New Bandit - 1250GT or GSX1250FA ST?

Being slowly tempted by one of these two bikes at the moment as a motorway muncher. Anyone have any opinions / reviews on either?
They both seem to be going for reasonable money for a new bike.

I've ridden the GT and was pretty impressed, although I did fell more "on" the bike than in it.

[fizzwheel]

Are they not basically the same bike, one fully faired and the other not ? Or am I missing something ?

1250 Bandit is IMHO a cracking bike.

GT has more stuff for less price, so long as you like the clocks.

[ethariel]

Have a GT, managed to rack up a little mileage now (bout 1800 on it) and am thoroughly pleased.

Was originaly going to wat for the FA but after 4 months of advertisements and no release date I was offered the GT for 6.5k and took it.

Only thing with the GT is it has cheese dunlops (1700 miles killed the rear to under 1mm), the FA iirc comes with Bridgestone 021's.

Same engine just different plastics as far as i can tell, FA weighs more (bout 25 to 30 kilos), costs more but may have slightly better front/rear suspension (can also justabout go for a curvy (GT vs Pointy (FA) viewpoint too lol.

have a look at http://www.banditforum.co.uk/forum/index.php (might have to register) for further stuff,

I like the gt but then I should as I have one. Got mine 2 years ago. Read the review from the telegraph site. The suspension is the same if I recall.

And heres the link to the Telegraph review:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/...rm-review.html

I have had a K8 SA model for 2 months now. Ditto on the rear tyre, shagged after 1750 miles. Swapped for one of the new Avons, really like this tyre so far.

I agree with the reviews I have read, the front fairing/screen is way to low. Bike has mountains of torque though and pulls right through the rev range. Getting the throttle balance spot on for corners is so easy compared to the SV K3 I had. All round it is a much nicer bike to ride than the SV.

Tim.

I have Avon Storms on mine, so far about 3.5K but I have to change it soon. The original lasted around 3K, can't remember what make or model they were back in 08 for the GT. I do remember that the profile of the OEMs had the front AND rear without chicken strips when I changed them, the Avons have that little bit extra left on the front when the rear strips are gone, nice to know I'm not going to run off the front I guess.

Screen wise it could be taller (fit a double bubble if you want to) but at least it gives you an idea how quick you're going. For my 5'9" frame the standard does not get uncomfortable, even on the autobahn.

[TheRamJam]

I've had a few goes on my mates 08 Bandit 1250GT and its a great solid bike. Despite the size and upright position its very agile. Engine is a peach. Pulls in every gear and is very smooth indeed, gear changing is slick. He's fitted a Yoshi can which sounds great but with this on he cant get the pannier on the left side. He has Michelin PR2 tyres on his and so far 4000+ miles done and its looking its still got some life in it.

Very capable bike and good value for money.