2nd Gen Bandit 1200 ???'s

[Hunter]

Or I guess it may be the first gen with a face lift, not sure how/what it is called.

1) Were the headlights fixed, I recall reading many complaints about the early headlights getting "dirt" in them and generally being sucky.

2) How bad is the stock seat for an extended tour and/or who has the best replacement seat that doesn't look as if it was stolen off a John Deere.

3) How buzzy is the engine at interstate speeds, I typically cruise @ 80 mph. Does it need an extra tooth on the counter shaft sprocket?

4) I know that some years ( 01 and 02) had piston problems, could someone please post the link to check vin #'s please. Was this problem fixed in the later year model oil cooled engines. 03 on?

5) What tire combo seems to work best? I'm a big fan of Michelin tires but don't what works best on the B12.

6) Suspension work? What is a requirement to have done?

I'm planning a ride in the first week of October from Utah back to SC. I had settled on the B12 since they seem to drop in resale like a rock but level out at around the $2500 to $3k mark. Figured I'd buy the bike and do what mods need to be done then ship it west and fly out. I'm planning a more southerly route for that time of year and calling it my Kick'n Cancer Tour, should be fun and looking forward to some real Texas BBQ. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice/replies.

[Hunter]

2 more questions.

7) What is the fuel range and what is the fuel requirements, IOW does it run fine on regular unleaded or is premium required?

[Jason F.]

I can not answer all your questions since I have a 600 Bandit (first gen) but...


First gen had a very 80's/90's square headlight (H4 bulb) Second Gen had a much more modern angular fairing and headlight. Second gen bikes were known to have a lower than ideal light output. HID upgrades are common and I seem to recall there was someone building a better headlight harness to increase output.

Stock seats are actually not bad for some folks. I found them pretty good up to 250 miles or so. Beyond that it was pretty bad. I have had a Corbin on mine and while the seat itself was good the way it was shaped (lower and very dished) caused me knee pain since it dropped the seat height too much for me. I now have a Spencer Gel Seat on it and have done several 500+ mile days with pretty good results. It is actually taller than the stock seat so it is better for my long legs.

The stock rear shock is junk on both the first and second gen bikes. Fortunately you can pick up cheap and better replacements for less than $100 all day long. The GSX-R 1300 (Busa) shock fits the second gens and some say it will work on the first gens. I was unable to get it to fit my first gen so I installed a 07-08 GSX-R 1000 shock on mine. Fit great, has a higher than stock spring rate, and it gives you rebound and compression adjustment. Throw some better rate springs and fork oil in the front and the suspension would be sorted quite nicely.


I do not know the range on the 1200 but I do know that regular unleaded will work just fine on a stock bike. It is fairly common to bump up the ignition timing with and advance unit, throw on a pipe, throw in a K&N, and jet up the carbs (Dale Walker Stage One if you will) and if that is done I have no knowledge of the fuel requirements or economy. My 600 gets 41mpg when ridden hard and 51 when ridden easy. My range is right around 150miles plus the reserve.

[zrx4me]

go here for more info:
http://www.maximum-suzuki.com/

[exbanditrider]

I put 44,000km on an '02 Bug eye.  Yes they are buzzy at cruise compared to more modern engined bikes but a heap of fun.  I reckon at 80mph you might want to gear it up a bit as she'll probably be turning 5,000rpm+

Not sure about the issue you mention with the lights.  They're ok but nothing startling.  Seat is pretty average but I did a lot of big mile days on mine - you tend to get sore no matter what you're on once you put a lot of time in the seat.

Rubber - I used to run Metzlers and they were fine but I'm now a PR2 convert and would suggest that they would give you plenty of mileage on a Bandit.  A mate of mine gets around 14,000km from a set of PR2's on his K6 Bandit.

[02Tac]

A bit late to the show, but here is my $.02 after 3.5 years and almost 40K miles with an 02 1200S

Or I guess it may be the first gen with a face lift, not sure how/what it is called.

1) Were the headlights fixed, I recall reading many complaints about the early headlights getting "dirt" in them and generally being sucky.
 The problem with the lights is the stock wiring. It can be fixed with a $50 harness from Eastern Beaver and the harness is very simple to install.  Did it on mine; lighting is great now!

2) How bad is the stock seat for an extended tour and/or who has the best replacement seat that doesn't look as if it was stolen off a John Deere.
  This, is strictly and individual issue. Some feel it sucks and other have no issue with it.  I found it fine for a few hours, but longer rides left me looking for more comfort (I am 250 lbs.).  I upgraded to a Holeshot / Corbin saddle.

3) How buzzy is the engine at interstate speeds, I typically cruise @ 80 mph. Does it need an extra tooth on the counter shaft sprocket?
  Not bad, but you could always add a Bar Snake.

4) I know that some years ( 01 and 02) had piston problems, could someone please post the link to check vin #'s please. Was this problem fixed in the later year model oil cooled engines. 03 on?

5) What tire combo seems to work best? I'm a big fan of Michelin tires but don't what works best on the B12.
  I find the Continental Road Attack tires to be a fantastic match to the 1200 Bandit. The Continental Force tires work well too.

6) Suspension work? What is a requirement to have done?
  like the seat, it is an individual thing. All depends on what you want to do. I have made no mods

[02Tac]

I'm planning a ride in the first week of October from Utah back to SC. I had settled on the B12 since they seem to drop in resale like a rock but level out at around the $2500 to $3k mark. Figured I'd buy the bike and do what mods need to be done then ship it west and fly out. I'm planning a more southerly route for that time of year and calling it my Kick'n Cancer Tour, should be fun and looking forward to some real Texas BBQ. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice/replies.

Did you get a B12 and iff so, what did you do to it?