GSF 1200S Bandit

[johnsf1980]

Have been thinking about getting a 1200S Bandits lately and wondering what other folks experiences with this bike has been like?

Is it reliable? Does it need a lot of maintenance? Ive only ever ridden cruisers and so this would be my first sports bike if I got one.

[sugilite]

My sister has had one for about 7 years with no probs.The motors are bullet proof.
They have really nice neutral handing.
Definitely a good all round multi purpose bike with a good reputation for reliability.

[Lou Girardin]

I'm on my second.
It's a 'do everything' bike, with a suspension upgrade it'll stay with almost anything in the twisty's. 600+ k's a day is a doddle. It can cope with two up and luggage for 2 weeks touring. Commutes like a scooter. My current one does nearly 18 k's per litre and I'm not the most gentle rider.
An aftermarket can, airbox mods will give you 110+ hp at the wheel. It's tough as nails and doesn't break thousands of bucks worth of plastic if it feels like a lie down.
I guess you can tell I like 'em.

PS AMPS has an '03 with only 3,000 km's, it's like new. Scorpion can and polished rims.
I think they've got $11,500 on it.

[Hitcher]

Only buy the latest model and don't go for the aftermarket plastic. The early ones ride like they've got a hinge in the middle, but I understand that a rear suspension upgrade will cure this.

[terbang]

Got mine new in 98 and I still can't find a suitable replacement. Engine is bullet proof and has mega stomp with an aftermarket can (Yoshi RS3). Its a great tourer, Lots of fun on a quick fang and can be ridden as a commuter. Ive ridden mine across Europe (cold climate) and Australia (really Hot) and it performed exceptionally well. The purchase price was right at just under 11 grand back in 98 and its only weakness would have to be in the springing. I've grafted a Gixxer 1000 rear shock into mine which sorted out the rear end and fitted progressive springs to the front along with aftermarket damping valves all at a minimal cost bringing it into the 21st century for less than 12 grand.

[Antallica]

Get the nekkid, get the nekkid!!

[Pixie]

I'm on my 2nd after 9 years.
You can do your own maintenance,if you wish.(screw adjusted valves)
See me if you need an chain oiler.

[roogazza]

I've had 49 bikes in 40 years of riding. I am on my second Bandit, only because I flipped my first ! An amazing bike if you do the mods the other guys have mentioned. Only trouble is, it's so good I can't find anything to trade up to ? !!!!!!!!!! G. :banana:

[johnsf1980]

Does anyone have an idea as to how much full and half fairings for a 1200S Bandit cost?

[johnsf1980]

Oh and another quick question... how well does this bike handle corners?

[Scouse]

I'm on my second.
PS AMPS has an '03 with only 3,000 km's, it's like new. Scorpion can and polished rims.
I think they've got $11,500 on it.

I wouldn't buy any thing from amps if they was the last bike shop in the world
they seem to have a very strange interpritation of customer service

[F5 Dave]

They handle fine & easy compared to a cruiser much less scary. They are still a big bike, but a pussycat of one.

We just threw stiffer springs at each end of a friend’s early model one & he loves it. It was a bit of a problem with a pillion before, but he & the pillion were kinda heavy.

[Lou Girardin]

I wouldn't buy any thing from amps if they was the last bike shop in the world
they seem to have a very strange interpritation of customer service

Thanks for that, fortunately many others seem very happy.

[Lou Girardin]

Oh and another quick question... how well does this bike handle corners?

As well as you want it to. especially with susp upgrade. I've never had a problem staying with sprotbikes in corners on 16.

[Lou Girardin]

Does anyone have an idea as to how much full and half fairings for a 1200S Bandit cost?

Probably need a second mortgage for factory parts.

[Aitch]

Tried one, loved it.
Then I tried a GSX1400.......no comparison! brm brm
Sweet, sweet bike, corners like a dream, comfy to ride, and purty too!

[Scouse]

Haldane's and Colemans have some Bandits in stock

[johnsf1980]

Chill boys :-)

How much do yall pay for insurance on the 1200S Bandit and what kind of insurance do you have and from which company?

Thanks very muchly for answering my many questions! :ride:

[riffer]

I've always had a soft spot for the Bandits.

Lou - you've owned an RF900R and a couple of Bandits now.

How do the two compare (apart from the fairing vs naked bit?)

[Lou Girardin]

Chill boys :-)

How much do yall pay for insurance on the 1200S Bandit and what kind of insurance do you have and from which company?

Thanks very muchly for answering my many questions! :ride:

I'm with Protecta through work, so the premiums might not be retail. ($500 approx)
Email bruce@amps.co.nz for a quote.

[Lou Girardin]

I've always had a soft spot for the Bandits.

Lou - you've owned an RF900R and a couple of Bandits now.

How do the two compare (apart from the fairing vs naked bit?)

The upright position of the Bandit suits me much better, The Bandit is much more nimble in the twisty's and has just as much go at real world speeds. I suspect the RF may have the edge up top.
The Bandit is smoother at touring speeds too.
It's a shame there are so few RF class bikes around now.

[Scouse]

Chill boys :-)

How much do yall pay for insurance on the 1200S Bandit and what kind of insurance do you have and from which company?

Thanks very muchly for answering my many questions! :ride:

If you want to save yourself some money deal directly with the insurers
National Auto Club are very reasonable my ZRX costs $502 PA bike dealers always add their comission on to the cost so it will always cost more from the likes of amps. National Auto Club's free Phone number is 0800 501 508 or visit www.natauto.co.nz

[terbang]

I have to agree with all the above posts and also there is so much you can do with the engine if you are so inclined with so much out there you can buy for them look here and enjoy http://www.banditsrus.com/fastlarry/

[Aitch]

The upright position of the Bandit suits me much better, The Bandit is much more nimble in the twisty's and has just as much go at real world speeds. I suspect the RF may have the edge up top.
The Bandit is smoother at touring speeds too.
It's a shame there are so few RF class bikes around now.

GSX1400! ........

[larriken]

I bought mine new in 2000 and it was a fantastic bike. I am a self confessed hoon and I still loved this bike. Best thing was I could go out and blast around, take the wife on the back, tour, it was a wicked all rounder! They need the suspension sorted, bit soft standard and I also raised the ride height on mine. Would recommend a Bandit in a flash!

[Lou Girardin]

GSX1400! ........

That's more Bandit/CB1300 class, there aren't many fully faired cheap sports tourers though. Maybe Sprint ST, VFR 800, but they aren't cheap. What else?

[riffer]

You're right there Lou.

Particularly at the price point the RF came in at.

I'm thinking the next progression for me is either VFR800 or Triumph Daytona 955i, neither of which will be cheap. :mellow:

[Hitcher]

That's more Bandit/CB1300 class, there aren't many fully faired cheap sports tourers though. Maybe Sprint ST, VFR 800, but they aren't cheap. What else?
I'll do you a deal on a slightly squeaked ST1300...

Don't forget the Yamaha FZ1.

[MacD]

You're right there Lou.

Particularly at the price point the RF came in at.

I'm thinking the next progression for me is either VFR800 or Triumph Daytona 955i, neither of which will be cheap. :mellow:

I've been thinking about this too as the mileage climbs on my RF. The VFR or Triumph Sprint are options in the fully faired direction, while the Bandit appears to be the main alternative in a half-fairing bike.

I like the look of the new Sprint, but I'm not convinced about underseat pipes on a sports-tourer, there seemed to be a huge amount of heat generated in the underseat area when I took the Sprint for a short ride on AMPS open day.

I suspect I'll head in the Bandit direction and tweak it as required.

[calmone]

I am another very happy Bandit owner I bought a k4 1200 naked added a Givi screen and Neptune Muffler, a good package. The Bike is great 2 up or solo and I would think probably the best value for money around.

[Pixie]

GSX1400! ........
It's only problem....no fairing

[johnsf1980]

I'm with Protecta through work, so the premiums might not be retail. ($500 approx)
Email bruce@amps.co.nz for a quote.

Cool thanks! Got quotes as below :-

Protecta - $ 1200 pa
NAC - $ 700 pa

[Aitch]

It's only problem....no fairing

I'm sure there are fairings available though

[Lou Girardin]

I'll do you a deal on a slightly squeaked ST1300...

Don't forget the Yamaha FZ1.

How could I forget? If only the Fazer was $4000 cheaper.:love:

[Patrick]

A mate has a 1999 model and added an after market pipe...goes like stink now!!! (260kmph and still winding up on a closed back country road). Has the half faring and loves it, reckons the full faring model has more bits break if there is a lie down, even a slight one in ya garage, let alone a moving one. Gotta admit I loved riding it too and will be getting one soon....but the latest model...MMMMMMMMMMM

[Patrick]

I have to agree with all the above posts and also there is so much you can do with the engine if you are so inclined with so much out there you can buy for them look here and enjoy http://www.banditsrus.com/fastlarry/

Ditto...but as for the site you sent me off to, gotta say I don't like the yellow rims...:argh: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[MSTRS]

I wouldn't buy any thing from amps if they was the last bike shop in the world
they seem to have a very strange interpritation of customer service
Maybe you upset them? I ordered parts over the phone at 4pm and they were on my doorstep in Napier at 8am next day. Wot's wrong with that for service??
EDIT: Having now read the rest of the thread, I see you have a hard-on for Amps. As lou says, go vent in your own thread.
As far as the Bandit is concerned, barring the lack of fairings, it is what I'd consider when the time comes to part with the Gixxer

[nadroj]

A mate has a 1999 model and added an after market pipe...goes like stink now!!! (260kmph and still winding up on a closed back country road). Has the half faring and loves it, reckons the full faring model has more bits break if there is a lie down, even a slight one in ya garage, let alone a moving one. Gotta admit I loved riding it too and will be getting one soon....but the latest model...MMMMMMMMMMM
Yeah Right!

[Pixie]

A mate has a 1999 model and added an after market pipe...goes like stink now!!! (260kmph and still winding up on a closed back country road). Has the half faring and loves it, reckons the full faring model has more bits break if there is a lie down, even a slight one in ya garage, let alone a moving one. Gotta admit I loved riding it too and will be getting one soon....but the latest model...MMMMMMMMMMM
I was going to say that the speedos are wildly inaccurate ( 220kmh is a true 193)
But I see it is a 1999 model you are talking about so I can't comment.
( the post 2001 speedos are electronic and are the ones I have checked)

[Zapf]

Told ya National Auto Club would be cheaper than the ripoff merchants at amps

there are some pretty crazy conditions in NAC's small prints... there is a good reason why they are cheap...

[Zapf]

I'll do you a deal on a slightly squeaked ST1300...

Don't forget the Yamaha FZ1.

maybe I can street fighter a ST1300? :)

[Zapf]

How does the 1200 bandit's compare with Honda's CB1300S?

http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/oct/bikedetails.asp?BikeTypeID=4&ModelID=62&type=

[johnsf1980]

there are some pretty crazy conditions in NAC's small prints... there is a good reason why they are cheap...

Like what crazy conditions?

[johnsf1980]

Ive also been reading that the front wheel goes up in the air very easily..... now Ive always been a cruiser rider and am not used to this. Please tell me that Im not going to end up on my butt before I know it? And that the front doesnt come off the ground unless you really open up the throttle?

How do I avoid getting the front off the ground till I know what Im doing? lol

[terbang]

Yup it will throw the front up a bit in the lower gears if handled roughly. I have CB400 bars on mine and it just squared them off a little (less sweepback) and gave me a more comfortable stance slightly further forward (still begging) which also keeps the front down. I hear that the Gen 2 bandits are a little more detuned and I have had mine off the clock (past the max of 260 indicated) by a considerable amount when riding on the German Autobahn.:lol:

[onearmedbandit]

Due to remarks made and the fact that the posts were not on topic I have removed all relevant posts. Leave this thread to what it is about, not personal opinions regarding a certain dealer. PM me if you have any issues regarding this.

[Lou Girardin]

Ive also been reading that the front wheel goes up in the air very easily..... now Ive always been a cruiser rider and am not used to this. Please tell me that Im not going to end up on my butt before I know it? And that the front doesnt come off the ground unless you really open up the throttle?

How do I avoid getting the front off the ground till I know what Im doing? lol

It comes up if and when you want it to. Nice and gentle.

[Patrick]

Yeah Right!


Sprung.....:slap: :doh:

[rocketman1]

GFS 1200 Bandit are the best Bang for buck in NZ
You can get a good second hand one for under $10,000 they goes like stink,very torquey motor,reliable, no problem with parts, must be the easiest bike to gain power from, no probs to gain 20-30 hp if you think you need it.
They look good, and with a little bit spent on the suspension can make it a pretty handling bike.Great for touring,with two up.
Yeah go for it. Sure there are other bikes that will some of the things faster & better, but they will cost u twice -three times the price
I just love mine..As I said winner in the bang for buck stakes

[johnsf1980]

Bought a 1200S Bandit... Still getting used to riding it after being on a cruiser for ages but its a great bike... loving it :2thumbsup:

Leaning over in corners is the part that feels weirdest and I keep pulling back.... Just how much can I lean over in corners?

Cheers

[Lou Girardin]

Bought a 1200S Bandit... Still getting used to riding it after being on a cruiser for ages but its a great bike... loving it :2thumbsup:

Leaning over in corners is the part that feels weirdest and I keep pulling back.... Just how much can I lean over in corners?

Cheers

Good man, welcome to the Bandit retirement home.
The pegs will grind away nicely then the centrestand will touch, But you'll be getting fairly extreme to do that. I've got stuff all chicken strips left and haven't touched the pegs yet.

[Ixion]

.. Just how much can I lean over in corners?

Cheers

Just until you fall off :devil2:

[johnsf1980]

Just until you fall off :devil2:

Yeah well more than the slightest lean seems to make me feel like Im going to fall off!!! Not sure if its just cuz Im used to cruisers or if its the tyre pressure or suspension or what?

[Lou Girardin]

Yeah well more than the slightest lean seems to make me feel like Im going to fall off!!! Not sure if its just cuz Im used to cruisers or if its the tyre pressure or suspension or what?

Probably a combination of extra height and willingness to lean makes it feel more radical than it is.

[beyond]

Aitch said,
Tried one, loved it.
Then I tried a GSX1400.......no comparison! brm brm
Sweet, sweet bike, corners like a dream, comfy to ride, and purty too!


I'm with Aitch.

I took a Bandit for a test ride and also loved it. Then I took a GSX1400 for a run and had to buy it the same day. No comparison. The 1400 is a bloody good price for the bike. Has heaps more torque from 2000rpm onwards, great fuel injection and a six speed box.

It corners extremely well for it's size and is a great all around bike.

[terbang]

Mine has occasionally scraped on right handers on the pipe but you gotta be way over to do that and its only happpened once or twice in 40000 kays with no real damage just me getting a bit keen really. I been thru a few tyres on mine now from real sticky ones to touring Dunlops and I find the Pirelli Diablo is about as good as it gets and I am now trying the Strada on the back..? So far (2000K) so good.

[johnsf1980]

Just thought Id provide an update on how the Bandit is going for me:-

Loving every moment on it!! Rode up to Wellsford a few times and planning on taking it all the way up North to the Cape over the Waitangi day weekend. Have got used to the lean and it doesnt feel weird anymore. Opened it up to 180 km once... (Just had to try!!! Wont be happening again). Still need to sort out a pack for the Givi rack and want to get it fully faired but overall :-

Its a great bike and if anyone else is considering getting one.... go get it :2thumbsup

[zadok]

Check this out. http://stream.mediaktion.ch/GSF1200_SK6.wmv

[Lou Girardin]

Just thought Id provide an update on how the Bandit is going for me:-



I'm fitting a hugger soon, I'll let you know pros and cons.

[Hitcher]

I'm fitting a hugger soon, I'll let you know pros and cons.
Let me know how you get on, cause I'm really in a mood to hit a fugger...

[Lou Girardin]

Let me know how you get on, cause I'm really in a mood to hit a fugger...

It sounds like it. Bike withdrawal?

[banditb12]

hi had mine 6 mounths picked it up brand new for under ten grand its a naked model and a shit load of fun and a shit load of bike for that sort of money put aftermarket viper race can on from sportsbikes nz and dynoed at 106hp at the back wheel the first thing i done was cut the big ugly mudgard off the back put a hugger on and small indercaters and it looks shit hot can be seen on sportsbikes nz web site under concept bikes worth a look and these guys are very helpfull

[johnsf1980]

Just wondering if anyone has the fully faired version and how they like it?