The Bandit vs the Ninja vs the Trumpet

[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'...