Are Bandit engines really bullet proof or do we just sell ém before they die?

A few questions but more for interest's sake.

Who has the highest number of km's on their bandit regardless of age?

What has gone wrong (if anything) mechanically with your 1200/1250 ie anything that is lubricated by the engine oiling system.

Changing oil more frequently than what Mr Suzuki says,does this translate into longer engine life or are we selling bikes well before this will become evident?

My old mate Jimmy Bandits 2 x Gen1's he has owned both have done well over 100000kms. The only thing to go wrong is a dodgy side stand switch and leaking around the tappet cover bolts. His bikes get oil changes at the regular intervals and thats it. His current gen1 has also been down the road a few times without any major damage. So yep I'd say the oil burners are definitely bullet proof.

Oh and the exhaust collector fell apart on one of his.

The engines on the 1250's will outlast the rest of the bike in my opinion even if only doing the Suzuki recommended maint.
In theory the 1250 should deliver longer wear and performance than the oil/air cooled mills but time will tell.

I agree with 2wheels. The water should last longer, as the tolerances are tighter with water cooled. There`s a few more things to consider with maintenance on the water jobbies, but if your anal with services, and constantly checking things, they should last a long time.

I have put on this site quiet a few times, that I rebuilt my oil boiler at around the 170 000km mark, but that was for toying, not cause it needed it.
When mine was pulled apart, it was expected to easily do another 80 000kms. All the bearing surfaces were spotless, and the bore was really good.   
From new, the oil has always been changed at 3000km`s intervals, and I truly believe that's why all the bearing surfaces, were so good.

I still believe, "Clean Blood, Clean Heart".    Make sure the A/F is correct,   and the valve clearances are always right,   don`t abuse any mechanical thing, and it should last a long time.

It still has me miffed, that one of your bikes had a big end go, years ago????????

The old 1250 mill isn't exactly working hard, and it is conceivable that you could own one for a lifetime and never even hit 6,000 on the tacho if you were only just a bit conservative. Because of the high low-down torque, many people will adopt a short-shifting riding style and rely on torque, not revs, to pull out of corners and overtaking. Such riding should not result in engine wear and tear and 200,000+ kms should be easily possible.  Mine has over 76,000kms on it but it did start to use some oil after it fell over some 40,000kms ago and did not shut off, ie it was lying on its side running until I hit the kill switch.  But I just top it up between changes - the only 1250 I've ever heard of that needs this.  I plan to keep mine for many tens of 1,000kms to come so I should be able to report back in a few years (!!!) on how it's lasting.

#Tag's bike has over 100,000kms on it and he might report. But from what I know, it isn't giving wear and tear trouble and will be lapping the Island on the Afterburners Day following WSBK.

I'll be doing the 120k valve check when I get back from PI.

I'll measure all tolerances again and post em up but I'll bet they haven't changed much from 96k when wear was minor.

I have only had my 2005 two weeks but as a 68 year old expect the beast to be still going when I'm gone (unless she takes me out!!!) and in my extensive 14 day ownership the only problem I've had is some b€£¥+^%#|~< came into my carport and put scratches into the tank.

Chalkie