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Stromble
28th November 2008, 17:33
Thinking of changing my bike again.. went from the DL650 and SV1000 to a Versys, but miss the old V-strom for long haul comfort..

Im 6'5 so need a big bike.. Took a Bandit K6 1200S out today for a quick test, and think it could be the ideal one.. going back to take it a little longer tomorrow.

Can anyone offer any good pre-sales advice, what to check out etc? and any reports on long haul comfort, reliability etc, would be much appreciated...

Thanks..!

98tls
28th November 2008, 17:46
Great bike though i would look think hard about finding the xtra $ for a new 1250,the Suzuki summerfest promotion makes them cheap as chips.

rogson
28th November 2008, 17:51
Try a GSX1400............hooked?

AllanB
28th November 2008, 18:05
If you liked that motor, try a GS1200ss - essentially the same engine (smaller carbs and tall gearing) - they are cheaper than the same year/km Bandits. I found mine to be a very capable tourer. At your height you may find yourself a bit cramped on the ss as you sit in it not on.

The 1250 Bandit engine has all the goodness of the older oil cooled one but everything is better.

Stromble
28th November 2008, 18:07
Great bike though i would look think hard about finding the xtra $ for a new 1250,the Suzuki summerfest promotion makes them cheap as chips.

I am tempted, though for another 3K is there really that much difference apart from the fuel injected engine?

Though then there is a 1250s with ABS and leo vince muffler for $1400 more at $13,999.. hmm..

98tls
28th November 2008, 18:13
I am tempted, though for another 3K is there really that much difference apart from the fuel injected engine?

Though then there is a 1250s with ABS and leo vince muffler for $1400 more at $13,999.. hmm.. What money are you going to pay for the bike your looking at?Imho if your going to keep it awhile then the 1250 is the way to go.

Gizzit
28th November 2008, 18:25
Those new GSX1400's with the Yoshi thrown in for $12995 ... or something like that ... are excellent value. They have more torque than a 3 women in a coffee shop!! :chase: :bleh:

98tls
28th November 2008, 18:30
Those new GSX1400's with the Yoshi thrown in for $12995 ... or something like that ... are excellent value. They have more torque than a 3 women in a coffee shop!! :chase: :bleh: :eek5:Where can i buy a 3 women?

Stromble
28th November 2008, 18:37
Preferably under $10k, but may look to stretch to $12.5 for the new one..

98tls
28th November 2008, 18:42
Preferably under $10k, but may look to stretch to $12.5 for the new one.. If thats the case then a 1250 would be the only option i would look at personally.

Gizzit
28th November 2008, 18:49
:eek5:Where can i buy a 3 women?

Mate ... well if you have to ask .... lol :shifty: What colour would you like them .... all naked .... I assume ... and with low K's .... :laugh:

rocketman1
28th November 2008, 19:25
Hey I sold a Bandit 01 1200 to buy a SV1000 why the hell would you go the other way.. Bandits are great but SV's are better, ... never thought I would say that. Maybe the latest GFS1250' are a bit different... different strokes for different folks??

98tls
28th November 2008, 19:35
Hey I sold a Bandit 01 1200 to buy a SV1000 why the hell would you go the other way.. Bandits are great but SV's are better, ... never thought I would say that. Maybe the latest GFS1250' are a bit different... different strokes for different folks?? :confused:If your going to think that way you should have bought a TL.<_<

ynot slow
29th November 2008, 06:45
There are a few bandit 1250 07 models on the floor of shops,most have 5000km or so about $11500-$12000 and abs.Mine has 10000km and was $3000 or so cheaper than new,still has warranty as well.

Stromble
13th December 2008, 20:28
There are a few bandit 1250 07 models on the floor of shops,most have 5000km or so about $11500-$12000 and abs.Mine has 10000km and was $3000 or so cheaper than new,still has warranty as well.

Well, as per profile pic.. I now have a nice 2007 1250S with ABS.. Very happy, other than that I cant seem to get the suspension set just so... Seems to be very bouncy..

Can you offer any wisdom on your setup? preload and rear rebound?

tri boy
14th December 2008, 06:40
Well, as per profile pic.. I now have a nice 2007 1250S with ABS.. Very happy, other than that I cant seem to get the suspension set just so... Seems to be very bouncy..

Can you offer any wisdom on your setup? preload and rear rebound?

The rear shocks are about as budget as they come.
Bought kanny a second hand 600s, and the first thing I did was bin the shock for a built one from RT. (bloody good price too).
At the front, the springs got pulled, and I had a pair of springs that were near perfect after machining suitable pre load spacers.
Fresh good quality fork oil. Dialled in that Shock, (easy with compression adjustment, and preload, and rebound adjustment.
Biggest problem now, is getting a ride on it. Damn woman is never home:scooter:

A set of race tech emulators are on the new year wish list for the forks.

ynot slow
14th December 2008, 11:54
Shocks as it came lol,seems ok 2 up which is what I do most times.

Pixie
14th December 2008, 17:30
Well, as per profile pic.. I now have a nice 2007 1250S with ABS.. Very happy, other than that I cant seem to get the suspension set just so... Seems to be very bouncy..

Can you offer any wisdom on your setup? preload and rear rebound?

Heavier springs in the forks,Racetech gold valves,Ohlins rear damper

Patrick
14th December 2008, 20:04
I am tempted, though for another 3K is there really that much difference apart from the fuel injected engine?

Though then there is a 1250s with ABS and leo vince muffler for $1400 more at $13,999.. hmm..


There are a few bandit 1250 07 models on the floor of shops,most have 5000km or so about $11500-$12000 and abs.Mine has 10000km and was $3000 or so cheaper than new,still has warranty as well.

Get in while the going is good. Have heard that due to the fall in the NZ $$$ the prices are going to go up next year.

Love my Bandit, 6'2, comfy as, even on long distances. Totally reliable. Have riden an SV but like the touring position way better than the head down arse up sore wrists way.... Somehow I know that is going to come back and bite me some how...:doh:

The 1250 demo models are at good prices if ya shop around... Check out Bikepoint too for prices (if ya haven't already).

alanzs
15th December 2008, 11:10
Have had two Bandit 1200's over the years. Just got rid of my 2000. I'd suggest:
K+N air filter
Race pipe
Steel braided brake lines
Radar detector
Front fork stabilizer.

Have fun, Bandits are great bikes!

madbikeboy
15th December 2008, 11:14
Well, as per profile pic.. I now have a nice 2007 1250S with ABS.. Very happy, other than that I cant seem to get the suspension set just so... Seems to be very bouncy..

Can you offer any wisdom on your setup? preload and rear rebound?

The Bandit is a big happy bouncy castle to ride, just go with the flow... Plus, you're a bit bigger (taller) than the average guy, so there will always be an element of sponginess. Nice looking bike btw.