interested in a suzuki bandit 1200

[kevxs]

seems the seat height is only 1 inch lower than the xs11,

I originally didn't consider a 600cc as I am 6'1 230lbs but since ALL my riding is just within the city I'm trying to find something more suitable.

Any other bigger riders have any experience riding a 600 or 650?

Anyone have any other suggestions for a good commuter bike?

[IanDMacDonald]

been looking into a Yamaha FZ6 for my city commuting needs. Anyone have any knowledge / experience with that bike?

Yup, too small for my tastes. It'll work, but it's just . . . Blah. I like the FZ1.

[kevxs]

Fz6

been looking into a Yamaha FZ6 for my city commuting needs. Anyone have any knowledge / experience with that bike?

[txtriathlete]

In the city

Bikes are really not ideal for in and around commuting with stop and go traffic and low speed travel, traffic lights, etc. The constant "rowing" through the gears makes even manual transmission cages painful for daily city commuting.

Big scooters (650cc) are practical because you don't have to shift, they are easily balanced, can go up to 70+ MPH if needed and have a ton of storage for helmet, work clothes, groceries, etc. But...its a scooter.

A hydraulic clutch can make it easier and less painful to shift constantly. Wide gear ratios - like on the old Goldwings or Valkyries are also be a good feature - something that can run effectively at 1500 RPM to 5500 RPM in second gear.

Being seen is also a consideration. Lots of eye level lights can help - like on a rear cargo box. Goldwing is also good for this.

[IanDMacDonald]

No, not at all. I achieve 40 mpg's on my Daytona 955I, and my boss has a ZX-14 getting right around the same. However, the R1/FZ-10 is getting around 30 mpg's.

[kevxs]

the reason i'm not loving the XS11 for commuting is that I get 30mpg at best and the fumes i'm putting out are pretty smelly, this town doesn't need more smog than it already has.
should I assume that any decent sized bike will get poor mileage in city driving?

[IanDMacDonald]

I have a slightly different perspective on the 1200 Bandit. I own a '93 Katana GSX1100. When a GSX engine goes for whatever reason (pretty bullet-proof though), a Bandit engine is a straight swap. However, even for a '93, the GSX put out around 130+ hp, where-as the modern Bandit engine put out below 100 hp. They're super-solid bikes, but the Bandit engine is kinda antiquated. It's a great bike though.

Personally, if I bought one, it'd be the 1250 Bandit of the 2007+ models, and I'd definitely go FI'd. I've rode both, and thought the 1250 was a faster, better bike. I'd never buy another carbed bike again.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Kevxs,
Motorcycles can't sing on the streets of a city Quoting Gary.
The 1200 bandit is a beast. I am sure you would enjoy riding it...out of the city.

A Kawi KLR 650 or something else nimble might keep you out of trouble.

Phil

[kevxs]

hey anyone know anything about suzuki bandits? found a 2004 1200 with 53000km for $2000 and am interested it using it for my daily commuting downtown. reliability? city mpg?

they went fuel injected and water cooled in 2007. also wondering if since im looking at something more modern should i go all out and get fuel injected and water cooled. or should i stick with carbs and air cooled since i am already comfortable wrenching on that.

also wondering if i should just get a 650cc for my city driving. im 6'1 230lbs