Picked up my new bike Friday

After much research & the opinions of people on the site I traded my Ducati on a new Blue 1250FA. Had mixed emotions watching the salesman start up the Duke & ride it round the back of the shop, had it looking a million bucks for the trade in valuation. Put 300k's on the Suzuki over the weekend, approx half by myself & half with the Mrs. The good & not so good points so far;

GOOD
* Looks great front & rear ( especially when I remove the huge mud guard & tidy up the tail )
* The paint with the metallic / pearl finish sparkles in sunlight
* Smooth, tourquey power
* Tips in nicely for such a big, heavy thing
* Love the big easy to read digital speedo & gear shift light handy for running in rev limits
* Wheel lock great for tight U - turns, wheeling around the shed
NOT SO GOOD
* Seat comfort
* Less room for the pillion than on my much smaller ST Duke ...WTF ???
* Fairing & screen wind protection not great.
* Massive pipe is whisper quiet ( tin tops have no idea you're next to them )
* Limited rear view from the mirrors
So far have ordered a Yoshi TRS tri oval carbon slip on, A.M.H.P headlight protector, Bagster tank cover & bag, Givi V46 top box & E41 panniers. Lots more on the wish list.
Looking forward to nights in the shed setting it up & LOTS of riding on my new pride & joy

Cheers,
Bucky

Well done Bucky. The pros and cons are interesting, especially the pillion comfort and room. Am sure with a few mods you come to love her as much as you did your Duke.

Aaah yes, the big blue FA's. We're a select group of chosen ones

Extra mod suggestions, Mirror extenders It really has give me a whole lot more rear view. Also, right angled valve stems are a godsend. Replacing stock headlight bulbs with something brighter, I went with Narva blue power P/No 48535BL2.

Thanks mate. Had forgotten about the valve stem - had to bend the rear one over so far to pump the tyre up that I thought I was going to break the thing ! Will do the mirror extender mod too. Haven't ridden in the dark yet to test the lights, but thanks for info re: the globes.
Cheers,
Bucky

Seat comfort = Airhawk. Go and buy one, once you have it so your bum is just touching the seat it is all good.

I didnt see a radiator guard on your list of mods did I?
Make the most of the new paint because its only 1 coat thick or is that thin?
Seat and wind protection is personal. I find them both great at 6 foot.

I also have the 1250FA and yes the seat is a slight issue especially on long rides. I have used an Airhawk but I am now having my seat fitted with gel inserts and better fabric to reduce slipping. Others have gone for Sergeant seats which do look very good. As for wind protection for a small outlay of $136 inc postage you can buy the MRA touring screen fitting (MRUVTA9-1) which will improve wind deflection. Also cheaper than buying a whole new screen. as Four40 said mirror extenders take care of the rear view issue.

Don't forget to check out the ideas posted here: Mods to Your Bandit

Four40, thanks for the e-bay link re the mirror extenders, I just ordered a pair after reading this as It's so hard to see behind.

Gazza's Back wrote:

Four40, thanks for the e-bay link re the mirror extenders, I just ordered a pair after reading this as It's so hard to see behind.

They're just so handy to have and simple too. You may want to invest in longer bolts though. I went for longer ones after the first pair were bent from my low side. Can't remember the size off hand.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.
I've ordered the ebay mirror extenders. Found a few pics of 1250FA's with Sargeant seats & they look the business ( also read some favourable reviews ) so have ordered one. Had a Corbin on the Duke, but sat on a couple with Sargeant seats & they felt good. The Visa will be bouncing soon, so will ease up on the mods until I've got some miles on her & work out a wish list.
Cheers,
Bucky

I have the Suzuki gel seat which is a lot more comfortable. I have a lot of details on my accessories journey at http://kewwibike.blogspot.com (it's the GSF but the accessories fit the GSX too)

kewwig wrote:I have the Suzuki gel seat which is a lot more comfortable. I have a lot of details on my accessories journey at http://kewwibike.blogspot.com (it's the GSF but the accessories fit the GSX too)

Wow - Great info on your blog !
Cheers,
Bucky