Suzuki Bandits Australia
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Katana convert

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madmax
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Katana convert Empty Katana convert

Post  lacko Sun 04 Jan 2015, 9:47 am

Hi All, after 30 years of my 1100 Katana (which I'm keeping by the way) I decided it was time for a new bike and jacket. Picked up my virtually new GSX1250FA 2012 yesterday and cant wait to take it on a decent ride. Very different riding position and SO much torque. Initially I was bit concerned about the bhp listed as 95 I think where my 1984 1100 Katana had 105 bhp (not these days though) but this thing has so much grunt I love it. Only 15000 on the clock, tyres and chain in great condition. One tiny ding in the tank but other than that great nick. Currently has a huge 48 litre Shad top box which I plan to get rid of and replace with Givi hard panniers so any advice on where to get a good deal on V35s is welcome. Keep yours eyes out in the for sale section if you're interested in the top box. It's convenient but I think it ruins the look and balance and yesterday when doing head checks I kept thinking there was a car up my arse!

I'm in Sydney inner west. Looking forward to some good advice from you experts!

Phil.

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Post  2wheelsagain Sun 04 Jan 2015, 10:08 am

Welcome aboard.
The 95 ponies are big ponies Laughing
I sold my Suzuki/Givi panniers because they ruined the look of the bike and operated just fine for almost 8yrs using a Ventura rack and various bags.
I guess it depends onhow often you'll be needing waterproof cases although Ventura stuff never let me down. MotoDry should be renamed MotoWet though.
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Post  MIKER Sun 04 Jan 2015, 10:33 am

Welcome, nice bike the 1100 Katana. Your new 1250FA is a nice bike, enjoy the TORQUE.

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Post  reddog Sun 04 Jan 2015, 10:43 am

Welcome Lacko. There needs to be pictures of both your bikes mate.
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Katana convert Empty Here's the new beast.

Post  lacko Sun 04 Jan 2015, 12:02 pm

Katana convert Img_2711

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Post  2wheelsagain Sun 04 Jan 2015, 12:10 pm

Which is the beast? lol!
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Post  reddog Sun 04 Jan 2015, 2:17 pm

How do you find the stock cannon that Suzuki fit instead of an exhaust?
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Post  Kiwisteve Sun 04 Jan 2015, 2:23 pm

reddog wrote:How do you find the stock cannon that Suzuki fit instead of an exhaust?

I can find them really easily, they stand out like dogs balls Shocked
Welcome along Lacko, are you related to my drinking buddy Jacko? Very Happy
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Post  Ghostbandit Sun 04 Jan 2015, 3:14 pm

Welcome, nice pick up and can't go past the bandits Very Happy even the faired ones lol!
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Post  Ghostbandit Sun 04 Jan 2015, 3:17 pm

reddog wrote:How do you find the stock cannon that Suzuki fit instead of an exhaust?

Boring lol! glad I changed mine out to a yoshi, not only does the bike sound sweet, it doesn't look like a bloody pontoon like the stock can
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Post  paul Sun 04 Jan 2015, 3:46 pm

Welcome to the forum lacko  Very Happy
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Katana convert Empty Not changing too much yet

Post  lacko Sun 04 Jan 2015, 4:25 pm

I've only ridden this from Penrith back to the inner west (bloody hot!) Actually that's one thing I did notice lots of heat on your legs from the motor. Should be great in winter but simmer not so much. The katana doesn't do this. Probably the fairing.

Wont be changing much until I've ridden it for a while. Mostly for touring and I'll bring the Katana out for quick blasts every now and then.

Got a business trip in Canberra on Thursday. Might ride even though it's a pretty boring road.

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Post  madmax Sun 04 Jan 2015, 4:34 pm

Welcome to the forum Lacko. You'll find we're a diverse bunch with some liking Givi and others hating it.

It all comes down to what you want. I went Givi because I was sick of my Ventura bags leaking. Ventura themselves will tell you they aren't waterproof and then sell you a waterproof cover. Also the bags themselves offer no security. I know a guy who lost his bag with his helmet in it.

I do agree with Chris that Givi makes your bike look shit with the cases off, all the empty racks covering the rear end makes the bike look agricultural. With them on it looks like a tourer.
Ventura looks like your carrying Santa's sack on the rear, but looks neat and tidy when its all removed.

If you do choose to go Givi don't go with the guy in Italy I previously recommended. Ebay id Piequonline. Although he did a great deal for me and the items turned up quickly, he stuffed 2 other members around to no end. I believe they did get their stuff but it took a long while. All along he was ignoring their enquires
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Post  Bosco15 Sun 04 Jan 2015, 5:56 pm

Welcome to the forum Lacko. 
Nice bike.
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Post  Ewok1958 Sun 04 Jan 2015, 6:00 pm

Welcome to the forum Phil. Sounds like you'll be enjoying some fine machinery on two fronts.  cheers
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Post  Chook Sun 04 Jan 2015, 6:43 pm

Welcome Lacko, each to their own regarding luggage, I had Gearsack bag, tank bag and soft panniers for 21 years, it served a purpose as long as put every thing in garbage bags, now I love my Givi hard luggage


Last edited by Chook on Mon 05 Jan 2015, 5:54 am; edited 1 time in total
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Post  reddog Sun 04 Jan 2015, 10:02 pm

I really like the top box as I use it all the time. Yes they look a bit shit, but all the sports bike guys I've ridden with wear stupid back packs and then ask if I can carry stuff for them as their shoulders are sore. They are water proof and I can attest to them working at high speed without any buffeting. Best of all they are lockable and the missus doesn't fall off the back with it attached, some may say that's a down side though Smile
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Post  Rodroket Mon 05 Jan 2015, 7:43 am

Welcome aboard Lacko,

I have just ordered Givi panniers and racks from Germany( www.FC-Moto.de ) lot cheaper delivered than local supplier by around $200.

Best of luck.

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