The 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S -The Mega Thread [Archive]

GregH

04-22-2007, 07:36 PM

Here it is in real life:
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL865/4143694/16192738/247726750.jpg

This is a photo of el Bandito with a very happy owner:
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL865/4143694/16192738/247726744.jpg

I put 187 miles on it this weekend. Running up and down the tach riding the backroads up to Muenster. What a dream!
The Bandit accelerates very, very quickly. And it's so smooooth! Even at highway speeds and higher RPMs there was no vibration and the front end remained stable.
The half fairing and windshield work very well. The windshield has a clever vent at the front bottom which allows air to enter and helps eliminate the buffeting usually associated with short screens. From all of the bugs on the fairing and windscreen I'd say they worked very well indeed.
But it's the balance that blew me away. The center of gravity feels low and it eases into and out of turns with grace. Just barely a counter-steering nudge drops this baby into a turn. Push with a bit more pressure and it turns -- quick. Running the twisties is a joy; it feels as though the Bandit was designed for them. Even though it weighs 496 pounds it feels lighter. And it moves like the wind.
This bike is a home run. It has exactly what I was looking for in my new motorcycle. I don't know why they're so scarce.

The 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S - get one.

pacman

04-22-2007, 07:54 PM

:drool::drool::drool::drool:

I'm a sucker for a big standard. Gorgeous.

Graubart

04-22-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm a sucker for a big standard. Gorgeous.

Me too! I saw my first one in the shop in Granbury yesterday. Beautiful bike. I want one bad! :sun:

Tourmeister

04-22-2007, 10:39 PM

Very nice! I spent some time drooling over one of those at the Houston Bike Show last fall... It's not in the budget, but it is certainly near the top of my list of potential next street bikes!

Beach

04-22-2007, 10:54 PM

Nice looking bike!
What's the real out-the-door price on those?
I had considered the previous 1200 version and am now thinking about the new 1250 for my next street bike.
Thanks in advance.

terrebandit

04-22-2007, 10:58 PM

Yep... they are nice and a good buy too.

GregH

04-22-2007, 11:29 PM

Sheesh! I just realized I titled this thread "Bandito." Oh well, I was in the spirit. :giveup:

The Bandit was $8299, not including taxes and title, but that did include handling, setup, freight, yada, yada, yada. The new Bandits are in short supply (most dealers I spoke with only had a couple) so I made my best deal and grabbed the black one.

Beach

04-22-2007, 11:49 PM

Thanks!
I hear that the black ones are the fastest anyway ;-)

NUTT

04-23-2007, 07:45 AM

Total hotness. If it gets over 45 mpg it will be a front runner when I get my next bike in about 2 years.

Any idea on gas mileage yet?

GregH

04-23-2007, 08:15 AM

GregH

04-24-2007, 08:51 AM

More pics of the new Bandit. They're not mine which is probably why they're so good(!).
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL865/4143694/16192738/248095272.jpg
.
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http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL865/4143694/16192738/248095271.jpg
.
.
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL865/4143694/16192738/248095270.jpg

wildebube

04-24-2007, 09:08 AM

My brother-in-law just bought an '05 Katana 600 (that he'll be riding to Edom on Saturday) and I was ogling these while he was doing the paperwork. It's a great looking bike and by all reports, great running too. The only thing I didn't like was that the can just looked HUGE. It was a sweet looking bike though. I certainly wouldn't mind having one.

GregH

04-24-2007, 10:12 AM

Yeah, it's a big pipe but from where I sit don't mind it! :rofl:

GregH

04-24-2007, 12:55 PM

Mr. Walker will fix that for you.
Who is Mr. Walker?

Big Bandit

04-24-2007, 01:54 PM

Dale Walker builds some of the best aftermarket parts for the Bandit and a few other bikes. He has possesion of a new 1250 and is currently developing parts for it. Here is his website http://www.holeshot.com/

I have never bought anything from Holeshot performance but his reputation is legendary. If this Bandit is like the old ones a holeshot slipon and powercomander with a holeshot map will release the true potenial of the engine. Dale was able to release and extra 10-15% Hp and tourque from the old carbureted Bandits.

GregH

04-24-2007, 02:10 PM

I've been to Holeshot but didn't remember Dale's name. I'd kind of dismissed the site since the new 1250 came out. I'm glad to hear (and should have guessed) that he's developing for the new model.
With as fast as the Bandit already is, I'm not sure I need more. But then again... :rider:

Big Bandit

04-24-2007, 03:17 PM

GregH

04-26-2007, 07:41 PM

The power chart for Dale's stock Bandit 1250S over on Holeshot.com topped out at 107 hp on the Dynojet. The really amazing number is the 78-80 ft/lbs of torque BELOW 3000 RPM.
Man I love this bike!

KZ Rider

04-29-2007, 02:12 PM

I have had the Holeshot slip-on and jet kit on my ZR-7 for years (and 20,000+ miles). The bike runs well and sounds great, and there have been no issues with the quality of the product - it has held up great.

Tourmeister

04-30-2007, 02:56 AM

Do both headlights burn on low beam? I REALLY hate when they only light one side of a pair... Might be stylish but it is worthless for people that actually like to ride at night :argh: I really dig the new Bandit and it is definitely a top runner for my next bike choice!

GregH

04-30-2007, 08:30 AM

I don't know. I'll check el Bandito tonight and report back.

Tourmeister

04-30-2007, 01:04 PM

Even if it does only light one side, I wonder if anyone will be doing a mod to set it up to light both sides? That would be a priority mode for me as I like riding at night and prefer to be able to see where I am going :mrgreen:

txbanditrydr

04-30-2007, 01:11 PM

I believe the lights are "stacked" but still one is low and the other is high - in addition there are some other lights that give some illumination off to the sides.

Tourmeister

04-30-2007, 01:12 PM

Stacked as in one on top of the other? :scratch:

They look like side by side reflectors.

GregH

04-30-2007, 01:50 PM

I went home during lunch and checked:
Stacked with the low beam above and the high beam below.

At least with the stack it doesn't appear that the Bandit has one eye closed! :rider:

krushchev

05-01-2007, 05:57 PM

I like it. Saw the 1250 at the cycle show and have seriously considered it as a next bike, since Yamaha changed the FZ1.

Jack Giesecke

05-01-2007, 07:27 PM

Gas mileage: With 107 miles on the odometer it took 2.018 gallons to fill. That works out to just over 50 mpg. More than I expected so I'm hopeful it continues post break-in.
I don't know exactly where the dealer filled it up and, as such, am not sure of the beginning fuel level.
I'll keep the log and report back as I collect data.

:eek2: AWEsome! That slightly beats my SV650!:eek2:

I've always liked the big bandits. I guess they did away with the completely naked version, eh? I do like the faired one, though, but it's a little less versatile. A BIG windscreen is nice in winter.

That gas mileage is a real winner. I'm starting to think Bandit in my future now. :mrgreen:

GregH

05-02-2007, 10:20 AM

The gas mileage looks good, but I'll believe it after I've run a half dozen tanks of gas through it. I'm keeping a log and will report in.

Tx Rider

05-02-2007, 10:49 AM

+1 for Mr Walker and holeshot engineering.

Got a kit from him for my FZ-1, I love the can. Smaller, and not loud. Just enough sound to shift by ear, you can hear the engine but folks a half mile away won't.

I get about 47 on the FZ-1. If I leaned it out a touch and kept my speeds legal I might get 50. Been meaning to take it down to Piper performance and have them jet it on the dyno, but at $450 quoted it hasn't been a top priority.

GregH

05-02-2007, 10:55 AM

Are you getting the 5-6 horsepower boost Dale talks about?

Tx Rider

05-02-2007, 11:11 AM

Well I did a rejet, timing advancer, TPS adjustment and can, and yeah it made a difference, not that seat of the pants is going to tell you all that much about a few more hp on a 120+ hp bike. Snappier though.

The FZ-1 uses and EXUP valve, kinda like a computer controlled donut on the exhaust header where the 4 pipes go to one. It automatically adjusts back pressure for best performance via a cable setup I presume controlled by the ignition system.

So just adding a can doesn't really do the same thing it does on most bikes.

My main goal was a pipe that I could hear to shift by without being at all annoying, as the stocker was so silent it was like riding a big electric motor.

GregH

05-02-2007, 12:28 PM

The Bandit is quiet like that, too. Do the Holeshot slip-ons meet emission regulations?

Tx Rider

05-02-2007, 08:07 PM

Dunno, Mine's a 2004 and they don't test it for emissions.

MattDaddy

05-09-2007, 12:04 AM

TWTourist

05-09-2007, 01:12 AM

Question re: ABS option
I test drove a Bandit today and really loved it. I was intending to get a Boulevard M50 but the sales guy encouraged me to try both. Wow, I am so not ready for a cruiser based on how much fun the Bandit is.
So the question is, just how valuable do you all think the ABS option is?

I'm thinking it might come in handy when you hit a bit of loose gravel on top of a road and aren't expecting it, or of course for unexpected rain (I live in the Seattle area). But is $500 worth it?

Thanks!

Matthew

Yes. :thumb: The Bandit is a lot of fun. :rider: How valuable is the ABS and is it worth $500.00? That depends on you. To me, the answer is :nono: NO WAY:nono: . IMHO ABS is valuable during emergency :eek2: braking only. There is no real value during normal braking; be it in loose gravel, rain or dry roads. I would rather avoid emergency braking situations by reading the traffic and staying alert.:wary: :wary:

Big Bandit

05-09-2007, 06:35 AM

When ABS was a grand, or more, I don't think I would have paid for it. But at $500 I would go for it. How much is your deductable? Even if it is $250, if the ABS helps you avoid one drop, it just paid for half of it's cost. That does not include the increased premiums becasue of that drop. How much is your health worth? Yes, avoiding emergencies is your first defense, but the idiot cagers will endanger your safety.

GregH

05-09-2007, 08:54 AM

I would have purchased the ABS version if it was available in black. (I really wanted the black.)

+1 on the Bandit's "fun factor." It's just so great in the twisties! :rider:

Tourmeister

05-09-2007, 03:27 PM

:tab I'd go for the ABS, both because I like the Blue and for the ABS itself. When I had the ABS on my BMW, I never thought about it or rode any differently. However, where it will help you is when you are in a bad situation and don't realize it, like say there is oil on the road where you are stopping and you did not see it... Most riders, even those that practice panic stops, will still lock up the back brake in a full on panic stop. That can be... bad... Having the ABS to help prevent that would be good ;-) Essentially, the ABS is a last line of defense. I would still practice braking skills, avoidance skills, visual scanning skills, etc,... but the fact remains, I am not perfect and in those cases where I goof, having the ABS might make the difference. It is not guarantee, just another layer in the effort to prevent accidents. My biggest concern would be whether or not the front and back brakes are linked so that activating one partially activates the other. I prefer delinked.

:tab On my BMW, it was nice to be able to turn the ABS off for those times when I was riding on gravel and such. This is because there are times when you WANT the tire to be locked up! For pavement riding though, I don't think that would be an issue ;-)

:tab When you go to insure the bike, make sure to ask if there is a discount for ABS brakes! I got a discount on the BMW for that :thumb:

Tourmeister

05-09-2007, 03:28 PM

Oh yeah... welcome to the site!! :wave:

How the heck did you find us when you are so far up in the NW?

terrebandit

05-09-2007, 05:58 PM

MattDaddy

05-09-2007, 09:53 PM

Great feedback... I took the overwhelming response for ABS to heart and decided to go for it. I placed my order today for a Bandit with ABS, and should have it on Friday!

It sounds like the $ or the paint color would be about the only reason to not to have the ABS. I want to enjoy riding and by having an extra backstop to help with a surprise loss of traction feels like a great thing.

Thanks again for the help on this.

Matthew

Tourmeister

05-10-2007, 01:53 AM

Remember... it only works for loss of traction due to braking... ;-) So you had better be real close to upright and going in a straight line when that happens or the ABS won't do you much of good...

I would highly recommend taking the bike to a clean parking lot and practicing panic stops. Start out at low speed to get a feel for the braking. Then start pushing it gradually, harder and harder until you feel the ABS kick in. It is VERY important that you know what it feels like when the ABS kicks in BEFORE you need it for real!! Otherwise it can unsettle you and cause more problems ;-) When I had my GS, I would practice hard stops from 60-70mph on the way to work everyday at one particular spot that was good for it. It really helped for those times when I had to get on the brakes hard for real! Gentle initial squeeze to set the brakes followed by progressive and firm squeezing. NEVER grab the brakes, even with the ABS. The tires can still lock with ABS, only for a moment until the ABS starts cycling, but in that moment you can lose traction enough that the ABS won't be able to get things back under control. ABS is great, but it is not a replacement for good braking skills ;-)

Tourmeister

05-10-2007, 01:53 AM

And post pics of the bike when you get it :-P

MattDaddy

05-10-2007, 02:05 AM

Great advice on doing tests to see how exactly the ABS engages. I had use of a neighbor's BMW R1100RS with ABS for a week or more but never tried this.
I'll be sure to post some pics, hopefully with a mountain or two in the background to encourage a few Texans to come up here for some riding.

05-10-2007, 07:04 AM

GregH

05-10-2007, 08:46 AM

Oh, man, the Bandit will be great in the mountains!
Be sure to watch your speed. That bike can really corner and it's so smooth your speed will be increasing only you don't feel it. I'm constantly dropping my eyes to the speedometer to check actual speed and am often surprised at the difference between how fast I thought I was going and how fast I'm really going.
Have fun and post those pics! :clap:

SparkyBlue

05-10-2007, 09:36 PM

I'm impressed. Great form and function, + price.
Enjoy the ride :rider:

MattDaddy

05-14-2007, 01:39 AM

Went for a 2 hour ride yesterday on some great twisty roads right nearby. It was my first ride since bringing it home from the dealership.

It was overcast and so the mountains weren't out to create the perfect backdrop for a photo, but I took a couple of shots anyway. Sun is in the forecast for the next couple of days... I should be able to get out. I decided not to go for a ride on mother's day in deference to my great wife that let me buy this bike.

Oh, and you were so right about watching my speed. I was trying to vary the RPM and provide some solid compression for the cylinders... that certainly makes it want to run away. Incredible how strong it is in 2nd gear. No idea when I'll be able to get it into 6th...

I stopped by a couple of other riders (one with a v-strom 650 I think, other with an older Honda) and they went on about how I made the absolute right choice for a new bike.

Thanks again for the advice.

GregH

05-14-2007, 09:49 AM

...Oh, and you were so right about watching my speed. I was trying to vary the RPM and provide some solid compression for the cylinders... that certainly makes it want to run away. Incredible how strong it is in 2nd gear. No idea when I'll be able to get it into 6th...
I told you! :mrgreen:
I ran the same high compression break-in and found that 2nd and 3rd gear go really fast. Really fast.
How do you like the balance in the turns? I find the Bandit almost lays into a turn and stands right up coming out. You just think "turn here" and it moves in; almost like a mind-meld with the bike. But is it the bike or the rider which is being assimilated?! :borg:

GregH

05-14-2007, 11:31 AM

She's a beauty.

MattDaddy

05-15-2007, 02:20 AM

Top Cat

05-15-2007, 05:18 AM

hey TexMedic, are those different wheels than stock, or did you have the rim edge polished? If you by who?

mikethebike

05-17-2007, 10:03 PM

rode the wheels off my 98 until I traded it in for the 07 model (in black) immediatley trashed the cheesy stock horn for a fiamm 130 db honker, and looking for dale walker to come up with a can with a bit more "woof". I'm having the dealer repair the guage housing, which has snapped out - anyone else with that issue? Other than that, this bike is a keeper, yes? mk:clap: :eat:

Tourmeister

05-18-2007, 02:17 AM

Welcome to the site Mike! :wave:

How did you find us from Washington?

jnappier

05-18-2007, 08:48 AM

That is a really nice looking bike. How is it for comfort? I'm curious about the half faired wind protection at speed?

MattDaddy

05-18-2007, 11:06 AM

Funny you should ask about how it is at speed with the wind. I'd say this is the one thing that I'd like to be able to change when I need to do some highway riding. I found it tiring at 65-70 mph yesterday.
Only caveat here is that I'm just getting back into riding after taking almost 20 years off.

If anyone has a suggestion for an aftermarket windscreen that can be quickly switched out I'd want to have a look.

Everything else about the bike, is just great, I mean fantastic.

Tourmeister

05-18-2007, 01:56 PM

Matt, where does the wind blast off the screen hit you?

sherob

05-18-2007, 02:16 PM

Depending on how low/high the wind is hitting you, you might checkout a Laminar Lip. Have you checked out a Bandit site for recommendations?

05-18-2007, 03:19 PM

I've got a first year second generation Bandit 1200S. I'll have it at the Pie Run in Huntsville tomorrow.

The second gen B-12S is an incremental "improvement" over the gen 1 B-12's. I suspect the THIRD Gen B-1250 for 07 is another perhaps major "incremental" improvement over my 2nd Gen B-12S.

It's not the rocket the 'Busa is, but it's MORE THAN ENOUGH, bone reliable, great binders (no ABS), good ergos, POWER TO BURN, and while I've ridden Hondas predominantly and am accustomed to fit and finsh excellence, my Bandit has some flaws in that department.

It had 7111 mi on it when I bought it about a month ago. It is a superbly fun bike to ride, especially when the road gets crooked.

I have one Holeshot (Dale Walker) item on it... Nerfbars... Whazzat? Small diameter solid rod, not tube type, case guards. I have the Zuke Gel Seat, and have filled the OEM handlebar with BB's 'cause I clumsied around and lost one of the OEM bar end weights.

Bandit IS the most under rated and under APPRECIATED motorcycle in the market place, in my biased opinion.

JR
Lake Livingston, TX

GregH

05-18-2007, 06:36 PM

No gauge problems with mine. It's a terrific bike and corners like a dream.
I'm planning to put in a better horn and some driving lights...eventually.

GregH

05-18-2007, 06:41 PM

... Nerfbars...
I'm waiting for Dale to produce Nerfbars for the Bandit 1250S. Those would be a nice addition.

MattDaddy

05-19-2007, 12:40 AM

The wind hits me in the chest mainly, then obviously feel it pulling on my helmet. I checked and it looks like neither Suzuki nor other aftermaket parts companies makes a different windscreen for the 07 Bandit at this point.

Kidder

05-19-2007, 12:07 PM

The Cascade mountains were out today so I thought I'd post shots from my ride today. Breaking in a bike can be so much fun.
I'll see if I can work my way up to going up through one of the passes in the next week...

I think we need to have a Meet n Greet in Washington. Those pics are beautiful. Congrats on the new bike!

TWTourist

05-21-2007, 12:39 AM

I'm waiting for Dale to produce Nerfbars for the Bandit 1250S. Those would be a nice addition.

+1 :thumb:

GregH

05-21-2007, 08:32 AM

The subject of engine guards came up this weekend while with some friends who ride. The Harley owner was actively looking and the safety/style issue was debated among our wives over dinner. Lo and behold, my wife said we all need to buy engine guards as soon as possible! :eek2:
Maybe with engine guards and a couple of frame sliders I can get her to ride two-up.

Graubart

06-10-2007, 07:31 PM

Me too! I saw my first one in the shop in Granbury yesterday. Beautiful bike. I want one bad! :sun:

I did it! The Z750s is gone and an '07 Bandit has taken her place. :rider:

When I get a chance I will post up some photos in a new thread. I've been too busy riding. :sun:

AlLandry

06-10-2007, 08:00 PM

Beautiful bikes - I had my mind made up for a DL1000 - but now that the new Bandit is out I may just have to give it a try.

Also - Twisted Throttle is showing aftermarket items (including windscreens) for the '07. The parts are listed under both '06 and '07 (see the link). I would call and make sure it will fit before ordering...

Best of luck,
Al

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/584/

aks801

06-10-2007, 09:13 PM

Just this very weekend I went in to the Triumph/Suzuki dealership in Katy, and tucked away in the back corner was the Bandit, w/ ABS, all black. For some reason I was prepared to not like it or at the least not be impressed, but... I LIKE this bike! The only "riding" I did on it was sitting in the showroom, but it fits me so well (6' tall, average reach). Obviously ton o' motor, looks like decent wind protection, that 6th speed is a savior for the highway. I'm a big fan of the FZ-1, but looking at the price, and the mini-comparo in the latest Cycle World, plus the comments here, the Bandit may very well be in my future!

Tourmeister

06-10-2007, 10:01 PM

*with fingers firmly plugged into his ears*

LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA.....

GregH

06-10-2007, 10:20 PM

*with fingers firmly plugged into his ears*

LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA.....

The new Bandit is a great bike, Scott. You should check 'em out! :mrgreen:

Gilk51

06-11-2007, 06:26 AM

I did it! The Z750s is gone and an '07 Bandit has taken her place. :rider:

When I get a chance I will post up some photos in a new thread. I've been too busy riding. :sun:

Ho boy! When do we see it? :clap:

hey, drag racing Thursday night in Kennedale... :trust:

:mrgreen:

treybrad

06-11-2007, 08:45 PM

What's the latest on the fuel mileage? I've been looking to get a smooth 4-cyl that's more suited for longer distances vs. my SV while not killing me on gas. The new B1250 looks like it's getting better mileage than my 650 if it's still getting around 50mpg!

Anyway, just trying to get more info. Not a lot out there for me to research yet... I may just have to stop by the dealer and try one on this weekend...

trey

GregH

06-11-2007, 08:57 PM

I'm getting 44-45 mpg but it's still under 600 miles on the machine.

Bill_C

06-12-2007, 06:56 AM

Graubart

06-12-2007, 08:23 AM

I just picked up my new 1250S with ABS this weekend and so far I am loving it! The one concern I have...I wonder if any other owners experience this...my brakes make an audible "whhrrrrrring" sound when applied. I have owned other sport bikes in the past with drilled disks but they were more or less silent. Is this normal for this bike?

I haven't noticed such a sound, but I wear earplugs all the time. The next time I'm out, I will listen for it. That's not going to be for another few days since I am heading out to Louisiana, in a cage, for the rest of the week.

And, btw, :welcome:

How did you find your way to the TWT forum? :rider:

Bill_C

06-12-2007, 10:21 AM

06-12-2007, 10:59 AM

Another question...has anyone had any luck in finding a backrest, rear luggage rack, or hard luggage for it? My girlfriend and I plan on doing some trips on it this year...Laconia is this weekend!

:wave: Maybe check www.twistedthrottle.com for hard bags/mounts.

I think I need a 1250 too someday.... :zen:

GregH

06-12-2007, 11:16 AM

www.maximum-suzuki.com has Bandit-specific forums. Dale Walker of Holeshot Performance appears there, as well.

I'm installing a Stebel Nautilus on my Bandit this weekend. Welcome to the forum.

txbanditrydr

06-12-2007, 02:40 PM

I'll throw a plug in for BANDIT ALLEY (http://members.stormi.ca/BABBS/index.php) as well - lots of new 1250 owners in the States and abroad (where there are some very cool aftermarket parts).

Tourmeister

06-12-2007, 02:56 PM

Thanks...let me know...I've never had a bike with ABS before so I don't know if the noise is normal for Suzuki's. I may have the dealer check it out when i bring it back for the 600 mile service.

I found your TWT site by doing a Google on the 1250 Bandit..I was hoping to find other Bandit owners to share ideas.

Another question...has anyone had any luck in finding a backrest, rear luggage rack, or hard luggage for it? My girlfriend and I plan on doing some trips on it this year...Laconia is this weekend!

Welcome Bill! :wave:

I have extended family on my wife's side all over the Berkshires. I'd love to get a bike on those roads!! :twisted: A Ford Taraus was all I could manage last time I was up there and well... it just isn't the same :doh:

My old BMW R1150GS had ABS and often you could hear the ABS system making a whirring sound, but I don't ever recall anything coming from the rotors themselves :ponder:

Regarding luggage, I would check into the GIVI stuff. The only thing that will be bike specific is the mounting hardware. Everything else is generic and just clips to the mounting hardware. On several of my bikes, I have run a nice E50 top case without a backrest. My wife and all the numerous passengers I've carried loved having the bag there and said it was quite comfy, even without the extra back pad. The stuff is darn near indestructible... don't ask how I know... :doh: It is a little pricey compared to soft luggage, but well worth it for the convenience! They are also very water proof. I've ridden in torrential gulf coast storms for hours on end and everything inside was perfectly dry. Not sure though if they have the 1250 specific mount kits yet. Folks on any of the Bandit sites would know.

pacman

06-12-2007, 03:39 PM

I just picked up my new 1250S with ABS this weekend and so far I am loving it! The one concern I have...I wonder if any other owners experience this...my brakes make an audible "whhrrrrrring" sound when applied. I have owned other sport bikes in the past with drilled disks but they were more or less silent. Is this normal for this bike?

Bill, you might just be hearing the pad material "singing" against the rotors. I've noticed it a little with several sets of pads on several different bikes, but when I put new HH-compound sintered metal pads on the ZRX, the brakes really "sing" when applied, and I can even hear them "whisper" a little when not applied.

The "singing" sound is hard to describe - it's almost an insect-like humming or buzzing sound.

treybrad

06-12-2007, 04:16 PM

My SV will make a bit of a whirring noise when the brakes are applied hard, but it isn't noticeable over the slip-on while cruising... My car on the other hand, has drilled rotors, and I can definitely hear the pad material "sing" across the rotor even while cruising. Sounds like a cheese grator going to work really, really fast... No ill effects, I wouldn't worry about it.

I know I saw some B1250 luggage racks last night lurking on the Bandit Alley site txbanditrydr posted...

Found the link!

http://members.stormi.ca/BABBS/viewtopic.php?t=9178&highlight=suzuki+luggage+1250s

Looks pretty slick, should accomodate both a top case and side cases...

trey

*edit* keep in mind the poster on the Bandit Alley site is in the UK.. I have absolutely no idea on the availability of stuff over here...

GregH

06-12-2007, 08:30 PM

That is exactly the rack I've been looking for. Now, how to get one...:trust:

Bill_C

06-13-2007, 07:14 AM

Much appreciated for all the tips and web sites, guys! I already started poking around in some of them. I found this pretty neat rear rack on the Twisted Throttle web site.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2001/584

It allows you to keep the passenger grab rail as well. I believe it also holds a GIVI case, although I don't really like the looks of top cases and would prefer some side bags.

I also contacted Dale Walker at Holeshot...he has some nice looking luggage racks and back rests, but they are still under development for the 1250S. He told me to check back in a couple weeks. He also mentioned the combination may not work together as a set without slotting the holes a bit, so I'm not sure if I want to mess around with that. I may just upgrade to a Corbin seat, and they have a backrest that fits most of their seats.

I rode the bike some more yesterday and the whirrring sound from the brakes is diminishing a bit, perhaps the pads are still breaking in. Still weird though. I still only have about 60 miles on it so far. I'll keep you updated.

GregH

06-13-2007, 04:19 PM

I rode the bike some more yesterday...
Have you taken it into the twisties yet? Let that baby lay down a few curves for you, then you'll really love that bike! :rider:

Bill_C

06-14-2007, 09:29 AM

So far mostly around town riding, but I plan on hitting the twisties hard this weekend. I go up to New Hampshire every year for Laconia weekend, and the twisties and scenery around the White mountains are incredible. If you ever get up New England way, be sure to check it out!

I have powered up a few short wheelies though...this thing is a torque monster! ;-)

GregH

06-15-2007, 06:31 PM

Post a ride report after you've hit the twisties. Trust me, you'll be smiling! :eat:

PhilS

06-16-2007, 03:25 PM

treybrad

06-16-2007, 06:50 PM

Hi Guys:

Brand new to the group. I just bought a red 2007 Bandit 1250S (non-ABS). I am really taking it easy on the bike during its 600 mile BIP so by and large it is being kept under 4500 without much loading. I have 350 miles on it as of today and I've noticed the following:

1) I'm getting about 46MPG.
2) It needs a Corbin Gel seat - I hear it will be somewhere near mid-2008 until one is available. I can feel the cheap seat after about an hour.
3) I am hearing a tick coming from the front of the engine randomly between 2500 and 4000 RPM randomly. I can rev the engine freely to 4000 and hear it tick at the top of the rev right when I let it off the throttle. Dealer checked it out and said run better gas?!?!? We'll see how that turns out. I amnow running Shell 93. Thoughts anyone?
4) A set of GIVI hardbags/trunk are coming next year before I tke a trip to the coast.
5) A taller windshield is a must. I see a tinted tall one on TwistedThrottle. GIVI does not offer one yet.
6) I notice the sideways lateral movement of the throttle is more than I've seen in other bikes. You guys see that as well? Dealer says get different grips.
7) The brakes make a whuuuurrrrrrrling sound when activated. I see others have noticed that as well.
8) Lastly - my goodness - this is a fast, powerful, and torquy bike. This is the best buy for $8200 I have ever seen.

Thanks guys for your input and for the details so far in this thread. It's a great bike.

Phil

First off, congrats on the new toy. I just got back from the dealer w/ my blue w/ ABS. I've only put 55mi on it thus far (the distance from the dealer) but I've noticed a few of your nit picks.

1. ? No clue, we'll see when I put gas in it.

2. I just came off an SV650... the seat feels great to me, but the SV seat was quite possibly the worst thing ever sooo...

3. Nope, not yet.

5. Yeah, I get some buffeting around 75-80mph. This is my 1st bike with any kind of a fairing though, so I'm not sure what to expect. It does a good job keeping the blast off my chest.

6. Yes, definitely. I'm going to fiddle with it and see what I can't figure out, but I noticed it too on the ride home.

7. Yes, sounds just like my SV. I'm not worried about that one at all.

8. Oh my yes. :rider:

trey

GregH

06-16-2007, 07:26 PM

I have a black 2007 Bandit 1250S.
- The whurring from the front brake will subside after a few hundred miles.
- Puig manufactures a touring windscreen that Dale Walker at Holeshot.com is going to import. It looks quite a bit taller. I may go for it although the wind breaks across my shoulders with the stock windscreen.
- With just under 600 miles (I've been traveling alot and not getting enough "quality time" with the bike) I'm hitting an average of 44-45 mpg.
- No tick from the front of the engine. I wear earplugs so that may be part of it.
- My grips don't have too much sideways play.
- Check out this link for another strategy on break-in, I used it on my Bandit:
http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Tourmeister

06-16-2007, 09:54 PM

Phil welcome to the site! :wave:

Kind of interesting how many out of state people are showing up here with new Bandits :lol2: Maybe Greg's glowing comments come up near the top of any Google search for Bandits :shrug: Anyway, always cool to have more folks, even the out of state people ;-)

Trey, congrats on the new bike!! (TM is green with envy...:mrgreen:)

desertrider

06-16-2007, 10:16 PM

The Bandits remind me of a big block Chevy Vega - Lots of motor in a small package. Fun bikes

sherob

06-16-2007, 10:23 PM

This months Motorcyclist did a comparo between the 1250S and the BMW K1200RSport... bottom line was, If you can't find something to do with the extra $9k you saved, call them :lol2: They love the bike! I have a friend in the UK that just bought one to compliment his Wing... I don't think his Wing has been started since he bought the Bandit :doh:

TWTourist

06-17-2007, 02:24 AM

Hi Guys:

Brand new to the group. I just bought a red 2007 Bandit 1250S (non-ABS). I am really taking it easy on the bike during its 600 mile BIP so by and large it is being kept under 4500 without much loading. I have 350 miles on it as of today and I've noticed the following:

1) I'm getting about 46MPG.
2) It needs a Corbin Gel seat - I hear it will be somewhere near mid-2008 until one is available. I can feel the cheap seat after about an hour.
3) I am hearing a tick coming from the front of the engine randomly between 2500 and 4000 RPM randomly. I can rev the engine freely to 4000 and hear it tick at the top of the rev right when I let it off the throttle. Dealer checked it out and said run better gas?!?!? We'll see how that turns out. I amnow running Shell 93. Thoughts anyone?
4) A set of GIVI hardbags/trunk are coming next year before I tke a trip to the coast.
5) A taller windshield is a must. I see a tinted tall one on TwistedThrottle. GIVI does not offer one yet.
6) I notice the sideways lateral movement of the throttle is more than I've seen in other bikes. You guys see that as well? Dealer says get different grips.
7) The brakes make a whuuuurrrrrrrling sound when activated. I see others have noticed that as well.
8) Lastly - my goodness - this is a fast, powerful, and torquy bike. This is the best buy for $8200 I have ever seen.

Thanks guys for your input and for the details so far in this thread. It's a great bike.

Phil

Like others have said :welcome: and Congrats on the new bike.

I have a Black Non-ABS with just over 1500 now. But to answer your ???s

1. Same here. :thumb:
2. I've had worse. :doh:
3. I have not heard any ticking out of my non-ABS. I'm running 86 octance here in NM. Have you tried a different brand or just the mid grade?
4. Good choice.
5. On my list also.
6. Yes. Not a big deal to me. I don't notice it on the road.
7. I believe that has to do with the ABS. :shrug:
8. :eek2: :thumb: :eek2:

txbanditrydr

06-17-2007, 07:14 AM

IMHO... the Bandit is a relatively low compression machine and will NOT derive any benefit from running 93 octane fuel. I would definitely drop down to 87 and run a few tankfuls. Saves money too!! :trust:

TWTourist

06-17-2007, 09:58 AM

GregH,

Where's the vid or pics of your horn installation? Desparte minds want to know.:rofl: :rofl:

happy 1250 owner

06-17-2007, 11:09 PM

hey guys whats up i have 1000 miles on my 1250 bandit and i love it .man this bike has nice pull. had it up to 142 with no problems and smoth as ****. I found a lower fairing at twisted throttle.com as well as a new wind screen. now i'm looking for hard saddle bags.so if you guys see some please let me know i cant find any yet. so now this will be a sport touring bike and a nice fit as well. anyone from nh or close to here

Bill_C

06-18-2007, 07:08 AM

Hey PhilS, welcome to the group! I joined last week and have an '07 Bandit w/ABS.

My Bandit also makes the whurrring sound when the brakes are applied, and I thought it was because I had ABS, but since it does on your non-ABS version too (and GregH's) I guess it is normal. After doing a break in ride this weekend, I have 378 miles on it now. The brakes still whuurr but hopefully as GregH says it will diminish in time. In actuality its not all that bad, I'm getting used to it now.

My throttle seems to work fine with no excessive play. Also my engine runs good, no abnormal sounds or knocking. I have been running premium gas though.

My seat is comfortable, but I find myself constantly re-adjusting myself on it as it seems to have a slight pitch forward and I always have to push myself back (or forward for the twisties!) My girlfriend doesn't like the passenger seat for the same reason and is always sliding into me when I apply the brakes. A Corbin might be my next step when available.

My biggest challenge now is to find some hard bags and a backrest/luggage rack. I found some really cool Suzuki hard bags on the Suzuki France web site: http://www.suzuki-moto.com/ . But of course it's all in French but they have a cool set of hard bags for the Bandit. My girlfriend works with some Canadians who speak French and they are going to help me write an email to find out about availability, cost, shipping to U.S., etc. I will keep the group updated!

PhilS

06-18-2007, 09:32 AM

With respect to hardbags......

I emailed GIVIUSA (www.giviusa.com) and they came back with all the kit and bag numbers I need to complete the sport touring package. No windshiled from them yet, but as you said, twisted throttle has it. The Givi set up though is an ugly $1400 or so for the painted top adn side bags - EEEEK!!

Bike now has 405 miles on it. I am running it harder, much harder, now and it doing great.

treybrad

06-18-2007, 11:28 AM

Someone on SVRider was asking for a comparo between the SV and the new Bandit.. so I ended up writing an essay.. unintentionally.. thought I'd post it up here for those that are interested:

-----------------------------------------------

Well, my complaints are similar to the OP (long distance comfort, 2 up riding), so I'll chime in.

I traded my SV in for a B1250 this weekend. After putting about 300 miles on it on Sunday I can tell you it is MUCH more comfortable for distance.. and I'm a spry young lad of 23. I do 70% of my riding commuting to work (~30 round trip, not bad), but on the weekends I tend to head out somewhere for a day, spending 5-8 hours in the saddle. A lot of those times are with the GF sitting behind me.. this is where the Bandit really shines. I can't even tell she's there really. With the SV, because of the height difference between the pillion and rider, it put a lot of weight on me, and especially my wrists. After the whole day, I wasn't fatigued at all, although she was ready to call it a day... but much less grouchy than had we been on the SV, ha.

The weight really isn't a problem for me either, and I'm small, maybe 155lbs geared up. It tips in as well as the SV I feel like.. transitions, throwing it one direction to the other is noticeable, but truth be told, I'm not a super aggresive rider on the street. It certainly isn't a problem for me, even at slow, parking lot speeds. The weight sure comes in handy w/ strong cross-winds like I had on the ride home from the dealership. I could tell by the noise on my helmet, and my head getting tossed around that it was very windy.. on the SV that was always such a pain in the ***.. the Bandit didn't mind at all. Tracked straight as can be. Maybe that's due to the fairing? My SV was a Naked.. I'm sure the extra 150lbs doesn't hurt..

The seat, psh. I don't know what people are complaining so much about. I've never spent quality time on an FJR or VFR or Goldwing, but I can tell you the seat is a huge step up compared to the SV's seat. I used to be lucky to get 70mi before I was ready to take a bum break on the SV, I could go twice that on the Bandit. It's isn't a BAD seat.. maybe just not as plush as others in the ST category.

The motor... wow. What a peach. I'm in break-in, so I can't go over 4,500 RPM's for 200 more miles (I'm working on it... I'll take the long way home), but wow. It is sooooo so smooth compared to the SV, and it pulls like a train. MUCH more torque than my SV, especially down low. Sounds weird for an I-4 I know... This is my first bike that isn't a twin, but from 1,700RPM the thing will just rip forward. I have no idea what I'm going to do when I can wring it out to 9,500 RPMs... The SV would pull just dandy from 4k up, but below that, especially in higher gears, it wasn't happy. I can leave the Bandit in 6th gear, slow down to 40mph or a little lower, and it's ready to rock. It'll pull away smooth as glass with no complaints.

I haven't played much w/ the ABS yet. Found some gravel to check out the rear brake, feels just like a car to me. Should be good to have when I need it...

The fairing is good. I'm about 5' 10" also, wind blast hits me in the shoulders, little to no buffeting.. of course I've only had it up to about 85mph at this point. I've never had a bike w/ a fairing, only nakeds, but I'm impressed how good a job it does for being relatively small. Even seems to keep some of the wind off my hands.. that'll be nice in the winter.

Anyway, I couldn't be happier. Dealership even gave me a good price on my SV. $2700 for an '03 w/ 18,000mi which needs it's valves checked. I figure I could've gotten a few hundy more selling to an individual but well... I'm impatient.

If anyone in TX is looking for a clean 650, Holeshot high-mount, bar end mirrors, racetech front end, GSXR 1k rear shock... Woods Cycle Country in New Braunsfels has your bike..

trey

Tourmeister

06-18-2007, 11:35 AM

The Givi set up though is an ugly $1400 or so for the painted top adn side bags - EEEEK!!

Personally, I would avoid the color matched painted bags. Think if them as luggage. Luggage always gets banged around no matter how careful you try to be. You'll catch the edge of a door frame or the corner of a wall. You'll set them down on the ground. And so it goes... The matte black on the other hand can take a LOT of abuse and don't really show it at all. Even if they do get scratched, you can usually rub it out or give it a light touch with sandpaper and it looks good as new. I put a LOT of miles on such bags on my VFR's (around 100K) and they still looked great when I sold them. Best of all, they are quite a bit cheaper than the painted stuff!

GregH

06-18-2007, 11:47 AM

Where's the vid or pics of your horn installation? Desparte minds want to know.
I installed under the left-side fairing this weekend. There is an open bolt hole in the frame that takes a 10mm bolt. I was methodical (and slow) and the install went pretty easily. I have a lot of pics and detailed notes on the procedure.

My only problem is the horn isn't loud - I either have a bad electrical connection or a defective horn. Am working on that part (I have a thread going in User Reviews | Mods.).

I'll try to get pics up and posted soon. Maybe a few pics to give you the idea on location and I can prepare a more detailed writeup later.

Patience, young Grasshopper...:zen:

GregH

06-18-2007, 11:54 AM

...I have no idea what I'm going to do when I can wring it out to 9,500 RPMs...
You'll likely be able to achieve launch velocity! :eat:

1TallTXn

06-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Well it seems the B1250 is THE bike to have these days! I'm so yesterday with my VFR and ST1300 :lol2:

GregH

06-19-2007, 10:55 AM

But the Bandit is so reasonably priced you could afford to add one to your bike stable.:eat:

1TallTXn

06-19-2007, 02:12 PM

But the Bandit is so reasonably priced you could afford to add one to your bike stable.:eat:
I can't afford to add anything to my stable right now :(

I suspect my next purchase will be a DS bike :flip:

Tourmeister

06-19-2007, 03:30 PM

treybrad

06-19-2007, 03:53 PM

Yep, Google.

Search for "bandit 1250s", in quotations just like that.

It's at the bottom of the page. I actually ran across it too when I was researching...

trey

TWTourist

06-19-2007, 03:55 PM

:tab So I am curious... Are all you Bandit guys from outside of Texas finding TWT simply via Google? I would not have expected TWT to rank that high on a Bandit 1250 search :scratch: :shrug: How did you find us?

:trust: I know....I know.....It's by word of mouth :scott: of all the TWTers :rider: riding outside of Texas. :rofl: :thumb:

1TallTXn

06-19-2007, 04:01 PM

searching google for "bandit 1250s" did turn up this thread as the last link on the first page.

PhilS

06-19-2007, 06:08 PM

:tab So I am curious... Are all you Bandit guys from outside of Texas finding TWT simply via Google? I would not have expected TWT to rank that high on a Bandit 1250 search :scratch: :shrug: How did you find us?

Yep - me too - Google. I found BanditAlley there as well. Being a new owner, I was looking for others experiences, share mine, and get tips on stuff to spend my money on.

Phil

happy 1250 owner

06-19-2007, 09:15 PM

Hey guys and yes me to google got me here too.
So anyone else getting to lower fairing for there bike?
how about bar ends to fix the vib problem with the hands?
or the tailler windscreen?
My best friend just got the bmw 1200 touring bike for 21k and i cant wait to blow by him on my 8k bike lol but the reviews say it will be close lol

GregH

06-19-2007, 09:31 PM

My best friend just got the bmw 1200 touring bike for 21k and i cant wait to blow by him on my 8k bike lol but the reviews say it will be close lol
It may not be that close, especially if you take him into the twisties.

BTW, I'm not having vibration issues with the new 1250. It's smooth all of the way up the power band.:rider:

happy 1250 owner

06-19-2007, 09:55 PM

Hi my hands get num after about 45 mins of riding. anyone else have that problem or is it just me??:eek2: i can feel some vib in the bars. thats why i got new bar ends coming to fix that problem:rider:

TWTourist

06-19-2007, 10:40 PM

My hands used to go num on my '03 @ 4K. I would :uhoh: increase to 4.5K or 5K to cure the problem. :rofl: I don't have that problem with the '07.:clap: :rider:

Tourmeister

06-19-2007, 10:55 PM

Happy,

:tab Are you putting weight on your wrists? I used to have that kind of issue on my VFR's. However, adjusting the controls to keep my wrists basically straight helped a lot. Also, learning to use my lower back and abs to support myself helped take some weight off the wrists. Now if I could just steal some knees from some 16 year old that doesn't need them... :doh:

GregH

06-20-2007, 11:36 AM

...learning to use my lower back and abs to support myself helped take some weight off the wrists.
That's the key. Depending on how far back in the saddle you sit you can find yourself in a bit of a forward lean.
By straightening your lower back (think pushing your stomach out) rather than rounding your lower back (think slouching forward) you'll keep the pressure off of your hands and wrists. This position is also better for shock absorption because you're legs/abdominals will take the shock instead of your lower back.

You may want to check this post: http://www.maximum-suzuki.com/forums/index.php/topic,59213.0.html
Dale Walker of Holeshot Performance received his new Bandit 1250 with loose steering head bearings.

Tourmeister

06-20-2007, 11:45 AM

The other issue could simply be gripping the bars to tight. This is actually pretty common. I had to train myself to keep a relaxed grip on the bars. Even now, after nearly 200K miles of riding, I occasionally have to remind myself to relax my grip. Anyone that thinks the B1250 might be buzzy in the bars needs to come ride my KLR :lol2:

txbanditrydr

06-20-2007, 01:32 PM

You may want to check this post: http://www.maximum-suzuki.com/forums/index.php/topic,59213.0.html
Dale Walker of Holeshot Performance received his new Bandit 1250 with loose steering head bearings.

For those who aren't members over there here is the post - my apologies for posting from other boards if that's a problem.

Check steering head bearings !
« on: May 08, 2007, 09:56:11 PM » Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hy guys

I just wanted to give you a heads up about my bike just in case this becomes a norm. After about 300 miles i noticed a very minor clunk when i would hit a small bump in the road. Well it got real bad all at once now at 400 and sounded like the front end was about to fall off.

Suzuki did not tighten the head bearings near the proper torque and the adjustment nut backed way off, i mean finger loose. If you here any noise at all take your bike to the dealer and have then check it and properly do the job.

You can check yours by putting the bike up on the center stand. Put one foot on the center stand push bar and your right hand on the rear grab rail. Rock the bike so the front wheel and tire bobs on and off the ground. If you hear any clunk clunk clunk at all they have backed off like mine.

If you ride it like this it can flat spot the bearings so go have it fixed at the dealer

The proper way to do this is to remove the top triple clamp , then jack the front wheel off the ground a bit. They then tighten the adjustment nut with a special socket.......NOT A PUNCH! . Then you check the tension with a factory Suzuki tension gauge in grams. This is just a hi cost fish scale basically. The tension is 350 to 500 grams of pull. This is done with the bars straight , then by pulling straight forward on the bar end near the grip.

My buddy Richard at Cycle Imports has these tools so i did this myself last night.

They also need to check the tension one more time when the chrome nut is torqued on the top triple clamp. It pulls up the lower bearing slightly and maked it have to much tension.

It took me 3 times to get mine at 480 grams of tension which is perfect

Mine may be a isolated deal, but maybe not ? Many could have this glitch but time Will tell

Sharing info is all , so go check your bikes and let me know

Ride safe

Dale

The.Rev

06-23-2007, 12:06 PM

I have not even maybe the first payment on my Bandit 1250s and I have put 1300 miles on it I LOVE THIS BIKE!
I added a GIVI trunk so I know that the wife is still on the back of the bike :)

Tourmeister

06-24-2007, 12:05 AM

Welcome to the site Rev :wave:

PhilS

06-24-2007, 07:54 AM

Hello Rev:

Welcome....I am new as well. I am at 500 miles and all is going well.

What GIVI trunk did you add? You have the sidebags as well? Any photos?

Phil

GregH

06-24-2007, 12:43 PM

...And how do you have it mounted? We need pics! :sun:

The.Rev

06-25-2007, 09:48 AM

Here are the pics I used SW motech Racks and a givi 46 monokey trunk, the 46 liter trunk fits two full face helmets;

PhilS

06-25-2007, 09:54 AM

Outstanding!!:clap:

That's a big trunk. It'll be interesting to get your views on rideability with it loaded up. I was looking at the E35 smaller trunk and E36 bags but may simply go with the V46 trunk all by its self.

See ya - Phil

Tourmeister

06-25-2007, 08:55 PM

So have any of you guys done any night riding yet? What are the impressions regarding the effectiveness of the headlight?

GregH

06-25-2007, 09:44 PM

I haven't ridden at night yet. This Friday I'm planning to get some time in, though.

TWTourist

06-25-2007, 10:24 PM

So have any of you guys done any night riding yet? What are the impressions regarding the effectiveness of the headlight?

TM,

The low beam is 1000% better then my '03:clap: :clap: But the high beam does not increase the effectiveness of the lights.:wary: I may just need to adjust the high beam. :shrug: I'll play around with the high beam adjustment and if it makes any difference........I let you know.

The.Rev

06-26-2007, 09:50 AM

I have ridden quite a lot at night, I agree the low beam is good but the high beam does not do much I think its too high. Havignt he 46 liter trunk on the back does not change the riding at all I have a laptop and books probably 15 to 20 pounds worht and I dont even know its there. I am very please with the trunk and plan to add side bags when I can afford it:lol2:

TheWeez

06-28-2007, 08:31 AM

Gilk51

06-28-2007, 09:01 AM

Hello everyone; I hope I’m not intruding on the forum being that I live in Virginia?

Nah. There are folks from other states on here - seems like a lot of them have been draw by the Bandit 1250 info - we must have gotten them first.

:welcome: to our section of the 2-wheel world

txbanditrydr

06-28-2007, 09:12 AM

After reading through this post, it appears that the Bandit 1250 might be a good mix of performance and comfort .....

The Bandit has never been famous for pillion comfort due to the angle of the seat and rear peg position. I would recommend you at least sit on one (2-up) before assuming the stock seat is nirvana.

Other sources claim the 1250 seat is "still" uncomfortable when compared to earlier generation Bandits. I happen to think my stock seat works well. There will be aftermarket seats available soon if not already but you can bet they'll be pricey... and still may not be comfortable.

One thing you will appreciate running 2-up is the grunt and power of any 1200+ Bandit - just twist and go. Good luck with your choice of bikes.

TheWeez

06-28-2007, 09:58 AM

The Bandit has never been famous for pillion comfort due to the angle of the seat and rear peg position. I would recommend you at least sit on one (2-up) before assuming the stock seat is nirvana.

Other sources claim the 1250 seat is "still" uncomfortable when compared to earlier generation Bandits. I happen to think my stock seat works well. There will be aftermarket seats available soon if not already but you can bet they'll be pricey... and still may not be comfortable.

One thing you will appreciate running 2-up is the grunt and power of any 1200+ Bandit - just twist and go. Good luck with your choice of bikes.

Thank you for the insight. To be honest, the M50 is not very comfortable for the passenger either so it might be a toss up as far as that goes. It's really the extra power that I'm most interested in.

treybrad

06-28-2007, 10:05 AM

Hello everyone; I hope I’m not intruding on the forum being that I live in Virginia? I’ve been riding a 2006 M50 for a little over a year now and for lack of a better way to put it, I’m bored with this bike. I’m 38 and while I wouldn’t mind a GSXR-750, my wife rides passenger quite often and I’m sure she wouldn’t be comfortable on the GSXR.

After reading through this post, it appears that the Bandit 1250 might be a good mix of performance and comfort and I’m hoping some of you more experienced Bandit owners can solidify my assumption?

Anyway, you guys have a great forum here with tons of great information and I appreciate being a part of it. Thank you all.

What kind of riding do you do most of the time? The Bandit is a pretty good 'jack of all trades' kind of bike, that's why I got it. I like to take off on day long adventures on the weekends, but I ride it 20mi to work everyday too.

I just came off an SV650, and while the SV was fine for commuting most of the time, I wasn't happy w/ it after being in the saddle all day. Half of my commute is going 70-80mph to keep up w/ traffic and the SV's lack of wind protection was a bummer. The passenger accomodations are pretty lackluster for both the rider and passenger as well. These are the issues w/ the SV that I thought the Bandit would fix. And it did.

So.. I guess it just depends. Are you unhappy w/ anything in particular on the M50, or just ready for something different? Lots of people on this site, with lots of different riding styles, with lots of different bikes... the Bandit is just what I was looking for. Fits me and my riding style perfectly, and evidentally a lot of people on this board and other agree with me there.. YMMV.

trey

GregH

06-28-2007, 11:57 AM

I bought the 2007 1250S for its ability to carve corners, the powerful torque across the range, and the price was impossible to beat.
Riding it for the last couple of months I've learned there is almost no vibration anywhere along the power curve, it handles smoother than I'd expected, and when you roll on the throttle...it goes! :mrgreen:

GregH

06-28-2007, 11:58 AM

... seems like a lot of them have been draw by the Bandit 1250 info - we must have gotten them first.
We just love the Bandit more than most other states! :flip:

TheWeez

06-28-2007, 12:40 PM

What kind of riding do you do most of the time? The Bandit is a pretty good 'jack of all trades' kind of bike, that's why I got it. I like to take off on day long adventures on the weekends, but I ride it 20mi to work everyday too.

I just came off an SV650, and while the SV was fine for commuting most of the time, I wasn't happy w/ it after being in the saddle all day. Half of my commute is going 70-80mph to keep up w/ traffic and the SV's lack of wind protection was a bummer. The passenger accomodations are pretty lackluster for both the rider and passenger as well. These are the issues w/ the SV that I thought the Bandit would fix. And it did.

So.. I guess it just depends. Are you unhappy w/ anything in particular on the M50, or just ready for something different? Lots of people on this site, with lots of different riding styles, with lots of different bikes... the Bandit is just what I was looking for. Fits me and my riding style perfectly, and evidentally a lot of people on this board and other agree with me there.. YMMV.

trey

Most of my riding is done commuting to work (5 miles each way) and getting adventurous on the weekends. My wife likes to ride on the weekends with me and "says" she's comfortable on the M50. I don't see how she could be with the tiny seat on the M50.

As far as being unhappy about anything on the M50, it's mostly the lack of power. It's torquey but doesn't accelerate nearly as well as I'd like.

Tourmeister

06-28-2007, 04:52 PM

Weez,

:tab Welcome to the site! Not only do we have folks from other states, we have quite a few from other countries! Canada, UK, Mexico, Australia, Germany, and quite a few others...

:tab For two up, I think power is only important to a point. A bike that has the suspension well setup for two up riding with go much better and easier than one with more power but crappy suspension. That said, more power is always nicer :rider: If the current generation Bandit is like the previous ones, it will benefit greatly from after market suspension upgrades. They usually are sprung a bit on the soft side. Riding two up would only make this more obvious...

GregH

06-29-2007, 07:29 PM

...If the current generation Bandit is like the previous ones, it will benefit greatly from after market suspension upgrades. They usually are sprung a bit on the soft side. Riding two up would only make this more obvious...
But they do have the power! :rider:

Graubart

06-29-2007, 08:58 PM

As far as being unhappy about anything on the M50, it's mostly the lack of power. It's torquey but doesn't accelerate nearly as well as I'd like.

An M50 was my first and only experiment with a cruiser. I didn't say last experiment.......I never say never. I bought it thinking that it would be easier on my back.....it wasn't. I traded it for my Wee-strom.

Besides being just two completely different styles of bikes, the big difference will be the power and torque. I haven't had the M50 in a while, so I didn't jump from it to the Bandit, but rather from a Z750s to the Bandit. If you make the change you will be freakin' amazed. :rider:

I plan to make the Bandit my sport-tourer, my Strom will be for very mild offroad adventure, and the Thunderbird will remain what my wife calls my Starbucks bike. :lol2:

GregH

06-30-2007, 08:31 AM

...and the Thunderbird will remain what my wife calls my Starbucks bike.
That's a good line. :mrgreen:

The.Rev

06-30-2007, 09:10 AM

My wife really enjoys the ride on the back of the o7' Bandit. We had a cruiser Honda Shadow 1100 before and she is a lot more comfortable on the Bandit it has a wider seat;-) not that she is a big woman:giveup: I better just stop before this hole gets any bigger. All I am saying is that she says "i like riding on the back of the Bandit."

Graubart

06-30-2007, 09:15 AM

That's a good line. :mrgreen:

I love the Thunderbird, but neither seat, neither the two-up or the solo, is very comfortable. So, on a weekend day, I will usually take her up or down Hwy 51, ending up at Starbucks in Granbury. She knows the way. :lol2:

ceddec

06-30-2007, 02:24 PM

OK stupid question on my part. Can the Bandit be rigged up for light sport touring with bags and maybe some of the other usual appurtenances?

GregH

06-30-2007, 08:31 PM

Yes. Givi and SW-Motech make racks which will carry saddlebags and tail bags. Also, I've heard Suzuki has carry racks in Europe and I had a message from my local shop that they have a new catalog from Suzuki USA with bags, racks, etc. now available. Check out twistedthrottle.com (http://www.twistedthrottle.com).

PhilS

07-01-2007, 07:25 AM

Concerning the cases, racks, and so on.....

I just turned my 2007 Bandit into a Sport Tourer. :clap:

Here's what I ordered:

1 E450N Givi Matte Black 2 helmet-sized Trunk
1 E84 Givi Backrest for the trunk
2 E36N Givi Matte Black Side Cases
1 PL539 Side Rack Holder (not available from Givi until late July) :tears:
1 FZ539 Top Rack Holder
1 D262S Touring Windscreen (4.6 inches higher than stock!!!!):mrgreen:

I will post pictures and such early August when it's all mounted and such.

There went $950!!!!!!

Phil

ceddec

07-01-2007, 09:07 AM

Thanks guys, it looks like it might be interesting. When you get her dressed up, posting a few picts would be great.

GregH

07-01-2007, 10:09 AM

There went $950!
Yeah, that's what is holding me back. :doh:

PhilS

07-01-2007, 09:32 PM

Hello all:

Has anyone installed a replacement windscreen on thier '07 1250 yet? I am looking at the screws to come out and need some advice on how this thing comes apart.

I figure it goes something like this.

1) Remove the two upper inner/outer fairing screws obviously attaching the windshield.
2) Remove the instrument cluster. It "looks" like it has two screws just in front of it adn it "should" just pop out or tilit out.
3) There's got to be a couple more screws inside somewhere.

Anyone got photos or experience here?

Tourmeister

07-02-2007, 12:00 AM

:tab I never ordered the backrest pad for the GIVI bags. Most jackets have back padding in them and the various passengers I've carried always told me it was comfy without the pad :shrug: Of course, maybe it is extra comfy with the pad ;-)

:tab Concerning the cost of the GIVI stuff, I think it worth it. Sure, you can get some soft luggage way cheaper. However, if you do much traveling at all, you will soon come to love the simplicity and easy of the GIVI. I had the 50 L top case with both E360 40 L side cases (side opening) and E21 21 L side cases (top opening). They were all set to use the same key. The bags are durable. They never leaked a drop in torrential rains. One top case came off the bike at 80mph when a latch failed on the mount. However, the bag stayed closed, even after smacking right into a tree!! GIVI replaced it with a new bag 100% at their cost. It is just so nice to be able to walk up to the bike, hear three CLICKS, and you are ready to go. No straps to mess with at all.

The VFR with the E50 top and E360 sides
http://sfriday.com/VFR800/IMAGES/MVC-026S.JPG

That was actually TOO much capacity. Keeping the front end on the ground was a problem... :doh:

Here it is with the E21's installed. Much better.
http://sfriday.com/VFR800/IMAGES/2001VFR2.jpg

Bill_C

07-02-2007, 06:53 AM

Yup - I found this site through Google too by typing in Suzuki 1250S Bandit. Hope y'all don't mind us Yankees joining in! (Actually I hate the Yankees...I'm from Boston!).

To The.Rev: The Givi top bag looks real nice. I may go with that option. Thanks for posting the photos. I am really looking for side bags and Givi said they are still under development and should be available around the end of July.

I got this month's issue of Rider magazine which had a test on the 1250S Bandit and they mentioned Suzuki told them hard luggage would be available, but they didn't specify when. I couldn't find anything on the Suzuki web site nor did my dealer know anything.

txbanditrydr

07-02-2007, 08:15 AM

Has anyone installed a replacement windscreen on thier '07 1250 yet?

THIS GUY HAS ON BANDITALLEY (http://members.stormi.ca/BABBS/viewtopic.php?t=9346) and there are some pretty good photos. You'll also find some good FAQ's on seat adjustment and other things in that same forum section.

PhilS

07-02-2007, 02:58 PM

Yep!

Saw it, all over it, and have been in contact with the man responsible. I need to remove the mirrors so I can split the inner and outer fairings, remove the two screws from the instrument cluster and tilt it out of the way, remove the two upper windshield screws, then remove the two lower hidden inside windshield screws, and miraculously the window falls out!!!!:clap:

Give me a week or so and I'll post pictures of the surgery!:eek2:

See ya.

Phil

GregH

07-02-2007, 07:27 PM

When you're putting the windscreen back on you need to pull the threaded rubber gaskets out (mine pushed in the screw hole in the fairing when I was getting the screws out of them). The gasket goes flush through the windscreen hole, then you screw the bolt into it. The threads inside the gasket will take the bolt and lock it into the fairing connector.
You'll see what I mean when you're disassembling the parts...

PhilS

07-02-2007, 09:18 PM

mlstults

07-03-2007, 10:42 PM

I just thought I'd check up on you guys at TWTx and low and behold I some how got on a 1250 Bandit site. Or did I? I've been wanting to get rid of my DL1000 for a while now, but wasn't sure what to replace it with. Hummmm. I think I might try another Bandit. I liked my old '98 but it was too buzzy at speed. I to went the Hole Shot way and was getting 120 Hp on the dyno. Great wheelie machine. Hand and butt killer though. 1250S Bandit you say. Sounds like that's the ticket. Now if I can find that TWTx site again.

GregH

07-04-2007, 11:31 AM

The new 2007 Bandit is very smooth. The buzz is gone.

Graubart

07-04-2007, 11:43 AM

Anyone been through the 600 mile service yet? I assume so, but it's nice to ask. What did you find, if anything, and what did it cost? Are valves needed to be inspected at this service? There seems to be a discrepency between the maintenance chart and the text area of the service manual when it comes to valves.....unless I am a "complete doof" and missed it somehow.:doh:

Thoughts?

Phil

If you missed something, I did as well. I've seen this discussed only a bit on one other forum and and as you might guess, there are folks on either side of the "adjust valves now-later" fence. A big part of the controversy seems to come from the fact that it is quite a feat to even get to the sparkplugs, let alone the valve covers.

Although I've had mine for a few weeks now, the rain has slowed my break-in progress down and I am just now about ready to take her in for her first service.

So I am all ears on this topic. I'm waiting for some of the mechanics to chime in. :popcorn:

Tango1300

07-04-2007, 01:18 PM

I've ridden the Bandit we have in stock and can certainly attest for its smooth engine! Its certainly a bike that begs for the long ride through the twisty roads each time you start her up!

GregH

07-06-2007, 11:19 AM

Tango,
What do your service tech's say about valve adjustments at the 600 mile checkup?

PhilS

07-06-2007, 02:10 PM

The dealership I am going to on Saturday has a newer version of the manual that does not have the valaves being done at 600 miles - thank God!

I will post the checkup results tommorrow night.

Phil

Tourmeister

07-06-2007, 04:35 PM

So I just read the Motorcycle Consumer News review of the new Bandit. They really like it. However, their comments make it sound like BOTH lights burn when on low beam... I thought only one burns on low and both on high?

GregH

07-06-2007, 05:11 PM

... I thought only one burns on low and both on high?
You are correct. The top bulb burns on low and both are lit on high. I just checked my bike a moment ago.

PhilS

07-07-2007, 03:05 PM

Hi Guys:

I went in for my first 600 mile service today - at 840 miles.

Here's what they found:

1) All OK.:clap:

Here's what they did:

1) Oil and Filter change - nothing in the oil other than some flakes, some silicone slivers, all normal crap.
2) Lubed everything
3) Tightened chain, lubed, etc.
4) Broke the rear shock loose so it can be adjusted - it was a bit tight from the factory.
5) Cost - $136

I asked about that weird clicking noise I hear at no-load 2500 to 4000 RPM. It turned out to be a louder than normal PAIR valve - darn emissions crap!!:eek2:

Other than that, all is well. Now on to revving it up to red line!! Woo Hoo!!:thumb:

Complete Givi bags and windshield going on at the end of the month. Pictures and opinions then....

Later, Phil:pilot:

Tourmeister

07-07-2007, 05:07 PM

So you don't have to check the valves for the initial service? If not, that is cool!

PhilS

07-07-2007, 07:15 PM

No valves. Appearantly the older versions did every single service - eeek gads!!!:eek2:

Now on to the seat.

My local long time Suzuki parts guys highly suggested I look at Sargent seats for a replacement for the stock animal instead of Corbin. He was not impressed with Corbin's quality and time to market lately and pointed me in this direction.

Go to this site http://www.sargentcycle.com/suzuki.htm

On this page you will find a lonk to "pre-register" for the Bandit 1250 seat available sometime soon. They claim this pre-registering gets you special no-obligation pricing, but that is yet to be seen.

I do not work for them, or anything attached to them, or even pretend to endorse them - I am only going by my local Suzuki dude's recommendation.

So, there ya go.

Anyone have any Sargent Cycle experience???

See ya - Phil

Tourmeister

07-07-2007, 07:25 PM

On this page you will find a lonk to "pre-register" for the Bandit 1250 seat available sometime soon. They claim this pre-registering gets you special no-obligation pricing, but that is yet to be seen.

:tab This is how I got my seat when I had my 01 VFR 800. I loved it! Their customer service was outstanding, not something I can say about my experience with Corbin... To be fair, it has been six years since that experience so they might be better now :shrug:

mlstults

07-07-2007, 11:07 PM

Rider Magazine's test article states; "This year you can have the Bandit 1250S in any color you like - so long as it's metallic blue". Has anyone seen a blue 1250S Bandit in the States? Suzuki's web site shows black and red as the only options. If there is a blue available, that would be the straw that broke the camels back for me. Just point the way.

mlstults

07-07-2007, 11:42 PM

I just realized I have not looked at the ABS model so I went back to the Suzuki site and there it is, BLUE ABS!!! I'm to old to be this excited about ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE.:giveup: My wife ain't gonna like this. Oh well, she'll get over it. :trust:

terrebandit

07-08-2007, 09:06 AM

Hi Guys:

Here's what they did:

1) Oil and Filter change - nothing in the oil other than some flakes, some silicone slivers, all normal crap.
2) Lubed everything
3) Tightened chain, lubed, etc.
4) Broke the rear shock loose so it can be adjusted - it was a bit tight from the factory.
5) Cost - $136

I'm in the wrong business!

PhilS

07-08-2007, 09:34 AM

Yep, me too. I'll screw with once it's out of warranty, but for now I'll keep these guys employed and thier "factory" eyes on it......for whatever that's worth. For now, it's worth my time a few bucks.

GregH

07-08-2007, 01:51 PM

I did my own oil change at 100 miles just to keep it clean. (I was running a high-rpm break-in.) I'm taking the bike in this week for the 600 mile check up. I'm at just under 800 miles, too.
The service tech said they don't adjust the valves until the 14,500 mile check.

Tourmeister

07-08-2007, 01:55 PM

What is the normal valve check interval? On my VFR's it was 16K. On many of the new Yammy's it is up around 20K I think.

PhilS

07-08-2007, 02:53 PM

Yep, valves are at 14500 miles or 48 month regular intervals. I was told Katana's get them every service?!?!:eek2: Neat looking bike, but, that would seem a bit costly as body work comes off, etc, etc.

PhilS

07-09-2007, 09:09 PM

I Cut my ears off today!!!!:eek2:
I removed the reflectors from the front of the bike and the rear license plate mount. Yep - I think it looks a lot better now, eh?

Phil

PhilS

07-10-2007, 10:21 PM

Concerning the rear shock:.......

Any of you guys tried adjusting the rear shock pre-load? It seems locked in or really really really tight and I simply can't move it.:giveup: :doh:

Thougts?:sun:

Phil

Tourmeister

07-11-2007, 02:44 AM

Have you tried it with the bike up on the centerstand?

PhilS

07-11-2007, 06:29 AM

Yep I did. I had the dealer check it during the 600 mile service and they said it was good, just stiff. I amd going to roll by sometime soon when it's dry outside and have them show me.

PhilS

07-11-2007, 09:08 AM

All is better now....:zen:

I put it on the center stand, sprayed it with WD-40, removed the left side passenger footpeg mount, then put an 18" lever on the cheap spanner tool. It moved down then back up 2 spots to #5 where I wanted it - for now. Removing the peg gave real nice clearance for the lever and only took a minute extra. Leverage is your friend in this area, eh?:clap:

Thanks

PhilS

07-11-2007, 09:16 PM

Got the Windshield on today!!!:clap:

As you all know (as opposed to y'all know), you can see a nice write up at BanditAlley by clicking this - http://members.stormi.ca/BABBS/viewtopic.php?t=9346

I installed the Givi D262S version - it's a 4.5" taller smoked screen with the flip at the top. No riding yet - we'll do that tomorrow or so.:rider:

Things to watch are those tiny rubber nut-mounts. Here are some of my finished results. It looks really cool.....

Phil

treybrad

07-11-2007, 11:17 PM

Looks really good. Now go ride it so you can tell us how it performs!

trey

GregH

07-12-2007, 10:58 AM

That looks great.
1. How much did it cost?
2. How does it ride (buffeting, noise, where does the air hit you)?

PhilS

07-12-2007, 11:07 AM

Cost for GIVI D262S windshield alone was $126.90 (10% off from $141 list). The fit is perfect and there is a rubber molding around the visable edge unlike the factory shield - who knows why.:confused:

The riding report comes tonight depending on the weather.:storm:

I have the full GIVI E360/E460 bag setup in my garage waiting to go on as well, but the case mount will not be in the states until later this month.:-(

More as it happens.......

Phil

PhilS

07-12-2007, 07:28 PM

Well then......

I rode with the new windshield tonight. It's a GIVI D262S. This thing should come stock from Suzuki. The air hits right at the top of my visor and actually has increased the flow over the top of my helmet making the vent on top more effective. I now no longer have that beating on my chest and things are generally quieter. One negative is that this is a smoked shield and the normal light that lights up the speedometer is dimmed. Thus wearing sungalsses and the lack of ambient light on the LCD guage, it was more difficult to see the two digits to the right of the "1" on the speedometer......:trust:

This was well worth the $140 and the 30 minutes to install.

Here she is.............at least I think it's a "she" (I'll check later).

Phil

GregH

07-12-2007, 09:32 PM

It looks great. Does Givi only offer it "smoked"?

PhilS

07-12-2007, 09:39 PM

As far as I know and was offered by Craig at Givi (www.giviusa.com), smoked is it.

happy 1250 owner

07-13-2007, 10:58 PM

[QUOTE=PhilS;270155]Got the Windshield on today!!!:clap:

Hey i also got a new screen but i got one a twisted throttle. I got the windscreen with the added adjustable top part i love it no more wind on my head at all and also blocks most of the bad air on the highway.:rider:
Now for the cool part !!!!!!

I also put the lower fairing on from twisted throttle and all i can say is :eek2: This bike now looks awsom!!!! It makes the bike:clap: :rider: It changed the looks so much for the better. now the bike looks mean and all biz..... i will post pics tomorrow ... just wait till you see it you will not belive the diffrence that it made
I also put new bar ends on it . much better than the stock ones... bags are orderd 2 weeks away....

PhilS

07-14-2007, 06:39 AM

What bar ends and what windshield extended top piece did you get? Was this a GIVI windshield or other?

GregH

07-14-2007, 01:24 PM

...and all i can say is ... This bike now looks awsom!
Maybe you can say it but you can't spell it! :mrgreen:
Get those pics posted - inquiring Bandit owners want to know!:eat:

happy 1250 owner

07-14-2007, 02:08 PM

Hi guys ..... Sorry about the spelling it was 130 am:giveup:
Ok so here it is
Vario touring screen..... 134.99 dollars :clap: Part # mra.05.052.vt
Tcp aerodynamics lower fairing with matched paint ... 415.00$ :rider: part # tcp96z350:sun:
Manic bar ends .....74.99 $ :trust:
I got them all at twisted throttle ... I am also going to get the givi hard back set up with the v35 cases for 700.00 but i have a 2 week wait for the bracket... heres the pic tell me what u think

PhilS

07-14-2007, 02:40 PM

Very nice. Is there any other benfit from the lower body fairing other than outstanding looks?

Tell me about the bar ends. Do you notice a difference to justify the $75? Tell me about the before and after.

Thanks.

GregH

07-14-2007, 04:10 PM

happy 1250 owner

07-14-2007, 05:34 PM

Hey Ya the fairing gives better leg protection on the highway.
For the bar ends.... after about 1 to 2 hours of riding my hands would go num.. (becaues the factory bar ends are rubber mounted) so now i got metal to metal bar ends and no longer have my hands go num (rode for 5 hours today) so i would say ya there worth the money to me :rider:

happy 1250 owner

07-14-2007, 05:52 PM

It looks great.
How much larger is the Vario windscreen vs the stock screen? How tall are you and where does the wind hit you? Is it quieter? (After I install the LED license plate frame I just bought a windscreen may be my next project...)
It looks really nice. Perfect match on the paint color, too.

Its not that it's taller (a little the flap is about 2 inches taller) it's the adjustable flap on the top of the screen.
It buffers the air much better. I'm 6 foot tall. now the wind goes over me and does not push on the top of my helmet. you still get bad air from other trucks on the highway but not bad at. I go between 80 and 100 on the highway and i love it. all and all i would give this screen a 9.5 As far as the noise i would say the same but i don't hear any becaues i have a mp3 player wired in my helmet....

Brass

07-15-2007, 11:35 AM

PhilS

07-15-2007, 01:46 PM

I was whining about it at first, but I've grown to like it. Corbin is a year or so out and Sargent is claiming soon. If Suzuki had a gel seat now, I'd own it.

Buy the bike....

happy 1250 owner

07-15-2007, 03:10 PM

I’ve been looking at buying a new 1250 but am wondering about the seat, I’ve seen posts that it’s not very comfortable. Can any owners tell me, does the seat break in with mileage or does it just hurt and that’s it, or has anyone changed their seat yet for an aftermarket one?

Yes buy the bike you will like it!!! the seat breaks in in time (but i have a small bum) the seat is ok once it breaks in to your but!!!!

txbanditrydr

07-15-2007, 06:24 PM

If Suzuki had a gel seat now, I'd own it.

Gel seats are not the cure-all they pretend to be. Many times the gel "migrates" and you end up sitting on the metal pan. The gel also gets very hot in direct sunlight. I tried the OEM gel seat on my Bandit and the contour was such that it pushed me up against the tank under hard braking. I put all of 6 miles on it and sold the thing.

IF... and you really don't know until you use the seat for awhile... you still don't like the seat you can have the OEM seat modded in a bunch of ways. One interesting trick is to use the temperpedic (sp?) foam and replace contact areas that give you trouble. A little tutorial can be found by CLICKING HERE. (http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Seats.html) Scroll to the bottom for the information. (Shamelessly stolen from BanditAlley.net - a good resource for all Bandit information)

PhilS

07-15-2007, 07:19 PM

Very good info. As a matter of fact, I work with a corporate aviation interior shop. Why didn't I think of that before?:doh:

Inserting Tempurpedic memory foam for $15 plus a pizza for the guys is a much better move than Sargent or Corbin at the moment. The bandit seat is actually a two-pice seat as you know and can see below, so unbolting the front seat and having it "re-foamed" would be rather easy and considerably cost effective.

Thanks a bunch - and thanks to Zen at BanditAlley where I "stole" this photo.

Phil

Tourmeister

07-15-2007, 07:20 PM

Sheep skin covers are real popular among the long distance/touring crowd. They are not real expensive either.

Tourmeister

07-15-2007, 07:22 PM

Oh yeah... Welcome to the site! :wave: I can't believe how many of our Great White friends have found there way here!

Gilk51

07-15-2007, 07:24 PM

I can't believe how many of our Great White friends have found there way here!

It's these Bandit peepul, TM! :eek2:
Can't you do something? :lol2:

treybrad

07-15-2007, 07:24 PM

Like everyone else is saying, don't let the seat keep you from buying an otherwise fantastic motorcycle. I put about 10 hours of seat time in today, rode about 500 miles. Yes, my bum is glad to be out of the seat, but it isn't bad once you get used to it. MUCH better than my SV650 seat.

Aftermarket is supposed to be out with new seats anytime, and there are tons of ways to improve the stocker.

You won't be disappointed with the the 1250.

trey

GregH

07-15-2007, 08:35 PM

It's these Bandit peepul, TM! :eek2:
Can't you do something? :lol2:
Yes, you can join us! :cool2:

GregH

07-15-2007, 08:39 PM

I’ve been looking at buying a new 1250 but am wondering about the seat, I’ve seen posts that it’s not very comfortable.
It's not that bad! I've read a bunch of whining posts about how bad the seat is, and I'll agree it gets a bit hard after about two hours for me. But, good grief, it has all of that low-end torque and smooth power, carves corners like a pro, and is probably the best value in motorcycles today.
Get one. You can fix the seat.:rider:

krushchev

07-15-2007, 09:37 PM

Man, you guys have got me looking at the 1250 now... :doh:

Graubart

07-15-2007, 09:40 PM

It's not that bad! I've read a bunch of whining posts about how bad the seat is, and I'll agree it gets a bit hard after about two hours for me. But, good grief, it has all of that low-end torque and smooth power, carves corners like a pro, and is probably the best value in motorcycles today.
Get one. You can fix the seat.:rider:

I'm trying to recall a motorcycle that I've ever owned that was comfortable right out of the crate. Maybe my old R80RT.

And at my age, the seat problem has almost disappeared. Since I only have a two hour bladder the seat is the least of my problems. :lol2:

Yep, it would be a shame to pass on this bike because of the seat. :zen:

happy 1250 owner

07-15-2007, 10:07 PM

I'm trying to recall a motorcycle that I've ever owned that was comfortable right out of the crate. Maybe my old R80RT.

And at my age, the seat problem has almost disappeared. Since I only have a two hour bladder the seat is the least of my problems. :lol2:

Yep, it would be a shame to pass on this bike because of the seat. :zen:

I agree no seat is perfect when you buy a new one it needs to break in to you.... the seat will break in i have 2k miles on mine and now the seat is fine:rider:

terrebandit

07-16-2007, 08:47 AM

I've changed out the seats in both my bandits. I've had the OEM gels (1st and 2nd gen), the 2nd Gen Corbin GF&L, and the 1st Gen Corbin GF (Current). I also have a Sargent on my SV650. My point is that it is ridiculous to make a seat the deciding factor in buying (or not buying) any kind of bike. The cost for a replacement seat is usually not more than 300 bucks and that ain't nothing when it comes to modifications. Heck, one set of tires just about equals the cost of a seat. If you're a "rider", you know what I mean.

Dave

TAPnTX

07-16-2007, 08:59 AM

Amen Brother Dave :clap:

I find my 07 CBR600RR more comfortable than my 06 FJR or even the 05 Wing I had for a brief period.

Just spend some time on the bike first, and let your body get accustomed to the seating position before changing anything.

Todd

bsadan

07-16-2007, 11:13 AM

I havent ridden in a couple of years and this is the 1st time I have seen the 2007! That is a good looking bike. I owned the old 1200 Bandit for five trouble free years. Congrats:rider:

Brass

07-16-2007, 02:38 PM

The seat, and riding position for that matter are big concerns for me since having some doctors put in some hardware and racing stripes on my back. I've had painful bike seats in the past and you're right, they are easily and cheaply changed out. These days though if a bike has a painful seat for the average rider, it would be unrideable for me. My question was mostly to find out how the original seat is and if it does need to be replaced, what others have tried.

Brass

07-16-2007, 06:30 PM

Oh yeah... Welcome to the site! :wave: I can't believe how many of our Great White friends have found there way here!
Thanks Tourmeister for saddlin' up the horses and pulling out the welcome wagon.

GregH

07-16-2007, 09:42 PM

The seat, and riding position for that matter are big concerns for me since having some doctors put in some hardware and racing stripes on my back.
1. The seat is not that bad. I get a little sore on the base of my derriere after a couple of hours. Putting in 7 hours, like I did yesterday, and I'm still rubbed a bit the next day.
2. The relative straight up riding position with the pegs under me is comfortable. I prefer that position to the "flying C" of most Harley's and definitely over the forward lean of the "sport" bikes. I don't get the shock to my lower back on bumps and railroad tracks since my back is not forced into a rounded position.
3. My butt may get sore but my back does not.

...And, oh baby, does the Bandit take corners! :rider:

happy 1250 owner

07-16-2007, 09:48 PM

Well i think bang for the buck the bandit is the best bike around with a great warranty to boot...........:lol2:

happy 1250 owner

07-16-2007, 09:49 PM

Hey why can't i get my pic next to my name ?? help:giveup:

happy 1250 owner

07-16-2007, 09:51 PM

lets try this

sailor

07-17-2007, 01:09 AM

Tourmeister, Tourmeister great white friends is no longer politically correct, me thinks you meant to say our friends from the great white north. I guess Canadians just love anything Texan, lol.

Tourmeister

07-17-2007, 02:21 AM

PhilS

07-17-2007, 12:59 PM

Well, GIVI just emailed me and said the PL539 side case rack is now available and is shipping. This is rhe last part needed to complete the three bag install. I will have it all installed and pictures ready in about two weeks.......after the Oshkosh fly in of course where i can spend more money i don't have.

Airmotive

07-17-2007, 01:12 PM

:rofl: :rofl:

Man, I cannot believe I did not catch that!? :doh: I assure you it was an honest typo :oops: I was trying so hard not to include "eh?" anywhere in my post that I must have been confused :lol2: :eek2:

Thanks for the laugh at work. That was one of the funniest typos I've read in a loooong time!

Brass

07-17-2007, 01:58 PM

To set the record straight, we come in all different shades of frost bite blue.

sailor

07-17-2007, 02:34 PM

Actually if its really important to get some eh's in your post just spell Canada..C,eh! N,eh! D,eh!

Tourmeister

07-17-2007, 03:08 PM

:tab During my first year of law school, I had a nice girl from Vancouver sitting next to me (we could not change seats). She drove me nuts. Part of it was just that she was a wee bit strange in the head, but the non stop "eh?" and mumbling was enough to make me crazy :lol2: Being from Texas I had a realll hard time with her accent. We eventually got to be friends but then she washed out after the first year :doh:

:tab Now I deal with several Canadian clients at work fairly often. Some of them are up in the Vancouver area, others are in the Newfoundland area. All of them are a hoot! I've gotten to where I can understand them pretty well... except sometimes for the guy that goes by Frenchie... He has such a heavy accent and talks kind of fast... :brainsnap Our own Calgary-Yogi here on TWT is not too hard to understand. I think he's been here long enough he's starting to speak Texan :lol2:

GregH

07-17-2007, 04:17 PM

You've just to get them to start saying "y'all".

sailor

07-17-2007, 08:41 PM

Texans, the owners of one of the worlds best known accents ie: Texan drawl!!! suggesting Canadians have an accent?????..we are so bland that even our accent is flat. Now folks from Quebec or Newfoundland...well these folks are in a different space, they do talk a bit funny but they are cool.

sailor

07-17-2007, 10:33 PM

Back to the question..I complained allot about the seat when I first bought the bike but after taking some advice I moved the front only up and it has improved the seat. It seems to be getting better each time I ride so maybe its breaking in a bit. Nope its not as comfy as my Corbin was but its OK and probably as good or better than most stock seats. My wife finds the rear seat just fine. We normally don't ride much more than an hour or two between stops so keep that in mind...Cheers

Brass

07-18-2007, 08:21 AM

I've been on a short demo ride with the 650 Bandit and I found that bike to be tolerable for the 10 minutes that I was on it. But with my back and hip trouble, a short ride doesn’t give me enough info to go by, now that I’ve heard more from actual owners I feel better about heading back to the dealer with my cash. Thanks everyone for your input.

Tourmeister

07-18-2007, 02:23 PM

Sailor, can the front and rear of the seat be raised independently of each other? If so, that is pretty cool. One of my biggest complaints about most Japanese stock seats is they slope right into the gas tank. The Sargent and Corbin seats are usually either flat or shaped like a saddle (high front and rear, low/flat in center).

sailor

07-18-2007, 05:44 PM

Hi Tourmeister,
Yup they can. The seat is actually two parts bolted together. The 2007 1250 has adjustments to increase or lower the height. Normally this is done to both front and back together but some wise guy came up with the idea of just increasing the height on the front of the riders seat which stops you from slipping into the tank. I tried it and it made a noticeable difference. "Zenman" on Bandit Alley did a real nice job of directions and photo's because most dealers don't know how to do it..cool!

GregH

07-18-2007, 10:02 PM

Sailor,
What is the procedure you followed to raise the front of the seat?

Oh, I see you've posted the answer already! Thanks.

GregH

07-18-2007, 10:04 PM

...now that I’ve heard more from actual owners I feel better about heading back to the dealer with my cash.
Good on ya, Brass. Be sure to post pics of the new machine. :rider:

Brass

07-19-2007, 08:33 AM

My better half is going to be out of town for a few days next week at a wedding. That should be the perfect time to go get the new bike. It's only fair that if she can spend a few Gs on travel, motels, dresses, shoes, purses and other stuff as yet to be seen on the credit card statement, all for the sake of a few days at someone else's wedding, then a new bike for me is perfectly reasonable! I just won't tell her until she gets back.

07-19-2007, 09:07 AM

sailor

07-19-2007, 09:19 AM

Hey Brass,
You might consider buying your new bike in the States, your not that far away from the border and you can save yourself a ton of dough...Cheers

Brass

07-19-2007, 01:29 PM

What would one with ABS sell for one in the US? I have a deal on paper for one that totals at 9900.00(Cnd) with all taxes and shipping included.

sailor

07-19-2007, 07:25 PM

Hey Brass,
That sounds like a good deal, good on ya! I paid $8300.00 plus $200.00 import fees plus GST and PST for a blue ABS..really happy with it..

Brass

07-20-2007, 12:27 AM

Was there any difficulty getting it imported? Did you have to make any changes to the bike?

sailor

07-20-2007, 10:00 PM

Hey Brass,
They are the same bike except the ABS model in Canada is black and in the USA its blue, although I've been told the American one is a little faster..nope exactly the same and no I didn't do anything to the bike. I've done allot of importing so its old hat to me. Its actually very easy but there are basic steps you have to go through. I bought mine in Beaverton, Oregon and drove it home. There is one little risk and that is that your warranty is only good in the USA (little bit of protectionism) so if anything went real sour on the bike you'd have to take it to the nearest Suzuki dealer in the USA. In my case its closer than a Canadian dealer. I'm not loosing sleep because all the service work is paid for and its only warranty work that is covered. Its not like you'll be stuck, its just that its a pain to have to take it back to the USA. In my case a very small risk...Cheers,

happy 1250 owner

07-21-2007, 08:30 PM

happy 1250 owner

07-21-2007, 10:59 PM

What would one with ABS sell for one in the US? I have a deal on paper for one that totals at 9900.00(Cnd) with all taxes and shipping included.

well i thinkk thats high i paid 8900 with the 4 year waranty!!!!! here in the states in NH:sun:

happy 1250 owner

07-21-2007, 11:01 PM

the abs model only listed for 9100:clap: here

sailor

07-21-2007, 11:36 PM

In Canada the base 1250 lists at around $10,900 plus shipping and setup which they want another $750.00 for plus another $500.00 for ABS so if Brass got a price of $9900.00 that in fact is a good deal in Canada. There is close to three grand difference between what Suzuki Canada wants and what you can negotiate in the USA . We are of course getting screwed in Canada. Same thing with new cars, we have to pay a huge premium. I just can't do it so even bought our last new car in the USA. Our new vehicle dealers are still charging the same price as they did when we had a 65 cent dollar, nice to see they are at least losing some business to people that are importing..Cheers

Roy

07-23-2007, 10:59 AM

New guy here and I am not from Texas:mrgreen:

I just bought a '07 Bandit 1250S 7/21/07. I ended up getting the black color because the red one started leaking coolant from the water pump once we fired it up the 1st time. I really wanted the red one but oh well the black is growing on me. I am not a 1st time Bandit owner, I had a black '99 and a silver '00 model way back when. I have owned 25+ Suzuki's over the years the garage currently has a....

'06 GSX-R1000
'06 V-Strom 650 (which is for-sale BTW loaded with goodies $5900)
'07 RM-Z450 RC edition
and now the '07 Bandit 1250

I ordered the Givi PLX V35 sidebags, E460N top case and givi windscreen this morning and hopefully I will have it all on by this weekend. I plan on sport touring the Bandit alot so I am trying to set it up similar to my V-Strom 650 which has bags. I instaleld my GPS on the Bandit saturday but have yet to figure out a mount setup for my Valentine1 radar detector. I also will be adding heated grips before winter hits.

1st impressions of the Bandit are

*seat is not that good
*under seat storage is minimal no where as much as the V-Strom
*stock winfscreen puts the air at my helmet
*engine is nice and smooth wit halot of grunt
*FI has a bit of surging between 3~3500 rpm's cruising in 6th gear
*tranny is clunky into 1st and 2nd gear
*I don;t like hydraulic clutchs
*wiring and various stuff is crammed into ever crack on this bke
*I love the engine!!
*RK chains are no where near as good as DID
*handlebars seem a bit narrow
*it handles pretty good but it ain't a GSXR
*suspension is overly compressed need revalving
*front brakes are very good almost as good as my GSXR

I know it seems that I have alot of negative impressions but my standards are very high for a motorcycle. I still love the Bandit and except it for what it is, a nice bike at a very reasonable price. It has big shoes to fill to do a great job like my last two V-stroms have done but I believe it will deliver. Valve train maintenace looks as hard to get at as the older Bandits with all the plumbing and wires over the valve cover not to menton the coolant lines and radiator cap. I'll cross that whe nthe time comes in about a year.

Where can a guy download a PDF format service manaul anyone done that yet? I've always found them online for other bikes this one may be too new. Has anyone ditched the huge muffler? I have emailed Yoshimura about their TRC slip-on and what is needed if any on the FI. The oxygen sensor closed loop system is a 1st for me and I am not liking it too much. I am used to re-mapping the FI wit ha Yosh box and going riding. Can't do it on this one or maybe you can I am still waiting on a reply from Yosh. I also asked them whether you can keep the centerstand or not. I have to have it so if a slip-on does away with it I will keep the big can. Too loud and I will keep the big can. Dale Walker has some work in process but I don't like his centerstand design.

Anyway just stopping by to share knowledge.

BTW I live in Mississippi:yawn:

Tourmeister

07-23-2007, 03:51 PM

Welcome to the site! :wave:

GregH

07-23-2007, 09:01 PM

*seat is not that good
Agreed.

*tranny is clunky into 1st and 2nd gear
Mine is clunky into first but 2nd is pretty smooth.

*I love the engine!!
Amen!

*it handles pretty good but it ain't a GSXR
The Bandit is 30% less expensive than a GSXR.

*front brakes are very good almost as good as my GSXR
Mine are very tight and quick to shut it down.

Where can a guy download a PDF format service manaul anyone done that yet?
I believe there are some copyright issues with that one. :trust:

Post some pics of your new machine. Especially after you get the bags on. I'm interested in heated grips, too. I rode a friends BMW in February and boy did they help. What brands are you looking into?

Roy

07-24-2007, 06:16 AM

I believe there are some copyright issues with that one. :trust:

Post some pics of your new machine. Especially after you get the bags on. I'm interested in heated grips, too. I rode a friends BMW in February and boy did they help. What brands are you looking into?

Never worry about a copyright issue I currently have 4 online PDF manuals and so does about everyone who owns a GSXR and V-Strom.:lol2:

I'll post up some pics after I get the parts on. Right now its a plain black one like everyone else's:rider: I am leaning toward the Hot Grips with a controller and possibly mounting the controller in the left side fairing flat piece just below the handlebar that way I can see it and reach it with my left hand. The grips on my V-Strom are a Suzuki part which was plug and play controller mounted up under the mirror mount. I also want to add a acessory plug in that area for charging a phone or for use with and thing like that. I will most likely run my heated gear out from under the seat like I did non my V-Strom that worked fine and the controller was clipped on my tankbag but that might be a stretch on this bike. I am hoping that the Givi screen knocks some of the head blast off and in the process does not look too bad on the bike not wanting a Goldwing look here.:mrgreen:

Tires: what would be a good road tire with good mileage say 5k at least on the rear? Michelin Pilot roads? i'm used to 7~9k on the rear with a V-Strom. The stock D218's are junk had them on a GSX-R750 and 600 no mileage and they don't grip that well either IMO. Bridgestone 020's are a possibility.

BTW I followed a link to the French site someone had posted in this thread those Suzuki bags shown are the PLX series Givi bags the same ones I ordered from Givi. Suzuki does not make hard luggage they sourse that out grom Givi or the lower end Givi stuff calle Kappa. I found this place to have good deals on Givi http://www.rlmotorcycles.com/home/accessories.htm
That is where I ordered my parts from yesterday.

GregH

07-24-2007, 12:30 PM

I'm especially interested to hear if the Givi side cases will hold a full face helmet. (I'm considering getting side cases without a top case.)

Roy

07-24-2007, 01:00 PM

I'm especially interested to hear if the Givi side cases will hold a full face helmet. (I'm considering getting side cases without a top case.)

No, the Givi PLX design prevents the helmet from fitting in the side bags. The unique shape of the bags which helps them tuck in better prevents a helmet from fitting. That does not affect me since I never could get a helmet in my Jesse bags on my V-Strom. My helmet will fit in my Givi 460N top case on the V-strom laid in there sideways. I wear a medium size helmet. I usually lock my helmet on the bike or take it with me. Bandit has about a bad a helmet lock design as the 650 Strom, my old 1000 Strom actually had a helmet lock on the side of it. Why can't manufacturers give us a helmet lock not tied to removing the seat. IMO anything larger than the 35 liter V35N Givi side bags is just too big on the Bandit. I am a little concerned about the size of the E460N top case but really could not bring myself to order a smaller top case the 46 is such a good case for the money.

I only use side bags on long trips around town I run a top case only, makes lane splitting easier:rider: