2005 Bandit 1200S - An Excellent Sport/Sport Touring UJM Bike
Written: Aug 28 '05 (Updated Jul 12 '06)
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Pros: Handsome bike with a smooth, 1200 CC engine that's under the radar of insurance companies.
Cons: Need to address the carbs to get rid of idle/low speed vibration.
The Bottom Line: If you are an experienced rider, especially if you are returning to riding, you won't find as much bike as you'll get with this Bandit.
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| jcomey's Full Review: 2002 Suzuki Bandit 1200s |
In May 2005, I sold my 2001 Suzuki SV650 naked bike and bought a 2005 Bandit 1200S. I liked the SV for local riding and commutes, but its light weight on larger highways above 65 mph was not always fun. I was looking for something that was more solid (heavier) that was not going to stretch me out in a severe riding stance. (I'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam and 33/34" arm reach.) I also wanted to return to my riding roots in the 1970s and 80s. I owned a 73 R60/5 BMW, but the current msrp and maintenance cost of new beemers took this immediately out of the mix. I then remembered the in-line 4 cylinder Honds and Yamahas that I rode some years back and searched around for what was available in the $7,500 range. I rode a Yamaha FZ6 and didn't like it at all. I then rode a 2005 Kawasaki Z750S, and it was OK, but didn't really excite me.
Then I took out a 2005 Bandit 1200S and said, "Wow!" It was smooth, solid, VERY quick, with a small frame-mounted fairing, and was around 500 lbs. It's ride on the same highways where the SV felt thrown around at 55 mph was rock solid at 75 mph. And the OTD price ($7,500) was cheaper than the Kawasaki. With the money received from selling the SV, it was only going to cost me $3,500.
I did have to have the carbs synchd for a smoother idle. The dual front brakes are strong, with a sigle disc in the rear that, when used together (I usually only use the front brakes) will stop the bike quickly. The paint job is amazing (conservative, but very eye-catching). The fairing-mounted mirrors offer the most visibility I've ever had on a bike, and will fold back, if needed. The controls even have a gas guage and a clock! And guess what. It has a center stand (although the 1200S does not rise as easily as some).
Any drawbacks? The engine is air/oil-cooled, with a small oil radiator where you might normally find a water radiator on a bike. When it hit 95 degrees this past summer, the bike sent up lots of heat to my legs unless I kept it moving. On country roads or the highway in the same heat, I felt comfortable. I have not ridden the bike in January yet here in SE PA, so the warm engine may be a blessing then.
The seat is relatively low and an Alaska Leather sheepskin pad has made it more comfortable. A Laminar Lip has decreased the air flow against my chest and arms, especially at higher speeds. Guys who I used to ride with in the 1970s and 80s have commented, "Not THATS a motorcycle!" when they have seen the Bandit. The bike has truly captured the look of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle that legions of us rode.
The insurance? Only $100 more than the SV650. It is not classified as a sport bike or sport-tourer, although it is both. I also added a Luggage Locker Elite Tail Bag with blue trim that looks as though it came stock with the bike.
The reach to the handlebars is fine for me. I prefer to lean forward into the wind and country corners. Some have added bar raisers. There are a huge number of add-ons for this bike that has been in production forever. An excellent web site is www.maximum-suzuki.com.
Due to the powerful engine and weight, I wouldn't recommend the Bandit 1200S to first time or very inexperienced riders. This bike could get away from you fast. It pulls smoothly through its 5 gears to as fast as you want to take it. It redlines at 11,000 rpms with a top speed on the speedometer of 170.(This is the bike that most stunt riders use, especially for wheelies.)
If you are searching for a very reasonable priced, well-made, attractive bike that can serve as a commuter, sport bike or long range sport touring machine that will turn the heads of folks on 2 and 4 wheels as you pass them by, take a look at the Bandit 1200S.
Update - July 06:
I've now had the 1200S for a little over a year. I've ridden it hard and fast on brisk fall days, frigid winter afternoons, and steamy summer nights, and the bike has been flawless. I've been getting between 38 and 40 mpg. (As I write this, gas is $3.12.) Suzuki decided not to bring the 1200S to the US for 06, so my handsome 05 draws even more attention now. Europe and Canada have a new, slightly different shaped bikini fairing on their 06 and maybe an ABS option. I suspect the US will be seeing the 1200S in 07. If you can find a used 1200S, it's an amazing, fun bike that should last you a long time. Once again, I caution that this is a closet holligan machine that requires that you have a lick of good sense and some solid bike skills before you crank open the throttle.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 7,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
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Epinions.com ID:
jcomey
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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