Alan from the States new Bandit 1200

 

Alan is a visitor to the site who contacted me for advice on the REX. He opted to for the Bandit 1200.
below are his thoughts on his new pride and joy.

 

 

Some of the good Things about the Bandit

  • Cost.
    A good deal for the Guy or Gal on a budget with the need for speed.
  • Handling.
    This is a true sports bike with a short wheel base and will take corners just as fast as this middle aged Guy wants to go (I'm sure it does even better in the twistys with a more experienced rider).
  • Brakes.
    Are more than adequate even though the rear does not seem to do much when used by itself.
  • Engine.
    Is very quiet with the stock exhaust.  Also the stock exhaust header leaves very little to be improved on if a aftermarket can is desired.
  • The black wheels are very easy to clean and hide chain lube and road grime very well between baths.
  • The silver metallic paint looks amazingly good for a no frills sport bike.
  • Gauges look and work well with two trip meters and a accurate fuel gauge.
  • Has both side and centre stands.
  • Lots of accessories available for this bike, both O.E.M. and aftermarket.
  • The shape of the fuel tank favours taller riders legs and seating position.  I am 6 feet 6 inches tall and weigh in at 260 pounds and the Bandit fits My big body good for a short wheel base motorcycle.

       

 

 

 

The not so great things would be

  • It has a chain!!  If you have ever owned both a shaft and chain drive you can appreciate this.  (Nature of the beast and cost too)
  • An occasional fairly loud clunk from the transmission when up shifting.  (My dealer told me this would disappear when fully broke in)  It better!
  • Sputters and runs kind of cruddy until fully warmed up.
  • Battery is fairly inaccessible for service or cleaning.
  • The Bandit needs an aftermarket exhaust can and carb. re-jetting to catch the Kawasaki ZRX 1200. (the Bandit's price competition)

      All in all, I believe that the Kawasaki is the better built machine as I owned a Kawasaki in the 1980'.  The ZRX is just a little more expensive.  But if you have long legs and are on budget check out the GSF1200S.

      The End.

Alan.

 

 

 

Alan Rides the Dragon