Thoughts on Bandit 1200?

[BASS-TREBLE]

I'm thinking about possible bikes to get possibly after winter and I like the sound of a later model 1200 Bandit due the simplicity and torque.

I would like some thoughts from past or current owners giving the good and the bad.

I know that they are basically bored out GSXR oilboilers so they are pretty much bullet proof.
What are things the main things that go wrong with the B12s, if anything?

Has anyone done a S to naked conversion? I prefer the look of the naked front end but there don't seem to be too many around, if any.
I'm sure it can't be all that hard but would like to hear from some that have done it.

Also, what things should I plan to invest in? Other than exhaust and jetkits?

Cheers guys

[ellipsis]

...never heard anything but good about them..a friend sold his to upgrade to a new machine,,,ended up going back to the fellow he sold it to and pleaded with him to sell it back to him..got it to..its also naked...he,s a very happy chappy on his old and trusted jappy, again...

[banditrider]

I did 44,000k's on a K2 and 20,000 odd on a K6. My only mods were for gear carrying and a muffler. Never had any mechanical issues. Economical, grunty and fun. Cheap basic tourer. Rode my mate's K6 (70,000+ km) the other day and it still put a grin on my face. Have seen one with 186,000km on it - I don't think that they can die...

[AllanB]

Also have a look at the GS1200ss - basically the bandit engine.

I enjoyed mine Seen a naked one - looks cool.

[yachtie10]

seen a few nakeds around
had one great bike

try this site for what you can do with them as far as performance
http://www.holeshot.com/

[chanceyy]

Love mine, great for touring, (after a seat mod) really enjoy the roll on power & the engine braking, a very flickable machine

I have found it to be a rather forgiving bike of my wee mistakes !! (and before everyone jumps on the bandwagon I learnt the lesssons)

have been fortunate to ride a few bikes over the last few yrs and yet my bandit still makes me smile as soon as I jump on

[Hitcher]

Suzuki made millions of them. Often copied by other manufacturers, rarely beaten.

[mulletman]

They came out naked , what about a GSX1400 oil boiler, naked, fully adjustable suspension front and rear (12s arent) 124nm of torque from 2500rpm

[jaffaonajappa]

wellllll......what about an 80's Katana or GSX? - And then spend some dollars on it..... a unique bullet proof sport/tourer vs yet-another-bandit?

[BASS-TREBLE]

Thanks for the input guys. So long story short there is nothing to worry about.

wellllll......what about an 80's Katana or GSX? - And then spend some dollars on it..... a unique bullet proof sport/tourer vs yet-another-bandit?

Mate don't get me started, I'm trying so bloody hard to buy a bike i can leave at least semi stock. My current FZR has every part you can think of fiddled with

[Banditbandit]

I have a naked 650 Bandit (K5 oil-boiler) and a faired 1250 (injected liquid-cooled). Love them both - stunningly fun bikes ... no problems at all. I have a friend with a 1200 - done around 150,000ks on it and all he's done is changed the plugs, oils, tyres and chain ... he's had no issues at all ...

The only negative thing I've ever heard about Bandits was a guy I met who sold his because "it was too good" ...

[jaffaonajappa]

I met who sold his because "it was too good" ...

I can kinda relate to that. Assuming we are talking about Sole/Main bike - its a love affair really isnt it? something exciting.....keeps the ticker turning over......Otherwise we would all be riding R series Beemers or Hondas :P

I sold my Kwaka 600 for a guzzi Sport, years ago. slower, heavier, Farrr less reliable, but goddamn it was a satisfying ride.

[imdying]

Bandit 1200s any good... well, I've never ridden one, but I can tell you that I've yet to come across anyone who didn't enjoy them; even the UK sportsbikes magazines, and they're pretty hard on anything that doesn't conform to their tastes. Given that, I imagine they're a hoot.

[terbang]

Did 40K on a 98 1200, Europe, Australia and NZ. One of the best bikes I've owned and ridden. Bullet proof with lots of mega grin factor and I wish I had it now.

[BASS-TREBLE]

Well the feedback is just getting better and better isn't it.

So what are the common mods to make it just that little bit better?

Seats?
Exhausts?
What else?