Suzuki Bandit

[lagcam]

Finally got a good ride in today, about 300 miles. This was taken somewhere around Guttenburg, Iowa. I really like this bike, but I think it's time to upgrade the saddlebags! Man, those are ugly.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by lagcam

I really like this bike, but I think it's time to upgrade the saddlebags! Man, those are ugly.

+1 !

[newyorkj]

Taking a massive trip end of June on my 07 1250s. Tire suggestions? Nuetral handling and wear are prob my biggest concerns. Was looking at Dunlop Roadsmarts. Anyone? Thanks
J

[T0mW]

I put conti road attacks on my Bandit last year & like them. Here is a link to a write up on them.

http://www.canyonchasers.net/blog/ar...ks-Tested.html

[newyorkj]

Thanks man. I will check this out. Cheers

[sosothree]

I really like the Avon Storms. They seem to be wearing very well and they handle great.

[gringostd]

I've had awesome luck with Pirelli Diablo Strada's. Ran them from Oakland, Ca through Baja, Death Valley, Eastern San Diego County, etc. last year. I highly recommend them.

[Draechon]

I've got almost 4000 miles on my Goodyear Challengers (50/50 street/track tires) and love them, handle awesome once warmed up, and they still look pretty darn good.

My 2000 B1200:

[Cat0020]

Originally Posted by Draechon

What's up with the "ape hangers"??

[Draechon]

[quote=Cat0020]What's up with the "ape hangers"?? [/quote

The bar isn't raised, I just spun it to a taller position, just more comfortable for me.

[Draechon]

Stopped at the pharmacy on the way home from a ride to grab a gallon of milk. As I'm hopping on the Bandit, had a guy in a Cherokee ask me, "Hey man, what kinda bike is that, a Honda Concourse? A friend of mine has a Connie." I responded, "Suzuki Bandit," and withheld commenting that Kawasaki wouldn't appreciate his brand confusion, knowing what his reply would be, "Oh, I've got a bike too, a Sportster." *facepalm*

[joho]

Originally Posted by Draechon

Stopped at the pharmacy on the way home from a ride to grab a gallon of milk. As I'm hopping on the Bandit, had a guy in a Cherokee ask me, "Hey man, what kinda bike is that, a Honda Concourse? A friend of mine has a Connie." I responded, "Suzuki Bandit," and withheld commenting that Kawasaki wouldn't appreciate his brand confusion, knowing what his reply would be, "Oh, I've got a bike too, a Sportster." *facepalm*

I am very curious about your headlight setup. Do you have any more pictures?

[Draechon]

Originally Posted by joho

I am very curious about your headlight setup. Do you have any more pictures?

I just put that headlight on two weeks ago. It's an Acerbis Cyclops (cost about $105), has 55W low and high beams. On low, both lights are on (two bulbs are in the larger housing), and on high, only the high focus is on. They do illuminate well, but unfortunately don't seem to aim too far. I have HID bulbs I plan on switching out, but haven't tried to get them re-aimed very much yet. The shield is pretty decent, and better than naked. The way I have it set now, wind hits me in the nose when sitting upright, but if leaned over, I dodge it completely.

The turn signals are temporary ones mounted on the shield. They're just simple $20 7 LED stick-on units from Cycle Gear. During the day, don't light as well as stock, but are much better at night. Also, being LEDs, they only drain 0.5 W, so the relay has them blinking at least twice as fast, so it makes up for the lack of brightness.

Sorry about the large size for anyone that has an issue with it, but showing the pics as big as Flickr will let me.

[treybrad]

Originally Posted by newyorkj

Taking a massive trip end of June on my 07 1250s. Tire suggestions? Nuetral handling and wear are prob my biggest concerns. Was looking at Dunlop Roadsmarts. Anyone? Thanks
J

How long is massive?

I've run Conti RA (~6,000mi until flatspotted), Shinko 009 Raven (~8,000mi, not as sticky as the RA, but not bad), and I'm now on my second set of Michelin Pilot Road 2's. The 1250 loves them.

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31232

I got 11,000+ mi out of my last set. Just got back from a 3,000mi trip to Smoky Mtns on the new set and they did exactly what they were supposed to.... let me rip around on the Dragon and the other twisty roads without getting flattened on the way from TX.

Great tire. The RoadSmart might be a good choice as well, but they don't seem to last as long as the PR2. Seems most people are getting around 9k miles out of a set, and some report problems with the front tire wearing in weird ways.

Have fun on the trip.

trey

[02TAC]

Post a shot of your Bandit.