GSF 1200S Bandit

**johnsf1980** · 30th December 2005, 07:51

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:Me** · 30th December 2005, 08:45

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** · 30th December 2005, 09:39

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** · 30th December 2005, 09:47

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** · 30th December 2005, 09:54

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** · 30th December 2005, 13:13

Get the nekkid, get the nekkid!!

**Pixie** · 31st December 2005, 11:22

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** · 31st December 2005, 15:02

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.

**johnsf1980** · 3rd January 2006, 12:16

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

**johnsf1980** · 4th January 2006, 09:11

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

**Scouse** · 4th January 2006, 09:20

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

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** · 4th January 2006, 10:24

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.