Another Hornet Bandit thread

[nzspokes]

Honda is physically more attractive than the Bandit and finish is superior as well IMO. Typical budget Suzuki stuff. Suzuki engine is also a well proven workhorse. Watch out of some 2004's - there was a oil burning batch due to the oil ring holes in the pistons being too large.

GS1200ss is worth a look - owned one and it was a blast. Cheap as chips now. run the 1200 engine.

That was the first of the Gen2s K1 models. K4s are fine.

[CRM]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet.

[haydes55]

Kawasaki Z1000
As it so happens I know of a good one for sale

[mynemesis]

Kawasaki Z1000
As it so happens I know of a good one for sale

You saw my budget is $4k right.......!?

[haydes55]

You saw my budget is $4k right.......!?

It's called barter. What can you offer? I don't accept children or animals as part trade.

[Maha]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet.

I sold my near new 1250FA for $10K last year, complete with panniers and top box. Right time etc and there are bargains to be had.

[mynemesis]

It's called barter. What can you offer? I don't accept children or animals as part trade.

Thanks Hayden. It's nice to consider, but to be honest I am sticking with the Bandit / Hornet option for now.

If I could afford a near new, low km one I might consider a z1000. But I can't. Cheers though.

Any mechanics in Levin wanna do a pre purchase on a bandit for me......?

[The End]

I'm bias towards the Hornet since I have never ridden a Bandit

For me it does everything I need and more. I've (long and short distance) commuted on it, taken it to the track, ridden it hard on the weekend and used for two up trips a few times too.

Yes people will claim it has its faults (as any bike does) - especially with the suspension - but for me since I don't have anything to compare it to, I don't really know what I am missing out on.

And also.... dat exhaust sound

[nzspokes]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet.

1200s are way lean from the factory. Drill a 1.5" hole in the airbox, go to 110 mains and one clip on the needles and they fly.

Mind you a few small mods and the 1250s make 140hp.

[schrodingers cat]

When I had my bike stolen earlier this year, after sulking for a couple months, I started looking at what to buy.
I kept coming back to Bandits but just couldn't bring myself to buy one. They're just sooooooooooooo vanilla.
Nothing wrong in that I suppose but I do like to walk into the garage, looks at my toys and be a bit 'fuck yeah'

[rua]

I bought a hornet new as a step up from a 250, found it unintimidating but entertaining enough for a few years and 60+kms.
No issues at all, found it comfortable (5'9", tubby) and a great daily commute, weekend hooner and light tourer.
Basic maintenance was simple, even for me.
Never really used it 2 up, maybe that matters to you.

when I returned after a short break from bikes I was looking for another as an all rounder, bought a cb1300 on condition/price in the end but would happily have another.

[mynemesis]

Thanks for all the feedback / opinions guys.

Interesting about the bandit intake mods. I don't think it's enough to sway me completely, but definitely means it'll be interesting no matter which one I end up with. How much of an improvment do you think "flys" equals? Seriously interested and not being flippant as it sounds :-)


Yeah I get the "Fuck yeah!" Factor. Just budget and carpal tunnel dictating the current situation being a bandit / Hornet compromise.

Maybe the bobber project will give me a bit of that.....?

[AllanB]

Bars are easy to change on either ride. Stock Honda ones are kind of weird - high and narrow. I ran Renthal ultra lows - wider, lower and gave you a nice tilt forwards.

[nzspokes]

Thanks for all the feedback / opinions guys.

Interesting about the bandit intake mods. I don't think it's enough to sway me completely, but definitely means it'll be interesting no matter which one I end up with. How much of an improvment do you think "flys" equals? Seriously interested and not being flippant as it sounds :-)


Yeah I get the "Fuck yeah!" Factor. Just budget and carpal tunnel dictating the current situation being a bandit / Hornet compromise.

Maybe the bobber project will give me a bit of that.....?

With a slip on pipe about 20hp and a chunk of torque.

Carpel tunnel, just get the op and be done with it.

[mynemesis]

Wasn't given the option to have it fixed. Seems that only going numb while riding my bike doesn't qualify as needing surgery. Guess that's fair I suppose.

So slip on, airbox and carb jets / tuning should give it a good kick!?

Cheers