Looking for a new 2-up sport-touring bike: should I consider a Bandit

[blackbuell]

I'm now shopping for a new 2-up sport-touring bike. Currently ride a '98 VFR, but want something a bit newer and more reliable. The bike must handle reasonably well, must be fairly comfortable for 2 folks (combined weight of only 275 pounds) plus luggage.

The weight and height of the bike are also a major consideration; I have excluded FJR's and C14's because they are just too massive and too tall for me. Is the Bandit 1250 significantly lighter? I have read that the seat is adjustable--will the low setting be acceptable for someone with a 29" inseam?

What about hard luggage? Can it be puchased from the factory?

I have heard criticisms about the wind protection--true?

I am also considering a used or a new BMW R1200RT. However, I'm not sure I want to own such a complex machine; I have always valued simplicity. Cost is not really the issue, but I am reluctant to spend $20,000 on a bike that represents a major departure from what I am accustomed to; the Bandit is similar to most bikes that I have owned in the past.

Your input is appreciated,

Jon

[Yamadavidson]

 I have an 07 1250 with the factory color matched hardbags and trunk. I have the Suzuki touring windshield on it ($70) and find it works better than stock, Im 6'2" with a 34" inseam and have the seat in the high position. I owned a 05 FJR and its about 100 lbs lighter but feels more like 200. Ive got 26k miles on it and have not had one issue with it, a really great bike and you cant beat the price.

[kewwig]

How could you not want one of these...

Torque monster supreme.  Cases on=performance tourer.  Cases off=hooligan bike.  Value for money extreme.  Hard luggage is Givi or Suzuki equivalent (side cases Givi V35s, tops Givi V46).  MRA Vario touring screen is good and eliminates buffeting from the stock screen.  Seat is adjustable for height and there's various seating options (GSX65F seat is lower and fits).

The Bandits are ultra reliable and much much cheaper than the BMW.  All sorts of bits for them - I have a Dale Walker Stage 1, Yoshimura TRS pipe and lots of other bits.  The worst thing is always wanting to farkle it (just because I can).  Simple to work on too.

I love mine....

[Mr.Black]

I love mine.

[blackbuell]

Kewwig,

Have you taken any longs rides on your Bandit with a passenger? I am curious about how the side cases and the top case affect passenger riding position and comfort.

Comments from other members are also welcome.

Thanks,

Jon

[Mr.Black]

Kewwig,

Have you taken any longs rides on your Bandit with a passenger? I am curious about how the side cases and the top case affect passenger riding position and comfort.

Comments from other members are also welcome.

Thanks,

Jon

I don't have the side bags but my daughter and I killed 200+ miles yesterday. The Top case is not an issue for her. I put a good set of pegs on a good set of crash bars (pics on request) I put my feet on the pegs and she puts hers on mine every 20 miles or so for a stretch. The seat is a rock, the windshield is not great but both are upgradeable for not a whole lot of $.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1604/363/

http://www.solomotoparts.com/product.php?productid=34795&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Froogle

 

[Yamadavidson]

Kewwig,

Have you taken any longs rides on your Bandit with a passenger? I am curious about how the side cases and the top case affect passenger riding position and comfort.

Comments from other members are also welcome.

Thanks,

Jon

         The top box with the Suzuki mounts makes it pretty tight with a passenger and my wife is thin(5'7" 120lbs)  There are kits to move it back a few inches for more room but I just use a tailpack on my rear mount and that leaves lots of room for my wife. I really dont like the look of the topbox anyway and the sidebags give me more than enough room to put all my stuff in.  My wife says this bike is more comfortable for her than my 05 FJR was which I though was strange considering how much more wind protection the FJR had but Im glad as she enjoys rides more now. Shes good for about 300 miles before shes ready to call it a day and my biggest solo day has been 685.

[Mr.Black]

The SW Motech option offers a lot more room.

[Travman101]

I'm now shopping for a new 2-up sport-touring bike. Currently ride a '98 VFR, but want something a bit newer and more reliable. The bike must handle reasonably well, must be fairly comfortable for 2 folks (combined weight of only 275 pounds) plus luggage.

The weight and height of the bike are also a major consideration; I have excluded FJR's and C14's because they are just too massive and too tall for me. Is the Bandit 1250 significantly lighter? I have read that the seat is adjustable--will the low setting be acceptable for someone with a 29" inseam?

What about hard luggage? Can it be puchased from the factory?

I have heard criticisms about the wind protection--true?

I am also considering a used or a new BMW R1200RT. However, I'm not sure I want to own such a complex machine; I have always valued simplicity. Cost is not really the issue, but I am reluctant to spend $20,000 on a bike that represents a major departure from what I am accustomed to; the Bandit is similar to most bikes that I have owned in the past.

Your input is appreciated,

Jon

Another alternative to the Bandit is the V-Strom 1000.  Will handle the 2 up touring very well.

[erda]

Another alternative to the Bandit is the V-Strom 1000.  Will handle the 2 up touring very well.

V-Strom might be a bit tall for a 29 inch inseam (had a DL650 and it was okay, but I have a 32 inch inseam). Some complain about the passenger leg room on the Bandit-can't really answer that one as wife (31 inch inseam) has only been on the back for 10 minutes. She prefers riding her Ninja 650r

[kewwig]

Kewwig,

Have you taken any longs rides on your Bandit with a passenger? I am curious about how the side cases and the top case affect passenger riding position and comfort.

Comments from other members are also welcome.

Thanks,

Jon

Not a lot as the better half has had a nasty tendency to get pregnant since I have had the Bandit (now there's a thread - owning a bandit increases your virility).  She's been comfortable on the back (as a passenger, of course) and there's no issues with luggage getting in the way.  She's 5'6" and about 130lb (unless full of baby).  I don't notice the luggage at all.  The only things is making sure that I don't forget they are on and kick them when dismounting.  I hate it when I do that!  

[Jetpilot5]

Here's trip report of a father and daughter that did a long cross country on the 1250.  It might provide some insight.

http://www.vesware.com/SouthEast6_2010/SouthEast6_2010.htm

[Baz]

Blackbuell:

I came off a 2nd gen Bandit to an FJR and here is what I can tell you.

There is no comparing 2 up comfort here. The FJR on the highway with a passenger wins hands down. The Bandit does not come close. (My wife also would agree) On highway trips I never miss my Bandit. Like comparing a Cadillac to a Toyota Corolla.

(Of course the 3rd gen Bandit is much better)

Around town the Bandit wins for fun, but remove the bags on the FJR and they are very close in nimbleness. (I don't ride my bike in town much, but would prefer a Bandit around town)

I can tell you that the FJR is a much better built, and much easier to maintain bike. I was always tinkering with the Bandit, never touch the FJR, other than oil changes.

But a Bandit is a fine bike.

[Big D]

Hmm, most people only "tinker" with their Bandits because they want to, i.e. farkles.  Change the oil, and adjust the valves now and then, and they run and run.

I'd be surprised if the FJR wasn't better for 2up, it certainly should be, but the OP said he has ruled it out so.....

The 1250 is a whole new animal. Water cooled, fuel injected, 6 speed. Smooth and extremely torquey(especially with mods). If the seating position works for you and the missus, I can't see you being disappointed with the bike itself. Tons of aftermarket options.

[Coastie3202]

I love my 02 1200S.

[phoenix]

Jon,

if I remember correctly, you had a ZZR1200 back a few years ago. How was that for 2-up?

Me, I shopped around recently for a 2-up bike. I really did not even look at the Bandit. My daughter said it was not roomy enough when we sat on one at a dealership, although I think it had a lot more to do with her feeling that it was wide open (no hardbags or backrest). My FJR has full luggage and she's accepting of it, but we have not gone out for a ride together yet. Maybe this weekend.

[CosmicCowboy]

Another alternative to the Bandit is the V-Strom 1000.  Will handle the 2 up touring very well.

Guy I ride with has 1250 Bandit, and we were comparing bikes. Bandit has a lower seat than the 'Strom. Gas mileage and gearing seemed to be pretty comparable. Only complaints he had with 2-up riding is he had to put on muffler wrap to keep his wife form melting her shoes on the stock exhaust.

[kitesurfer]

I'VE got an 07 Bandit.   It has all the farkles including full exhaust, flies out, springs and ggold valves, WP shock, hard bags and JC WHITNEY   TRUNK.   my wife is 5'4" and rode all day long with me for 5 days and never complained.  we ride with scalas so i would have knbow instantly about a problem.  I hae the holeshot corbin seat with backrest but she could tell no difference between it and the zuki gel seat.  we came off  a 2gen b1200.  this one is more 'refined' but i think the nimbleness it has over the 1200 is the $2500 in suspension mods.  it had 6k miles last march when i bought it and has 14k now.  i've changed the oil and tires.  needs nothing.  valve check at 18-20 k i'm planning.  lot's of squids ridding gixers on i95 always wanting to race.  I ALWAYS WIN

[Ga-Bandit]

Kewwig,

Have you taken any longs rides on your Bandit with a passenger? I am curious about how the side cases and the top case affect passenger riding position and comfort.

Comments from other members are also welcome.

Thanks,

Jon

I went on a daily +500 mile ride and the rider had no complaints. I have a Sargent seat.