As a GSF1200 expert I highly recommend: Ivan's performance jetting kit... a BETTER rear shock (I have a Hyperpro)...Race Tech -Gold Valve Emulator kit in the forks (with springs to match your weight)...and if within budget, a Corbin Gunfighter seat. Lastly: go one tooth LARGER on the front sprocket, which will bring your Cruise speed up and make it feel like you have six speeds. (I actually also dropped one tooth out back because I do a lot of highway riding). CHECK YOUR SPROCKET ALIGNMENT for being in-plane. Early B12's had a 3mm offset out of the factory which wears chains. Simple spacer changes can fix that and give a very smooooth ride.
I'm getting one of these to take to Daytona for Bike Week. Then general riding when the weather is decent. They need more bikes like these down there to outnumber the Harleys.
They're never gonna out number the Harley's because this model was only produce for 5 years. Just think of all the other places you could go for yourself where Harley's would never be seen. The power is in your hands. There is no need to show up Harley's.
Most of the bits looks easy to sort. Couple of things to help though...you'll be able to die the seat piping but never glue them... it's just not been pulled properly. Everything else made of ally including the wheels..just polish, especially the wheels look great when polished up.
I have a 2001 K1 B12 and I love it, people think they are a cheap bike “and they are” but they are bloody good fun. Mine has done 23K now still got the original suspension never messed about with it. And I can get it round corners ok it’s bloody good to be honest. It’s just a case of getting used to it you can ride them hard. That motor is a peach you’ll not brake that buddy. Good luck and enjoy
Bloody Good Fun, says it all. March19, no bike, Kawasaki, for 27 years, got a very very healthy 05 GSF Bandit 650 inj.. Got a PhD Masters Degree, in Bandit Torque Enjoyment only, nothing technical, Sadly now a HOPEFULLY only Crazy MAD Banditateer fekkin Banditaholic, ruined for any other bike. At least 58, 59 times more biking joy, than in 84 my nearly new Kawasaki 750 turbo, that was Superb, but Bandit Time, Times,a PURE BIKING TREAT, and I ain't even lying. Yours Scott Loch. Na, Professor Bandit B.T.E.,Torque Enjoyment only.
You don't see "the fucking logic" in the seat's blue piping, but it's perfectly logical for you to destroy the original side fairing so it doesn't rub against a shitty aftermarket radiator cover, right?
Ideally, A GSF1200 fuel inj., No S, I'd love more than a M1000RR, H2, Whatever, Bandits are the best, and I'm not even lying. Prof.Bandit B.T.E. Torque Enjoyment only, out.
You probably figured it out already but you dont turn the key counter-clockwise to unlock the seat . You turn it clockwise until the helmet lock is closed and then continue turning it until the seat unlocks ..
think I was a bit unfair with my review of this as it has been looked at a lot but thought they were just straight line bikes and very heavy and slow after coming off a much faster bike before hand
I'm about to buy my first bike, but have experience riding but the biggest bike I've ridden is a 600. There's a really nice 1200 Bandit for sale near me for a good price, but don't know if a 1200 is best for someone with some experience, what would you say?
To be honest I don't think jumping on the Bandit 1200cc from the Bandit 600cc will be a vast difference for you, apart from the weight of course, the BHP is around 80 on the 600cc... and 100 on the 1200cc so there is no massive power spike to be worried about.
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes looks like someone tried to start it whilst the tank had that horrible tank seal protector goop inside. Stripping carbs next week. Can't wait to see how yours turns out, good luck bud.
Found a 1998 S1200 in impeccable condition (better than new w/upgrades) with 15000 miles (US) for $ 3000 US dollars(negotiable) ; do you think it would be a good investment and a fun way for an older semi diabled gent to go. I sold my totally loaded 900# + H-D Road King and since my middle son stopped(popped in-my mother-in-law and wife are BRITS) by with his 1st bike a Vulcan 800; I have that itch that needs to be scratched....thanks.....DON
I cannot really comment on the price, as UK vs USA prices are going to be different, in the UK that same bike would no doubt be up for sale around the £1600 to £1900 (perhaps more during the Summer Months) so $3000 does seem a little high. But if you can get it down closer to $2500 I think from the sounds of it, it would be a good purchase. I don't think it falls into an "Investment" bike personally, as they made so many of the Bandit 1200 bikes, and there are a LOT still out there and going strong, what I would say is that with regular servicing, these bikes will do 50.000+ Miles and keep going. I found the 1200S to be very comfortable for an older rider :) (BTW I too had a Vulcan 800 in the past- check my videos for a very quick walkaround)
I watched 5 minutes and you didn't review the bike at all. You just said little problems that your personal bike has and talked about how you want a garage
I have to agree Tim, it's not the best job I've ever done, but it was just meant to be an update on what I was doing really, and my thoughts on the bike, I will try harder to actually "review" the bike next time :)
Yes they are a great all round bike, and pretty easy to maintain too, bargains can be had these days, worth spending time looking around, the 600cc version can be had very cheap now too, and I hear very good things about those. It's not unusual to see these with 50.000+ Miles and still going strong ;)
While ships are not as common a mode of transportation for civilians any longer, in the American and British armed forces, active ships are still referred to as feminine. Similarly, when men became dependant on motor vehicles, they were an ornament of pride and cared for with great attention by their male owners.
