initial feedback after first ride

OK, took my recently purchased GSF1250SA 2010 out on my normal route, which is about 40km of windy and sometimes bumpy country road, can get up to 160km/h in places.  Previously rode this route many times on my previous bike.


Love the torque of this machine  ...  and has a decent sound from the Yoshi, although I think I might permanently remove the baffle   ...

Suspension is crap, bike bounces all over the show, so will need to pay a visit to Shock Treatment at some stage   ...  probably will see if I can adjust handlebars for a slightly less upright position so I can 'feel' the cornering a bit better   ...

Probably all normal feedback I would imagine?

Certainly consistent with what others have said, particularly the suspension side of things. I'm just one of many who has Racetech springs and gold valves in the front but I've also put an Ohlins rear shock in. 

Go the renthal ultra low bars if you don't like the oem. I've got used of mine so never bothered.

Pretty harsh feedback from the first 40km ride.
Try adjusting things before slating it. It also depends on what you're comparing it too.

Thanks for the feedback and tips fellow Banditos!

Had a VTR1000F Firestorm beforehand, which had the Shock Treatment done the front, stock std suspension at rear  ...  same road that I have travelled many many times.

Maybe I need to look at the suspension setup first  ...  Im an 80kg rider that rides 90% alone most of the time  .... will have a look at the forum archives to see if there are any handy inexpensive tips for a smoother (and safer) ride.

Keep a close eye on your tyre pressures, especially the front, they are very heavy in the front, I run a couple psi higher than recommended in the front tyre and can feel it if it drops much below that

daveo wrote:Thanks for the feedback and tips fellow Banditos!

Had a VTR1000F Firestorm beforehand, which had the Shock Treatment done the front, stock std suspension at rear  ...  same road that I have travelled many many times.

Maybe I need to look at the suspension setup first  ...  Im an 80kg rider that rides 90% alone most of the time  .... will have a look at the forum archives to see if there are any handy inexpensive tips for a smoother (and safer) ride.

My Storm was way too soft (stock) on the front. The rear was ok though.

daveo wrote:Thanks for the feedback and tips fellow Banditos!

Had a VTR1000F Firestorm beforehand, which had the Shock Treatment done the front, stock std suspension at rear  ...  same road that I have travelled many many times.

Maybe I need to look at the suspension setup first  ...  Im an 80kg rider that rides 90% alone most of the time  .... will have a look at the forum archives to see if there are any handy inexpensive tips for a smoother (and safer) ride.

I to have a VTR. Bandit is way better in the front than the VTR is stock. But that is down to spring rate and valving as internally they are the same fork. I took the gold valves from my VTR and fitted them to my Bandit.

But in saying that I have an FA which seems to have a half decent factory set up. To improve your bike, fit uprated springs and 5w oil.

thanks for the feedback all  ...  will definitely look at these suggestions in the near future  ...  

seems to be a lot of VTR owners or ex-owners who have moved to Bandits  ....

daveo wrote:thanks for the feedback all  ...  will definitely look at these suggestions in the near future  ...  

seems to be a lot of VTR owners or ex-owners who have moved to Bandits  ....

Its called getting old.....

NZspokes wrote:

daveo wrote:thanks for the feedback all  ...  will definitely look at these suggestions in the near future  ...  

seems to be a lot of VTR owners or ex-owners who have moved to Bandits  ....

Its called getting old.....

With age comes wisdom ....................or senility; take your pick