Another 2nd bike thread...

[OxJohnson]

First off... hello all!

I am going to get my second bike soon and I was REALLY thinking about getting a used Bandit 1200... is that a good idea?  Some background:

1)  I have not ridden in 12 years.
2)  My last bike was a 700 Nighthawk S bored over to 770.  One HECK of a beginners bike!  But... it DID teach me respect.
3)  I weigh 250 and am 6 foot even.
4)  I need something that I can take from ATL, GA to Orlando, FL (450mi) comfortably.

So basically... I used to ride and grew up on a "big" bike at the time.  I have a lot of respect for them.  I do NOT want to get myself in trouble however.

I really need a bike that can cruise easily at 75mph and take on some luggage.  My options thus far are the Bandit 1200 and an SV1000.  Are there any other good choices?!  I would prefer to avoid full on cruisers.

Thanks in advance...
Ox.

[birdrunner]

A friend of mine went from a Seca 750 to a B12.

The change in power will amaze you,  trust me, 40% more cc is a lot.

THe B12 is a fairly easy bike to ride, except at parking lot speeds where it's heft is apparent.

The SV is not as comfortable on the highway, nor as good 2-up.
Both are excellent motors.

Reliabilty is a non-issue, sticking with most non-exotic brands as reliablity has made huge strides in the last 15 to 20 years.

Any bike over 600 cc will do the job,  but the b12 will be nice for the torque.

Be carefull,  while bikes have improved, cage drivers have gotten worse.

[UHOH]

combine your experience, riding gap, and obvious caution you'll do fine.

B12 was my re-entry bike after a decade of non-riding and it ended up being a fine choice.
Took that B12 all over the Rockies, so your trips will be good too.  On all bike trips, I use a Cramp Buster ($13) on the throttle grip.
On re-entry, my biggest problem was learning to ride on a gravel road, where I had moved to.  Bet that's not your problem ...  

I really need a bike that can cruise easily at 75mph and take on some luggage.

I'd not ridden a B12 for few yrs until last weekend, when I traded off with a friend.  Yep, that's still v v good bike.  
75 mph cruise is not a problem - chuckle, chuckle.  Get it and enjoy.

Welcome to the forum.  Post up pictures and the occasional write-ups, too.

[UHOH]

Be carefull,  while bikes have improved, cage drivers have gotten worse.

Yeah, OK, but the guy's looking for bike choice info...

B12's, and most other newer bikes, have great torch-like headlights.
I was never cut off, daytime, when I had my B12 headlights on 'bright.'

[OxJohnson]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I was assuming that as long as I eased back into it, it would be fine... but I wanted some unbiased, experienced opinions.

The Nighthawk was a beast due to the mods that the original owner had done to it.  It was also a shaft drive so the power tended to surge to the back tire... it would REALLY kick you in the pants!

As for bike weight, I would like to keep it somewhat down, but the Nighthawk was certainly a pig by todays standards as far as 750s are concerned.  I am shocked at how far "modern" bikes have come.  130hp in a 600cc engine?!  That is just stupid...

Does anyone know if the B12 has a center stand or if there is an after-market one?

Thanks again all!
Ox.

[UHOH]

B12 has centerstand.

also, seems like I recall that the 2000 and earlier year had less comfortable ergos (or maybe it was seats),
which were redesigned for 2001.   Mine was a 2002, and the '06 that I swapped with lately was unchanged from '02.