Allrounder? Bandit's winning.

**Pwalo** · 25th January 2008, 06:14

The Bandit is a great bike. A chap I worked with traded his old Beemer K for a new 1250, and he's very impressed.

**YellowDog** · 25th January 2008, 06:21

I'm going throught he same process myself. The GSX1400 is a more meaty looking bike, but is not quite as easy/light to manouver in town. Tough decision.

**jrandom** · 25th January 2008, 06:46

Originally Posted by YellowDog

I'm going throught he same process myself. The GSX1400 is a more meaty looking bike, but is not quite as easy/light to manouver in town. Tough decision.

Indeed.

I should point out that my reasons for choosing the GSX over the Bandit were almost entirely emotive. I can't argue with a straight face that the GSX1400 is an objectively better bike - it's just different. I haven't even ridden the Bandit 1250. The engine performance numbers say that the 1400 has a bit more low-down grunt and a bit less top-end power than the 1250, and that's how I like it.

In the end, though, it kinda boiled down to the semi-faired S Bandits being just a bit too ugly-lookin' to be viscerally desirable, in my books.

**pritch** · 25th January 2008, 07:48

New bike?

I suppose you want the thing to start everytime? That rules out the Euro bikes

Biggest bang for the buck is the Hornet 919. Try one.

**Devil** · 25th January 2008, 09:24

$16k will get you an 05/06 Triumph Sprint ST with bugger all K's on it (i.e. 10-15k).
Superb bike. I challenge you not to fall in love with the engine.

**jrandom** · 25th January 2008, 10:21

Originally Posted by Devil

Superb bike. I challenge you not to fall in love with the engine.

Is that the 955? I wasn't a huge fan of that engine in the Speed Triple.

Anyway, I don't think martybabe wants a fully-faired touriering sorta thing.

And what is it with everyone jumping in and recommending that he buy second-hand examples of more expensive bikes?

I understand where he's coming from with wanting the new bike smell and having a firm $16K budget. He already has an awesome bike that makes him drool. He wants an economical mile-munching two-up thrasher with guaranteed zero mechanical gremlins.

**Devil** · 25th January 2008, 10:36

Nah, it's the 1050cc engine.

Suggested because it's a bargain compared to new and it's a whole lotta bike compared to the bandit!

**ManDownUnder** · 25th January 2008, 10:42

Originally Posted by yod

i assume the VFR800 is a bit small for your tastes? $16995 new i think

have to admit that'd be a recommendatyion of mine although I've never ridden one.

Bullet proof motor and they look good IMHO

**Hitcher** · 25th January 2008, 10:50

Originally Posted by jrandom

And what is it with everyone jumping in and recommending that he buy second-hand examples of more expensive bikes?

I understand where he's coming from with wanting the new bike smell and having a firm $16K budget. He already has an awesome bike that makes him drool. He wants an economical mile-munching two-up thrasher with guaranteed zero mechanical gremlins.

Indeed. His choice within his budget really comes down to weather protection (Bandit) or not (GSX1400 or CB1300*).

* CB900 is too small, based on his engine size criteria and the ZRX1200R and XJR1300 too expensive.

**cowpoos** · 25th January 2008, 10:56

Originally Posted by jrandom

Indeed.

I should point out that my reasons for choosing the GSX over the Bandit were almost entirely emotive. I can't argue with a straight face that the GSX1400 is an objectively better bike - it's just different. I haven't even ridden the Bandit 1250. The engine performance numbers say that the 1400 has a bit more low-down grunt and a bit less top-end power than the 1250, and that's how I like it.

In the end, though, it kinda boiled down to the semi-faired S Bandits being just a bit too ugly-lookin' to be viscerally desirable, in my books.

Dan is on the money with his comments about the gsx1400...they are a fantasic bike...and surprisingly cappable handling machine aswell...
And they don't age in looks or quality anywhere near as much as the bandits do!! would def be my choice in that market segment!!

**yod** · 25th January 2008, 11:03

Originally Posted by Devil

Nah, it's the 1050cc engine.

Suggested because it's a bargain compared to new and it's a whole lotta bike compared to the bandit!

bloody oath - im gagging for a test ride, they had a black 06 here for $15995 and it was touch and go whether the bank manager was gonna get a call....

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

have to admit that'd be a recommendatyion of mine although I've never ridden one.

Bullet proof motor and they look good IMHO

agreed and agreed

any idea what the weight is? I have read/heard somewhere that they're a bit on the heavy side...?

**Devil** · 25th January 2008, 11:11

Originally Posted by yod

bloody oath - im gagging for a test ride, they had a black 06 here for $15995 and it was touch and go whether the bank manager was gonna get a call....

agreed and agreed

any idea what the weight is? I have read/heard somewhere that they're a bit on the heavy side...?

Both the VFR and Sprint weigh in at over 200kg dry (so does the bandit), but ignore that. The weight just disappears as soon as you start moving. I found the VFR a little anaemic compared to the Sprint.

**vifferman** · 25th January 2008, 11:18

Originally Posted by Devil

Both the VFR and Sprint weigh in at over 200kg dry (so does the bandit), but ignore that. The weight just disappears as soon as you start moving. I found the VFR a little anaemic compared to the Sprint.

Well, the VFR's donk is only 781 cubic centimmittahs, and in a fairly mild state of tune.
OTOH, it will last almost forever.
Shame the same can't be said about the gearbox.

**pritch** · 25th January 2008, 11:19

Originally Posted by Hitcher

* CB900 is too small, based on his engine size criteria and the ZRX1200R and XJR1300 too expensive.

Ummm he did mention the VStrom.

Anyway I wasn't telling him to buy a Hornet I was suggesting he rode one. After which he may adjust his criteria. Or not.