Suzuki Bandit 1200..............
Discussion
Got a faired 1200 Bandit and I love it to bits. It does everything; commutes, tours (just done Highlands of Scotland, did various bits of Europe last summer), track day and IAM observing. Nearly 20,000 miles in 18 months. Loads of mid-range grunt so easy-peasy to ride, but enough top end to keep it interesting. And if you want even more power all you need is an end can and maybe a dynojet kit. Wheelies and stoppies to order, after all it seems to be the weapon of choice for loads of professional stunters.
Criticisms? Well I had to adjust the angle of the levers on the bars, which seems to be a common problem on Suzukis. The rear shock needs replacing as the quality of the suspension isn't that good. Look after the paintwork and keep it well washed, otherwise it will deteriorate before your eyes especially if you ride it in the winter. Fit a fenda-extenda to keep the crud off the front of that lovely engine.
Currently using Pirelli Diablo Corsa which seem to have enough grip and after 4,000 miles are still lasting well.
In terms of grunt per £ the Bandit12 can't be beaten.
Criticisms? Well I had to adjust the angle of the levers on the bars, which seems to be a common problem on Suzukis. The rear shock needs replacing as the quality of the suspension isn't that good. Look after the paintwork and keep it well washed, otherwise it will deteriorate before your eyes especially if you ride it in the winter. Fit a fenda-extenda to keep the crud off the front of that lovely engine.
Currently using Pirelli Diablo Corsa which seem to have enough grip and after 4,000 miles are still lasting well.
In terms of grunt per £ the Bandit12 can't be beaten.
Hi, I've currently got a 2001 Bandit 1200 K1 and I have to say that it's a great bike. So far I've had it for about 2 years and not had a single problem with it. The bike is comfy enough for any distance work on motorways and handles well enough to loose some of the sports bikes on trackdays(even with my very limited ability!). Another thing I've found with the Bandit is that the finish is nowhere near as bad as what some of the magazines seem to make out. My bike was used through the whole of last winter getting cleaned once a week and it hasn't had any problems with corrosion.
Rusty_uk said:
Hi, I've currently got a 2001 Bandit 1200 K1 and I have to say that it's a great bike. So far I've had it for about 2 years and not had a single problem with it. The bike is comfy enough for any distance work on motorways and handles well enough to loose some of the sports bikes on trackdays(even with my very limited ability!). Another thing I've found with the Bandit is that the finish is nowhere near as bad as what some of the magazines seem to make out. My bike was used through the whole of last winter getting cleaned once a week and it hasn't had any problems with corrosion.
Thanks for that Rusty.....

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