New 1250 Bandit Owner's Impressions - both Negative & Positive

[waz]

I bought a '01 Bandit 1200S NOS in 2003 and managed to put 24k miles on it despite having 2 young kids at home.  I loved the bike for the most part, but I was looking for something smoother with a 6 speed tranny.  

Well, a new 1250 followed me home earlier this month, but it's been rainy, cold, and I've been working long hours, so I haven't ridden it much yet (like 50 miles ) but after tinkering with, and (briefly) riding the bike, I've noticed a couple of things that bother me about my new purchase:

1) when I turn the key on, the speedometer looks like it flashes "CSF", instead of "GSF".  I thought it was defective, but apparently they all do that.  C'mon Suzuki - make a "G" look like a "G".

2) it took me about an hour to figure out how to attach the strap that goes under the seat for my Cortech mini tank bag.  

My '01 1200 has a convenient bar right where the gas tank rear bolts are, but the 1250 has nothing in that general area
to run a strap around.  Bupkas.  Nada.  Zilch.  I finally had to lift the rear of the gas tank and run the strap around the "L" shaped frame-member that the tank bolts to.  What a PITA.  The problem with this is that the strap is now in front of the tunnel that the seat tab slides into.  I made it work, but it's far from an elegant solution.

Yeah, I know...I could just buy a magnetic tank bag, but I already had the strap-on on the old Bandit, and I hate the idea of those little dirt particles grinding into the tank paint under the magnets.  Plus, I'm too cheap a bastidge to spring for a new one.

3) Where the hell are the second pair of seat attachment spindles (or whatever you call them)???   The 1200 has 4    
 "Frankenstein's neck" bolts, which worked great for my Cortech tailbag's bungees, but the 1250 has only 2 in the back.  WTF?

I always ride with a tailbag to carry extra clothes, gloves, tools, water, etc., but I don't know how I'm gonna do that on the new one.  Once again, I could get a new tailbag, but what was Suzuki thinking by putting only 2 bungee attachments back there?

4) You can have the digital speedo...give me back the 1200's analog unit!  Whenever I glance at the tach, my eyes are drawn by the movement of the digits in the speedo display - I find it distracting.  A classic case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it."

5) The bike is very smooth at a steady speed, but its got a pronounced vibration when accelerating from a stop or a roll on.  It almost feels Harley-like; very agricultural in nature.  I'm thinking the dealer-prep mechanic adjusted the chain too tight - I'm going to loosen it and see what happens.

6) The clutch makes a racket when idling in neutral. As soon as the clutch is pulled in it disappears.  What's up with that?  Does anybody else's do that?

7) I've got the oft-discussed sloppy throttle - both in play and side to side.  It's stupid of Suzuki to build such a nice machine with this kind of defect.

Okay, the positives of this new bike are too numerous to mention...but I'll mention a few of my favorites anyway:

1) The choke-less fuel-injected starts when it's 30 degrees are sweet!  Fires right up and idles smoothly.

2) OMG... the torque! Nuff said.

3) The headlight unit is 500% better than the 1200's - better design & way more light.

4) The Renn-tech tail rack I bought just a few months ago for the 1200 fits on the 1250 - No modifications, filing, welding, or blasting needed!  

5) The brakes just feel stronger than the 1200 - both the front and especially the rear.

6) The fuel injection map is spot-on - no surge, hesitation or other annoyances.  Good job Suzuki!

7) The battery is easily accessible under the seat. There's no screwed-on storage tray to get in the way like on the 1200.


Okay, this probably reads more anal retentive than I really am, and I realize that these picayune negatives are a small price to pay for such a sweet ride.

Your thoughts?
 
 
 

[spinalator]

Good write up, thanks Mr anal.  

[JoBu]

4) You can have the digital speedo...give me back the 1200's analog unit!  Whenever I glance at the tach, my eyes are drawn by the movement of the digits in the speedo display - I find it distracting.  A classic case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it."

5) The bike is very smooth at a steady speed, but its got a pronounced vibration when accelerating from a stop or a roll on.  It almost feels Harley-like; very agricultural in nature.  I'm thinking the dealer-prep mechanic adjusted the chain too tight - I'm going to loosen it and see what happens.

6) The clutch makes a racket when idling in neutral. As soon as the clutch is pulled in it disappears.  What's up with that?  Does anybody else's do that?

7) I've got the oft-discussed sloppy throttle - both in play and side to side.  It's stupid of Suzuki to build such a nice machine with this kind of defect.

Ok...I don't have a Bandit, but I thought I'd respond to a few of your concerns nonetheless.

#4 - Give it time.  I wasn't thrilled with the digital speedo when I bought my R1.  It not only grew on me, but I prefer it now.  I think, over time, it will become less of a distraction for you.  Plus, it makes it easier to tell the LEO how fast you were going when he/she asks you after pulling you over.  

#5 - Definitely address this, and soon.  There should be a little pic in your owner's manual depicting how much slack should be in the chain.  Either check it out/adjust it yourself, or take it back to the dealer and have them show you that it is, indeed, in correct adjustment.

#6 - Ride a Ducati (dry clutch) a few times.  Yours will probably seem quiet (or nonexistent) after that.  Honestly, I'd have that checked out.  It doesn't seem normal to me.  

#7 - Although I'll claim ignorance on this topic since I do not own one, I'd still have this checked out.  Your throttle cable may simply be out of adjustment.  

I'm sure there is a Bandit Forum out there somewhere.  Start posting questions and doing searches over there as well.  I'm sure you'll find a wealth of useful information there.

Best of luck and good job with your contrast/compare of your Bandits.

Cheers,

Joe

[waz]

Good write up, thanks Mr anal.  

Thanks for that crack.  I can tell you're a cheeky kind of guy.

But I prefer "Mr. Sphincter".

You know, I had a couple of bikes before the Bandit, but I rect 'um.

[stefrrr]

The throttle on the Bandit is a little weird. You can tighten it up for no give, but it'll still kind of slide side to side.  

Our Bandit doesn't make much noise when idling in neutral. I'd get that checked out.

As far as vibration - what rpms are you talking?

[DredheadV2.0]

Thanks for that crack.  I can tell you're a cheeky kind of guy.

But I prefer "Mr. Sphincter".

You know, I had a couple of bikes before the Bandit, but I rect 'um.

 

[wsgts]

Thought I would throw in my two cents

1) Dude, really...  Now I am going to be looking on mine every time I turn the key on.

4) I believe I heard that this had something to do with European standards, like there is more tax on a speedo that can goto 160 mph or something.

5) No vibration at all on mine, just hard to keep the front wheel on the ground with all that torque

6) Yeah, my clutch is a noisy bastard.  

7) My throttle has not been sloppy, but then again, I'm a sloppy guy, so we may fit well.

[waz]

As far as vibration - what rpms are you talking?

Any RPM, really.  It does it when I'm accellerating from a dead stop or rolling on the throttle while cruising.  Any time I give it a hit of go-juice.

I've loosened the chain but haven't had the opportunity to ride since doing so (work keeps getting in the way of my life - it sux).  I'll keep y'all posted.

[EZAS]

I don't know about the Bandit but on my last two bikes a throttle body (Warrior) or carb sync (FZ1) really cut down on vibration.

[Ken]

1) when I turn the key on, the speedometer looks like it flashes "CSF", instead of "GSF".  I thought it was defective, but apparently they all do that.  C'mon Suzuki - make a "G" look like a "G".

2) it took me about an hour to figure out how to attach the strap that goes under the seat for my Cortech mini tank bag.  

3) Where the hell are the second pair of seat attachment spindles (or whatever you call them)???   The 1200 has 4    
 "Frankenstein's neck" bolts, which worked great for my Cortech tailbag's bungees, but the 1250 has only 2 in the back.  WTF?

4) You can have the digital speedo...give me back the 1200's analog unit!  Whenever I glance at the tach, my eyes are drawn by the movement of the digits in the speedo display - I find it distracting.  A classic case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it."

5) The bike is very smooth at a steady speed, but its got a pronounced vibration when accelerating from a stop or a roll on.  It almost feels Harley-like; very agricultural in nature.  I'm thinking the dealer-prep mechanic adjusted the chain too tight - I'm going to loosen it and see what happens.

6) The clutch makes a racket when idling in neutral. As soon as the clutch is pulled in it disappears.  What's up with that?  Does anybody else's do that?

7) I've got the oft-discussed sloppy throttle - both in play and side to side.  It's stupid of Suzuki to build such a nice machine with this kind of defect.

Okay, the positives of this new bike are too numerous to mention...but I'll mention a few of my favorites anyway:

1) The choke-less fuel-injected starts when it's 30 degrees are sweet!  Fires right up and idles smoothly.

2) OMG... the torque! Nuff said.

3) The headlight unit is 500% better than the 1200's - better design & way more light.

4) The Renn-tech tail rack I bought just a few months ago for the 1200 fits on the 1250 - No modifications, filing, welding, or blasting needed!  

5) The brakes just feel stronger than the 1200 - both the front and especially the rear.

6) The fuel injection map is spot-on - no surge, hesitation or other annoyances.  Good job Suzuki!

7) The battery is easily accessible under the seat. There's no screwed-on storage tray to get in the way like on the 1200.

1. Never noticed that before but digital letters are odd anyway...
2. I'm seriously considering a Bags-Connect tank bag that locks to the fuel cap
3. More frankenbolts would be nice
4. I prefer analog display as well but no big complaint with the digital - less moving parts
5. No vibration here - its smoothness and torque are what I love most about this bike
6. The clutch is a bit noisy but it seems to be a design characteristic of most Suzukis
7. Suzuki could certainly build a throttle tube with less slop. I'm starting to believe they did this intentionally to avoid any snatch problems and complaints. The new Hondas are nearly as bad. It seems like a deliberate design by the manufacturers.

Agree with all your positives -- the torque, handling characteristics, weight, comfort, ability to quickly make it a very capable tourer, the MPG, and the price make it an amazing bang for the buck. Oh, and the $179/year for full insurance coverage is nice too!

[waz]

Well I rode the 1250 about 30 miles yesterday to get an inspection sticker and since I loosened the chain the vibration upon acceleration is just about gone.  I also used kerosene to clean off the sticky, white chain-wax stuff that was on the chain.  I don't know if that was applied by the factory or by the dealer, but it was very sticky to the touch, so  thought it might be contributing to the problem.  It's nice that the bike let me know if the chain is adjusted incorrectly.

Ken - what insurance company gave you that kind of a screaming deal on full coverage insurance?  I'm paying $550 per year in semi-rural NC!

[Ken]

Well I rode the 1250 about 30 miles yesterday to get an inspection sticker and since I loosened the chain the vibration upon acceleration is just about gone.  I also used kerosene to clean off the sticky, white chain-wax stuff that was on the chain.  I don't know if that was applied by the factory or by the dealer, but it was very sticky to the touch, so  thought it might be contributing to the problem.  It's nice that the bike let me know if the chain is adjusted incorrectly.

Ken - what insurance company gave you that kind of a screaming deal on full coverage insurance?  I'm paying $550 per year in semi-rural NC!

Allstate insures me with comp, liability, collision, 100/300, $200 accessory coverage, and a $500 deductible for $179/year. Age 42, clean license, and a small discount for taking the MSF ERC last year.

That wax crap was a PITA. I had it all over the rear wheel, chain guard, and frame. Took some elbow grease to get it all off.

[X Harley Guy]

1) when I turn the key on, the speedometer looks like it flashes "CSF", instead of "GSF".  I thought it was defective, but apparently they all do that.  C'mon Suzuki - make a "G" look like a "G".

2) it took me about an hour to figure out how to attach the strap that goes under the seat for my Cortech mini tank bag.  

My '01 1200 has a convenient bar right where the gas tank rear bolts are, but the 1250 has nothing in that general area
to run a strap around.  Bupkas.  Nada.  Zilch.  I finally had to lift the rear of the gas tank and run the strap around the "L" shaped frame-member that the tank bolts to.  What a PITA.  The problem with this is that the strap is now in front of the tunnel that the seat tab slides into.  I made it work, but it's far from an elegant solution.

Yeah, I know...I could just buy a magnetic tank bag, but I already had the strap-on on the old Bandit, and I hate the idea of those little dirt particles grinding into the tank paint under the magnets.  Plus, I'm too cheap a bastidge to spring for a new one.

3) Where the hell are the second pair of seat attachment spindles (or whatever you call them)???   The 1200 has 4    
 "Frankenstein's neck" bolts, which worked great for my Cortech tailbag's bungees, but the 1250 has only 2 in the back.  WTF?

I always ride with a tailbag to carry extra clothes, gloves, tools, water, etc., but I don't know how I'm gonna do that on the new one.  Once again, I could get a new tailbag, but what was Suzuki thinking by putting only 2 bungee attachments back there?

4) You can have the digital speedo...give me back the 1200's analog unit!  Whenever I glance at the tach, my eyes are drawn by the movement of the digits in the speedo display - I find it distracting.  A classic case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it."

5) The bike is very smooth at a steady speed, but its got a pronounced vibration when accelerating from a stop or a roll on.  It almost feels Harley-like; very agricultural in nature.  I'm thinking the dealer-prep mechanic adjusted the chain too tight - I'm going to loosen it and see what happens.

6) The clutch makes a racket when idling in neutral. As soon as the clutch is pulled in it disappears.  What's up with that?  Does anybody else's do that?

7) I've got the oft-discussed sloppy throttle - both in play and side to side.  It's stupid of Suzuki to build such a nice machine with this kind of defect.

Okay, the positives of this new bike are too numerous to mention...but I'll mention a few of my favorites anyway:

1) The choke-less fuel-injected starts when it's 30 degrees are sweet!  Fires right up and idles smoothly.

2) OMG... the torque! Nuff said.

3) The headlight unit is 500% better than the 1200's - better design & way more light.

4) The Renn-tech tail rack I bought just a few months ago for the 1200 fits on the 1250 - No modifications, filing, welding, or blasting needed!  

5) The brakes just feel stronger than the 1200 - both the front and especially the rear.

6) The fuel injection map is spot-on - no surge, hesitation or other annoyances.  Good job Suzuki!

7) The battery is easily accessible under the seat. There's no screwed-on storage tray to get in the way like on the 1200.


Okay, this probably reads more anal retentive than I really am, and I realize that these picayune negatives are a small price to pay for such a sweet ride.

Your thoughts?
 
 
 1. Yeah, they all do that. After a month I no longer notice...

 2. Currently shopping for a tank bag...I'll keep that in mind!
 
 3. Mine has the Givi/Suzuki hard bags set....don't need no stinkin' frankenbolts.

 4. After years on a HD, I love the gauge set.

 5. Well is does buzz a LITTLE, but trust me, it is NOWHERE near a like HD.

 6. Yeah it rattles, a LITTLE, but near silent compared to a Ducati.

 7. Yeah it is,  most of it can be adjusted out.

Positives for me...I could not be happier with the purchase!  I love virtually everything (ok the front suspension has too much dive and the seat is a bit hard)
about this bike. Even my wife likes it.  The near flat torque curve from 3700-7800 is just TOO much fun.
XHG
   

[sprintamx]

FWIW, I've been told by two Suzuki dealers for two (different) 1250s that the throttle "slop" is a specific design element to alleviate throttle "snatch" problems as Ken suggested.  They also claimed that the same side-by-side throttle grip is to be found on GSXRs, etc.  I have never personally compared.  Throttle "play" I understand, but the side-by-side "slop" is annoying, until you get used to it.  Take up as much cable slack as you are comfortably with for your riding style/throttle control, and then live with slip.  That is unless you want to install a different throttle . . .

[Oilhed]

So what is the fuel tank size and expected mileage or range on the 1250?  Anyone seen the fully faired version in the USofA?  My dealer has never even had one on the floor.  I think the naked version might be very tempting.

[Mr.Black]

I want the belt drive kit. But $2000.00?????

[Zerosum]

I bought a '01 Bandit 1200S NOS in 2003 and managed to put 24k miles on it despite having 2 young kids at home.  I loved the bike for the most part, but I was looking for something smoother with a 6 speed tranny.  

Well, a new 1250 followed me home earlier this month, but it's been rainy, cold, and I've been working long hours, so I haven't ridden it much yet (like 50 miles ) but after tinkering with, and (briefly) riding the bike, I've noticed a couple of things that bother me about my new purchase:

1) when I turn the key on, the speedometer looks like it flashes "CSF", instead of "GSF".  I thought it was defective, but apparently they all do that.  C'mon Suzuki - make a "G" look like a "G".

2) it took me about an hour to figure out how to attach the strap that goes under the seat for my Cortech mini tank bag.  

My '01 1200 has a convenient bar right where the gas tank rear bolts are, but the 1250 has nothing in that general area
to run a strap around.  Bupkas.  Nada.  Zilch.  I finally had to lift the rear of the gas tank and run the strap around the "L" shaped frame-member that the tank bolts to.  What a PITA.  The problem with this is that the strap is now in front of the tunnel that the seat tab slides into.  I made it work, but it's far from an elegant solution.

Yeah, I know...I could just buy a magnetic tank bag, but I already had the strap-on on the old Bandit, and I hate the idea of those little dirt particles grinding into the tank paint under the magnets.  Plus, I'm too cheap a bastidge to spring for a new one.

3) Where the hell are the second pair of seat attachment spindles (or whatever you call them)???   The 1200 has 4    
 "Frankenstein's neck" bolts, which worked great for my Cortech tailbag's bungees, but the 1250 has only 2 in the back.  WTF?

I always ride with a tailbag to carry extra clothes, gloves, tools, water, etc., but I don't know how I'm gonna do that on the new one.  Once again, I could get a new tailbag, but what was Suzuki thinking by putting only 2 bungee attachments back there?

4) You can have the digital speedo...give me back the 1200's analog unit!  Whenever I glance at the tach, my eyes are drawn by the movement of the digits in the speedo display - I find it distracting.  A classic case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it."

5) The bike is very smooth at a steady speed, but its got a pronounced vibration when accelerating from a stop or a roll on.  It almost feels Harley-like; very agricultural in nature.  I'm thinking the dealer-prep mechanic adjusted the chain too tight - I'm going to loosen it and see what happens.

6) The clutch makes a racket when idling in neutral. As soon as the clutch is pulled in it disappears.  What's up with that?  Does anybody else's do that?

7) I've got the oft-discussed sloppy throttle - both in play and side to side.  It's stupid of Suzuki to build such a nice machine with this kind of defect.

Okay, the positives of this new bike are too numerous to mention...but I'll mention a few of my favorites anyway:

1) The choke-less fuel-injected starts when it's 30 degrees are sweet!  Fires right up and idles smoothly.

2) OMG... the torque! Nuff said.

3) The headlight unit is 500% better than the 1200's - better design & way more light.

4) The Renn-tech tail rack I bought just a few months ago for the 1200 fits on the 1250 - No modifications, filing, welding, or blasting needed!  

5) The brakes just feel stronger than the 1200 - both the front and especially the rear.

6) The fuel injection map is spot-on - no surge, hesitation or other annoyances.  Good job Suzuki!

7) The battery is easily accessible under the seat. There's no screwed-on storage tray to get in the way like on the 1200.


Okay, this probably reads more anal retentive than I really am, and I realize that these picayune negatives are a small price to pay for such a sweet ride.

Your thoughts?
 

Waaah!  I bought a budget-bike and got budget-bike build quality!  Waaah!    It's like me complaining that my V-Strom isn't a Ducati Multistrada or a Triumph Tiger.

Kidding aside, your compaints about smoothness are probably due to the bike being new.  I bought my V-Strom brand-new and it ran noticably rough for the frist 5,000 miles - so rough that I was afraid I had bought a lemon.  Then, suddenly, it smoothed out and started getting 10% better mileage.  It also quieted way down, the engine made quite a bit of racket before that 5K mark.  Also,  I test-rode a 1250 last summer that had 8,000 miles on it - it was very smooth.

Re: throttle, I think the V-Strom has the same throttle assembly as the Bandit, and my throttle is wiggly to.  I got used to it.  Suzuki builds bikes to hit a price point, and it was a leftover to boot, so I really can't complain.  

[chornbe]

I want the belt drive kit. But $2000.00?????

There have been (back when I had my Magna and was considering it) repeated reports of one certain company's belt drive conversions exploding in dramatic fashion on certain higher-torque machines.  

[Mr.Black]

There have been (back when I had my Magna and was considering it) repeated reports of one certain company's belt drive conversions exploding in dramatic fashion on certain higher-torque machines.  

Ive only seen one manufacturer. It's in yerup.

[chornbe]

Did ScooterWorks stop making the belt drive conversions?

[Mr.Black]

Did ScooterWorks stop making the belt drive conversions?

http://www.vh-motorradtechnik.de/products/en/Belt-Drive-Kits/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSF-1250-Bandit-WVCH.html

[Yamadavidson]

So what is the fuel tank size and expected mileage or range on the 1250?  Anyone seen the fully faired version in the USofA?  My dealer has never even had one on the floor.  I think the naked version might be very tempting.

The fuel tank is five gallons and on the road I can get about 50-52 mpg if I keep it under about 80.  The reason you havent seen a fully faired or naked one is that the dont import them to the US. You can purchase the fairing lowers from Suzuki at about $500.00 I think. They sell one in Europe and the UK with all the touring features, hard bags, trunk, GPS, taller windshield and fairing lowers. Its the 1250GT.

[Castaway]

Thanks for the comparison post, waz. It's two years later or so ... I'd be interested to hear a followup report. I was just looking to find a comparison as the Bandit is one of the bikes on my 'maybe the next bike' list. I forgot about the 5 speed vs. 6 speed transmission - much difference there (lower RPMs at cruising speed, e.g.)? How does the 1250 do for mpg? Ergos the same?

[bandit1250]

The footpeg brackets are what you hook the front of your tailbag to. There is a place on each side for attaching bungees too. The 2nd gen had them too in addition to the frankenbolts.

The clutch rattles, get used to it. Listen to and GS11000 4valve if you really want to hear a clutch rattle.

I agree on the speedo, it is distracting trying to get it to stay at a particular mph   .  My advice - learn to ignore it.

On the plus side I've had mine for almost 3 years and 60000 km's and it still works flawlessly. Dale Walker's Holeshot slip-on and stage 2 kit will wake it up big time.

[JimUnderwood]

Lots of useful info, thanks!

[Oxblood]

Anyone have reliable figures for fuel economy i n litres/100km?

[Mr.Black]

Anyone have reliable figures for fuel economy i n litres/100km?

With aproaching 20,000 miles on the odo.
, under 80mph a consistent 40 mpg. Over 80mph about 30 -35 mpg over 100mph, not counting.

[Oxblood]

With aproaching 20,000 miles on the odo.
, under 80mph a consistent 40 mpg. Over 80mph about 30 -35 mpg over 100mph, not counting.

Thanks. 40MPG is pretty decent. I have been averaging that since I got my bike, but I have only had it for a month, so it is hard to judge on such a short time frame.

[kitesurfer]

With aproaching 20,000 miles on the odo.
, under 80mph a consistent 40 mpg. Over 80mph about 30 -35 mpg over 100mph, not counting.

that's about right for me too...except when in the mountains and twisting the throttle hard and ridding at a good clip, I get almost 50mpg!  xpain that one!!!

[mountainmotor]

Okay, this probably reads more anal retentive than I really am, and I realize that these picayune negatives are a small price to pay for such a sweet ride.

Your thoughts?
 
 

Here's what i think about the 1250

At todays $7200.00 OTD pricing on new old stocks buy two . Run one of them up to 50k miles then throw it away . Service Bandit1250 #2 and make another  lap. By and large it don't get any better than the 1250S if you need a two-up rider. Less is more the way i see it.

If more protection from the elements is needed , buy a Yaris .

[Mr.Black]

Here's what i think about the 1250

At todays $7200.00 OTD pricing on new old stocks buy two . Run one of them up to 50k miles then throw it away . Service Bandit1250 #2 and make another  lap. By and large it don't get any better than the 1250S if you need a two-up rider. Less is more the way i see it.

If more protection from the elements is needed , buy a Yaris .

You smoke a lot of weed don't you.

[mountainmotor]

You smoke a lot of weed don't you.

No i don't -

Shouldn't you be changing RainX on your Yaris ?

[Mr.Black]

No i don't -

Shouldn't you be changing RainX on your Yaris ?

Don't laugh. We will all soon be driving yarisess''s and smart cars with the price of gas doing what it is.

[vulcanbill]

that's about right for me too...except when in the mountains and twisting the throttle hard and ridding at a good clip, I get almost 50mpg!  xpain that one!!!

How many miles are you getting out of your rear tire?  

[ChrisZRX]

Okay, finally picked up my new '09 1250S today.

The stock seat sucks.

Need handlebars a little wider, a wee bit taller, and allows my wrists to face slightly more forward.

Otherwise, I can't complain.  It's a torque missle.

[rauchman]

Okay, finally picked up my new '09 1250S today.

The stock seat sucks.

Need handlebars a little wider, a wee bit taller, and allows my wrists to face slightly more forward.

Otherwise, I can't complain.  It's a torque missle.

Congrats!!!  I've been giving this bike a lot of thought as well.  Currently riding an SV1KS w/ convetibars, Sargeant seat and Buell pegs.  While better, I still haven't found the comfort that I've been seeking.  I do like the handling and power characteristics though.  How does the Bandito handle?

[ChrisZRX]

How does the Bandito handle?

Like a big heavy bike that handles well.  

[Oxblood]

Like a big heavy bike that handles well.  

I had my 1250 out on the Lee Parks TCR course this weekend. Left the side bags on (Givi V35). I was able to lean the bike in nicely on all the exercises, including the figure 8 transition, which was, thanks to late rain fall done on wet pavement. I figure a lean angle of close to 40 Degrees, and the bike stuck it. No problems pushing that thing into corners.

[Canuck]

I had my 1250 out on the Lee Parks TCR course this weekend. Left the side bags on (Givi V35). I was able to lean the bike in nicely on all the exercises, including the figure 8 transition, which was, thanks to late rain fall done on wet pavement. I figure a lean angle of close to 40 Degrees, and the bike stuck it. No problems pushing that thing into corners.

Are they running this course in Canada now? They said last year they would, and then they never did.

Ignore that, I went to their website and found they are and the dates.

[ChrisZRX]

No problems pushing that thing into corners.

I agree.

[Oxblood]

Are they running this course in Canada now? They said last year they would, and then they never did.

I took it via the Puget Sound Safety Council in Olympia. Lee Parks had a booth at the Vancouver show, so I suspect he is trying to gague interest up here. Would be nice if he did offer the course here, as I now want to take level II.

[Hoochie Papa]

I am seriously considering this as my next bike.  My current (and first) bike is an '03 Ninja EX500.  From riding it I learned that I like to go fast. I like to lean in the corners. I like long trips. I like lots of torque.

The Ninja will probably finish out the season, but I am keeping my eyes open for a deal.  The '11 Ninja 1000- how would the Bandit compare to it?

[spinalator]

The Ninja will probably finish out the season, but I am keeping my eyes open for a deal.  The '11 Ninja 1000- how would the Bandit compare to it?

There may not be an app for that, but I recall reading a couple threads comparing the two...

[Hoochie Papa]

There may not be an app for that, but I recall reading a couple threads comparing the two...

Yup. Already reading them. Thanks though.

[Oxblood]

Yup. Already reading them. Thanks though.

RThis review is pretty good, as it compares two of the bikes you are looking at, plus a third http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2011-gentlemen-sportbike-shootout-90855.html

[Hoochie Papa]

I saw that one too. Thats the video that really opened my eyes to the Ninja 1K. But the $ tag on the Bandit really keeps it in the running.

[Oxblood]

I saw that one too. Thats the video that really opened my eyes to the Ninja 1K. But the $ tag on the Bandit really keeps it in the running.

Well, I am now 6 months in on my GSX 1250 SEA (ABS Touring model), and have no regrets. It is an awesome bike! Lve it, recommend it, and in a few years probably sell this one and get another just for s&g.

[Jetpilot5]

Anyone come up with a fix for the sloppy side to side rattle in the throttle?  I have that on my GSX1250FA too and was thinking maybe I could shim it with a thin plastic washer.  I'm going to open the throttle housing up when I get home from this trip and see what my options are.

Adjusting the cables helped but I'd like to get rid of that side to side slop.

Edit to add....

Just found this advice over on the TWT forum.

That throttle slop can be adjusted out of it. As for the side play just loosen the screws holding the assy and slide it towards the handlebar weight. Set it to what you want. The slop on the throttle can be adjusted with the little adjusters right on the end of the Throttle cables and throttle assembly. Play with them a bit. I have mine down to near zero play both ways. Seems every bike I've had I've tweaked this stuff to my likings. Course now I also run a Throttlemiester so can't have a lot of play and it still work right.

I like the sound of this.  A simple, elegant solution that I will be trying next time I get the chance.

[Canuck]

I've never had that side to side throttle rattle, but I also installed V-Strom handguards on mine for wind protection so maybe that changed things.

[ChrisZRX]

2200 miles on the bike and almost need a new rear tire.  By 3K it will be at the wear bars.  

Frickin' torque.  

[Canuck]

I just replaced my Michelin Pilot Road 2 rear with a new one on my 1250. The old one had 6600 miles on it and still had at least another 2000 miles of tread, maybe 3000. I only replaced it because I am going on a long trip in ten days and wanted a fresh tire that could make it all the way. I will probably put the old tire back on when I get home and squeeze out some more time on it.

[ChrisZRX]

2600 miles and the tire is at the wear bars.  

Replacing it with a Dunlop Roadsmart.  

[Mr.Black]

2600 miles and the tire is at the wear bars.  

Replacing it with a Dunlop Roadsmart.  

Failed my first inspection at 2600 miles. Stock tires are shit.

PR2s since. For a recent mostly highway trip, I put a Continental Attack on the front and kept my 1/2 dead PR2 on the rear. Interesting combination. I will stick to the set.

[ChrisZRX]

3200 miles and the front is almost shot, and will be by the end of this trip.

The new Dunlop Roadsmart on the rear is awesome.  No chicken strips whatsoever.  Couldn't quite get rid of them with the OE rear.

Looking forward to a Roadsmart on the front too.

[Mr.Black]

22,000 miles. New chain. Front sprocket was worn enough to change, rear was not. I replaced them both none the less.

Runs smooth like buttah.

[ChrisZRX]

4,300 miles. Need new front.

After the twisties of Rt 50, 219, 39, 33, 60, 250 (Va and WVa) and BRP barely any chicken strips on the OE front.  Even touched the left peg down.

What a ride.