The Bandit vs the Ninja vs the Trumpet

[scottzilla]

There is a LOT of hype/positive feedback regarding the new fully faired Ninja 1000.  
There seems to be MUCH LESS hype regarding the Suzuki GSX fully faired bike (And this one comes with standard hard luggage).
Both are straightforward, standard designs (No traction control, variable length flux capacitors and other crap) why so much love for the Ninja and not so much for the Kat?  
And the New Sprint....
According to the articles, is a fantastic bike, yet seems totally ignored by the fickle stn populace that embraced it so wholeheartedly over the years.
What gives?
3 new/revised sport touring models intended for the budget minded consumer...let's get in to this a bit more detailed, shall we?  

Revised thread title.  Katana no, Bandit yes.

[Rincewind]

The Katana and the Bandit are/were two different bikes.  

I am also puzzled why the Ninja gets most of the air-time as well.  Good question.

[TBone]

The Ninja looks sportier ( to me) and it's called Ninja - how cool is that? "Bandit" always makes me think of that '70s porn mustache on Burt Reynolds.

Personally I'd have to ride each to make a conclusion.  

[pcrdude]

This Suzuki?

GSX1250FA

[Jetpilot5]

Suzuki GSX fully faired bike (And this one comes with standard hard luggage).
Both are straightforward, standard designs (No traction control, variable length flux capacitors and other crap) why so much love for the Ninja and not so much for the Kat?  
And the New Sprint....
According to the articles, is a fantastic bike, yet seems totally ignored by the fickle stn populace that embraced it so wholeheartedly over the years.
What gives?
3 new/revised sport touring models intended for the budget minded consumer...let's get in to this a bit more detailed, shall we?  

Bags are available on the GSX1250FA but are not standard.  Of the three listed only the Triumph has the bags as standard equipment.

[Dan K]

Interesting questions.  I see the Ninja vs. Sprint, but isn't the Bandit basically a good old Bandit with plastic strapped on?  I don't think that makes it a fully faired bike.  You can do that to the FZ1 too (have to order parts from Canada).

There's a bunch of Sprint love on this forum.  James of the Pace Podcast looks to be buying one soon.

Who knows.  But I'm definitiely curious about deeper comparisons between these bikes.  Many love the Bandit.  It's cheaper than the other two, right?

- Dan

[garry]

Sat on a Sprint GT last weekend. What a pig. The days of the Sprint being a SPORT-touring bike are long gone...

Sat on a Ninja 1000 a few weeks back. Peg-to-seat is a bit tight, but otherwise seems like a fine package. That really didn't excite me to see it in the flesh.

[Jetpilot5]

Sounds like part of the problem is Suzuki hasn't done a very good job of marketing the bike.  The GSX1250FA is basically a Bandit with new bodywork but it isn't the old Bandit 1250 with lowers added.  ABS is standard and bags are available at extra cost.  Base MSRP on the GXF1250FA is $11,599 which is more than the higher spec Ninja 1000 which lists at $10,999 (ABS not available in the US).

I've recently had the chance to compare the Ninja and the Suzuki side by side and I was surprised to find out that I think the Suzuki would be a better bike for me.  Seems a bit bigger with better weather protection, a lot more fairing compared to the Ninja.  Whether it's worth the money is up to the buyer.

Suzuki GSX1250FA

[county]

Well, none of those bikes are really heavy enough to qualify as real sport tourers....I don't think any of them come in over 600 pounds dry...

[scottzilla]

Sounds like part of the problem is Suzuki hasn't done a very good job of marketing the bike.  The GSX1250FA is basically a Bandit with new bodywork but it isn't the old Bandit 1250 with lowers added.  ABS is standard and bags are available at extra cost.  Base MSRP on the GXF1250FA is $11,599 which is more than the higher spec Ninja 1000 which lists at $10,999 (ABS not available in the US).

I've recently had the chance to compare the Ninja and the Suzuki side by side and I was surprised to find out that I think the Suzuki would be a better bike for me.  Seems a bit bigger with better weather protection, a lot more fairing compared to the Ninja.  Whether it's worth the money is up to the buyer.

Suzuki GSX1250FA

This is why I'm asking.  The Bandit is a crowd favorite, its logical a failed version would therefore be a hit.

[scottzilla]

Sat on a Sprint GT last weekend. What a pig. The days of the Sprint being a SPORT-touring bike are long gone...

Sat on a Ninja 1000 a few weeks back. Peg-to-seat is a bit tight, but otherwise seems like a fine package. That really didn't excite me to see it in the flesh.

All of the reviews indicate triumph failed at taking the sport out of the bike.  It's a great handling bike.

[swimmer]

The suzuki looks old, cheap and outdated.  Not much more complicated than that as to why the kawasaki seems more popular.

[Bryan217]

Marketing probably does have a lot to do with it. I've seen ads galore forth Ninja, but none for the Suzuki. Another point, as mentioned, is sexiness. With all new bodywork and nice bold colors, the Kawi looks great. The Suzuki on the other hand looks plain and dated. I looked for the Suzy at the NYC show, but they didn't have it. Again with the lack of marketing. None of this is to say it's a bad bike, but it's too low key. I'd love to see it and read more reviews on it.

As for the Sprint, IMO it's not in the same class. It's closer to the Connie and FJR. Again, not to say it's a bad bike, but I don't think it's comparable to the the other two.

[vulcanbill]

This is why I'm asking.  The Bandit is a crowd favorite, its logical a failed version would therefore be a hit.

Best spelling error ever.

[rgbeard]

The Ninja looks sportier ( to me) and it's called Ninja - how cool is that? "Bandit" always makes me think of that '70s porn mustache on Burt Reynolds.

Personally I'd have to ride each to make a conclusion.  

How do you do a ride-report about a moustache-ride??  Do you include photos??

[JSharp]

The suzuki looks old, cheap and outdated.  Not much more complicated than that as to why the kawasaki seems more popular.

The Kawasaki makes about 30 more HP and weighs 60+ lbs less. Those are numbers that people notice.

[JSharp]

Well, none of those bikes are really heavy enough to qualify as real sport tourers....I don't think any of them come in over 600 pounds dry...

 

[nomagnashn]

I really want to love the new Suzuki but only 96hp out of a 1250cc motor is really disappointing.  I would expect a motor that size to easily put out around 120hp.  I'm no power junky (I moved from a ZZR1200 to a Sprint ST) but it just sounds like this motor MUST be detuned to put out that little horsepower for its size.

[BrookR1]

I can't believe a Bandit retails for over $11k. Wasn't it designed to be cheap but fun?

[TBone]

How do you do a ride-report about a moustache-ride??  Do you include photos??

That would have to posted in Off Topic.  

[scottzilla]

Best spelling error ever.

Ha.  Yeah, thats the beauty of posting with your penis using Tapatalk.

[Jetpilot5]

I agree the power and weight numbers don't look good on the GSX spec sheet but I've test ridden the Bandit 1250 twice (same engine) and it's a really nice powerplant.  Peak torque at just 3700rpm, just twist the throttle and the bike squirts forward, no revving required.  Roll on times are respectable too.  That said, Holeshot Performance has been able to get another 20 - 30 horsepower out if it without doing a whole bunch of tuning.  It might help Suzuki if they would do that on their own.

No getting past the weight.  The Ninja feels a whole bunch lighter just picking it up off the side stand.

[vulcanbill]

I can't believe a Bandit retails for over $11k. Wasn't it designed to be cheap but fun?

I guess I don't understand that either.  I'm not sure why anyone would even consider this bike when you can buy 1250s all day long for 5 grand and get bags and lowers on them for another grand and change.  Is the fancy headlight and dash worth the other 5 grand?  Me thinks notsomuch.  I've not ridden a 1250 or the other bikes but the Sprint GT sits just like my 955 ST did.  I would think the GT would at least warrant some higher bars.  Meh.  

For the money, I'd be hard pressed to not buy the red 07 in the for sale section here and put a set of lowers on it and call it done.  I know about the Bandit motor and find it perfectly satisfying.  

[chesthing]

I've ridden my neighbors B1250 a couple times, this engine rocks. The '08 C14 I recently rode was a complete turd until 6k rpm. What is that, a 35 peak hp difference between those two? I'd take the B1250's engine anyday. My sold VFR800 made 98 peak hp at like 12k rpm, my Ducati ST2 makes 72 peak hp at 6k rpm. Guess which engine I feel is stronger in the canyons? the ST2 by far. Top speed runs and quarter mile times don't mean anything to me. Peak hp numbers may sell bikes, but don't really mean shit in the real world.

[Squareman357]

I've ridden my neighbors B1250 a couple times, this engine rocks. The '08 C14 I recently rode was a complete turd until 6k rpm. What is that, a 35 peak hp difference between those two? I'd take the B1250's engine anyday. My sold VFR800 made 98 peak hp at like 12k rpm, my Ducati ST2 makes 72 peak hp at 6k rpm. Guess which engine I feel is stronger in the canyons? the ST2 by far. Top speed runs and quarter mile times don't mean anything to me. Peak hp numbers may sell bikes, but don't really mean shit in the real world.

Ride a C14 with the secondary butterfly valves removed and I'd bet a paycheck you'd change your tune.  I don't know why Kawi neutered the ZX and C-14s so much under 5 grand.  Pull the flies and it's a different bike altogether.

[peacemaker24]

We've got sort of a Goldilocks thing going here.  The Bandit's overpriced, underpowered, and overweight.  The Sprint, although it handles nicely, has ergos way too close to those of a repliracer to have ever been considered for a factory ST bike.  I test rode one when it came out, and it wasn't any more comfortable than my CBR 600 w/ genmars.  And, it doesn't feel like it's got anything near liter-bike class power.  Triumph seriously needs to get the guys who tuned the Daytona to have a look at that thing.  

The Ninja, however, seems to be right on in so many ways.  Right power to weight, right price, just right.  Oh, and they're advertising the living hell out of it.  That's likely to help.  

[calgaryjay]

Here's the thing about Bandits. They are a great balance of do everything well. I have had mine for about a year. I bought it used with low mileage for $7k. As a sport tourer it has enough fairing to keep you semi protected, yet not too too much tupperware so you feel like you are out of the wind. The motor has tons of low end grunt and a very smooth power curve. With all that torque, down shifts are rarely needed to add speed. I have spent 7 hour days in the saddle and been on the track knee dragging the next day. I have not been on the Ninja, but with the availability of parts, ease of maintenance, and incredible reliability of the Bandit, and older models available for great prices, I have not found a better allarounder.

[drbenjamin]

 The Sprint, although it handles nicely, has ergos way too close to those of a repliracer to have ever been considered for a factory ST bike.  I test rode one when it came out, and it wasn't any more comfortable than my CBR 600 w/ genmars.  And, it doesn't feel like it's got anything near liter-bike class power.  Triumph seriously needs to get the guys who tuned the Daytona to have a look at that thing.

One of the nice things about having so many bikes in this class is that the odds are better that you'll find a bike that matches your own particular preferences. I have a Sprint GT and am totally happy with the bike. I wanted a sporty bike for the 80% of my riding that is solo, sort trips. The ergos don't bother me at all. My long trips are almost always two-up, and the Sprint is a bona fide 2-up bike. Plenty of seat area for the pillion, nice big bags that take 15 sec to put on/take off. It seems plenty powerful to me, and the cost of having a significantly lighter bike would be compromised passenger comfort. The Ninja looked good initially, but no ABS, bags that require an unsightly frame to be installed, and a half-hearted passenger seat were too much for me to give in on in order to have a sportier bike.

[MCRyder]

I really want to love the new Suzuki but only 96hp out of a 1250cc motor is really disappointing.  I would expect a motor that size to easily put out around 120hp.  I'm no power junky (I moved from a ZZR1200 to a Sprint ST) but it just sounds like this motor MUST be detuned to put out that little horsepower for its size.

My '03 Sprint ST is rated at 118hp, but my '08 Bandit 1250 will leave it for dead in a roll-on from idle to 80.  Torque is the 1250's strength.  You gotta ride one to believe it.  Twisting the throttle makes for rapid forward movement and a lot of giggling    Upgrading with some Holeshot products will siginificantly up the HP/Torque

[zrx4me]

MY comments from another post:
I got to ride the GSX1250,ninja 1000 and the triumph sprint Gt over at bikeweek.The ninja 1000 has an awsome engine,but the bike feels like a full on sportbike with higher bars.My knees were really cramped and the seat slopes you foward into the tank.THis bike would not be good for longer rides and the passenger accomodations are not good at all.The suzuki was a really nice,smooth and comfortable bike,plenty of power(not like the kawi though)smooth and really comfortable.I like how it offers ABS and I like the gear indicator also.The only negative I had was the color black is just too dark and there's no contrasting frame or cover color.The black paint does look good out in the sun though because it has tiny blue metalflake in it.The sprint Gt was also a nice bike.Growly motor was very powerful and the seat is the most comfortable.The riding position is more agressive but,I was very comfortable on it.The bike handles better than the others and is extremely confidence inspiring in the corners and big sweepers.It is almost $2000 more than the suzuki,but it does come with big hard bags.the triumph also had a amazing paint finish and a real quality look to it.Depending on my finances,I would pick either the suzuki or the triumph.I just wasn't at all thrilled with the kawi.and for passengers,the suzuki or triumph look like they would be pretty good.

[scottzilla]

MY comments from another post:
I got to ride the GSX1250,ninja 1000 and the triumph sprint Gt over at bikeweek.The ninja 1000 has an awsome engine,but the bike feels like a full on sportbike with higher bars.My knees were really cramped and the seat slopes you foward into the tank.THis bike would not be good for longer rides and the passenger accomodations are not good at all.The suzuki was a really nice,smooth and comfortable bike,plenty of power(not like the kawi though)smooth and really comfortable.I like how it offers ABS and I like the gear indicator also.The only negative I had was the color black is just too dark and there's no contrasting frame or cover color.The black paint does look good out in the sun though because it has tiny blue metalflake in it.The sprint Gt was also a nice bike.Growly motor was very powerful and the seat is the most comfortable.The riding position is more agressive but,I was very comfortable on it.The bike handles better than the others and is extremely confidence inspiring in the corners and big sweepers.It is almost $2000 more than the suzuki,but it does come with big hard bags.the triumph also had a amazing paint finish and a real quality look to it.Depending on my finances,I would pick either the suzuki or the triumph.I just wasn't at all thrilled with the kawi.and for passengers,the suzuki or triumph look like they would be pretty good.

The z1000 is said to have a bad seat.  The Ninja supposedly has thicker padding.  

[Oxblood]

Here are some prices I put together, as in this, and one of the other threads one of the criticisms seems to be the Bandit is too expensive:

Honda St 1300 19,999.00
Yamaha Super Tenere 16,499.00
Kawai ZX 14 16,099.00
Kawi C14 20,199.00
Kawi Ninja 1000 13,699.00

2010 GSX 1250 in Canada (latest prices I could find on line, Suzuki Ca does not publish the MSRP anymore)
GSX1250FA : MSRP. $11,799
GSX1250SEA : MSRP. $13,299

Note that these are the Canadian prices. Now, I have no idea why the Ninmja 1000 would cost less than the GSX 1250 in the US, but more in Canada. While the prices I quoted for the GSX are 2010 prices, I have noticed Suzuki Canada usually tries to bump their MSRP by 500 a year. What dealers sell for is up to them of course.

I find it odd, too that the touring package of the SEA (side bags and top case) still bring the bike in at under or on par with the Ninja.

Having had my GSX 1250 for a few months now, I can say I love this bike. I ride it daily as my commuter, and it is doing a great job.

[Jetpilot5]

Here's the same list of bikes with US MSRP.  I'll throw the FJR and Sprint GT in there too.

Honda St 1300 $16,499
Yamaha Super Tenere $13,900
Kawi ZX 14 $13,599
Kawi C14 $15,599 (ABS Model)
Kawi Ninja 1000 $10,999
Yamaha FJR1300 $15,490
Triumph Sprint GT $13,399

Suzuki GSX1250FA $11,599

I agree comparing full retail to full retail it doesn't look bad at all, only more expensive than the Ninja 1000.  Where it appears to suffer is bang for your buck, especially compared to the Ninja 1000.  Steel frame, preload only adjustable conventional forks, preload only adjustable shock, no standard bags, no shaft drive.  It does offer ABS which is a plus over the Ninja but the Ninja 1000 brakes are radially mounted versus the more conventional Suzuki brakes.  The standard center stand is also nice to have on the GSX1250 and not available for the Ninja.

The Ninja offers inverted cartridge forks with stepless compression and rebound damping and adjustable preload,  rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and preload, aluminum frame, adjustable windscreen, the above mentioned radially mounted brakes and radial-pump front brake master cylinder and you can buy bags for it just like the Suzuki.

I think if the Suzuki came with the bags included for the same price or if it was offered without the bags at the same price as the Ninja it might do a little better.  The Ninja being more of a sporting option and the GSX being more of the touring option.  The fact that you can still find leftover 1250 Bandits for substantial discounts doesn't help Suzuki either.  In that regard they are their own competition.  That said, with the bikes sitting side by side, I like the Suzuki better.  It would be a better bike for the way I ride and what I want my motorcycle to be able to do.  The 1250 engine is   too.  I guess that proves that while you can read the tests, you can't ride a spec sheet.

Good to hear you're enjoying your bike.  I'd like to see one in blue sometime.

[scottzilla]

Here's the same list of bikes with US MSRP.  I'll throw the FJR and Sprint GT in there too.

Honda St 1300 $16,499
Yamaha Super Tenere $13,900
Kawi ZX 14 $13,599
Kawi C14 $15,599 (ABS Model)
Kawi Ninja 1000 $10,999
Yamaha FJR1300 $15,490
Triumph Sprint GT $13,399

Suzuki GSX1250FA $11,599

I agree comparing full retail to full retail it doesn't look bad at all, only more expensive than the Ninja 1000.  Where it appears to suffer is bang for your buck, especially compared to the Ninja 1000.  Steel frame, preload only adjustable conventional forks, preload only adjustable shock, no standard bags, no shaft drive.  It does offer ABS which is a plus over the Ninja but the Ninja 1000 brakes are radially mounted verses the more conventional Suzuki brakes.  The standard center stand is also nice to have on the GSX1250 and not available for the Ninja.

The Ninja offers inverted cartridge forks with stepless compression and rebound damping and adjustable preload,  rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and preload, aluminum frame, adjustable windscreen, the above mentioned radially mounted brakes and radial-pump front brake master cylinder and you can buy bags for it just like the Suzuki.

I think if the Suzuki came with the bags included for the same price or if it was offered without the bags at the same price as the Ninja it might do a little better.  The Ninja being more of a sporting option and the GSX being more of the touring option.  The fact that you can still find leftover 1250 Bandits for substantial discounts doesn't help Suzuki either.  In that regard they are their own competition.  That said, with the bikes sitting side by side, I like the Suzuki better.  It would be a better bike for the way I ride and what I want my motorcycle to be able to do.  The 1250 engine is   too.  I guess that proves that while you can read the tests, you can't ride a spec sheet.

Good to hear you're enjoying your bike.  I'd like to see one in blue sometime.

Thanks for posting this.  The Ninja sure looks like a winner from this perspective, huh?

[Oxblood]

Jetpilot5, here is mine in blue for you:



That photo was taken on Dec 17 when I picked up the bike at the dealer. I now have just shy of 3000km on it. Fun bike to ride, and the motor, WOW!

[Jetpilot5]

Jetpilot5, here is mine in blue for you:



That photo was taken on Dec 17 when I picked up the bike at the dealer. I now have just shy of 3000km on it. Fun bike to ride, and the motor, WOW!

I was admiring that photo in the "Show us your Suzi" thread.  Is that the same blue they used on the Bandit?  Looks like it is in this pic but kind of hard to tell on a lot of the stock photos.  You're right about that engine.  I've ridden the 1250 Bandit a couple of times and wow, torque monster.  Fun.

[Jetpilot5]

Thanks for posting this.  The Ninja sure looks like a winner from this perspective, huh?

It does, it's a neat bike and offers a lot for your money too.  Mentioning perspective is important though, because the spec sheet and value for money aren't the only things that influence buying decisions.

[scottzilla]

It does, it's a neat bike and offers a lot for your money too.  Mentioning perspective is important though, because the spec sheet and value for money aren't the only things that influence buying decisions.

Well. duh.  If value for money was so important BMW would not be able to sell any bikes.

[OKC-N1K]

I've rode a '08 Bandit 1250 and since then I have always said I would love to have the motor of the bandit in my '04 VFR. I love the comfort and handling of the VFR but the motor was a bit disappointing. Perfect bike "VFR with Bandit 1250 motor" - Walla! Ninja 1000 - I rode one for thirty miles and guess what it was totally comfortable and handled great and that motor, well every bit as torquey as the Banidt 1250 at 2500 rpm all the way to red line and the Ninja has a bit extra punch at 8K to redline.

After riding the Bandit I really thought about purchasing one because of the motor but I just could not get over the plain look, fit and finish and it just did not feel right, something about the handle bars just did not feel right.

Anyway, I purchased the Ninja and can't wait to put some miles on her.

However, IMHO anyone looking for a really good bike for an exceptional price I would definately suggest they look at he Bandit 1250.

My '03 Sprint ST is rated at 118hp, but my '08 Bandit 1250 will leave it for dead on a roll-on from idle to 80.  Torque is the 1250's strength.  You gotta ride one to believe it.  Twisting the throttle makes for rapid forward movement and a lot of giggling    Upgrading with some Holeshot products will up the HP/Tourque by a bunch.

But Suzuki made a big mistake (IMHO) on the pricing.  The new Sprint GT retails MSRP at $13,199 with ABS & cases included, the Z1000 Ninja is $10,999.

[Oxblood]

I was admiring that photo in the "Show us your Suzi" thread.  Is that the same blue they used on the Bandit?  Looks like it is in this pic but kind of hard to tell on a lot of the stock photos.  You're right about that engine.  I've ridden the 1250 Bandit a couple of times and wow, torque monster.  Fun.

Under that stage lighting it is hard to tell if it is the same colour, but it likely is. In daylight my bike is very dark. In low light it appears black. But they are the same bike, with the same GSX-R 1000 style headlight and fairing.

Oh, and that fairing works. I get minimal buffeting at 130 to 140 km/h.

[HillbillyNinja]

That is a sweet looking Bandit

[ninjaboy84]

All the comments are interesting....I'm currently Modding my 2011 ninja 1k for greater comfort - Spencer's seat foam mod planned as is leveling the seat; it's OK stock but I want better.

I would go suzook 1250 were I carrying pillion any extent.  Kawi has the motor down, handling I find great.  I have chronic back issue and will be getting a hyperpro or other shock when they respond to the ninja market.

I feel lucky in also still having an 05 vstrom1k(40k miles)and a 07 tiger 1050. These bikes are bigger, rangier, more apt for luggage, pillion and lups - like szook 1250 which I have considered many times, when I ride solo I think ninja is better and yet comfy.


Had a sprint St 07,  and love that triple.  The 06 on out 1050 is sweet.  More manufacturers should make triples.

Bottom line:  there are very few bad bikes.  I know I will never be perfectly happy with one.  There are always compromises.

I prefer under 500lb wet weight. It just feels more like a motorcycle.  I also have eyes for the ktm-smt 990 - who says sport touring means a huge load?

V twins are also sweet.

Like dogs there are no bad bikes, just different purposed bikes.  Find one close to what you want, adapt and farkle.

[conrman]

Here is what I did with the old model Bandit 1200. Very Versatile....The new one has greater potential in versatility, I believe.
Hard luggage is nice (locks, and no flapping at high speed). I get 46mpg at 80mph cruising in 5th (new bike has a 6th gear and more torque across the range).

Ninja looks racy....bet both will do the job well. I like the displacement advantage, and feel like the Bandit is more of a blank canvas, where a person could make it what they want with aftermarket goodies.

I'd re spring (straight rate) and re valve fork, replace the shock with good aftermarket unit (raise rear 10-15mm), Mod air-box and fuel curve, replace the exhaust (liberate 25-30 lbs), add luggage, replace the seat, swap tires for Pilot road 2, add a steering damper then adjust everything to my preferences and start logging miles:)

(wait, that's kinda what I did to my current bike.... for under $4000). Still, bike envy gets the best of me at times!

[ChrisZRX]

Just a minor point of contention.  The GSX1250 (fully faired) is not a "Bandit".  Okay, it is essentially a fully faired Bandit, but Suzuki did take care to avoid "Bandit" with this version.

I do notice that those who criticize 96HP haven't ridden one.  Those that have talk about the awesome torque and plenty of power.  

By 5K on the tach you're really moving.  On an FZ1 you'll have to get to 6K just to start moving.

With some relatively inexpensive mods you can easily awaken the HP potential.  

[Thunderbox]

In the ST market there is way too much emphasis on HP numbers.  If you are going to ride the bike at 12000 rpm then HP means something.  In the real world at 4000 rpm these lower HP mills do a fantastic job.  Those who have not ridden a machine designed to produce torque at lower speeds have no idea what they are missing.

[mellow_gold]

Agreed with all the others about the bandits torque.  I rode a 1200 bandit for many years and am currently riding an '07 1050 Sprint.  The Sprint makes something like 20% more horsepower than the bandit, but the Bandit definitely had a large low end (ie the place it really matters in the real world) advantage over the ST.

The sprint definitely handles better than the Bandit but it lacks the low end grunt.  0-60 times on the Bandit are significantly better than the Sprint too if I recall correctly.  Dropping a tooth on the front sprocket of the ST is supposed to help in this department, so that's the mod I'll be doing next.

[Thunderbox]

Agreed with all the others about the bandits torque.  I rode a 1200 bandit for many years and am currently riding an '07 1050 Sprint.  The Sprint makes something like 20% more horsepower than the bandit, but the Bandit definitely had a large low end (ie the place it really matters in the real world) advantage over the ST.

The sprint definitely handles better than the Bandit but it lacks the low end grunt.  0-60 times on the Bandit are significantly better than the Sprint too if I recall correctly.  Dropping a tooth on the front sprocket of the ST is supposed to help in this department, so that's the mod I'll be doing next.

Nah don't bother.  Just go get a new Bandit with ABS.

[mellow_gold]

uh uh, no way.  I just bought the Sprint in April and we're still in the honeymoon phase  

[Jay S.]

There is a comparison of the Ninja 1000 and the GSX1250A in the June issue of Cycle World. Both rated very high but the "winner" depended on what type of riding you prefer. Just sayin'...