2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S

[Bonz]

I am having “Bandit Envy”. I had a Bandit 1200S back in 2006 for a year when I started riding again, and it was such an easy bike to live with but was a butt-ugly purple color (sold it to get a V Strom 1000). With just Kerker slip on exhaust canister it dyno’d at 104 hp and 72 foot pounds of torque. That torque was in full swing by around 3000 rpm and table-top flat until around 8000.

Dang, I may need to look at a bandit 1250 for my next bike to share the garage with the ZRX 1200...

[madmax-im]

I am having “Bandit Envy”. I had a Bandit 1200S back in 2006 for a year when I started riding again, and it was such an easy bike to live with but was a butt-ugly purple color (sold it to get a V Strom 1000). With just Kerker slip on exhaust canister it dyno’d at 104 hp and 72 foot pounds of torque. That torque was in full swing by around 3000 rpm and table-top flat until around 8000.

Dang, I may need to look at a bandit 1250 for my next bike to share the garage with the ZRX 1200...

Yep..its all useable power..not something high strung that makes its peak power at like 10000rpms...I have never owned a bike with this much grunt at the low end..My god and people want to max these out for performance..I'm not touching a thing..theres more than enough power here..you'd have to be insane ..but there are those types out there...

[madmax-im]

I see you got a new bike, nice one.
I know we will see both of you at the next rally (even if you don't know)

ride safe my friend
start saving for tires

Oh I know...LOL...Thanks Earl...

[Bonz]

Yep..its all useable power..not something high strung that makes its peak power at like 10000rpms...I have never owned a bike with this much grunt at the low end..My god and people want to max these out for performance..I'm not touching a thing..theres more than enough power here..you'd have to be insane ..but there are those types out there...

Ha, ha, ha,... I bought a used 2001 ZRX 1200 back in 2008. The reason being it “won” against the Bandit 1200 in about every area of stock performance, and had an even cooler retro look. It was almost as strong down low as the new Bandit, with a bit more horsepower at the top.

There is a huge following the ZRX in general, and I spearheaded the jetting development of ZX 11 carburetors being adapted onto the ZRX. On a stock engine They are worth 7 ft/lbs of torque max, with more gains down low and in the mid range and 12 hp up top.

In any case, I’m starting to like the idea of fuel injection versus carburetors...

[madmax-im]

Thats pretty cool about the ZRX..I knew they were bad to the bone..but I have never ridden one..maybe a good thing there...
If you have not ridden the 1250S..you're in for a surprise ...fuel injection and liquid cooling have smoothed out this motor..its soooo smooth...and the pull is linear...i havent anything to compare it to as you have ,but I know this..in close to stock form is more than I'll ever need..or completely use..I did not expect this kind of performance quite frankly..i just wanted a lighter weighted bike..i'm 65 and after the wreck of Swampthing...my body is telling me to go lighter...it just so happens that I found this bike locallly and i know the people involved through other friends..so its a deal that was meant to be...now if i can just get it farkled for comfort then we be good to go....

[DeanR]

That's a beauty Ben !

[madmax-im]

Hi Dean..Thanks..it sure is..chain drive but a totally modern bike that looks retro...Y'all should come to the SE rally ..It'll be there with me Ofc...and you really need to come down here and ride these roads...

[DeanR]

Hi Dean..Thanks..it sure is..chain drive but a totally modern bike that looks retro...Y'all should come to the SE rally ..It'll be there with me Ofc...and you really need to come down here and ride these roads..

I did get to the Blue Ridge Gathering in October at Moonshine Creek Campground just outside of Waynesville. Uncle Phil had us on ridiculous roads nonstop for two days straight. Absolutely no need for that Dragon stuff.
Maybe with you guys next year?

[IanDMacDonald]

The Bandit is very similar to the FJR in linear power. Not snatchy at all. Very smooth.

I have my eyes set on the H2-SX. The Connie & FJR don't have enough power for me. Kinda disappointing honestly. The FZ-10, Z1000, and GSX-S1000 would be the only three bikes I'd consider at this point. All three are extremely fun, and will have you in jail quick!!!

The H2-SX is the ideal bike for me though.

[Bonz]

H2 SX, the “sport touring” version of the H2, correct?

That would mean it is not as roomy for a taller person as a C14, FJR, ST1300, et al. Thoughts?

[IanDMacDonald]

H2 SX, the “sport touring” version of the H2, correct?

That would mean it is not as roomy for a taller person as a C14, FJR, ST1300, et al. Thoughts?

Bonz- I know you're tall as the redwoods. However, Marty is tall too, and he has a 650.

I think with any bike that we buy, it's not long before customization happens. So, handlebar risers, seat, etc. The seat on the H2 does not look as comfortable as the one-piece of the ZX-14. So, probs a Sargent/Corbin there.

[Bonz]

6'11" tall?
For sure, I would be lowering pegs, building up the seat, bar risers, etc.

The power along with lighter weight is very appealing. I would ride one-up as my wife isn't into riding.

[IanDMacDonald]

6'11" tall?
For sure, I would be lowering pegs, building up the seat, bar risers, etc.

The power along with lighter weight is very appealing. I would ride one-up as my wife isn't into riding.

Next Summer, demo the FZ-10. Addicting torque!!!

[madmax-im]

I did get to the Blue Ridge Gathering in October at Moonshine Creek Campground just outside of Waynesville. Uncle Phil had us on ridiculous roads nonstop for two days straight. Absolutely no need for that Dragon stuff.
Maybe with you guys next year?

Cool..I did one BRG back in 2010 with Uncle Phil..awesome roads..now ya gotta do it with the Xsives...LOL

[Bonz]

Next Summer, demo the FZ-10. Addicting torque!!!

Heh,heh,heh... I love torque, and the ZRX delivers it in spades. In stock form, 70 ft/lbs at 3200 rpm, peaking at 79.6 ft/lbs at 6750 rpm, and carries over 70 ft/lbs to almost 9000 rpm. Ran the 1/4 mile stock in 10.70 sec at 125 mph, which is under the 130 mph trap speed of the FZ10 (10.77 seconds) but a hair quicker. With ZZR 1200 cams, ZZR 1200 pistons, ZZR/ZX11 40 mm carbs... well, it’s even stronger yet.

Yeah, sorry I talk about the ZRX so much. It’s a superb bike and a lot of fun. Like I said, the new Bandit 1250 would make me excited to own one and ride in stock form for awhile with all that torque down low. Then, I would call my friend Dale Walker at Holeshot Performance...

https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/12/1...-review-photos