Never Hear Much About Suzuki 1250 Bandit

[Fun Dog]

When Suzuki revamped their Bandit from 1200 to 1250 and re-tuned the engine for more torque, I figured it would be a big hit.  It was said to have 80 ft./lbs. of torque down around 3000 rpm or something like that, and about 100 hp.  Perfect, I thought.

But I never hear anything about it.  Nobody ever writes in about the new Bandit (well 2 or 3 years old now).  Either people are buying them and not talking about them or Bandit sales have gone to hell.

Anybody out there got a newish Bandit 1250?  What's it like?

[Dans 650r]

I bought my new 08 1250AE back in August and love it. Took it to Deal's Gap with my wife. I have the Suzuki/Givi trunk and some fabric bags. It has a lot of power and handles great. It is very smooth at speed and quiet. I need to upgrade the seat, and maybe the windscreen. I have a little over 2k miles on it and the rear tire is just about gone. I am planning a trip to Asheville now, so I am shopping for a new tire. This is my second bike, and a huge jump from the Ninja 650r.

[Mr.Black]

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?action=search2;params=c2VhcmNofCd8YmFuZGl0IDEyNTB8InxhZHZhbmNlZHwnfDB8InxtYXRjaF9tb2RlfCd8c21hcnR8InxicmR8J3w1MCwzNywyLDEyLDYyLDUsNCw1MiwzLDEzLDU1LDU4LDU0LDE2LDE3LDE4LDE5LDQzLDIwLDIyLDQxLDIzLDI0LDI1LDI2LDQ5LDgsOSwxMCwyMSwyNywyOCwyOSwzMCwzMSwzNCwzNSwzNiw2LDQ2LDQ3LDQ0LDMyfCJ8c2hvd19jb21wbGV0ZXwnfHwifHN1YmplY3Rfb25seXwnfHwifHNvcnR8J3xyZWxldmFuY2V8Inxzb3J0X2RpcnwnfGRlc2M=

[chornbe]

This "Let me google that for you" moment brought to you by the letter "A" and the number "4".  

[Mr.Black]

This "Let me google that for you" moment brought to you by the letter "A" and the number "4".  

What did you say your name was?


HAH!!

You dont even know anymore!!!

[fotomoto]

I had a 98 1200S and IIRC it made about 72 ft/lbs along with the same 100hp so the new one isn't much of change in the motor department except for getting more complex with water cooling and fuel infection.  It's a good all around bike, VERY comfy, and able to eat up long distances with aplomb but in the end for me it was a "soulless" character bike and wasn't confidence inspiring once the pace got seriously elevated (say at about 7-8 tenths).  I'm sure the latest 3rd gen is much better in the latter aspect.

[Fun Dog]

I bought my new 08 1250AE back in August and love it. Took it to Deal's Gap with my wife. I have the Suzuki/Givi trunk and some fabric bags. It has a lot of power and handles great. It is very smooth at speed and quiet. I need to upgrade the seat, and maybe the windscreen. I have a little over 2k miles on it and the rear tire is just about gone. I am planning a trip to Asheville now, so I am shopping for a new tire. This is my second bike, and a huge jump from the Ninja 650r.

I figured the seat was a little hard.  Seems nobody ever gets that right.  But the windscreen isn't good enough?

[Dans 650r]

It is ok, no buffeting at high speeds. The problem I have is the wind hits right about the the bottom of my helmet, and riding in 30-40deg weather is a little cold. I wouldn't mind a little higher for some longer rides. I need to get the seat to spencer to have him fix it for me.

[Zerosum]

When Suzuki revamped their Bandit from 1200 to 1250 and re-tuned the engine for more torque, I figured it would be a big hit.  It was said to have 80 ft./lbs. of torque down around 3000 rpm or something like that, and about 100 hp.  Perfect, I thought.

But I never hear anything about it.  Nobody ever writes in about the new Bandit (well 2 or 3 years old now).  Either people are buying them and not talking about them or Bandit sales have gone to hell.

Anybody out there got a newish Bandit 1250?  What's it like?

Suzuki offers test rides of it, if you can catch up with their corporate truck at a cycle show.  I test rode one at the Carlisle PA show this past July.  Man that bike was a hoot.  Power wheelies in every gear.  It felt very light and easy-to-ride, too.  I just hopped on and rode the thing, there wasn't much need to "get to know" the bike.  Gobs of torque, very linear power output.  The power band is so wide that shifting feels like it's optional.  In short, my kind of bike.  I plan to get one one day.

The only really downside is that there isn't much wind protection.  And it's a bit of a gas hog, I think it gets 31 mpg.

[Mr.Black]

OK I've had my fun. I ride an 08. Its incredible. The drawbacks are,

The seat is a bit rough, Im putting a bead seat cover for the ride to W.Va. we'll see how that works.

The wind screen is inadequete. The fix will be delivered soon;
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1782/354/
Ive heard great things about it.

The bars could be opened up a bit. The angle inward is a bit awkward on my wrists. Easy fix. Different angle bars.

The only big add on was SW Motec crash bars with highway pegs, also from Twisted Throttle.



And the SW Motech Topcase mount for a Coocase topcase.



It is a great machine. I agree with all the positive feedback so far.

Oh and the mileage is steady at 40 mpg.

[Fun Dog]

The bars could be opened up a bit. The angle inward is a bit awkward on my wrists. Easy fix. Different angle bars.

It is a great machine. I agree with all the positive feedback so far.

Oh and the mileage is steady at 40 mpg.

That's the first time I've heard somebody complain about something that I actually have an issue with on my bike:  the handlebars are a little to far angled in.  It would be nice if they were opened up a bit.

40 mpg?  That's great.  Might be my next bike.

[markog]

i have an 09, wind protection could be better, mirrors are kind of narrow for a fat boy, but smooth is it's middle name. i love it

marko

[Mr.Black]

Dale Walker at Holeshot.com has extenders for the mirrors. They push them out an inch, making them useable.

[Big D]

I rode Dales Holeshot Stage 2 1250. It was making close to 120 hp, and 90 something ft-lbs(iirc) Very smooth, very comfortable, awesome low end torque, and steady turbine like thrust with OK top end. It felt more like my ZX than my first gen Bandits.

The major complaints from most people are, seat, bars, and wind protection. All fairly easily fixable. Great bike, either for sport touring, general use, or hooliganism. I was very interested, but got the ZX instead.

[Ves]

Lovin mine.  Replaced the bars with some dirt bars, have a taller shield for colder weather, did a bit of a recontour on the seat, and I also have the mirror extenders.  It's a great all around bike.  

[Dans 650r]

Ves, did you do your seat or did you have someone else do it? I like the way that it looks, I bet it is much more comfortable.
Here is a couple of mine loaded up and ready to go.

[MadMax96]

When Suzuki revamped their Bandit from 1200 to 1250 and re-tuned the engine for more torque, I figured it would be a big hit.  It was said to have 80 ft./lbs. of torque down around 3000 rpm or something like that, and about 100 hp.  Perfect, I thought.

But I never hear anything about it.  Nobody ever writes in about the new Bandit (well 2 or 3 years old now).  Either people are buying them and not talking about them or Bandit sales have gone to hell.

Anybody out there got a newish Bandit 1250?  What's it like?

The new Bandit is nothing special.  As a 1st gen Bandit owner, I was really hoping for something more than just water cooling and FI.  Those features are nice and I'd like to have them, but it's not enough for me to trade up - especially when the specs on the engine aren't much better.  Sure, the torque comes into play even sooner, but the air/oil-cooled plant was no slouch either.  I remember sitting on the 1250 at the bike show when it came out - "yup, feels like a Bandit alright!"  

As far as sales going to hell - well they were pretty much that way when the thing came out.  Again - not enough for people to take notice and buy the bike like crazy.  Before the bike came out in Spring 07 my dealer was willing to knock over a grand off the price if you had made the deal that winter.  He didn't even have his hands on one yet but he knew it would be a slow seller.  A majority of buyers want cruisers or sportbikes - so that's what they stock.

Bandit owners know how capable and versitile these bikes are - but for someone who isn't aware of how great this bike is doesn't really take notice.  It just kinda blends into the background unfortunately.   That being said - there are a lot of low mileage used ones for a great price!

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Bandit 1250 in any way - just don't buy it to win any popularity contests!  

[Fun Dog]

Thanks for the summary Matt.  I figured you can't go wrong with a Bandit.

[zeakers]

I had an '07 Bandit. Bought it used in Dec 08 and sold it in Nov '09. It is a nice bike but wasn't the one for me. As others have stated, the seat is rock hard and the wind protection in minimal. I did upgrade the windscreen resolving the issue. Bike felt to cramped for my fat ass so I traded in for something bigger. Otherwise, it is very easy to mod and make it to your liking and a ton of fun. Just wasn't for me....

[rapuckett]

I got my 07 this past July with 2800 miles on it.  It is now approaching 11,000 miles.  I've ridden 4 days of 500+ miles (not in a row).  

For reference, I'm 6'5", 260lbs.  

The stock shield had nice clean air hit me in the chest.  I put on a ZG Sport Touring shield.  The wind now hits me in the helmet, with air that is not as clean, but not bad.  I had the seat in its taller position for most of the miles on it.  I recently lowered the rear portion and it made a major improvement.  Very comfy.  The seat flexes a little and may fatigue early.  I plan on shaving some of the rear seat stops (the hight postion) to help support it to keep it from flexing.

Man I love this bike.  Runs smooth, has plenty of power.  I don't have any experience on any of the super bikes, so I can't compare.  But it gets me around fine.

This thing power wheelies easily, but is very controllable.     Very easy to bring it down nice and soft.  

My biggest complaint is hitting bumps in corners.  Maybe I need to setup the suspension better.

Ralph

[Fun Dog]

I got my 07 this past July with 2800 miles on it.  It is now approaching 11,000 miles.  I've ridden 4 days of 500+ miles (not in a row).  

For reference, I'm 6'5", 260lbs.  

My biggest complaint is hitting bumps in corners.  Maybe I need to setup the suspension better.

Ralph

Interesting, as I'm 6'6", 240lbs.  I sat on one at a bike show here in Atlanta the year they came out and remember just barely getting my legs under the contours on the gas tank.  Are your legs cramped?

[rapuckett]

Interesting, as I'm 6'6", 240lbs.  I sat on one at a bike show here in Atlanta the year they came out and remember just barely getting my legs under the contours on the gas tank.  Are your legs cramped?

No problems fitting knees in the contours of the tank.  I don't feel cramped at all. In fact, I have more leg room than my 95 BMW R1100R did, and that was before I raised the seat. I do, however have to let my legs hang every now and then on long rides. No biggie though.

Ralph

[Ves]

Ves, did you do your seat or did you have someone else do it? I like the way that it looks, I bet it is much more comfortable.
...

Yup, did my own... first one I did was on my R1150R  http://www.vesware.com/R1150RSeat/RealManSeatR1150R.htm

Did basically the same thing on the Bandit, slightly different approach: http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=12063.msg96270#msg96270

Bottom line is the seat has a curve, so it makes you slide forward.  I cut it flat starting from the front and then added a layer of foam, making up evenly for the inch I lost in back and also making it wider at the same time.  Because of the type of foam I used it doesn't look as good as the 1150R I did, but it's much more comfortable.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I miss my old 00' 1200S Bandit she was a damn fine bike  

[MCRyder]

When Suzuki revamped their Bandit from 1200 to 1250 and re-tuned the engine for more torque, I figured it would be a big hit.  It was said to have 80 ft./lbs. of torque down around 3000 rpm or something like that, and about 100 hp.  Perfect, I thought.

But I never hear anything about it.  Nobody ever writes in about the new Bandit (well 2 or 3 years old now).  Either people are buying them and not talking about them or Bandit sales have gone to hell.

Anybody out there got a newish Bandit 1250?  What's it like?

If you want feedback on the 1250, here's the mega thread on the model:

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17255&highlight=Suzuki+Bandit+1250

Over 6K posts and rising  

I picked up my '08 ABS last year.  The dealer had it priced way below MSRP and it fit the bill of what I was looking for in a 2nd bike.  Good power, ABS, two-up capability, and a local dealership for service/parts.

I didn't intend to use it for touring, I have my '03 Sprint ST for that.  But last year I decided to use it for a trip to Wyoming and South Dakota.  3300 miles in 7 days, including a couple of 600+ mile days.  My best fuel mileage was 47MPG on the interstate at 75mph, and it did well as a LD tourer.   I installed a Zero Gravity ST Windscreen before the trip, which helped with wind blast at my 5-9 height.  Also a Givi topcase and rack, which bolted right up.  The seat gets a little hard after a long riding day, but not the worst I've dealt with.

Also used it on a trip to North Central Arkansas in October.  I pushed it hard on Push Mtn and it performed well, it's no sportbike but is stable and capable.  The torque is great in the tight stuff, just keep it in the meat of the powerband and it gives some awesome thrust.  That's proabably the best way to ride this bike thru the curvy stuff.  Take a stable line/speed on the entrance and use the motor's torque to strongly accelerate through.

There's a pretty good aftermarket for the 1250.  Holeshot http://holeshot.com/ offers some great suspension and exhaust upgrades.

[Canuck]

I have the 08 1250 SAE, the sport-touring model that comes with factory hard bags, trunk and lower fairing, plus ABS. I like it more the longer I have it. I did a few ST upgrades: heated grips, MRA Vario windscreen, Spencer seat mod, V-Strom handguards. I've done quite a few trips on it, including one three week trip, and it works great as a ST bike. It really is a great bike for the price, and I'm definitely keeping it for a few more years.

[Mr.Black]

What is a "Spencer seat mod ". The last thing I need to do is something to the seat. I've done every thing thAt you have done but that

[mwt]

http://greatdaytoride.com/Seat_Mod_Pics.php

[Canuck]

http://greatdaytoride.com/Seat_Mod_Pics.php

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Spencer's, and I've read glowing reports many times on different sites. He's fast, professional, cheap and the modification really works. If you are just doing the driver section of the seat, it is only $75.

[Stever]

Hello: I have an '07 1250abs  and for the money you can't beat it. It has big torque right off idle and is so easy to ride. It will cruise at any speed that you can stand. The motor is far forward and the front wheel feels planted. I get about 45mpg. I didn't want a bike in the 650 # class like an FJr, c14 or st1300, they were also much more expensive. A Sprint ST was a lot of fun but the front end was light and it fried you with the heat under the seat and was $4k more. I can't think of any other bike out there that compares. Maybe a R1200RT BMW for $20k. Good Luck
Stever 5-10, 205

[RodeRash]

Judging by the subject lines in this Suzuki sub-forum, Bandits are about the only thing that is ever talked about.

[MadOzodi]

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Spencer's, and I've read glowing reports many times on different sites. He's fast, professional, cheap and the modification really works. If you are just doing the driver section of the seat, it is only $75.

+ LOTS!

I'm very satisfied with the modification he did to my seat, especially the price!  When he says your seat will be returned packed the same way it arrived, he ain't lyin!

[BlueRidgeKat]

I have the 08 1250 SAE, the sport-touring model that comes with factory hard bags, trunk and lower fairing, plus ABS. I like it more the longer I have it. I did a few ST upgrades: heated grips, MRA Vario windscreen, Spencer seat mod, V-Strom handguards. I've done quite a few trips on it, including one three week trip, and it works great as a ST bike. It really is a great bike for the price, and I'm definitely keeping it for a few more years.

I would very much like to see a picture of the Bandit with the V-Strom handguards. Also what heated grips did you install?

And to anyone who knows..... does the Bandit use the cheap regular fuel or the expensive super grade ??

[Mr.Black]

I would very much like to see a picture of the Bandit with the V-Strom handguards. Also what heated grips did you install?

And to anyone who knows..... does the Bandit use the cheap regular fuel or the expensive super grade ??

I just put the MRA Vario Touring screen on, and a cheap set of heated grips. If no pics are put up, Ill put some up tomorrow.

The link is to a forum that has a lot of info. The thread has step by step instructions on installation of the DL hand guards. It is what I used to install mine.

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showpost.php?p=341173&postcount=23

Oh, regular fuel works best. It calls for 87. I thought when it was brand new I'd put super in it. As I went down through the grades it ran better.