bandit 1250

[gilb42]

Any one anxiously awaitng the new bandit.  Seems like a good entry into the sport tourer without a huge investment.

[Yippee757]

Looks to be the little gem of 2007. Suzuki appears to made just the right changes to keep it going for years to come. Other then not having ABS or linked brakes as an option.

[Chumly]

I would like to see how it compares to the gen I FZ-1 (not 2006+ gen II).

[gritsngravy]

The key for me to think about replacing my '03 1200 bandit with a new one is engine smoothness and good throttle response.   Since the new motor has a balancer shaft I'm hoping it's gonna be a smooth soul-less sweet vanilla of an engine with all the torque bandits have been famous for.  Combine that with the updated headlights, liquid cooling, f.i., centerstand, adjustable seat, available hard bags and updated style, I'm pretty much sold.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

The new 1250 DOES have ABS but NOT linked brakes.  I'm glad to see it comeing out buy my 00 Bandit dosen't seem like its going to die in the foreseeable future so I doubt I'll be out buying one right away.  I like to let new bikes run for a few years before I even consider them also.

[Stingray]

The key for me to think about replacing my '03 1200 bandit with a new one is engine smoothness and good throttle response.   Since the new motor has a balancer shaft I'm hoping it's gonna be a smooth soul-less sweet vanilla of an engine with all the torque bandits have been famous for.  Combine that with the updated headlights, liquid cooling, f.i., centerstand, adjustable seat, available hard bags and updated style, I'm pretty much sold.  

Are they offering factory luggage for the new Bandit?

[jeepinbanditrider]

From what I've been able to gather it may not be offered right away but WILL eventually be here.  If there is anything the Japanese bike manf. need to learn from Duc, BMW, and Harley its if you offer factory options people will buy them.  I would rather have some hard luggage like GIVI stuff thrown in on the purchace of the bike instead of having to buy them  outright after i buy the bike.  Its easier to swallow if I only have to pay for it 100 bucks at a time.

[Baz]

This was posted on Motards online. The Bike pictured below has the new Givi bags (They can be seen at Twisted Throttle) but from what I can tell, givi does not yet make a rack for these bags for the Bandit as of yet.
 
The Bike was displayed at a European show.
 
My Suzuki source told me last year that the new Bandit would have bag options but he can still not confirm this is true.
 

[Aaron]

It looks nicer than the previous generation and the water-cooled, fuel-injected engine is nice, but it appears to have the same crappy suspension as before. I had an '03. Comfortable, wide-ranging power, good all-arounder, but the suspension was fair, at best. Still, for the price, it looks like a decent deal.

-Aaron

[jeepinbanditrider]

Looks like if they do start to offer those accessories then they are probably aiming more towards the sport touring crowd.

[Chumly]

Its easier to swallow if I only have to pay for it 100 bucks at a time.

ooooooooo baybeeeeee.........

[stroming_bob]

I would hope that they would have a bigger gas tank?

[gilb42]

OK, if you had to choose between the bandit and the new sprint of tiger?

[MuddDawg]

Hmmm....looks good to me.

[JamesG]

OK, if you had to choose between the bandit and the new sprint of tiger?

Sorry Banditos.
 
If price weren't an issue the new Tiger.
 
If price were an issue, a newish first Gen FZ1 and a set of beetle bags for less than the price of this new Boat anchor.
 
I don't know how Suzuki expects to sell many of these when it is so clearly blown out of the water performance wise...

[Baz]

Sorry Banditos.
 
If price weren't an issue the new Tiger.
 
If price were an issue, a newish first Gen FZ1 and a set of beetle bags for less than the price of this new Boat anchor.
 
I don't know how Suzuki expects to sell many of these when it is so clearly blown out of the water performance wise...

Well up here it's priced the same as a new gen FZ-1 which is still a far superior & more modern bike. The ABS model is MSRP of $11,299. So much for a budget ride! The 2006 model could be had for $8300.00.

[spinalator]

Sorry Banditos.
 If price weren't an issue the new Tiger.
 If price were an issue, a newish first Gen FZ1 and a set of beetle bags for less than the price of this new Boat anchor.
 I don't know how Suzuki expects to sell many of these when it is so clearly blown out of the water performance wise...

Umm. Let's see...
[LIST=1]

• It has a tractor motor (I am guessing, comparing with the old one)
• It is a street bike, not a track bike, not a traillie.
• There are 2 million current or former Bandit owners who may keep an eye on how this one rides.
• It is now liquid cooled and has bold new graphics.
• Possible Baggage
• They will be priced competitively most likely

The new FZ1 makes a lot of HP because it revs out to 40,000 which is not where I like to live on the street. Frick, Yamaha should have given the thing some more balls in the low and midrange and knock 20 HP off the top. Other than that, I like the new FZ1 and where they are going with it. The Tiger is a totally different segment which is supposed to be compteing with the Strom. Although I have yet to see a dirty one.

I would take any three, but will likely be walking this summer, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

[gritsngravy]

Sorry Banditos.
 
If price weren't an issue the new Tiger.
 
If price were an issue, a newish first Gen FZ1 and a set of beetle bags for less than the price of this new Boat anchor.
 
I don't know how Suzuki expects to sell many of these when it is so clearly blown out of the water performance wise...

With  the gsxr's, busa and now the bking in the line up I don't think suzuki was concerned with making a performance rep for itself with the new 1250.   The big bandit always has and always will be an everyman's practical performance bike.   I don't see suzuki touting the new bandit as a top performance beast.....it's just a modern version of the now 'classic' bandits.   If you really want to fly suzuki would rather you fly a gsxr, busa or maybe a b king into battle.  Personally, if all I wanted was ultimate power in a livable package I'd be looking  at a zx-14 or NEW concours 14.

[jeepinbanditrider]

The 2006 model could be had for $8300.00.

NOt in the US

[Baz]

NOt in the US

Yes, that is true. I think you were being punished!
 
I was in another local dealer today and the new 1250 priced out at 200 dollars more than the new FZ1. The salesman there (BTW this is the largest Suzuki dealer in my town) said that last year they only sold 4, 2006 B-12's (That was at the $8300.00 price) He does not think they will sell many at $11,500. I would very much agree with him.
 
They had a fully bagged 2006 brand new V-strom 1000 on sale for $10,500. There is no doubt in my mind which bike I would buy. (I am even one of those Bandit cult followers). Sorry, but that Strom would make a much better touring bike than the new Bandit will, and don't forget you would be adding about another $2000.00 to the B-1250 to equip it with hard luggage. (we are now at $12,500.00) You would have a bike with similar performance and also great two up comfort.
 
Lets see, for another $2000.00, you could have a Busa, which with a few mods would make a better, lighter & much faster ST bike than that new Bandit could ever be. Give me a Busa any day on a nice deserted BC highway.
 
Unless Suzuki puts some deep discounts on the new Bandit & get it back to the Budget ST bike, I am betting the new Bandit will be a huge sales failure.
 
I should also point out that the new FZ-1 will kick the new B-1250's butt in every aspect of performance. You just have to ride it differently than the B-1250. Just because the FZ-1 lacks in mid range torque, it does not make it a bad bike. The ZX-14 does not come to life until 6000 rpm either. Yes, mid range torque is fun, but that alone does not make a good all around motorcycle. I am sorry, but the new B-1250 was very dated in weight & suspension the minute it rolled off the assembly line. I have stated before that putting a WC & FI engine in the old Bandito, is much like putting lipstick on a pig! You still have an 80's era bike her boys & girls, at 21st century pricing.
 
My reason for buying my 2002 Bandit was a pretty decent all around bike, for a very low price. I can see no reason why I would make the same decsion at the MFG suggested list price of the 2007 1250.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Yeah the MSRP is a little steep.  It should be priced UNDER 10 grand.  I MIGHT pay 11.5 IF it came with hardluggage maybe a factory GPS setup and maybe a couple of extra farkles on top of that.

[basket]

Where are you guys geting your info? The new Bandit is priced below 10,000. WAY below. MRSP in US is 8299.00 Thats 900.00 bucks less than the FZ-1. And in Canada the price difference is even bigger. And since no one has ridden one yet, who's to say the FZ-1 will stomp it? There seems to be a lot of bad info here.
 
ABS is an option as well, at least in Canada.
 
Bill

[basket]

Well up here it's priced the same as a new gen FZ-1 which is still a far superior & more modern bike. The ABS model is MSRP of $11,299. So much for a budget ride! The 2006 model could be had for $8300.00.

That would be the 650 bandit price you're quoting there Baz.
 
Bill

[Baz]

that would be the 650 bandit price you're quoting there Baz.
 
Bill[/quote]
 
Oh no Bill, I could have had a new 2006 B-12 for $8300.00 (CAN) this fall. From Riverside Suzuki in St. Albert.
 
But don't take my word, here are the Suggested retail prices quoted directly from Suzuki's sites.
 
Canada:
 
B-1250 w ABS $11,299 (CAD)
http://moto.suzuki.ca/Home.aspx?culture=en-CA&province=AL
B-650 w ABS $9,399.  (CAD)
http://moto.suzuki.ca/Home.aspx?culture=en-CA&province=AL
 
 
USA
 
B-1250 w ABS $8799.00 (USD)
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSF1250SAK7/Default.aspx
 
B-650 w ABS Not listed on site.

[Baz]

Where are you guys geting your info? The new Bandit is priced below 10,000. WAY below. MRSP in US is 8299.00 Thats 900.00 bucks less than the FZ-1. And in Canada the price difference is even bigger. And since no one has ridden one yet, who's to say the FZ-1 will stomp it? There seems to be a lot of bad info here.
 
ABS is an option as well, at least in Canada.
 
Bill

Well if you follow Motards Online, the dyno results they posted showed no power increase with the new B-1250 versus the old 1200. Same power off the two bikes but the new B-12 develops peak HP slightly earlier in the RPM range. (Very slightly). So needless to say, the New B-1250 has the same HP but weighs 50 lbs more, I would bet that the FZ-1 will stomp it silly. (The old FZ-1 did the quarter mile 0.75 sec's faster than the current B-12 according to MC mag). The new B-12 weighs a dry 505 lbs, the new FZ-1 weighs 438 lbs.
 
Everyone is thinking the new B-1250 is some powerhouse engine but the folks at Motards Online say no.
 

[JamesG]

ouch...

[NSFW-SuperSizeKeith]

Who leaves them stock anyway?

Maybe it's just me who hemorages money on engine mods never to recouporate them.

[NH YZF]

What makes the Bandit so great is it does everything well. Go touring? Sure! Passenger? No prob! Hang w/ the sport bikes? Absolutely! I loved my 2001 1200. That air-cooled Gixxer motor was a ton of fun, a breeze to work on, and can take a beating like nobody's business. The bike was styled right, had great brakes, and plain hauled ass. And they can be had super cheap. Plus people like Dale Walker have tons of goodies for those of us that like to tinker, and ebay is chock full of replacement parts that won't break the bank.
 
The FZ1 is in a totally different category. Its a sportbike with an upright riding position, like a Tuono, Monster, or a Z1000. The Bandit was never designed this way, and really shouldn't be compared as such.

[caseylee]

I'm seriously debating over the 1250 for next season.  I can get one here locally for $7,799(non-abs) compared to $8,299 for the FZ1.  The Bandit just seems to suit my riding style better.  I'm also contemplating over the V-strom but the looks just haven't grown on me still...I'm going to wait until I can actually see all of them up close and decide closer to time.

[ChrisZRX]

According to http://www.powersportstv.com/2007/Suzuki/Bandit/1250/Motorcycle/23796/ the new Bandit is retailing at $8299.
 
And ya just know Dale Walker is going to have some hop-up mods for it.

[Oilhed]

Make it really naked with a big round headlight for under $8,000 and we'll talk!

[Silverbird]

Thanks for the dyno chart, now I can look elsewhere.  What is it with these friggin guys pushing the power further and further up the tach

[ChrisZRX]

Look closer at the graph.  there is more power everywhere except top end where it appears to be equal, but at a lower rpm.

[gritsngravy]

Finally got to see the new 1250 in person at the CW m/c show in San Mateo.  The thing looks nice, better than all previous generations to my eye.   The bars seem higher and closer than on my '03.  The tank seemed shorter to me, the seating position was more comfortable... less of a stretch to the bars.    Very tidy looking.   It'll be real interesting to see how that new motor runs.  

Made the mistake of sitting on a goldwing with my wife..she loved it.   After that thing, ALL the other bikes just weren't as comfortable for her, including many cruiser/tourers.    So many bikes.....

[Baz]

Look closer at the graph.  there is more power everywhere except top end where it appears to be equal, but at a lower rpm.

Hey Chris:

That chart is missing the RPM ranges but I would read it as equal power all over, just developing at slightly earlier RPM. Now considering the New Bandito is 50 lbs porkier, I would suggest that using that chart, the new Bandito will have a drop in HP-Weight ratio over the old Bandit.

The same site posts the results for the 650 Bandit which shows quite an improvement over the air cooled 650 however.

[sweeney todd]

Looks a competent enough machine but then so's my 98 1st gen.

I think Suzuki have done tremendously well for over a decade with a parts bin special that somehow added up to more than the sum of it's parts.........tremendous fun do anything machine.

The latest incarnation may get 'em another season or two but really the games moved on and I'd like to see a bit of new thinking from Suzook.  If you're in the market for a Bandit, buy secondhand.  No major changes in years, all sorts of gubbins available at affordable prices..........you can't go wrong really

[Against The Wind]

This month's issue of Bike magazine has a review of the B1250. They kinda like it, sorta, not much. But then again the Brits have a different take on performance.

[ChrisZRX]

Now considering the New Bandito is 50 lbs porkier, I would suggest that using that chart, the new Bandito will have a drop in HP-Weight ratio over the old Bandit.

that's a good point.  Guess I'm arguing because I lke it!  If I wanted the fastest thing out there I suppose I wouldn't own a 2nd gen Bandit.  I like good all-rounders.

IMO, they ruined the FZ1 by making it so peaky.

Also IMO, the ZRX has (had) the ultimate engine.  So, you can see where I'm coming from.

[gritsngravy]

Lot's of combitching about the bandit's hp ratings going on.      I'm not sure what the difficulty is in understanding the bandit is an all rounder with more than enough power to carry two riders and their luggage at a reasonable clip.   There are only a few big bore 4 cyl standards around for sale these days so I'm glad Suzuki designed the '07 bandit exactly as they did.  Those wishing for more power and handling should seriously think about a liter ss and modify it for comfort.  

[xsrider]

I saw the Bandit 1250 at a local motorcycle show.  I like it.  I prefer naked bikes with a fairing.  They are easier to work on.  THe Bandit 1250 was comfortable to sit on, would have plenty of power for two up, and has the ABS option.  Should be a great ST bike.  I am looking to get ABS on my next bike, so the Bandit 1250 may be my next bike.

[Baz]

Make it really naked with a big round headlight for under $8,000 and we'll talk!

Like those lucky European's get?

[Schneegz]

Like those lucky European's get?

Except that they pay a lot more than $8,000 for theirs.

[sweeney todd]

Funny thing exchange rates.

$8000.  Near as damnit £4000.

This time of year with a wad of folded I think I could secure a new Bandit 12 for that.

[Ranger]

I'm gonna wait a year (saving money) and see if the naked model makes it here and to see if the vendors gear up with mods  

[FJRmgm]

it does make it a "bad" bike to me, a big motor with no torque is lame ----> Just because the FZ-1 lacks in mid range torque, it does not make it a bad bike.

If I wanted to get a high-winding 600 I would just buy it - you buy big-motored bikes so you don't have to to play the 12k rpm chainsaw game.

[gilb42]

I saw a picture of the new bandit at one of the bike shows that had a lower fairing.  I thought it looked pretty cool.  I think the competition will be the Tiger.  Waiting for reviews sounds reasonable but how can you go wrong for the money.  All other sport-touring bikes seem to be alot more money.  Our local dealer sells both Triumph and Suz, I'll see if I can ride them both.
Mark

[Baz]

Well I finally sat on both the 650 & 1250 Bandits today, and must admit I was pleasantly impressed.

As the new B-12 is quite a bit porkier than the 2nd gen, Suzuki did a very good job covering this up. The new bike feels much more nimble than my 2nd gen B-12. (Of course the tank was empty)

I liked everything about it, except the $10,200.00 (Canadian) MSP.