 01 Bandit 600.

[DucatiSSsp]

Try this Bandit thread on for size....
http://www.twtex.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=94
Happy reading!

[RoyQ]

I have logged many trips in 15 months on my '07 1250. I am closing in on 21k miles with it. I have had several 1500 + milers on it no issues. Very solid bike once you get through all the FI mal-adjustments some are known to come with from the factory. Mine was one of them, luckily for me I understand the system and was able to correct the problems with out much expense on my part other than time spent. I commuted to work on it from April to October then gas started coming down so I am back in the truck for now. For the money they are hard to beat. They make a decent sport tourer with a seat change, windscreen change and some bags added.

[mklep]

The Bandit makes a great sport-touring bike. I've done thousands of miles touring on my Bandit. The ergonomics of the bike allow me to stay in the saddle for some long days. The power and torque are a perfect balance for the weight of the bike. As for the weight of the bike, I find that the Bandit doesn't get blown around in the air turbulance around tractor-trailers and cross winds like my lighter weight wee strom does while on the highways. In the twisties, embarassing the sport bike riders is always fun

This link has some pictures of my sport-touring set-up Bandit:
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=11281.0

[Jeff49783]

I'm thinking about a new Bandit 1250 and I'm reading all I can find.

How much is a new chain? Sprockets?

How much are the valve adjustments (or checks)?

TIA

[Cat0020]

Chain, Sprocket should be around $150 plus labor.

IMO 2003-2005 Bandit 1200 is better than the newer water cooled 1250 Bandit. More HP, no coolant to leak (or to change, ever), reliable engine that's been tested through ages.

2001-2002 are the same bike as 2003-2005 but likely have oil burning problem..

[RoyQ]

Originally Posted by Cat0020

Chain, Sprocket should be around $150 plus labor.

IMO 2003-2005 Bandit 1200 is better than the newer water cooled 1250 Bandit. More HP, no coolant to leak, reliable engine that's been tested through ages.

2001-2002 are the same bike as 2003-2005 but likely have oil burning problem..

Almost 21k miles on a '07 1250 no coolant leaks or issues other than few FI teething problems early on mostly due to Suzuki setup or lack of. Some have not had the issue I ws not so lucky but am mechanically inclined to fix a problem so cost me nothing but time.

Stock chain and sprockets have not been changed on my bike and look to be in great shape at almost 21k miles. A good quality chain alone will cost you $150+ and OEM sprockets (that is all I use) another $75. Still way cheap for 20k+ miles of travel.

[30Bones]

Wasn't the best on gravel, but sure was a great motor.

[1129VLD]

I've only had mine a few months. I like it. Did a SS1000 on it.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412492

[achesley]

Originally Posted by 30Bones

Wasn't the best on gravel, but sure was a great motor.

I've probably got about 3 to 400 gravel miles on my '07 Bandit out of the 6000 I have on it in it's 6 months with me. Handles better than my DL1000 did due to the lower center of gravity but, not quite as good as my 2 R11**GS BMW's and of course not near as good as my KLR650 did. ;-) But , as is, I'm not hesitant about hauling down a gravel road on it.

[KenB]

Originally Posted by Erase

Anyone here done a Bandit trip?

William

Yes, both solo and 2-up. She's a glorious touring ride once equipped with the necessary touring bits -- side cases, top case, gel seat, touring screen.

[achesley]

Took the bandit dancing in Arkansas. Wanted more day but fog and rain the next day drove me back South to Louisiana. ;-)