Allrounder? Bandit's winning.

[martybabe]

:confused: I'm thinking of getting an allround ignore it/abuse it type of mobike, I've already got a precious dont touch it, chromey babe but now It's time for a real bike.one that does everything for me whilst I do the minimum for it.:yes:

I'm in the vstrom, bandit,cb1300 kinda area but I'm a bit like a kid trying to pick one lolly from a shop full o fookin lollies.

At the mo the bandit 1250 tourer is winning,It's a lot of bike for the money!but before I commit I thought I'd ask the KB oracle.

Big cubes, No cruisers and no sports bikes, whats the best of the rest for the money please guys. :drinkup:

[banditrider]

I"ve had 2 Bandits, though have not ridden the new 1250 and really enjoyed them. Real easy to ride & chuck around etc. Reliable, economical etc and fun. New tourer model looks good - not sure what happned to the top box though. Good value for money.

[Hitcher]

In terms of bangs for bucks, Suzuki appears to have your "segment" pretty much sewn up, either with the 1250 Bandit or the GSX1400. Kawasaki does a ZRX1200R on indent order and then there's the CB1300 or the XJR1300. Everything else is pushing hard at the $20,000 mark. In terms of weather protection and versatility, not to mention price, it's hard to see past the Bandit. Although I'd still opt for a ZRX or a Speed Triple if it was a money-no-object choice. I'm funny like that.

[imdying]

I'd be inclined to plump for the GSX1400 over the 1250 bandit... it just looks better to my eye. Or course test riding them would ultimately pick a winner.

My 2c :yes:

[martybabe]

I suppose I should have put a figure on it eh. $16000, top whack and I'd prefer new.

Thanks for the above.anyone got any of my provisional short list wanna sing their praises before I waste more money on bloody motorbikes according to the lady boss.;)

[cold comfort]

i have one as you can see- it's been great, having taken a sound thrasing with minimal upkeep. Friend has the new 1250 and swears by it for what it's worth

[martybabe]

I'd be inclined to plump for the GSX1400 over the 1250 bandit... it just looks better to my eye. Or course test riding them would ultimately pick a winner.

My 2c :yes:

Tis bloody nice,I've had a bit of a stiring since seeing Jrandoms....GSX, I thought they finished making them though.:mellow:

[McJim]

Ducati MultiStrada 1000ds - maybe not brand new for $16,000 but not too old. 12,000km service interval - beats a Jappa.

[jrandom]

GSX1400.

$14K brand new. You can still get them in black, too, but the K7 is the last year of production, as far as I'm aware. The new ones won't be around much longer.

Step on out into the light, martybabe!

The Bandit is (in my humble opinion) an ugly, boring old bitsa-bike; the GSX1400 is a genuinely sweet modern classic. Stickchick can provide a reference for how comfy the GSX's pillion seat is over several hundred kilometres in one day.

:niceone:

<img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/scfias.jpg"/>
Betty at Cape Reinga on her run-in ride

You'd be very welcome to meet me in Napier this coming Sunday morning for a brisk cruise up round the East Cape, if you like. Get a bit of test-riding in, etc. Drop me a PM if you're keen.

<img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/wtz4n.jpg"/>
Betty down t'road at the Devonport wharf

[jrandom]

Ducati MultiStrada 1000ds - maybe not brand new for $16,000 but not too old. 12,000km service interval - beats a Jappa.

:yes:

Another great choice. I really enjoyed riding the Multistrada, and yes, the 12,000km service interval is twice that of a GSX1400.

A 1000DS would be a lighter, lower-power, less mainstream alternative to the Suzuki. Very underrated bikes, Multistradas.

But I must say, after having Betty for a while, I don't know if I could go without the torque of the 1400 IL4. 120Nm, fer gawd's sake! Nothing else other than a full-on litre-class sprotsbike leaps down the road with a whiff of throttle in such a grin-inducing way.

:woohoo:

Edit: OK, yes, I know about M109Rs and Rocket IIIs. But martybabe doesn't want another cruiser, so they don't really matter in this context.

[Hitcher]

Torque is indeed addictive. Great stump-pulling gobs of it. Whenever. Lovely. Conti RoadAttacks, however, hate it.

[yod]

i assume the VFR800 is a bit small for your tastes? $16995 new i think

how about an FZ1 Fazer - 150 odd horses i believe, 08 new is around the $19k mark but there are quite a few 05-06's for around the $16k mark with pretty low k's and some come with factory panniers

[Pixie]

GSX1400.

$14K brand new. You can still get them in black, too, but the K7 is the last year of production, as far as I'm aware. The new ones won't be around much longer.

Step on out into the light, martybabe!

The Bandit is (in my humble opinion) an ugly, boring old bitsa-bike; the GSX1400 is a genuinely sweet modern classic. Stickchick can provide a reference for how comfy the GSX's pillion seat is over several hundred kilometres in one day.


The 1400 is out of production.
The 1250 is the gruntiest bike this side of the BMW k1200
Flat torque curve from 3000 up
Peak numbers don't tell the true story - it's the area under the curve that counts

[MaxB]

One thing to remember is that Bandits have a bit of a cult following and there are heaps of aftermarket parts available. My Dad swore he would never touch his when he bought it but after only a few months he was swapping parts. You can easily adapt a Bandit to fit your needs.

That 1250 in your picture with the touring kit on looks like fantastic value for money. $16k for that lot is very impressive.

[Macktheknife]

Bandit, hands down winner for the money in my opinion.
Have owned a couple, bloody good bikes.
But to be fair, the GSX1400 is a hell of a bike.

[Pwalo]

The Bandit is a great bike. A chap I worked with traded his old Beemer K for a new 1250, and he's very impressed.

[YellowDog]

I'm going throught he same process myself. The GSX1400 is a more meaty looking bike, but is not quite as easy/light to manouver in town. Tough decision.

[jrandom]

I'm going throught he same process myself. The GSX1400 is a more meaty looking bike, but is not quite as easy/light to manouver in town. Tough decision.

Indeed.

I should point out that my reasons for choosing the GSX over the Bandit were almost entirely emotive. I can't argue with a straight face that the GSX1400 is an objectively better bike - it's just different. I haven't even ridden the Bandit 1250. The engine performance numbers say that the 1400 has a bit more low-down grunt and a bit less top-end power than the 1250, and that's how I like it.

In the end, though, it kinda boiled down to the semi-faired S Bandits being just a bit too ugly-lookin' to be viscerally desirable, in my books.

:p

[pritch]

New bike?

I suppose you want the thing to start everytime? That rules out the Euro bikes :devil2:

Biggest bang for the buck is the Hornet 919. Try one.

[Devil]

$16k will get you an 05/06 Triumph Sprint ST with bugger all K's on it (i.e. 10-15k).
Superb bike. I challenge you not to fall in love with the engine.

[jrandom]

Superb bike. I challenge you not to fall in love with the engine.

Is that the 955? I wasn't a huge fan of that engine in the Speed Triple.

Anyway, I don't think martybabe wants a fully-faired touriering sorta thing.

And what is it with everyone jumping in and recommending that he buy second-hand examples of more expensive bikes?

I understand where he's coming from with wanting the new bike smell and having a firm $16K budget. He already has an awesome bike that makes him drool. He wants an economical mile-munching two-up thrasher with guaranteed zero mechanical gremlins.

:yes:

[Devil]

Nah, it's the 1050cc engine.

Suggested because it's a bargain compared to new and it's a whole lotta bike compared to the bandit!

[ManDownUnder]

i assume the VFR800 is a bit small for your tastes? $16995 new i think

have to admit that'd be a recommendatyion of mine although I've never ridden one.

Bullet proof motor and they look good IMHO

[Hitcher]

And what is it with everyone jumping in and recommending that he buy second-hand examples of more expensive bikes?

I understand where he's coming from with wanting the new bike smell and having a firm $16K budget. He already has an awesome bike that makes him drool. He wants an economical mile-munching two-up thrasher with guaranteed zero mechanical gremlins.

Indeed. His choice within his budget really comes down to weather protection (Bandit) or not (GSX1400 or CB1300*).

* CB900 is too small, based on his engine size criteria and the ZRX1200R and XJR1300 too expensive.

[cowpoos]

Indeed.

I should point out that my reasons for choosing the GSX over the Bandit were almost entirely emotive. I can't argue with a straight face that the GSX1400 is an objectively better bike - it's just different. I haven't even ridden the Bandit 1250. The engine performance numbers say that the 1400 has a bit more low-down grunt and a bit less top-end power than the 1250, and that's how I like it.

In the end, though, it kinda boiled down to the semi-faired S Bandits being just a bit too ugly-lookin' to be viscerally desirable, in my books.

:p
Dan is on the money with his comments about the gsx1400...they are a fantasic bike...and surprisingly cappable handling machine aswell...
And they don't age in looks or quality anywhere near as much as the bandits do!! would def be my choice in that market segment!!

[yod]

Nah, it's the 1050cc engine.

Suggested because it's a bargain compared to new and it's a whole lotta bike compared to the bandit!

bloody oath - im gagging for a test ride, they had a black 06 here for $15995 and it was touch and go whether the bank manager was gonna get a call....



have to admit that'd be a recommendatyion of mine although I've never ridden one.

Bullet proof motor and they look good IMHO

agreed and agreed

any idea what the weight is? I have read/heard somewhere that they're a bit on the heavy side...?

[Devil]

bloody oath - im gagging for a test ride, they had a black 06 here for $15995 and it was touch and go whether the bank manager was gonna get a call....




agreed and agreed

any idea what the weight is? I have read/heard somewhere that they're a bit on the heavy side...?
Both the VFR and Sprint weigh in at over 200kg dry (so does the bandit), but ignore that. The weight just disappears as soon as you start moving. I found the VFR a little anaemic compared to the Sprint.

[vifferman]

Both the VFR and Sprint weigh in at over 200kg dry (so does the bandit), but ignore that. The weight just disappears as soon as you start moving. I found the VFR a little anaemic compared to the Sprint.
Well, the VFR's donk is only 781 cubic centimmittahs, and in a fairly mild state of tune.
OTOH, it will last almost forever.
Shame the same can't be said about the gearbox.:no:

[pritch]

* CB900 is too small, based on his engine size criteria and the ZRX1200R and XJR1300 too expensive.

Ummm he did mention the VStrom.

Anyway I wasn't telling him to buy a Hornet I was suggesting he rode one. After which he may adjust his criteria. Or not.

[jrandom]

Anyway I wasn't telling him to buy a Hornet I was suggesting he rode one. After which he may adjust his criteria. Or not.

Yup.

Enough chit-chat; ride 'em all and see!

:niceone:

[cruza]

1200 bandit , just pick one up second hand, dime a dozen ,so you'll get a cheapie easy, bullet proof .

[AllanB]

Hornet 919 - new at $11k gives you a lot $ to spend on bags, screen whatever you desire. Very capable, heaps of go and an excellent all-rounder as you requested (and since when was a 900 too small!).

Second hand Bandits are I feel quite expensive - hold their value fairly well. You can get the same engine (early air/oil one) in the GS1200ss for a lot cheaper. That makes a top high speed tourer. Pain in the wrist around town but you can get risers.

[martybabe]

Yup.

Enough chit-chat; ride 'em all and see!

:niceone:

:slap: Blinking heck, I only went out for the day to get me bike serviced,6 hour round trip,some of it moist and there seems to have been an opinion eruption on this here thread.

I am as you suggest jr gonna check most of the above out,infact I started today in palmy north with your mount of choice.Erm....fooking wow! Blue and white,not my cuppa but what a beast and what manners.

Hey JR it had a yoshimura pipe on it and I just sat at the lights blippin it like a retard,what a gorgeous noise,hairs back neck up stood.

Love to meet with ya one day mate but napier is bloody long way from new plym.


Thank you all for your advice, I'm gonna let my arse choose in the end I guess,it's smarter than me heed.:love:

[MVnut]

Multistrada:done:

[martybabe]

New bike?

I suppose you want the thing to start everytime? That rules out the Euro bikes :devil2:

Biggest bang for the buck is the Hornet 919. Try one.

Bloody Bloody bloody, hadn't even considered that,they are cheap eh,:crazy:cripes I'm gonna spend the rest of me life test riddin.Ooh hang on I'm gonna spend the rest of me life test riddin:clap:

I shall call myself big Dave.:yes:

[Boob Johnson]

i assume the VFR800 is a bit small for your tastes? $16995 new i think

how about an FZ1 Fazer - 150 odd horses i believe, 08 new is around the $19k mark but there are quite a few 05-06's for around the $16k mark with pretty low k's and some come with factory panniers
Yeah was gunna suggest that myself Jonathon, great minds think alike :-p.

Great lookin bike, has the R1 motor that's slightly detuned I believe. A definite contender :niceone:



Is that the 955? I wasn't a huge fan of that engine in the Speed Triple.
I was riding a mates 2006 955 Daytona weekend before last, 150 BHP stock, his was about 160 with its mods & FARK ME!!! Wicked bike. A work mate as the ST 955 sports/tourer & ravs about it. One thing about the Trumpies is that triple cylinder "WARP".......my next bike will be a triple cylinder Trumpy :headbang:

[banditrider]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/motors/article724826.ece

I still say go the Bandit! Cheap, reliable, grunty, good handler, easy to ride etc etc.

Unless of course you can get ya hands on a GTR14 - I'm not biased, honest :shifty:

[martybabe]

Yeah was gunna suggest that myself Jonathon, great minds think alike :-p.

Great lookin bike, has the R1 motor that's slightly detuned I believe. A definite contender :niceone:





now come on, I ruled out the yam cause its got a bad press in the UK for bad fuel maping glitches or somat.It may not be true but it was a reason to strike it from the list

This thread was sposed to help me make my mind up,I got more options than I can shake a stick at now.It's gonna have to be......I'm farked if I know.:laugh:

[yod]

This thread was sposed to help me make my mind up,I got more options than I can shake a stick at now.It's gonna have to be......I'm farked if I know.:laugh:

Then our work here is done.

No, no, no need to thank us.

:bleh:

[martybabe]

Then our work here is done.

No, no, no need to thank us.

:bleh:

:killingme:killingme.joyous bewilderment has beset my troubled noggin:clap:

[PrincessBandit]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/motors/article724826.ece

I still say go the Bandit! Cheap, reliable, grunty, good handler, easy to ride etc etc.



Bandit bandit bandit, oi oi oi. Gotta be a bandit!! Yes, and tick to all of the above.

[homer]

yeah have a bandit
and its got heaps of grunt
2 up at 2 thou up hill they dont get up quick but they just keep pulling
and when you get up to 5 - 6 thou they want to go
you have to remember you only have 100 hp
but a load of pulling power ,thats what works for me

Oh and a in the hurry take off 1st in to second not even reving it up
just hold on

GSX1400 a big thumbs up to

[martybabe]

yeah have a bandit
and its got heaps of grunt
2 up at 2 thou up hill they dont get up quick but they just keep pulling
and when you get up to 5 - 6 thou they want to go
you have to remember you only have 100 hp
but a load of pulling power ,thats what works for me

Oh and a in the hurry take off 1st in to second not even reving it up
just hold on

GSX1400 a big thumbs up to

Blimey,what a lot o Bandit fans but where do you all hide I hardly ever see one on the road, perhaps It's a big city dwellers bike of choice.:yes:

[homer]

Blimey,what a lot o Bandit fans but where do you all hide I hardly ever see one on the road, perhaps It's a big city dwellers bike of choice.:yes:

Theres heaps about but im guessing a lot of the time there in the garage,Im sure most people buy a bike to ride it yet they seem to be parked up most of the time

I get mine out just to go to town and back ...mind you ill go for a detour maybe clock 25 km to go to town and back

I dont lilke short ride stop start and the engine dosnt get to operating temp

There at leat 5 go with the group on a sunday ride .There the ones ive seen
but do see others on the road

[YellowDog]

I've been through this exercise myself and came to the conclusion that the Bandit 1250 is the best all rounder. I rode the GSX1400 and would say that it is worth the extra cash and is much meatier looking. The big bike feel it has is makes it a far better all long distance tourer.

The thing that did it for me and made me favour the Bandit was that the GSX 1400 is just that bit bigger and not a good commuter bike for CBD stop start riding. The Bandit is that bit smaller/lighter making it easier to manouver at lights and through traffic.

It's a tough choice however try them for yourself as you may come to a different conclusion.

Good luck.

[NZsarge]

:confused: I'm thinking of getting an allround ignore it/abuse it type of mobike, I've already got a precious dont touch it, chromey babe but now It's time for a real bike.one that does everything for me whilst I do the minimum for it.:yes:

I'm in the vstrom, bandit,cb1300 kinda area but I'm a bit like a kid trying to pick one lolly from a shop full o fookin lollies.

At the mo the bandit 1250 tourer is winning,It's a lot of bike for the money!but before I commit I thought I'd ask the KB oracle.

Big cubes, No cruisers and no sports bikes, whats the best of the rest for the money please guys. :drinkup:

Really depends on the coin you have available to spend, first of all I think that the Bandit would be an excellent choice but also consider a Yamaha FZ1-SV as I have been informed that the price new has dropped (not 100% sure but that's what I have been told) to $17500 new, sportier than a bandit but still well within the realms of your criteria.

[martybabe]

I've been through this exercise myself and came to the conclusion that the Bandit 1250 is the best all rounder. I rode the GSX1400 and would say that it is worth the extra cash and is much meatier looking. The big bike feel it has is makes it a far better all long distance tourer.

The thing that did it for me and made me favour the Bandit was that the GSX 1400 is just that bit bigger and not a good commuter bike for CBD stop start riding. The Bandit is that bit smaller/lighter making it easier to manouver at lights and through traffic.

It's a tough choice however try them for yourself as you may come to a different conclusion.

Good luck.

Cheers YD, rode the gsx 1400 friday,gonna blag a bandit ride this week.

Thing is the GSX is so nice I think it would turn into yet another one of my pampered little babes whereas the bandit would get ridden and earn it's keep.maybe? how did life get so choiceful.:niceone:

[NZsarge]

I suppose I should have put a figure on it eh. $16000, top whack and I'd prefer new.

Thanks for the above.anyone got any of my provisional short list wanna sing their praises before I waste more money on bloody motorbikes according to the lady boss.;)

I got my '06 FZ1-S with panniers for $16500 done 6000km.

[YellowDog]

It's like telling you your wife's unattractive.

Jrandom's quote about the Bandit being an ugly is sticking with me and puting me off.

I had 99% made up my mind until that comment came out. I must have had a small doubt in my mind. I think it is just that the GSX1400 looks so perfect.

My wife gets to choose the colour and the Bandit colours she favours do make the bike now look ugly-ish (thanks JR). The front fairings seem to look stretched and not really part of the bike.

Am I now being too picky? It has a 2007 super modern engine and handles great - Plus I can use it to commute.

May be I should go back to the 2008 Tiger I thought I could afford...............

[YellowDog]

Cheers YD, rode the gsx 1400 friday,gonna blag a bandit ride this week.

Thing is the GSX is so nice I think it would turn into yet another one of my pampered little babes whereas the bandit would get ridden and earn it's keep.maybe? how did life get so choiceful.:niceone:
Let us know what you think. I tested them the other way around, so I was already blown away by the Bandit's handling and power. The GSX seemed a lot heavier to handle, but also far more comfortable and sturdy. I'd need to get used to the Bandit's seat. I didn't notice the extra low rev power, but I wasn't really looking for that as I had no doubts over how grunty it was. I probably needed a longer ride to appreciate the extras torque.

One comment to make is that the Bandit is very very quiet with the standard exhaust. If a car driver asks you at the lights if you have just farted, you know you need a different exhaust.

[NZsarge]

now come on, I ruled out the yam cause its got a bad press in the UK for bad fuel maping glitches or somat.It may not be true but it was a reason to strike it from the list

This thread was sposed to help me make my mind up,I got more options than I can shake a stick at now.It's gonna have to be......I'm farked if I know.:laugh:

"06 models had a fueling issue and yes mine has this problem but it does'nt bother me to the point where I fell I have to get it fixed (yet), pretty sure '07 and definitely '08's had it sorted but they also copped a small loss in horsepower (about 8 hp from memory) but not enough to worry anyone.
This fueling issue has a fix, go have a look at Ivan's performance products web page and you'll see it there.
Also check out Simon Hargreaves long term test at bikemagazine.co.uk and you can see what he's done to his, very interesting, you can get fairly reasonable horsepower increases out of an FZ1 without going into internals.

[Coyote]

Conti RoadAttacks, however, hate it.
My rear hasn't been too bad. Better than the GPR100 up front that would rather squeal than let my bike do a stoppie and is the polar equal of wet paint

[Coyote]

Biggest bang for the buck is the Hornet 919. Try one.
I'm waiting for the new one. Single sided swingarm and USD forks :love:

[martybabe]

"06 models had a fueling issue and yes mine has this problem but it does'nt bother me to the point where I fell I have to get it fixed (yet), pretty sure '07 and definitely '08's had it sorted but they also copped a small loss in horsepower (about 8 hp from memory) but not enough to worry anyone.
This fueling issue has a fix, go have a look at Ivan's performance products web page and you'll see it there.
Also check out Simon Hargreaves long term test at bikemagazine.co.uk and you can see what he's done to his, very interesting, you can get fairly reasonable horsepower increases out of an FZ1 without going into internals.


It's like telling you your wife's unattractive.

Jrandom's quote about the Bandit being an ugly is sticking with me and puting me off.

I had 99% made up my mind until that comment came out. I must have had a small doubt in my mind. I think it is just that the GSX1400 looks so perfect.

My wife gets to choose the colour and the Bandit colours she favours do make the bike now look ugly-ish (thanks JR). The front fairings seem to look stretched and not really part of the bike.

Am I now being too picky? It has a 2007 super modern engine and handles great - Plus I can use it to commute.

May be I should go back to the 2008 Tiger I thought I could afford...............

:laugh: Lovin it YellowDog,finally someone as indecisive as me:laugh:

[martybabe]

"06 models had a fueling issue and yes mine has this problem but it does'nt bother me to the point where I fell I have to get it fixed (yet), pretty sure '07 and definitely '08's had it sorted but they also copped a small loss in horsepower (about 8 hp from memory) but not enough to worry anyone.
This fueling issue has a fix, go have a look at Ivan's performance products web page and you'll see it there.
Also check out Simon Hargreaves long term test at bikemagazine.co.uk and you can see what he's done to his, very interesting, you can get fairly reasonable horsepower increases out of an FZ1 without going into internals.


Best looker by far but again too nice,it would have to be the best one out there,cause it's mine and I don't need that.I just want a great bike that will just do it,every time I ask it to without me feelin guilty for not polishin it every day.As my only bike it would be right up there.:yes:

[Coyote]

Blimey,what a lot o Bandit fans but where do you all hide I hardly ever see one on the road, perhaps It's a big city dwellers bike of choice.:yes:
I remember one day all I saw was bandits and firestorms :p

[Pixie]

It's like telling you your wife's unattractive.

Jrandom's quote about the Bandit being an ugly is sticking with me and puting me off.



Who gives a shit what it looks like.I can't see my bike when I ride it and I don't give a shit what other people think.
If looks mattered no one would buy a BMW or a Harley,would they?
Buy a naked Bandit if the fairing bothers you.
Put an Ohlins shock Traxxion springs and a Racetech valve kit on it and for the price of an FZ 1 it will piss over most bikes.

It's funny but 80% of the sports bike riders I encounter can't seem to keep up with me

[NZsarge]

Best looker by far but again too nice,it would have to be the best one out there,cause it's mine and I don't need that.I just want a great bike that will just do it,every time I ask it to without me feelin guilty for not polishin it every day.As my only bike it would be right up there.:yes:

*Holding up hands* I give up! lol

[YellowDog]

Who gives a shit what it looks like.I can't see my bike when I ride it and I don't give a shit what other people think.
If looks mattered no one would buy a BMW or a Harley,would they?
Buy a naked Bandit if the fairing bothers you.
Put an Ohlins shock Traxxion springs and a Racetech valve kit on it and for the price of an FZ 1 it will piss over most bikes.

It's funny but 80% of the sports bike riders I encounter can't seem to keep up with me
I am not worried about admiring glances (or I'd buy a Boulevard M109) it does however have to look good to me. I think the ride changes how it looks in your mind, plus it will also grow on me once I get the colour right.

Still pondering this one, which makes me feel I may be missing something. I think the value for money issue is too strong in my mind.

May be me and Martybabe should see if a dealer will give us a better price for two of them!

[homer]

Indeed.

I should point out that my reasons for choosing the GSX over the Bandit were almost entirely emotive. I can't argue with a straight face that the GSX1400 is an objectively better bike - it's just different. I haven't even ridden the Bandit 1250. The engine performance numbers say that the 1400 has a bit more low-down grunt and a bit less top-end power than the 1250, and that's how I like it.

In the end, though, it kinda boiled down to the semi-faired S Bandits being just a bit too ugly-lookin' to be viscerally desirable, in my books.

:p

you can add the full fairing to a new bandit
and theres a new 1250 thats designed especially for touring its has a higher handle bar set up

Ive only briefly seen it so im not sure of any other changes to it

[homer]

It's like telling you your wife's unattractive.

Jrandom's quote about the Bandit being an ugly is sticking with me and puting me off.

I had 99% made up my mind until that comment came out. I must have had a small doubt in my mind. I think it is just that the GSX1400 looks so perfect.

My wife gets to choose the colour and the Bandit colours she favours do make the bike now look ugly-ish (thanks JR). The front fairings seem to look stretched and not really part of the bike.

Am I now being too picky? It has a 2007 super modern engine and handles great - Plus I can use it to commute.

May be I should go back to the 2008 Tiger I thought I could afford...............


no your not being to picky
makes sence to get what you want
ride the bandits before you hate them
see if you can get a full fairing for on one
then when you ride it you have the best of both worlds

[jrandom]

Sorry, folks, I know Bandits go plenty fast enough and are all sorts of wonderful, but they just don't look this good (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83523&d=1201381745).

:love:

[beyond]

"I tested them the other way around, so I was already blown away by the Bandit's handling and power. The GSX seemed a lot heavier to handle, but also far more comfortable and sturdy."

Once you have the suspenders dialled in properly a Bandit will not touch you in the twistes or in heavy traffic. I know... :msn-wink:

Also there is no other bike on the market you can buy for $10 a CC and man are they under rated.

[jrandom]

... man are they under rated.

Too right.

I finally got the hang of mine at MotoTT yesterday. Much to the embarrassment of a handful of sprotbike pilots and to the detriment of all of my peg feelers on both sides (I'm going to have to drill them out to replace them, now).

:niceone:

[beyond]

LOL I've drilled mine out after a Coro GP but just hang of it more.... that's fun too :)

[jrandom]

... just hang of it more.... that's fun too

You reckon?

:eek:

[martybabe]

Cut it out boys, its about bikes not whos got the biggest gonads.:clap:

[Aitch]

gsx1400
gsx1400
gsx1400

[nallac]

what a hard choice you've got to make........

Personally i think the Hornet or the GSX1400 are heaps better looking than the Bandit .
But having never ridden any of the three i can't really comment on them,
except that the Bandit doesn't lite my fire in the looks department..
Whereas the GSX1400 and Hornet do.

Or as Martybabe posted so does the fatbob..............

[martybabe]

You reckon?

:eek:

:gob: If I get my knee down it would mean I'd fell off mate.Nice to know its capable of such silliness though,I can at least brag about what it can do down the pub. Is that original tyres?.......my hero. Did you check out my comments on the yoshimura can,whoohoo.:first:


gsx1400
gsx1400
gsx1400


That's what I'm talking about, a man of few words but all of them pertinent.:yes:

[jrandom]

Is that original tyres?.......my hero. Did you check out my comments on the yoshimura can,whoohoo.:first:

Nope, Michelin Pilot Road 2s. The Bridgestone BT020s that came on it stock were definitely inferior.

And I'd love to take credit for that photo, but that's kiwifruit on Betty, there. I wasn't getting my knee that close to the tarmac:

<img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/2a7v4ud.jpg"/>

(No, the 'tard didn't get around the outside of me. I heard him coming around, twisted the throttle a bit and thought "I've got 1400 ccs and you haven't, nyah ha ha ha...")

And I definitely second what imdying said about that god-awful trumpet on the back. Either a Yoshi or a Kerker will be going on real soon now.

[pritch]

(No, the 'tard didn't get around the outside of me. I heard him coming around, twisted the throttle a bit )


Ummm what's with the retro riding styles? Is this a "bring back the 1930s" meeting or something? :devil2:

[jrandom]

Ummm what's with the retro riding styles?

You should have seen me in pit lane with my pipe and slippers.

:yes:

[martybabe]

Ummm what's with the retro riding styles? Is this a "bring back the 1930s" meeting or something? :devil2:


Oh bugger,is that retro.this is how to do it you maniacs........:scooter:

[beyond]

Here's a pic of mine without the Swiss Horn and some shoots of some lunies on them :)

[beyond]

The system won't allow me to post shots of those already posted on the forum in another thread????? :(

[martybabe]

Here's a pic of mine without the Swiss Horn and some shoots of some lunies on them :)

I thought yours was blue n white, anyway eye candy indeed.:banana:

[beyond]

I thought yours was blue n white, anyway eye candy indeed.:banana:


Yep, was blue and white and updated to a new black un in October 2006.
Such a dam good bike I had to have the latest at the time :)

[martybabe]

Yep, was blue and white and updated to a new black un in October 2006.
Such a dam good bike I had to have the latest at the time :)



Ok,It's clear it's down to the GSX VS Bandit, nothing more to be said really,just gotta test the bandido and stump up some dosh.

Thanx again for all your input guys :hug: :done: