2007 Bandit 1250S - Reborn

[gritsngravy]

 

Pretty nice write up.   It seems Suzuki has addressed many if not all complaints about the previous generation Bandits.   It's now smoother, handles better and contrary to popular belief has changed more than it looks.  Read:  

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1&xml=/motoring/2007/02/03/nosplit/mfbikesuz03.xml

[Jetpilot5]

Thanks!  I've been looking for some tests on that bike.  

[Stormer]

Thanks!  I've been looking for some tests on that bike.  

Me Too!!!
Thank's again my friend.

[MinnGreenGT]

Nice review!    I just saw the new model at the Chicago cycle show, but it was sitting oddly in the middle of the display without any fanfare or markings whatsoever... I nearly missed it at first!

[gritsngravy]

As much as I appreciate standard type machinery I've been lured into the wicked world of ss bikes.   This thing is gonna be different.

[xsrider]

Thanks for posting the link.  The review sounds good.  I saw the 1250 Bandit at the San Mateo Motorcycle show and really liked it.  I am seriously considering the 1250 Bandit ABS as my next bike.

[Jeff N]

Thanks for the link. It's nice to read that Suzuki have finally updated the old girl. I've a 2001 B12S with warranteed pistons (I probably got one of the very first corrections thanks to a caring Suzuki service manager who went to the Vegas Dealer's convention and confronted Suzuki with the smoking problem), upgraded front end (Progressive suspension springs, 3/4" shimming, and tubes raised 10mm in the yokes), and steel braided lines for the front brakes. I love the bike. Doubt I'd upgrade to the new 1250 because of what I've got now. Next bike will be something completely different because, yanno, variety is the spice of life.

[sweeney todd]

Changed my view on this one.  The new motor is apparently considerably stronger in mid range over the old machine (itself no slouch in that area), has a slightly longer swinging arm and handles better.  Most importantly it's gonna list at only £250 more than the old girl here in the UK which will still make it much cheaper than the CBFthou, another good bike in the same vein that stole the old girls thunder.

[Baz]

Changed my view on this one.  The new motor is apparently considerably stronger in mid range over the old machine (itself no slouch in that area), has a slightly longer swinging arm and handles better.  Most importantly it's gonna list at only £250 more than the old girl here in the UK which will still make it much cheaper than the CBFthou, another good bike in the same vein that stole the old girls thunder.

It is growing on me also. I was disapointed when it first came out as I thought Suzuki could have done better (and they could have). The new Bandito is ok, but I don't know if I would buy one. In Canada here they are retailing over 10 grand, which places you very close to many much more modern bikes.

[JamesG]

I wonder if Corbin's previous Generation Bandit Beetle Bags will fit on this new one?

As overweight and under suspended as this new bandito is, I'm thinkin' about it...

[sgoat]

Today, my best friend of 40 years just traded in his FZ-6 on a brand new 1250 Bandit. It came in Tues. and they rolled it out on the floor this a.m. He was there 2 hours after they opened, took it for a test ride, and bought it on the spot. He picks it up tomorrow and I'm sure won't sleep well tonite! We went to the Cycle World show in Phoenix last November and he saw it there. It was love at first sight. It's been a long wait for him but I told him that I waited longer than that for my first (03') FJR. Made him feel better..........

[JamesG]

Cool.  If they have them in New Mexico now, they should get to Georgia sometime next...

[CLAY]

Pretty big write-up in "Motorcyclist" rag that just came in the mail.  They seem very impressed.

[Thor]

79 ft lbs at 3,500 rpms!  Six gears!  Wow, someone is making a real world bike that isn't an anemic piece of crap or a high maintenance nightmare!

[ToadRide]

Wonder if those six gears will fit into my five gear housing. Like the stats. Just don't like the look. On the motor, I mean. The body is pretty well identical to mine.

[Fudge]

Looks like a modern FJ, I like it.

[JamesG]

Wonder if those six gears will fit into my five gear housing. Like the stats. Just don't like the look. On the motor, I mean. The body is pretty well identical to mine.

No the engine cases are completely different.

[Bubwheat]

Called Chicago Cycle yesterday, they don't have any in stock and didn't know when the first one will be there. Which sucks BTW.  

[CLAY]

I was at the local dealer in Grand Rapids, MI yesterday.  1 on the floor (black), 2 more in stock at the wharehouse.  Treads and Sleds, Grand Rapids, MI.

[MadMax96]

The article in Motorcyclist was only a "first ride" so it was kind of on the weak side...  the road test wasn't even on our shores judging by the Euro looking license plate.

The new Bandit seems like a great bike.  Better enough for me to consider trading my current one in?  Nope.  The fuel injection and ABS isn't a huge deal for me, but I do like the idea of a sixth gear.  The torque spec is very impressive - but I wish it had a little more in the hp department.  

Not sure if I could drop $8k on one though..  I could spend around $5k or less and pick up a clean ZRX1200.  It's a nice bike, but doesn't have that "gotta have it" factor.