The Bandit Is a Steal
Written: Feb 18 '04 (Updated Feb 24 '04)
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Pros: Great looks, power, brakes, low vibration, classic engine, for a rock-bottom price
Cons: Lots of air deflected over small fairing.
The Bottom Line: Perhaps the best deal in sport motorcycling: fun, fast, and almost free!
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| jackloganbill's Full Review: 2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S |
We purchased our 2001 Bandit 1200 S early in the 2002 season for Schaumburg Honda-Suzuki for $5600. What a steal. The Bandit has great low-mid range torque and enough HP on the high end to thrill just about anyone. Why this bike gets so little press here in the U.S. is remarkable.
If you compare the motor and chassis specs with other sport and naked bikes, it is right up there with bikes costing thousands more.
On the upside, the bike accelerates like a bat out of ...., handles great, and the brakes are fantastic. The engine being oil/air cooled is a bit simpler to maintain that liquid cooled bikes, and the engine has GSXR heritage written all over it--in other words, it should last forever. The riding position is sporty but comfortable (I'm 6'2" - 6'3") and the wide and high handlebars give my near 50 year-old back a break.
For my riding, the suspension (forks and rear shock) are dialed in perfectly. The wife enjoys riding on the back, but for me, it is a bit too tight for the both of us. I have not felt the need to adjust the rear shock when riding two-up.
The tires are awesome, correctly sized and grip like teeth. I have not come close to reaching the bikes cornering limits.
The bike looks great--the pipes, body work, color, fine-finned engine, layout are all very attractive. The header pipes started turning a golden color after about 500 miles, something that is normal. Some observers like the golden tone, others don't. I would prefer them to remain in their original chrome color, but I accept the "changing" color without a gripe.
The fuel mileage is excellent, especially for powerful bike. I run premium, as suggested by the dealer.
The seat comes off very easily using the key and the helmet lock mechanism. This allows access to some underseat storage, the handbook, and the battery.
On the downside....
The small fairing windshield is just large enough to direct a ton of air at my face/helmet, and at illegal speeds, it rattles my shield and even tore my shirt open one time. I have learned to lock the shield and wear a jacket. Suzuki sells an accessory fairing that is 2" higher for about $60--I plan on purchasing it soon.
Thank heavens the shock is dialed in almost perfectly, even for two up riding, because it is a pain to adjust.
After about 30 mins of riding, the palms of my hands begin to get very sore--I have to wear palm-padded gloves. Even though I am overweight, I don't think that is totally the problem, because my son complains about the same problem, even sooner than I would.
The bike is extremely cold-blooded. I read about this but have never experienced a bike that is soooo cold-blooded. It requires the left-hand mounted enrichner (not really a choke), but is very touchy if you try to ride with the enrichner on. I generally let the bike warm up for 5 minutes or so. Since I ride in cold weather a lot, I often must let the bike warm up for 10 minutes plus.
My only other complaint is the sound--way to quiet! Nothing that a new exhaust cannister won't fix. Still, you think they could sell the bike with a little more sound...
Summary:
Gobs of torque and HP, relatively light, comfortable and stable to ride, great brakes, good suspension--perhaps the best buy in motorcycling!
You can read see our bandit at http://pages.prodigy.net/jack.loganbill/moto_bandit.htm
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5,600.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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jackloganbill
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Reviews written: 2
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