01' Bandit 1200S for me?

[TravisL]

I'd previously owned a 96' VFR and it simply wasnt all that great for a pillion rider, but I loved the bike. I've located a pristine 91' VFR with some very nice add-ons for a rather premium price of $3750, bike has staintune pipe, and corbins seat, and several other goodies w/25k. I like the 91' alot, but the wife isnt quite as excited about it......

The 01' Bandit 1200S is a one owner w/ 8100 miles on it, corbin seat AND backrest, brand new sportmax tires, and otherwise is stock, silver in color.

I guess, I've always been a Honda fan, and the 750 has all the power I need, but who doesnt always want more? The question in my mind is the Bandit really a nice bike, it sure is cheap at $3300 being 1/3 miles and 10yrs newer. I'm not going to do any track time, just spirited twisties and some light touring/commuting time. Is the bandit a smooth bike? I've never ridden one, nor even a suzuki for that matter.....needing votes and opinions on it, I know for solo riding the VFR would make me happy, but perhaps the B12S is a better bike for me?  My biggest concern on what I've ready is vibrations, I dont want parts of my body going numb.  I figure both being ST bikes, I've come to the right place.  I'm looking to spend less than $4000 for a decent ST bike......I live in Iowa so it's not the greatest selection and infact both of the bikes I'm looking at are withen pick-up distance, but still out of state.

Thanks for any info/advice guys!

[Mini4x]

Bandit, Great bikes, old school technology but pretty much bullet proof drive trains.  I've never ridden a VFR more than across the parking lot but I had a Gen1 bandit and with the corbin seat could ride pretty much all day.  The Corbins take awhile to mold to your backside especially a used one, but it will get more comfortable the more you ride it.

Get whichever one feels better really.

[Montyburns]

My previous bike was a 1st Gen 1200S.  I'm not the fastest rider around but it certainly went fast enough for me and I got addicted to the torque.  My wife rode pillion on several rides and it barely seemed to make a difference in the Bandit's handling and power.  I had the Corbin GF&L which was very comfortable.  

All of that being said, I've never ridden a VFR so I can't make a comparison.  

[TravisL]

In reality, I probably dont need a comparison.  I started out looking at it that way, but I guess real world accounts of the Bandit 1200S(preferably 01' up) are far more useful.  The wifey says I can get the VFR if I like, but I know she isnt looking forward to it, and she seems to be with the bandit.  I'll definately be doing alot of riding alone, and some with friends(owners of GSXR600's, one S4R, and others in time I'm sure).  I guess I need to go have another look at one, at the moment I'm not "feeling" it so much I'm sure you guys know what I mean to at least an extent.

Thanks!

[oilcan]

for more info on the bandit you can go to banditalley.com

[gritsngravy]

The bandit is a pretty good bang for the buck machine but it does lack the fit and finish of the vfr.   I just recently sold my '03 1200S bandit after three years of ownership so I will tell you my experience with the bike.   First off, some of the '01 & '02 bandits had issues with excessive smoke and oil consumption due to bad pistons.   It took a while but suzuki did repair the bikes with this issue under warranty, some owners did the work themselves while others simply dropped suzuki like a bad habit.   I think the site maximumsuzuki will actually list the vin#'s of the affected bikes.    If you want to avoid the whole issue, just go for an '03 - '05 model, they'll be very affordable, especially with the new liquid cooled bandit about to hit the market.  

My bike was pretty much trouble free but it does put out some vibes and only you can determine if it will bother you.   Despite synched carbs, valves adjusted properly and tight motor mounts my bandit always put out enough vibration to cause a LOUD resonance in the gas tank and fairing.   Not to big a deal but it made the bike sound cheap, best get a loud can to cover up the noise.   Another common issue is the starter cover gasket that leaks, just a drop or two here and there but something that needs to be addressed.  Mine began leaking at 8k miles or so, gaskets are cheap and the fix is pretty simple.  Some folks complain about the headlights, mine were ok.  

Bottom line, if you're into an old school type ride with some decent performance, you can't beat the bandit for the $$.    Coming from a vfr I think you'll like the power increase but I'm not sure if you'll be happy with a bike that developmentally is older than your vfr.  

[Jeff N]

Ya, http://www.maximum-suzuki.com/forums/index.php has an entire section devoted to the smoking issue. I've an '01 and was one of the first to get the replacement slugs. I've got over 30K miles on it and it has never had a mechanical issue that kept it off the road.

Gritsngravy is right about the buzziness. The engine itself is like any other I-4 but the bodywork has a somewhat cheap feel and the windshield will buzz against the fairing. A little bit of foam in the right places will take care of that. The headlight assembly is crap on the S model. I guess the vibration causes something inside the assembly to slowly disintegrate and the dust settles on the lens cover, further diminishing an already weak system. There is a fix, but it involves a heat gun and complete disassembly of the headlight unit. Probably takes a full afternoon if you handy, and all day if you've hands of stone. I try not to ride at night, so  :shrug Tail light bulbs can take a beating, too. It pays to keep the thing in smart tune.

As for two-up riding? My wife can tolerate no more than 30 minutes before her knees give out. While I sit in upright comfort, she's hunched over with her knees tightly bent. She's 5'7" BTW. Don't know if the VFR is similar.

The Bandit is a fine bike, however. If you like to do your own maintenance it's the bike for you. Valve adjustments are easy (get rid of the PAIR device if the bike has one) and hop-up parts are everywhere. The motor's based on the old GSXR 1100. The oil/air cooled GSXR series is like the small block Chevy of the bike world so whatever you desire for a performance upgrade is out there.

[The Shepherd]

I really liked my 1st gen Bandit, gobs of power when you wanted it and was a comfortable steed for solo riding.

The main reason I got rid of it was that the girlfriend couldn't ride on it for long distances. We both ended up uncomfortable. I had a Corbin on the beast and with both of us on it I had my nuts on the horn of the seat and she was generally uncomfortable. We were sandwiched right together. I'm fairly tall and could lose a bit of weight, she's 4'11 and average sized. The Bandit didn't cut it as a day long touring bike for both of us.

 

[Baz]

Buzzy, but fast as lightning, and bullet proof. Not a bike around that does eveything so well for the price.

I rode one for 4 years & 39,000 km. I just replaced it with a FJR which cost twice as much as I paid for the Bandit new. I just hope I have as much fun on it, as I did with the Bandit.

Sniff, sniff.....

[Slonishku]

I'm happy with my '97 Bandit. I've had it for 4 years. My mods (mostly within the last year) include heated grips, an MSR windscreent, GPS mount, Hella FF50 day-makers, GIVI hardbags, a cigarette lighter socket (for radar, cell phone, or whatever), engine guards. I've done 2 1000+ mile days on it, and it worked great, even bone stock. I tried the 2-up Corbin. Hated it, and sold it on e-Bay for $50 more than I paid for it. My GF and I have done 3 or 4 500 mile days on it, and we were fine. The first 100+ mile day was all it took to work out a few kinks, mostly in riding gear.

It's got great a super-macho alternator that can handle a heck of a lot of farkling. Easy maintenance, poor stock headlight output. Bulletproof Gixxer legacy engine. Rear suspension could be better, but works for me. It can be buzzy in certain RMP ranges.

I did notice that on the 2 1000+ mile days, both of which contained over 700 miles of at least moderately twisty roads, I was better off than the guys on FJRs, ST1100s, etc because the Bandit was just less fatiguing to flick around over that much time. I would like a tish more wind protection and a smidge more fuel range. Other than that, it's great.

I will probably add a used FJR, ST13, or similar Beemer to my stable in the nearish future. If I do, I'll likely keep the Bandit or trade it towards a really good used 600 super speedy. But I'm in no hurry. I really like Mi Bandito.

Near Big Sur on Pacific Coast Highway:

[Hardware]

I had a '99 1200S Bandit.  Awesome bike.  Reliable and strong as hell.  Minor vibrations in the bars but switching to slightly padded gloves cured that.  I once did a 19 hour non-stop (well, gassed up every hour or so) run on it and felt good.

Females that rode pillion all liked it - that bike got me more trim than if I'd owned a Ferrari.  Current spouse is tall (5'10") and she was comfortable enough on it.

Probably the best bang for the buck bike ever built - unless someone's giving away free litre sized sportbikes somewhere...

The torque on a B12 can be additive.  Notice I replaced my Bandit with a Hayabusa.

I rode a VFR some - actually thought it felt fairly similar to my Bandit around town - on the open road it becomes the Bandit's cheerleader though......step to the sidelines Princess and look good while the big dog runs!

Oddly enough the Bandit slips under the radar for insurance companies (in some areas) and it's regarded as a standard or touring bike whereas they hit the VFR hard because it's thought of as a sportbike...

A friend owned one (the VFR I rode) and maintenance always cost way more (the dealership charged him about an hour of labour just to remove the bodywork before starting any actual work on the engine).  The V-four can be more time consuming for general maintenance as well (in comparison with a naked I-4 engine) - or so I was told.

Both bikes are well proven and should serve you well though.  Go with what stirs you.

[cbsnbiker]

One thing to ascertain before putting your money down on either bike: how comfortable is your wife on the back? It would be a shame to buy the Bandit with the intent of making her more comfortable on the back, then find out that she doesn't like it.

If you can, take her for test rides with her on the back. If not, at least have her sit on the back, and give you her impressions.

Best wishes.

[meanstrk]

The Bandit is an awesome bike solo, but my wife's knees could not take the rear, so she bought me the Aprilia. I just sold the Bandit last week and bought myself the CBR for track days.

[sok61]

I have an 01 Bandit 1200 (fast Silver color).  The VIN is in the oil burner range,  but it doesn't burn oil - I got lucky.  I've done all maintenance myself - adjust valves, sync'd carbs, replaced clutch/brake fluids, etc.  I think it runs pretty smooth,  but I don't have a great reference for comparison.  I have let other people ride it and they comment on how smooth it runs.  It has gobs of power everywhere.  The only issue I've had was a stuck needle valve which caused a carb to flood;  which was a pretty easy fix.  I have it set up for touring with Givi bags and it works great.  As with the other replys,  the Bandit is just a great all around bike.

[MinnGreenGT]

I picked up an '01 Bandit 1200S last year.  I had been riding an '89 Kat 750 (w/Corbin), so it was an interesting "upgrade".

For the first time ever, my initial test ride of the bike included my wife riding Pillion... I had to stop 1/2 way through my ride and drop her off so I could get a feel for the bike myself!  I was a bit unsure (about the cost of the bike, over my paid-for Kat), but was "sold" on it when my wife talked about how much more she enjoyed the riding position & feel of the bike herself!  (she's 5'4" - and can ride pretty comfortably for quite awhile... and she's got her own bike for the rest of the time ).

So yeah - my bike came from the original owner with a slew of HoleShot performance upgrades (full exhaust, jets, etc) - and can really scoot when you get into it.  I have only occasionally noticed the buzziness that others have described, and do find the headlights to be a touch "weak" (mostly if I'm not as familiar with the roads).  It also came with a set of Givi hardbags - which are indespensible on longer trips - and I have since added a set of aftermarket lower fairings.



I really love the Bandit - and don't see myself trading up until I can afford a newer-style Triumph Sprint ST!

[madgsf]

I've had a 2001 1200s since new, it also is in the VIN range to be a burner but it doesn't.  I will say that it wants the oil level to be in the middle of the site glass, if you fill it up it will use oil until it's back in the middle then it stops.  I have done almost all the maintenance on it and agree that it's very easy to work on.  Only took it on a long trip once to the Ozarks when it was stock.  Enjoyed myself but with the stock seat and windshield I was in pain by the time I got home.

I have the usual jet kit and slip-on mods but also had the forks reworked by Race-Tech and put a Fox-TC on it which made a huge difference in the handling.  It does vibrate in the 4-5K rpm range but adding a bar-snake and keeping it turned took care of that problem.  I also have people comment on how smooth it is when they ride it.

My wife is 5' and complains that the pegs are too high for her.  I think pillion comfort is going to be a personal taste thing.  I do enjoy riding it but after 5 years am thinking of selling it for the new Tiger 1050.  That won't be any better for my wife but I sure enjoyed the test ride I had on it!

[RowdyRed94]

It's all been said. I really like mine, and I haven't had the buzz problem. See here for my Bandit page, and here for my Hella headlights page.

[Red01]

I have an 01 Bandit 1200 (fast Silver color).  The VIN is in the oil burner range,  but it doesn't burn oil - I got lucky...    
...As with the other replys,  the Bandit is just a great all around bike.

Same here (except faster Red color   ).



Since ALL '01's are in the VIN range of the possible oil consumption issue, of course mine's in there, too. I wouldn't so much say sok61 got lucky as I would say those that had the problem were unlucky. (Hopefully they've all been fixed by now.)

There's some arguement over just how bad the problem was, but from what I've seen of the percentage of complaints from the Bandit forums since the '01 was introduced and the non-scientific surveys performed there, I'd venture the problem was ~20% +/-10%. Certainly enough to qualify as an issue though. It was also a black eye on Suzuki for their slow response to correct it, both for owners and in the production line. (It wasn't fixed until mid-way through the '02 model run.)

If you like the B12 and want to be certain you won't have to deal with the issue, buy an '03 or newer.  Otherwise, check the spark plugs and exhaust for signs of oil if you're looking at a '01 or '02.

[ToadRide]

So, here's my story. Last summer I was headed over to the Triumph dealer to pick up my new Tiger when, for the first time I took it out for a test drive. Except for the height problem (5'9" here) the bike was comfortable and handled well. And it was a georgous bike. but that's where it stopped. The exhaust note was barely audable. All you heard was the whirr of gears. It sounded like the Jetsons. And the wind buffeting at highway speed was like having a hurricane in your ears. Unimpressed, I rode back in to try out a Bandit parked next to it. Pure luxury. Handling, power, comfort and looks. I was smitten. A lot less bells and whistles but a streeters dream. Having previously owned a streeted GSXR with that great looking engine exposed, this model had everything I always loved. Granted five gears instead of six but I can live with that. You can get that with the 07 model but they watercooled the engine, did away with the great black finned one and it just doesn't shake my tree. I bought the 06 B12 and saved 6000 bucks! It could be the last bike I ever own. I added a 2 Bros can and a stage 1 Ivans' and that's probably all I'll do. I now own one fast sport tourer. Lol.