GSX1250 Replacement?

First topic message reminder :

So the GSX1250 is 5 years old and has around 35k on the clock.  A great work horse but every now and then I get the urge to look at something to replace it with that is not too pricey.

Candidates that I have tried so far:

VStrom1000 ... fun, good brakes, good low & midrange and handles fairly well.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ...looks great on paper, doesn't have the low mid range torque of the bandit but has great brakes & handling. Tends to be a bit buzzy in the engine dept though.

Suzuki GSXS1000F... great engine, handling & brakes......... it just doesn't have a real pillion seat.  So far the top contender once they sort the fueling issues.very on or off on the throttle.

Any thoughts of other good candidates???

Well I have just spent 7 days riding a VStrom 1000 over in New Zealand & I must say I am impressed! A little flat above 6000rpm but it was like an arm chair that ate the kms. The suspension soaked up the rough stuff, the seat was heaven after 500km, the brakes actually stop you (very powerful) and the handling was great (nice easy turn in). I was loaded up with panniers & top box but it didn't really faze the bike at all on the awesome bendy NZ Sth & Nth Island roads. The electronics work a treat when you need them (NZ roads can be a little slippery after the rain).
Holeshot has a few power tweaks that give it a little more grunt in the right spots so that would be an option to explore. No it doesn't quite have the same low & mid range punch of the 1250 but it makes up for it in so many other areas.
A few weeks prior to my NZ adventure I did a couple of over-nighter rides down the South West of WA averaging 400 -500km per day on the 1250. I found near the end of the days riding I was getting a little sore in the shoulders & butt. In comparison after 500km on the Vstrom you could quite comfortably do another couple of hundred km. The other advantage is that if you find a dirt road, you can actually wander along it without having to fight the bike.
So as a 1250 replacement, for me the VStrom is definitely a very strong option.

Was that the 2014+ model with the woody-woodpecker nose?

Yes a 2014+ DL1000 VStrom, it had 25000km on it and still felt nice & tight. It ate the NZ twisties with ease.  If any of you guys get the chance, get over there & ride the roads they are absolutely awesome. I hired a bike from NZ Motorcycle Rentals & Tours who were excellent to deal with. I started out from Christchurch and handed it back in Auckland 2300km later.

Mine will def be a zx14r but I'm happy to keep my bandit and mod her a bit more yet.

Off topic how'd you find WA?

jaba01 wrote:Well I have just spent 7 days riding a VStrom 1000 over in New Zealand & I must say I am impressed! A little flat above 6000rpm but it was like an arm chair that ate the kms. The suspension soaked up the rough stuff, the seat was heaven after 500km, the brakes actually stop you (very powerful) and the handling was great (nice easy turn in). I was loaded up with panniers & top box but it didn't really faze the bike at all on the awesome bendy NZ Sth & Nth Island roads. The electronics work a treat when you need them (NZ roads can be a little slippery after the rain).
Holeshot has a few power tweaks that give it a little more grunt in the right spots so that would be an option to explore. No it doesn't quite have the same low & mid range punch of the 1250 but it makes up for it in so many other areas.
A few weeks prior to my NZ adventure I did a couple of over-nighter rides down the South West of WA averaging 400 -500km per day on the 1250. I found near the end of the days riding I was getting a little sore in the shoulders & butt. In comparison after 500km on the Vstrom you could quite comfortably do another couple of hundred km. The other advantage is that if you find a dirt road, you can actually wander along it without having to fight the bike.
So as a 1250 replacement, for me the VStrom is definitely a very strong option.

Reddog WA is home! Roads down south ok but have nothing compared to NZ.

I think new Zealand and tassie would have to be biking nirvana. I still love parts of wa too. I'm not far from nannup, balingup and Bridgetown,  that area is really nice. Sometimes the roads to get there can be boring,  but it at least it gives you a rest between the good twisties.
The collie track is 10 minutes away too if you are into track days. I haven't done one for about 4 years, might book in for one on a few months as they are good fun

I am Perth based but I have had the pleasure of having got to ride the Balingup / Nannup / Bridgetown Road several times in the last 5 weeks. A bit boring getting down that way but worth the experience once you get down there.

reddog wrote:I think new Zealand and tassie would have to be biking nirvana.

Nah,  North Thailand (where I am) is biking nirvana.  Chiang Mai province is about 70% mountains and jungle,  the same goes for neigbouring provinces,  (Chiang Rai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Lampang etc).  I am one happy rider.  I ride every day.  Check out this ride.    http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/travel-tips-and-articles/thailands-mae-hong-son-loop-by-motorbike   (Just one of many).

Btw.  I just got back from a 200 km round trip ride for lunch.  Have a look at Chiang Mai - Phrao - Chiang Dao - Mae Taeng - Chiang Mai on Google Maps. 

Ironman wrote:Just wait a little longer. The Bandit platform is ageing it will have a full redesign or replacement within the next 18 months I believe.
But just incase Mr Suzuki is listening the bandit report card...

for the 2017/18 Bandit

Engine  = bulletproof A
Engine management = needs help C
Suspension = fail F
Seat = fail F
Styling = start again please
Brakes = C - go the six pot calipers again with ABS
Instrumentation = epic fail start again

Why do I like this bike? Hmmmmmm

The current Bandit S looks almost identical to the 2006. So 10 years with very little $ spent on upgrades would indicate its replacement or redesign is due.

if its anything like the 2015 Bandit it will be the same bike just in Red

Jimcoleman wrote:

Ironman wrote:Just wait a little longer. The Bandit platform is ageing it will have a full redesign or replacement within the next 18 months I believe.
But just incase Mr Suzuki is listening the bandit report card...

for the 2017/18 Bandit

Engine  = bulletproof A
Engine management = needs help C
Suspension = fail F
Seat = fail F
Styling = start again please
Brakes = C - go the six pot calipers again with ABS
Instrumentation = epic fail start again

Why do I like this bike? Hmmmmmm

The current Bandit S looks almost identical to the 2006. So 10 years with very little $ spent on upgrades would indicate its replacement or redesign is due.

if its anything like the 2015 Bandit it will be the same bike just in Red

Yeah but it'll be a different red, a 2016 red

Well I bit the bullet & brought a 2nd hand 2015 VStrom1000 (red) with around 6000kms on it. It comes with crash bars & panniers and few other extras. 

So now I suppose it is time to say goodbye to my faithful GSX1250FA. I am only allowed 1 bike! If anyone knows of someone who wants a great setup it will be on the market shortly.

"If anyone knows of someone who wants a great setup it will be on the market shortly."

Where abouts are you? A mate is looking for a bike.

rolls wrote:"If anyone knows of someone who wants a great setup it will be on the market shortly."

Where abouts are you? A mate is looking for a bike.

from a couple of posts above

jaba01 wrote:I am Perth based but ...............................

Well spotted.

7 in the morning. Maybe I should sober up before I post anything else. Maybe.

Gunna be another hot day. Maybe I should start hydrating myself now. Maybe.

rolls wrote:Well spotted.

7 in the morning. Maybe I should sober up before I post anything else. Maybe.

Gunna be another hot day. Maybe I should start hydrating myself now. Maybe.

 


Still up from last night or just had a blinder?

NYE was a stinker here, yesterday was a pretty warm 35 before the cool changed rolled in late afternoon, it's been great to have the house open and AC off for a while  It's actually been trying to rain since about 5:00am (can't feel it but the spots on the windscreen/concrete don't lie)

"Still up from last night or just had a blinder?"

Renovations. I sweat it all out by 10am and start taking it all back in at about 1pm.

Otherwise just another night  /  day  /  blur.....................

Unfortunately apparently according to my wife I am only allowed 1 bike?  So I plan to move the GSX1250FA on. I am still undecided whether it is worth striping the good gear off it and returning it basically to stock or sell it as a going concern?

From what I have seen you don't seem to get any more for the aftermarket gear on the bike. The jury is still out on what to do? It has been a great bike and the modifications (intake / exhaust & suspension) have really made it very using friendly.

On another note the DL1000 is absolutely awesome, the more I ride it the more I am impressed (Not as punchy as the 1250 but very cruisey & comfortable) but of course it needs a few little tweaks i.e arrow headers, Yoshimura R77 slip on & of course intake & fueling mods plus the other boring bits like sheepskin seat cover, GPS mount etc.

Generally speaking aftermarket accessories will add nothing to the price. A dealer will not offer you more as a trade in, but will promote them to a new buyer. For a private sale they will only make the bike a more attractive purchase

So what aftermarket parts are you looking to sell?

I will probably remove rear shock (Cogent), Holeshot fork brace, Arrow headers & Yoshi R77.

I'll grab the fork brace if you decide to sell it, that's if it will fit the 2007 1250?

How old is the cogent?  And what sort of money are you chasing?

PM sent to Reddog & Nic2