Thoughts on GSF1250SAT

[Manix48]

Had this post in general bike stuff but no replies so going to try it here.

Hi there, just wanting to know if anyone here has, or has had any experience on the Bandit 1250 Tourer model that you can get. Lots of discussion about the bandit itself. I'm guessing it's not going to be too different from the original, just interested to hear from anyone whose ridden one. Looking at getting one in the future. Cheers guys/gals

[Manix48]

Looks like no one has any experience with the Touring Bandit. Is it not worth the extra money? Should I be looking at just the standard ABS Bandit then?

[jafar]

As far as I can tell the only difference between the standard bandit & the touring one is that Suzuki have thrown some farkles on the touring version & repriced it accordingly.

[YellowDog]

It took a while for the missus to agree to my buying a new bike but when she did she made two preconditions:

1. ABS
2. Colour choice

The 1250 SAT was my first choice and topped my shortlist until my wife got pregnant and announced that her days of pillion riding were over.

I had been considering the previous 1200 Bandit (non-ABS) however I loved the writeups on the new and modern 1250cc engine so much that I just had to have it. I didn't like the new Bandit styling without the body kit, so the SAT model gave me the option of a much better looking bike and also lots of storage. In my opinion the extra cash for the SAT is excellent value for money.

So far as the bike goes, well the big plus about it is that it is very easy to ride. The 225Kg weight is hardly noticable and rear view mirrors are excellent making manouevring around town suprisingly easy.

The 1250cc really isn't a big deal and I found it to be a 4 cylinder pussycat. You can give it a few more revs and transform it into a more sporty ride, but it was nice to have the choice.

My main reason for not buying it was the fact that with my missus no longer wanting to ride, I could get the bike I always wanted without feeling selfish. I prefer the extra vision from higher riding position (the Bandit felt comparatively small). Plus the biggest thing for me was that the Tiger engine was a great deal more responsive.

It all depends what you want. I imported my Tiger when the US$ was 80c, so it was only $1k more expensive than the Bandit. To dress the Tiger up like the Bandit SAT would cost a small fortune.

I would still recommend the Bandit to anyone after a great all round sports tourer.

Good luck.

[Manix48]

[QUOTE=YellowDog;1129208035]It took a while for the missus to agree to my I didn't like the new Bandit styling without the body kit, so the SAT model gave me the option of a much better looking bike and also lots of storage.


Thanks for your comments

That was my thought on the Bandit too. I much prefer it with the lowers as well. Also one of the missus dislikes are naked bikes. Just don't know if there will be any more around beginning of next year when I'm ready to buy, as Suzuki look like they are putting out the SAT for the 08 bike only. No 09 ones yet... We'll see.

[YellowDog]

You can buy the kit separately. The dealers add it at sale time and as I have said, it is excellent value. You even get the tank bag

[AllanB]

[QUOTE=Manix48;1129208082Also one of the missus dislikes are naked bikes. [/QUOTE]



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[jafar]

[QUOTE=Manix48;1129208082]

. Also one of the missus dislikes are naked bikes.

Trade her in

[Manix48]

[QUOTE=jafar;1129208221]

Trade her in

Trouble is, I've had her for too long so wouldn't get anything for her any more. And after she reads this, I probably wont be getting anything either?!?!

[jafar]

[QUOTE=Manix48;1129208259]

Trouble is, I've had her for too long so wouldn't get anything for her any more. And after she reads this, I probably wont be getting anything either?!?!

Oh she sounds just like my one

[ynot slow]

Go with std ABS version,save the coin on panniers if you are not touring often and just use pac rac.The height is adjustable,but might need seat seeing too,way to soft inside so seat goes flat which means sore arse.

[YellowDog]

Go with std ABS version,save the coin on panniers if you are not touring often and just use pac rac.The height is adjustable,but might need seat seeing too,way to soft inside so seat goes flat which means sore arse.

I've heard that too. It does look a bit thin. I hear they do quite a good aftermarket gel seat upgrade.

[Manix48]

I've heard that too. It does look a bit thin. I hear they do quite a good aftermarket gel seat upgrade.

Yeah. I've been looking at the seats made by Rider. www.trimit.co.nz Not too many other places I can find in NZ online?

[ynot slow]

Yeah. I've been looking at the seats made by Rider. www.trimit.co.nz Not too many other places I can find in NZ online?

Budget about $550 plus gst from them and look bloody nice,I know a couple of guys who do seats in the Naki and have done a bandit for $75 each piece(2 piece seat)maximum,so will probably try them.A mate had his seat cut and shaped on his GSX 750 20 plus years ago by the same company and did a good job,best part is the owners' son runs the place now.

[caseye]

The SAT Bandit has to be one of a few bikes I'd just buy!They're cool.