SV1000 vs Bandit1200

I can't decide between the two. I want something with plenty of grunt, not too expensive and lots of scope to personalise and modify it. I've seen a 1200 Bandit with an R1 tail unit on ebay that I think looks awesome. Has anyone ridden both and got any comments or preferences? How does the handling, brakes etc compare?

For a starter don't be mislead in thinking the SV1000 is just a bigger engined SV650, it isn't. The SV1000 is a completely different bike to ride, a bit of barge when compared to the SV650 but that is obviously going to be apparent.

I personally would say the Bandit, but a bike is a personal preference and what might suit me may not suit you and vice versa.

Handling wise, there isn't much difference as both are quite heavy weight bikes with slightly above budget suspension. The mod comparison isn't applicable really, most the the real heavy mods to either bike require extensive under work to suit and the common mods are all mass produced accessories anyway.

Brakes, not much in it again really. The Bandit is heavier and the SV has the benefit of stronger engine braking.

Engine, well both have plenty of grunt and obviously the SV has a better pull from lower down but that isn't to say the Bandit is a slow old bird.


My main advise is simple, test ride them both and only then can you really make a decision on which suits you, your needs, and your riding style best.

Sounds like pretty good advice, I have just had a look on Suzuki's website. They currently do the SV1000 classic and a 1250 Bandit streetfighter. Im liking both of them. I'm thinking a testride may decide which to go for. I forgot to mention that Im going to want to be doing a bit of two up riding aswell but once again I dont think there is going to be much in it. I live in Lincoln which does mean I'm about 5 mins away from Bandit Mania, hmmmmmmm that might make the difference!

Two up, that goes to the bandit

Hmmm... I hope Bandit Mania are better in person than they are on the telephone or email.

My old man has recently got a Bandit 1250GT, same bike but with the full fairing and panniers, and I have to say although not my cup of tea it is a lovely bike to ride. It does not feel heavy at all when you are on the move, even at slow speed which given its added weight is a fantastic.

The only problem I had was with paddling it around and getting it on the centre stand, this I thought was due to my dodgy leg(s) but it appears the old man is having the same issue.

Enjoy the test rides, it really is the only way to see which bikes suit you best.

SV1000 = awesome, that is all!






Only my opinion though

Originally Posted by MR UKI (1)

SV1000 = awesome, that is all!






Only my opinion though

+1000

have just had a glorious weekend spanking it around the place, the exhaust note and torque is just adictive.

I have seen that on Suzuki's website they now do a 1250 bandit streetfighter which looks nice, Im just wondering if the more modern desing 1250 engine is going to be better than the basic sv 1000 engine. I'm not saying that the SV engine is a bad engine but surely the 1250 being so much more modern will be better on fuel consumption and emisions etc?

Originally Posted by MR UKI (1)

SV1000 = awesome, that is all!






Only my opinion though

+ 996

[ogden]

I'd go for the Bandit, but I wouldn't be expecting much from either tbh.

I had one of the original B12s, before they softened them up, and the engine was fantastic. The chassis, otoh, was pretty diabolical and appeared to have a hinge somewhere behind the engine so the front and rear were never quite going in the same direction. Great fun if you treat it like a giant BMX with a car engine in it, not so great if you want to go back-lane scratching.

I thought about getting an SV thou a couple of years ago but couldn't think of a single reason to do so. Not much more I can say on that.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Keith1983

I live in Lincoln which does mean I'm about 5 mins away from Bandit Mania, hmmmmmmm that might make the difference!

AFAIK Banditmania do as much for SVs as Bandits.