08 Bandit 1250S ride impression

[Edbear]

Haven't I seen you in the classifieds

ROFL!!!! I nearly had a mouthful of coffee when I read that!!!

My bandit is only the 650 so it was great to read your review Edbear. Everything you wrote made me smile and think "yep that's mine on a baby scale". Tippy toes - yes (I'm 5'2"), top heavy - yes (short legs don't give too much leverage when man handling it), easy power shift with throttle - yes (OMG, I didn't realise I was actually doing that speed). And, of course, it gets lots of looks! Sigh. I just don't think the 1250 will ever be an option for me though, so will have to drool over others' reports!!

You've got a real nice bike and even for me I reckon the 650, especially the new F would be my bike of choice other than a cruiser. Enjoy!

well I am not that far behind you in age as for the rest

hmm did take 1250 out when I was looking but did not quite appreciate it .. however going from 350 RZ to the 1200 bandit was a fair leap so a few yrs getting to grips with the more power & getting more experience .. then a new bandit might be on the cards then

since may only done 10,000 ks on her .. so a few more to rack up yet

I took it back this morning and enjoyed the ride out to Helensville, even finding the bumpiness not too badlt affecting my throttle control. I was able to maintain a reasonably steady speed. Still amazed at that engine, the smoothness and torque is addictive and fun!

However, the ride was still too hard and I was looking forward to getting back on the Boulevard, to see how it compares.

Short answer? Now I know why I ride a cruiser. I was immediately relaxed and comfy, it's a Cadillac by comparison and the ride position means no stress on hands or neck. So much quieter as respects wind noise and that lovely V-twin bark was back! On the C50T I can imagine, and have done, long rides and tours, ending relaxed and looking for more whereas the big Bandit, while a great bike in its own right and probably perfect for others, is too hard on hands, lower back and neck - better than the old GSX-F600 I had in that the engine is so smooth so no high-frequency vibes through the bars - but I'm not the right shape and fitness these days for it. The wind noise really got to me, but could be the type of helmet I have which is great on the cruiser with the windscreen.

Even with half the power, the Boulevard is still a "twist and go" bike for quick overtaking, and it only took one corner to remind me it doesn't have the clearance of the Bandit... so an adjustment in cornering style there...