G'day all - from Berwick,VIC

I have joined so I can pick up more info on the Bandit. I currently ride a 02 SV650 (had license and bikes for almost 15 years now) but have decided that since weight loss isn't as easy as TV makes it look, a bigger bike is a must and the Bandits look like the goods, both price and appeal wise. To me anyhow. On the hunt for a faired model, not sure whether 1200 or 1250 yet, but not got unlimited funds as it will be a weekend bike only. By the way, I am in Berwick, VIC so time to start learning what to look for, and what to avoid.

Welcome aboard.
I reckon if you stick around you will see the occasional Bandit offered for sale here.
There is a bike made by Yamaha that could float your boat too and the right one is far better than a used Bandit. Trust me on that.
Also trust me that weight loss on TV isnt easy either

Hi Darnda and welcome to the fold. Bandits are great. Great value for money. Great to work on and upgrade. And great to ride and have fun on. I have owned both now, tne 12 and the 1250. If you can stretch the funds for the 1250 then go for it. But a nice 1200 is still a really good bike. Search everywhere. Even fleabay. Best of luck and look forward to seeing what you end up with. Enjoy.

welcome to the forum darnda

Welcome aboard. Check out the for sale section - there might be a Bandit still up for sale.

Welcome to the forum. The Bandit will see you in an entirely different riding position to what the SV650 gives you. A mate of mine had one (SV650) and joined us on a trip around Tassie. He was needing to stop every hour or so to stretch. I rode it once, I liked the handling and its light weight but not its posture. Maybe I'm just getting old

Welcome to the forums mate.

The bandits are great fun and top value also. Good weekend bike and tourer. You will enjoy.

Geez MadMax, you think 49 is old, just wait until you are 67 like me, then you will know about aches and pains etc.,
Regards
Paul

Blueknight wrote:Geez MadMax, you think 49 is old, just wait until you are 67 like me, then you will know about aches and pains etc.,
Regards
Paul

I said I was getting old, I didn't say I was there yet

At 67 I hope I'm still throwing my leg over a bike and have not stepped down to a scooter..

Hello darnda and welcome.
I recently picked up an '08 1250 and have an '06 1200s as well. Although it was the fact that the 1250 had full luggage and ABS that sealed the deal, I found that on the 1200 that I was left wanting a 6th gear and fuel injection.
Whichever model you end up with the information on this forum regarding any problems or questions you have is fanatastic.

Thanks to everyone for their welcome. I see some good points already raised as I was leaning towards a low mileage 1200, but know I will be wishing for fuel injection and maybe that 6th gear down the track. A few 1250's advertised for around $8k with 30,000 k's or less, is this the normal mark ? I am in no rush, so will keep looking.

Bike's traditionally get cheaper in May/June (used). 8k is about the asking rate. What they sell for is another matter
If you're set on a B1250 thats fine but there's nothing wrong with a well sorted carbied engine either. My FZ is smoother from idle to 11500RPM than the Bandit ever will be. 36 more hp far better brakes. Far better suspension. Better seat. Better fuel economy. Better built. And a 6 speed box. You can get them for less than 8k.

Welcome Darnda!!

Hey Bandit Hunter, I love my bike - 1250SA L2 ABS and am approx. 100Kgs and my ride takes my weight with no problem. Plenty of Punch when you need it. Like you I have been riding for over ten years and have had a 750cc in the past. Peter-Stevens Ringwood had a second hand Bandit in stock last time I passed by, it has a rack and top box, and was in good condition - grey colour with fairing. Worth checking out. Good luck with the bike hunting.

Any luck finding a Bandit?

Hi straff1250, thanks for asking but since my 'little girl' recently got her drivers license, a chunk of my bike money went towards her getting a better first car, insurance etc so the Bandit is on hold for a few months while funds build up again. Maybe a xmas present to myself............

Hi Darnda.

No problems.  Hope you don't have too long to wait. Weather not the greatest anyway.

My brother had an SV650 and loved it, but the riding position is a bit low. I have owned a lot of different bikes over the years and I can honestly say that I love the Bandit the most!!! And it is the cheapest bike I have owned. I got it from Peter Stevens with 3500klms on clock for $8500. 2009 model.
It is comfy, has loads of torque, and you can still have a load of fun with it in the windy sections.

Let me know when you get a bike and we will organise a ride since I only live up the road.

Hope Santa is generous this year 

Welcome, and I'm sure you will find a nice Bandit. I commute from Greensborough to work in Pakenham so we might cross paths! As has been pointed out, there are better bikes out there of course, and there always will be no matter what you buy, but I like my bike it's reliable as anything and because I don't OVER-push it, the suspension, brakes etc are perfectly adequate (for me).

Finally an update, After a year of saving, reading and changing my mind several times, I have just bought a 05 GSX1400. Found the Bandit still not quite roomy enough especially compared to the big 1400. So thanks for all the posts and ideas and now to rack up more riding than I did on the SV as comfort and power should be in abundance.
Seasons greetings to all.......

Enjoy the 1400. 
Personally I think the Bandit is more versatile but that's why there are thousands of different bikes on the market.

Good choice with the 1400. Got a mate with one who's a real big bopper 140+ and he loves it. My Bandit was just too tight for him. Gotta love the big seat on the 1400. Bonus with this bike is you can tow your boat or take a trailer load to the tip. More torque than a politician. Enjoy   .

Good one. They are another bullet proof Suzuki.  Many Ks of happy riding to ya.