New Bandit 1250

Just been reading Jamie Whitham's review in TWO and it sounds bloody impressive!

The bit that makes really interesting reading is the torque from low revs, sounds like a big IL4 that'll ride like a twin! Much-improved suspension too supposedly. All sounds very tempting - I was thinking of trying a few of the 'big nakeds' as my next bike and the Bandit is the looker of the bunch (in black, anyway) IMO.

Anyone got any thoughts / had a test ride on one?

It may 'only' produce around 100 ponys but it does at low (by todays standards anyway) revs. It looks like a comfortable bike that would be good for both touring and commuting. Having lots of low down grunt should make it a relaxing freind. One of the criteria I had when I changed my SV was for something that was torquey, the other was weight.

A naked one would be my choice I think. In the best colour red of course

Loads cheaper than a CBF1000.

It doesn't look too bad does it - Suppose the real test would be riding one

I thought you might be interested somehow Cloggsy

I would definitely be looking at the naked version - the fairing on the 'S' really doesn't do it for me. ABS is not available on the naked at all though apparently - I haven't tried a bike with ABS yet so would have been interested to see how noticeable the difference is.

Might have to have a word with a friendly suzuki dealer to see if they've got a demo bike I could try!

it you want a upright tourer and thats your thing its hard to beat.

I think the Bandit could be impossible to beat. It looks like the bike of 2007 for me. With its low price and comfort...and a big engine too...wow.

bah, bandit blandit.

what you want is a Zwak ZRX1200, destroys the bandit, even the new one, ive tried it !!, but i am biased..........

Originally Posted by Beenz

A naked one would be my choice I think. In the best colour red of course

Suzuki are not offering Red in the UK, only in Europe. Perhaps you should start a 'friends of red' campaign?

I was out with my gay bikers group on Sunday, and two guys have Bandit 1200s. One new 2007 model, and one older 1150. They were discussing the difference, and the new one was said to be much much better.

Still looks like a big old bus to me though!

Most of the reviews rate it quite well, and Suzuki seem to have done a decent job of bringing it back into date.

It sits in a strange place really, not the same as a "naked sports" bike, such as Speed Trip, Z1000 and even the new Fazer 1000, but it also doesn't sit in with the retro bunch either. So it's sort of in a league of one (rather like the SV).

For the money, the faired version will make a great tourer and/or commuter. Must take one out to see how it handles. All that torque has to be a good thing me thinks..

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