What is the word on the Suzuki Bandit?

[Guest]

Someone has a Suzuki Bandit 1200 here and the asking price seems ok. Oil/air cooled 1200CC motor. Dont know that I want the leaned over riding position but I figured I would ask if anyone has any feedback good or bad on these bikes.
Alex

[rphillips]

I have 2 B-12's, a "99" model & a "2005" model. The earlier ones, they changed in I think 2002, were not as leaned over as the later ones. To me, the earlier ones were more of a sport touring bike, & the later ones were more like a crotch rocket. I'll send you a private message.

[Nessism]

Earl's a big Bandit supporter.

[bobgroger]

I had a Gen 2 B12. It was a very nice bike, but I could not get comfortable on it even after trying 2 different bars and sets of risers. The seating position put pressure right on an uncomfortable spot on my palm. Foot position was great. Handling and brakes are way better than a GS, performance is comparable to an 1100e. So now I have the proper compromise, a GS1100e with Bandit suspension and brakes.

[GS1150Pilot]

Badass, bulletproof, big power potential bikes.

[bsharpish]

Well I've had 4 ...... great bikes for real world use with endless torque and bulletproof motor

easy to upgrade which is useful as some aspects were VERY budget

rear shock is usually dead within 10000 miles ..... get a good used gsxr1000 one for $35 and with a couple of washers you are smiling.
change fork oil and springs
gen 1 (96-2000) better than gen 2 in my experience as gen 1 gains very easy horsepower with can and dynojet kit plus gen 1 4 pot brakes better than gen 2 6 pots

thats about all I'd do ........ basically improve the handling and add 15HP for less than $450

[Jethro]

What's not to like about a Bandit? It's a GS for the most part.

[bobgroger]

What's not to like about a Bandit? It's a GS for the most part.

Very true. It is the evolution of the standard UJM. I have seen 2016 Bandits new for $7k on Cycletrader. Hard to go wrong at that price, although that means they aren't selling.

[glib]

Badass, bulletproof, big power potential bikes.

So true. In 2008 I was looking for the bike into which the GS1100ES had evolved. When I found the Bandit 1250 I recognized the features and bought one. Loved it. Now it's the GSXS1000F. Top of my wishlist.

[limeex2]

B-12's go pretty cheap up here. Seen them with less than 10k for $2500. Good bang for the buck.

[earlfor]

I've had my 03 Bandit 12 since it was new. Couldn't ask for a nicer running, more dependable, trouble free bike. It's also extremely comfortable for LOOONG days in the saddle. I've had other bikes along side it in the garage these past 14 years, and thinking I had found its replacement, but none have come close to making the cut and the Bandit stayed as the best of the best. If you offered me any bike I wanted in trade for my Bandit, I would want a new, still in the crate, 2003 Bandit 12S.

Oh, and btw, a Bandit is one HELL of a LOT faster than a GS750. LMAO