My Bandit - Year 1

I have had my Bandit for 12 months now and travelled 6,000km. Used for day trips and pleasure - no commuting (yet).

12 months ago I wanted a good all-round road bike and I found it pretty hard to find what I was looking for. Lots of specialist or single purpose bikes but not what I call a road bike. I wanted a bit of everything wrapped into one I guess. My research led me to the Bandit and the chat/reviews on line were all positive. I didn't know anyone with a Bandit so I was solo researching heavily.

Finally the engine specs and the Bandit's 'no frills' character won me over.  I actually like that it is not fitted with lots of stuff and this allowed me to add just what I wanted as I wanted. Also the lack of stuff gives the bike a simplicity (relative to other complex bikes) that I like and maybe that translates to reliability - hope so.

I short, the Bandit is fantastic. So good to ride on the country roads.  I'm extremely happy with it and have no desires on another bike right now. It just about does everything well. Whatever you want it to do.  

I also like just owning, cleaning, and looking at it. It is a real character and most bikers I do meet, no matter what they are riding admire my black Bandit.

I am unable to critique the Bandit in a detailed technical sense for its first birthday and I surely don't have the knowledge lots of the forum bandits have. I can say my Bandit has been mechanically perfect and totally reliable, and just the best to ride. Love it.

GG

Good feedback GGiant. Said from the heart and the head!!! Before the GSX I got recently, I have owned a few different bikes and struggled to settle on them. A few years back I owned a used 600 bandit and of all my bikes it was the one I missed when I moved over here and had to sell it. I fully understand your comments and I too know little about things mechanically. Like you what I do know is I loved riding the GSF and now the GSX. They do what they need to without any issue, are easy to find accessories for and great to be seen on. I do get a small commute in and some weekend riding, but no, never enough is it!!!

Enjoy the riding mate.

51,500 kms later (in 3.5 years) and I would certainly agree with your comments GG.

Agree totally. 
I've had mine for just over a couple of years now and put around 25k on it.

 For the first 12 months I shared the daily riding between it and a BMW F800 GS. For the last 12 months the F8 has been unregistered and sitting in the shed (but kept alive with regular attention and riding around the rural block to keep seals happy etc), I can't bring myself to sell it cos I still like the dirt and the GS loves filth....but the GSX just fits my current needs perfectly. I agree with you about the simplicity of it.
It's an honest loyal bike built to a price that's surprisingly good and will turn it on when asked. Some better stoppers are about all I'd like. The Brembos on the Bavarian have given me an idea of how good brakes should be. Bandit requires a bit of forward planning when grabbing that front brake...

Fully agree GG.  Sometimes I get the urge to buy something different, but then I go for a short ride on the Bandit again and come home and say to Jan. " Geez that it a great bike "

Having just updated from a gsf to a gsx i could not agree more, best bang for buck around, actually i challenge anyone to find a better bike for the money, cause i couldnt find one

35000km on mine and I've cursed it a few times but when I came time to sell a bike a few weeks ago it was an easy-ish choice to make the FZ1 more saleable.
They are exceptional value but they're not "gods bike" but shit I still have one in the garage

There's a thread on here somewhere titled something like Dear Suzuki that some of us listed things that Suzuki could have done better.

Glad you're happy with yours.

Thanks bandits. Even if I moved to another bike one day (nothing on the horizon) I think the new one will be an addition to the Bandit and not instead.

Some of the bits I've fitted are:

- Extension to the front mudguard - terrific little item and low cost way to keep engine cleaner.
-Motech crash bars - saved my engine in a static shed fall.
-Rear hugger - fantastic and keeps the rear super clean of road stuff and as clean as a shaft drive.
-Radiator grille - easy to clean and helps stop damage to the rad. from tools!!
-Hepco panniers side + my older Astra 48L top - I look like Grace Bros removals but heaps of room. Easy to remove when just local.
- Airhawk seat - worth every cent.
- Oxford Grip warmers - enjoyed fitting them but seldom use in anger! Like the grips.
- Clock on centre of my handlebars - yay! analogue, something I can see and understand.
- TTO temp gauge - located more like block temp than Cyl head. Excellent low cost item.
- Motec 22mm risers - so comfortable on the cruise.
- windscreen with lip (make)?? - seems excellent. Can't compare the original as I' ve had it since new, but no wind/buffet at all.
- RG Bar ends - I like the extra weight and width - extra hand space to move around on when on the cruise.
- 4 super bright LEDS to front of bike - maybe they make me more visible but I don't count on it. (fun to fit).
- Allen key hex oil plug!! (from my wee-strom).
- BMW plug outlet on bar near the hand grip control.
- Bags connection top bag - fantastic.
.....................
That's the first time I have listed and it adds up, but no more. It's just how I like it now.

GG

Sounds like some nice Bandits that people have!

Mine is a 2010 all black model bought in March this year brand new and i've got:

Yoshi R77 can
Rad Guard
HEL braided lines front and rear
Hot bodyz under seat tail unit
Puig Dark touring screen
Aftermarket rear blinkers
IXON Saddle bags
RJAYS sportsbike seat bag
Metzeler M5 tyres front and rear
Australian Motorcycle Headlight protector - clear

I have a few more ideas but am very happy with how it looks at the moment.
It's my 2nd Bandit after having my 2005 model for the past 8 years and 115 000kms!

They are great machines indeed.

Had mine 11 months now,
40,000kms

ordering the Yoshi R77 tonight, still in 2 minds for the Delkevic pipes.
Pair Removal done, and over xmas ripping out the secondaries