[katana04]

Q: How is the Bandit 1200S, and with only a 5 speed transmission how does this bike run?
Reason - I was at my local Suzuki dealer over the weekend, responding to a call from my salesperson... (Recently I purchased a 2004 Katana 600 in September)
He showed a 2005 Bandit 1200, and made a proposal to give me $3,500.00 for my bike on a trade, and I would pay out $3,000.00 for the remainder w/o financing.
Explaining to me that Suzuki is doing a complete line up change in 2006 (with word of ending the air/oil cooled carbureted engines, translating to the close of the Bandit & Katana line) and the more 2005's they sold the better it was for them from Suzuki.

 

[inspiron]

It may be good for the dealer, but is it good for you?

The Bandit 1200 is a good bike - no question.

He's offering $3,500 on the trade in ... How much did you pay for the Katana three months ago?

Was the Katana your first bike? How long have you been riding? Are you prepared to handle a bike with twice as much engine, and about 50% more weight?

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Inspiron hits all of the points I see pretty well.

Is it worth it to you to trade in a bike you just got? Divide the $ by the number of miles and you'll get a good feel for the monetary damage it would inflict.

Good deals come and go. You just got a bike. I'd keep the Kat and change out in 30,000 miles or more.

My 2 cents.

 

[LayinLo]

bump

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

Wait until next year when they've got the '06 Bandits coming in...I bet he'll deal even more then!!!!

 

[87gsxrnut]

The 1200 wheelies real nice . . .

- Nut

 

[LayinLo]

:shm: Nut olice:




:lol: :twisted:

 

[katana04]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the input...
I am still very happy with my Katana, but wanted to hear other opinions.
FYI - I paid $5,700 total for the bike (new) and currently have 3,500 miles on the odometer.
At this time, I plan on keeping the bike for a long while, keeping it completely stock, should they discontinue the run.
Plus I'm already put a little extra to the side each month for my next bike fund.
I've been riding for a total of 5 years, but there was a 10 year gap in between my last ride and this one, but I took an MTII course to get back on the road.
Thanks for the input, I will let this deal go by.

 

[ta2bandit]

bandit 1200 i picked mine up about 3 months ago, i paid 5900 for the bandit, maybe 1400 miles so far but winter has set in so it sits, im 230 and the torque this has is nuts, 3k rpm and it pulls like crazy, im throwing on a 48 tooth rear this winter, but if you just bought the kat there isnt any sence to trade it in and take a hit on money

 

[Clint]

Your question was about the 5 speed, so I'll try to answer it. My first bike was a 1989 Yamaha Radian - an old school 600 making about 45 hp. It needed six gears, and it had them. My second bike was a 1992 Nighthawk 750, with Honda's smooth-as-butter CB motor and 5 gears. I really thought this was a fast bike, so I never missed a sixth gear.

My Bandit blows either of those out of the water with power and low-rpm torque. It doesn't need more gearing. The only time I miss a sixth is when cruising above 65 and I'd like to burn less gas. Then I realize I could be driving a 12 mpg suv and that urge passes.

Short answer: It doesn't need six. It's not a race bike, and it has gobs of power.

Unsolicited advice to follow...

I don't think 3500 miles is enough to consider upgrading to a 100 hp bike. You're at stage two . Stick around for a while.

 

[ta2bandit]

hey red i found a machinist that is making up rear set plates for bandits, he also has them for other bikes im trying to do a group purchase with other suzuki riders, if you know anyone that might be interested let me know, they are gonna be around $25 a set with the shift linkage,

 

[Trapper]

At this time, I plan on keeping the bike for a long while, keeping it completely stock, should they discontinue the run.

Good , now you won't have to change your name! :mrgreen:

 

[Gixxerdale]

Good , now you won't have to change your name! :mrgreen:

I'm sure that was what made the final decision! If I want a new bike without a name change.....Hmm, guess a Busa is the only option! Good reason to get one right? :mrgreen:

 

[inspiron]

C'mon Dale, the new '05 GSX-R1000 should be a step up from your '02 ... they shaved off a few pounds and gave it a few more horses...

You're too young to retire just yet ... the 'busa will have to wait ...