[buckeye96]

I have a 2002 BMW R1150R and would like to get a different bike. I am looking at the Kawasaki ZRX 1200, Yamaha FZ1 or the Suzuki Bandit 1200S.

Could you guys give general impressions of the bikes. How they are to ride long and short distances (I am 5'10" 190 lbs). What kind of mods are needed/should be done? How easy is it to serivce? How comfortable they are for passengers?

thanks in advance for all the help
Mark

 

[tlwisner]

What's wrong with the R1150R? That would be a good hint toward which bike would make you happier. I don't see any of your choices as good for long distance 2 up riding, but they are all probably adequate for short distance "hop on the back baby" rides.

All of the bikes you mention have lots of fans and fine reputations - your task is to try them out and see which one makes you smile the most. There are so many excellent bikes to choose from out there.

 

[Scourge]

Dude, Don't forsake the "Boxer". I have always hankered after those 2 fat cyclinders sticking out into open space.

 

[Nexus242]

I hear the FZ1 is an awesome machine.

 

[Clint]

It is. For a cheaper, torqueiuerier, easier to mod alternative, go with a Bandit.

 

[buckeye96]

so any opinions on the Zrx 1200r?

 

[Clint]

They're popular with the, um, older folks. Great power, but a bit dated in the weight and handling department.

 

[buckeye96]

i have it narrowed to the fz1 and the bandit. The zxr is a great bike but it will require me to be on my 'A' too much. thanks so far

 

[Clint]

You have no idea how many have faced that decision before you. It comes down to this: Do you want a high-tech, modern bike or do you want one that you can work on yourself that performs almost as well?

 

[buckeye96]

okay. I'll bite. How hard is the FZ1 to work on. That is my biggest complaint with my BMW. I tried to adjust the throttle and brake hosuings after moving my handle bars and after an hour I couldn't figure it out. I had a 1985 GS700 for 11 years and did all the work my self. It was easy and very intuitive. Is the bandit the same? How about the FZ1?

Also do they make back rests for the bandit?

 

[buckeye96]

well it looks like my mind is made up, but I didn't get to make it. Two things. first, I called 12 dealerships here in the DC area and only 2 would let me possibly test drive a bike (one the bandit, one the FZ1). Second, i called progressive. I have a good driving record, married, 31 yrs old, etc etc. The bandit was $590/ year and the FZ1 was.................$1759/year.

 

[Hardware]

You'll like the Bandit. The uninitiated don't understand how much grunt they have. Nobody and I mean nobody could outrun me on mine and I was over 300 lbs back then. It's also good for long distances - I toured on mine lots (longest single day was 19 hrs with only gas stops).

They're also as reliable as ball pein hammers...

 

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah, if you worked on your GS, the Bandit is just as simple. And lots of easily obtainable HPS. Also TONS of great aftermarket parts too.

- Nut

 

[buckeye96]

wow! Dairyland came back and the FZ1 was $490 and the B12 was $570. That is a lot better. My BMW was $332 which is $200 cheaper than what i am paying now. I will decide this weekend which one to get. I thank everyone again for all their help, this is a great board. And if anyone else has anything to add please do.

 

[tlwisner]

You might try www.bike-line.com for an insurance quote too. They have always given me excellent rates.

 

[buckeye96]

tlwisner---- thanks but either I am doing something wrong or my alter ego is a bad motherF*****. I tried bike line and this is what I got with both the bandit and FZ

Bodily Injury Liability 25000/50000 $495
Property Damage Liability 20000 $115
Medical Expense Benefits 1000 $57
UM Bodily Injury 25000/50000 $36
UM Property Damage 20000/200 $9
Comprehensive 250 Deductible $2,038
Collision 250 Deductible $3,054
Roadside Assistance Included $16
Total Motorcycle / ATV 1 $5,820

Overall Total $5,820


I hope to god that is for the lifetime of the bike........LOL
That was the standard I ran with Progressive and Dairyland. I am absolutely amazed at the range of insurance costs.

 

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah, $301 for mine!!!!! Bikeline is a freaking JOKE. I pay about $100 for BOTH of my streetbikes a year.

Oh yeah, I gave all false personal info to those yahoos. Like I am giving you my insurance carrier, my address and my e-mail info. Dorks. They probably sell that stuff to others.

- Nut

 

[sparrow]

Definitely check out State Farm for insurance rates if you haven't done so already. I've got full coverage on my FZ1 for about $297/yr.

As far as maintaining or working on the bike, the FZ1 is probably one of the most straight forward bikes to work on. There also a ton of information available on the net, as it's a pretty popular bike in the US. Check out the following link,

http://www.cartestsoftware.com/fz1/

There's also an FZ1 Owners Association forum which can probably answer just about any question you might have on the bike.

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com

 

[Clint]

I can't tell you what's easy and what's difficult when working on an FZ1. I just know how easy a Bandit is, and the FZ's don't have that same reputation. They may not be tough to maintain, but modifying one wouldn't be nearly as satisfying without the immense aftermarket support that the Bandit has.

 

[buckeye96]

Well there are no DC Metro area dealers who will allow me to test drive either bike. They expect me to buy the bike just by sitting on it or to find someone with a used bike and ride theirs.

So, I am off to northeast Ohio to test drive and buy a bike their and ride it back.