New user from VIC

Hello all, name is Chris, I am new to the forum, just purchased my first Bandit, well the new FA version so technically the GSX1250FA but anyway, I'll keep calling her my Bandit. I haven't browsed the forum very much yet since I rode a 650 V-Strom up until a few days ago when i totalled her, but i'll come here more often once I get to know the Bandit a bit better.
I opted for the fairing version since I got some nice discount on her, although I am really not a fan of the fairing itself I have to admit. So at some stage I might start a project of modifying the fairing to a more naked look, not sure when I find the time and energy, but something I'd like to do at a later stage.
In the meantime i'll just get used to her and spend my spare time of trying to fix up my poor old bent V-Strom.

Hi Chris72 and welcome aboard. Where are you from ?   The Bandits/GSX/FA/whatevers are a great solid workhorse. Good bang for your buck. Fun to work on and upgrade. Post up a pick.  Of both bikes.     Enjoy.

Good morning Hammy :-)

I am from Melbourne, Meadow Heights, and i shall post 2 photos of the bikes as soon as I pick the Bandit up this afternoon (hopefully), with a first ride impression report, plus tips for replacement of the fairing and radiator when i come off on the first roundabout ;-)

Chris

Lived down in Cranbourne many years ago. Miss some things in Melbourne. Big sports fan. Take it easy today. The Bandits are a bit heavier than a V Strom.

Welcome to the forum Chris.

Yeah another Victorian joins the ranks  

Welcome Chris.

You know its funny how Suzuki refuse to refer to the GSX as a bandit. Which may explain why they gave it the GSX title instead of GSF. Ironic how the when I bought mine the dealer gave me a "bandit" key ring.

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum.
Dont joke too much about roundabouts. I had my first ride on Suzy, to Barham, then onto Deniliquin. The smaller roundabout was almost my undoing. Too slow, and almost wiped my boot off, but luckily i had done postie training, uprighted her, and caught up with husband further up the road. Ive hated roundabouts ever since.
 They are heavy buggers.

Welcome aboard.
You should love the GSX and mod as much as you like.
Dont think I've seen one converted back to a GSF though.

I sometimes ride to Thomastown and the Bandit is a brilliant commuter up the Monash and Tulla as long as you're not on the brakes too much.

Welcome Chris

Thank you all for the warm welcome :-)

I picked up the bike today and rode it home in drizzling rain. So new bike, quite different to the Vstrom, new tires, rain, so I was very careful with it but loved every second already. Lots of grunt but smooth delivery, growling Staintune exhaust and I just idled around with heaps of power on tap that I didn't use.
That's the thing I love already, it's just me, I don't like having to rev my bike hard but knowing there is a monster underneath I could unleash, at least until the speed limit is reached. It's psychological with me I think, with my 6'4" and 115kg the 650 always felt on its limit, it was a great bike in every respect and I am glad I had the privilege to ride it for as long as I did but it's engine felt just always a tad underpowered. Phsychologically underpowered, it went fast enough just didn't have enough reserves for my liking.
Well the Bandit does. And I love every subtle twist on the throttle knowing I am utilising only 20% or so of its capability yet being able to effortlessly make it growl and leap forward. I am 40, a father, so I don't really need blinding speed, idling cruises with the occasional adrenaline rush really do it for me and this bike delivers exactly that. Low rev cruising with the ability to let it rip. I won't be the fastest, I won't be the coolest, but I'll enjoy every single ride and commute. Brilliant, with a price tag to match. Just brilliant
Only thing worse than the Vstrom is the wind hitting my chest due to my size. Not terribly bad, just different. I am used to the wind hitting my helmet, not my chest ;-) But it's all good, and I am sure I can sourest a different screen if I wish to do so a bit later.
So far, very happy with that machine :-)

Awesome first impressions. 
And about what we all thought in the early days.
My advice would be to ride it plenty before jumping into mods like screen or seat etc. Yes its different to what you're used too but you might just like things as they are after a bit.

You will get used to the power and you will want more eventually.  Just like you'll love the engine turning over 4000 rpm. Trust me its better over 4k

You'll get used to the 7% optimistic speedo and the very thin paint but all in all they're excellent value. 

Enjoy.

I will heed your advice thank you!
I'll take my time to get used to her, see where I stand. It's a good tip! And in a funny way the wind on my chest unloads the weight on my arms a bit, might be a good thing :-)

Chris72 wrote:I will heed your advice thank you!
I'll take my time to get used to her, see where I stand. It's a good tip! And in a funny way the wind on my chest unloads the weight on my arms a bit, might be a good thing :-)

You are exactly right Chris. When your out cruising you will love that fact.  Enjoy.

welcome Chris

Welcome Chris

Enjoy the ride   

Welcome Chris, congrats on the new bike!