1200 Bandit VS Gs1100/1150

[graybags]

Hello GSResources,

I need to chuck my two bobs worth at this - I have an 82 GS1100E and was working toward getting it back on the road but due to circumstances (car bruck and GS still in bits and Daddy still busy:dancing, I bought a brand new Bandit GSF1250A (naked and fuel injected with ABS - see attached photo).

BUT PLEASE, before you all lose faith, the GS will still never be for sale...

I am what some would call "old school" as in I started riding when GS's were still brand new and also haven't forgotten they (or maybe more the Katana's) were the Busa's of the day. I reckon the GS's/Katana's would be the same bike as the Bandits if they were re-released today... (and who really needs a Busa anyway......)

BUT the Bandit is just totally a different proposition to either. It is a world apart from the old school with a similar riding position, and obviously without the Busa bullsh*t.

I have just clocked 1500 Kms in two weeks. The report? It is a bit clinical in the way it does things but it goes, stops, handles and just generally behaves like nothing GS I have ever ridden or could imagine riding without at least a similar investment in what we all love - regards the spend on my GS vs the brand new bike that I bought. It could be done, but is it still a GS with GSXR suspension, wheels, brakes etc etc., never mind the throw at engine/frame work?

I am looking forward to growing old with my GS, and it will always fondly remind me of a largely mispent youth. I love it more or less the way it is, and will always resist the temptation to make the big changes required to get it close to what is out there these days (or even what has since passed).

The 1250 and the GS are very difficult to compare in some ways, but somehow very difficult not to compare in others...

I think the biggest difference I see is one is one is an appreciating investment and the other isn't - AND one isn't for sale...

 

[Roger P.]

My '04 Bandit is head and shoulders above my GS1100 in every way, except cool. The GS engine also has a more butch appearance and a wonderfully thumpy idle. When I heard my Bandit running at the auction I bought it at, I was convinced it was a 600 put in a 1200 frame the way it rustled away almost silently. A few handfuls of throttle convinced me otherwise. There isn't a lot between the bikes performance-wise in stock trim, although the 1200 has a better midrange and lacks the 1100's vibes (and dare I say, charm). You'd have to ask someone like Ray about which motor is the better hi-performance platform. I am guessing that the GS crank is the tougher bottom end, but the Bandit has greater scope for modding due to its "newer" design and better cooling. Bandit handling is light years ahead of a stock GS, but GSXR running gear will get in in the ballpark, I hear.

 

[mighty13d]

I am guessing that the GS crank is the tougher bottom end, but the Bandit has greater scope for modding due to its "newer" design and better cooling. Bandit handling is light years ahead of a stock GS, but GSXR running gear will get in in the ballpark, I hear.

the frame on an 1100 is still the weak point. Even throwing gsxr goodies on it, it will still flex a lot. With how much money and time and effort put into putting together an older bike, it's really easier and cheaper now to pick up a new bike. I also get 45 mpg riding at 90mph...

 

[rapidray]

the frame on an 1100 is still the weak point. Even throwing gsxr goodies on it, it will still flex a lot. With how much money and time and effort put into putting together an older bike, it's really easier and cheaper now to pick up a new bike. I also get 45 mpg riding at 90mph...

I cry BS!!! You won't get 45 mpg on ANYTHING, that is in STOCK condition, at 90 mph! You had to at least have re-geared the bike to do that! And even then, it would be a TURD at lower speeds without spinning the crap out of the motor. Also, short of a roadracer, or someone that is REALLY good, & can run a GS to it's limits, a normal rider will NOT flex the GS 1100 frame with GSXR suspension parts on it. I have been racing GSs for a LONG time & can tell you for a FACT, most riders will not be able to make a GS frame flex! Ray.

 

[gs1150streetracer]

I cry BS!!! You won't get 45 mpg on ANYTHING, that is in STOCK condition, at 90 mph! You had to at least have re-geared the bike to do that! And even then, it would be a TURD at lower speeds without spinning the crap out of the motor. Also, short of a roadracer, or someone that is REALLY good, & can run a GS to it's limits, a normal rider will NOT flex the GS 1100 frame with GSXR suspension parts on it. I have been racing GSs for a LONG time & can tell you for a FACT, most riders will not be able to make a GS frame flex! Ray.

U tell em Ray...Old school forever no MATTER WHAT!!!!..I hate plain bearing Suzuki engine,,,Roller GS forever Holmes ...

 

[gs1150streetracer]

Hello GSResources,

I need to chuck my two bobs worth at this - I have an 82 GS1100E and was working toward getting it back on the road but due to circumstances (car bruck and GS still in bits and Daddy still busy:dancing, I bought a brand new Bandit GSF1250A (naked and fuel injected with ABS - see attached photo).

BUT PLEASE, before you all lose faith, the GS will still never be for sale...

I am what some would call "old school" as in I started riding when GS's were still brand new and also haven't forgotten they (or maybe more the Katana's) were the Busa's of the day. I reckon the GS's/Katana's would be the same bike as the Bandits if they were re-released today... (and who really needs a Busa anyway......)

BUT the Bandit is just totally a different proposition to either. It is a world apart from the old school with a similar riding position, and obviously without the Busa bullsh*t.

I have just clocked 1500 Kms in two weeks. The report? It is a bit clinical in the way it does things but it goes, stops, handles and just generally behaves like nothing GS I have ever ridden or could imagine riding without at least a similar investment in what we all love - regards the spend on my GS vs the brand new bike that I bought. It could be done, but is it still a GS with GSXR suspension, wheels, brakes etc etc., never mind the throw at engine/frame work?

I am looking forward to growing old with my GS, and it will always fondly remind me of a largely mispent youth. I love it more or less the way it is, and will always resist the temptation to make the big changes required to get it close to what is out there these days (or even what has since passed).

The 1250 and the GS are very difficult to compare in some ways, but somehow very difficult not to compare in others...

I think the biggest difference I see is one is one is an appreciating investment and the other isn't - AND one isn't for sale...

VERY GOOD post ...nice to see things from the other side of the pond...don't EVER forget you'r ROOTS....Nice to hear your pride and joy is NOT FOR sale...

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I cry BS!!! You won't get 45 mpg on ANYTHING, that is in STOCK condition, at 90 mph! You had to at least have re-geared the bike to do that!

Ray, I know you won't believe me but my '07 ZX14 got 46 to 47 mpg when I went on the GSR '08 Yosemite trip. It's stock except for some Area P cans that are said to add only 6 HP and the AP owner himself told me the cans still keep the fuel/air ratio close enough that a Power Commander/re-map isn't needed. My plugs look fine too and there's no signs of being too lean anywhere.
Me and Hap came home about as fast as we dared. He was on a ZRX1200 that looked stock to me. We didn't do a constant 90 mph but probably averaged very close to that. We rarely went under 80 for short stretches and I hit 150 a few times and spent quite awhile at 100 or so. Hap was always just behind. My point is we were moving and I was very surprised at my mileage, almost worried it was too good. The trip meter is accurate and I kept track of the actual amount of fuel pumped in.
So you can get some very impressive mileage sometimes.

 

[rapidray]

I believe you Keith, but there is a BIG difference in mileage between an injected 14 & a carbed Bandit. Anything with fuel injection is going to get better fuel mileage than a carbureted bike. That's one of the biggest reasons manufacturers went to fuel injection. Ray.

 

[posplayr]

I believe you Keith, but there is a BIG difference in mileage between an injected 14 & a carbed Bandit. Anything with fuel injection is going to get better fuel mileage than a carbureted bike. That's one of the biggest reasons manufacturers went to fuel injection. Ray.

not even mentioning the fairing which probably drops the CD from 0.8 to 0.5

 

[mighty13d]

I cry BS!!! You won't get 45 mpg on ANYTHING, that is in STOCK condition, at 90 mph! You had to at least have re-geared the bike to do that! And even then, it would be a TURD at lower speeds without spinning the crap out of the motor. Also, short of a roadracer, or someone that is REALLY good, & can run a GS to it's limits, a normal rider will NOT flex the GS 1100 frame with GSXR suspension parts on it. I have been racing GSs for a LONG time & can tell you for a FACT, most riders will not be able to make a GS frame flex! Ray.

First half of the trip was at 70 mph... Second half 90. Aside from the border patrol check point. I wish someone else had been with me to verify this. I generally tip 40 with normal street driving. I will go count teeth on the sprockets for you if you still don't believe it.

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I believe you Keith, but there is a BIG difference in mileage between an injected 14 & a carbed Bandit. Anything with fuel injection is going to get better fuel mileage than a carbureted bike. That's one of the biggest reasons manufacturers went to fuel injection. Ray.

My 14's city mileage isn't that goood at about 32/33 but I can't complain.
As for the Bandit, I've read that it's as close to the perfect commuter bike as you'll find. I think it would be great for long distance too. Very reliable and a great powerband. Bike magazines that generally don't give a bike like the Bandit any credit couldn't help but admit how nice the bike is to ride. It simply does everything well. Only negative is most everyone thinks the styling is just too bland.
I've seen a few with basic cosmetic changes (fender eliminator kit/pipe...) and they look a lot better.
Between the two I'd choose the Bandit over the 1100 as long as I made the styling changes I mentioned. Couldn't live with it bone stock.

 

[Katarat]

Just to be sure are we talking about the oil or water cooled Bandit here ? Im old and dont like fuel injection or water in my bikes regardless of how much better it is. I want to see the engine.

 

[mighty13d]

mine is an oil cooled, carbed bandit.

 

[Ecklund]

nice bike and great value

nice bike and great value

Hello GSResources,

I need to chuck my two bobs worth at this - I have an 82 GS1100E and was working toward getting it back on the road but due to circumstances (car bruck and GS still in bits and Daddy still busy:dancing, I bought a brand new Bandit GSF1250A (naked and fuel injected with ABS - see attached photo).

BUT PLEASE, before you all lose faith, the GS will still never be for sale...

I am what some would call "old school" as in I started riding when GS's were still brand new and also haven't forgotten they (or maybe more the Katana's) were the Busa's of the day. I reckon the GS's/Katana's would be the same bike as the Bandits if they were re-released today... (and who really needs a Busa anyway......)

BUT the Bandit is just totally a different proposition to either. It is a world apart from the old school with a similar riding position, and obviously without the Busa bullsh*t.

I have just clocked 1500 Kms in two weeks. The report? It is a bit clinical in the way it does things but it goes, stops, handles and just generally behaves like nothing GS I have ever ridden or could imagine riding without at least a similar investment in what we all love - regards the spend on my GS vs the brand new bike that I bought. It could be done, but is it still a GS with GSXR suspension, wheels, brakes etc etc., never mind the throw at engine/frame work?

I am looking forward to growing old with my GS, and it will always fondly remind me of a largely mispent youth. I love it more or less the way it is, and will always resist the temptation to make the big changes required to get it close to what is out there these days (or even what has since passed).

The 1250 and the GS are very difficult to compare in some ways, but somehow very difficult not to compare in others...

I think the biggest difference I see is one is one is an appreciating investment and the other isn't - AND one isn't for sale...

I know this is a GS site, but that naked version of the FI ABS 1250 looks to be one great value. Its one of the few new bikes still made in that displacement class that has a 'standard' riding position.

The BMW r1200r is still air cooled, but its also twice the price.

Suzuki lost its way with looks starting in 1980 and its just seemed to have gotten worse over the years ending with the B-King. I really like the honest, clean looks of the '77-'79 GS bikes. The '80/'81 bikes are inoffensive and what they are, but Suzuki tried to tie in the tank with the other body work on later bikes and it looked contrived and cheap. (full disclosure; I have an '81 GS1100e)

Your naked 1250 continues with some of the same goofy 'future' looks, but that can be ignored when the bike gives such good service, is almost unique in its class and is such a great value.

I've upgraded my GS to be 'every day' reliable, but carbs can't touch FI long term reliablility or precision. Nice choice.

GS bikes are on the edge of becoming 'hobby' bikes. There's nothing wrong with that of course, I like flat head Fords. But bikes like the 1250 are so much better as functioning motorcycles in every way and are very reasonably priced that running a GS for purley economic reasons is tough to justify.

Of course most people here don't run GS bikes for mainly economic reasons.

I do find the cost performance analysis/argument very interesting...

Tim

 

[elrico]

08 B1255 Liquid cooled,fuel injected,ABS ,Corbin seat w/backrest,engine not hidden,GS heritage evident and included,continueing saga/genesis of/from our beloved vintage steeds.I am "old" and "broken" bad combo to have as some know,some have it much worse.Also ride 95 B600S w/Corbin seat,screwed up/down body does best it can on Bandits for ergos/comfort/fit etc.Bandit lineup still our GS,only not 1975-1985 vintage.For myself opinion re:GS/Bandits.When I work/maintain 83 GS,and wife allows me to "test"ride her "Suzi" the connection/history is evident.Like ex.H-D heritage,Suzuki not lacking there at all.

 

[Tazman001]

reliability is good

reliability is good

but a no one has mentioned that the 2000-01 bandits had oil consumption issues. Just FYI.

 

[jimb12]

but a no one has mentioned that the 2000-01 bandits had oil consumption issues. Just FYI.

Actually it was just in the 2001 model. There was a recall so at least some of them should have been fixed. Problem was caused by a redesigned piston. Think they went back to the prior design, which had no issues, when they realized what was happening.

 

[Tazman001]

OOps, my bad.

OOps, my bad.

Just looked at the photo again, and it was the 2001-02 bandits that had the problems. Off a different forum:

Can't remember the forum:-k, found 4-5-6:-k:?: years ago.

 

[Jedz123]

Semi-Correct on the years effected oil consumption issue. It was both 2001 & 2002 Bandits that had that issue. What causes it is the oil control ring grooves are too big on the 01&02 B-12s.

In 2001 the Bike had a significant model change. All electronic instruments, redesigned frame to improve handling, New faring design with twin headlamps(thats the S model), New Carburetor design with Pilot, Mid and Main jets used (My personal opinion looks to be harder and more expensive to jet...), Larger fuel tank. They also "updated" some parts in the the engine and in turn Suzuki produced them with pistons and rings that were inferior to the previous model.

However not all the B-12's those year's have an oil consumption issue. The ones that do have to brought in and an oil consumption complaint to Suzuki must be filled. They will replace your piston and rings with the older type piston and rings. Your oil consumption has to be a minimal of 1 quart in 600miles. Anything less regardless of how close it my be doesn't warrant a replacement...

This information did sway me when I bought my 98 over an option to buy an 01. I also wanted a something more of a dinosaur, easier to tune, more basic and a good street reputation of being bullet proof. I didn't want to get stuck with a bike that ate close to a quart of oil in 600 miles but not enough for Suzuki to touch it...

Actually it was just in the 2001 model. There was a recall so at least some of them should have been fixed. Problem was caused by a redesigned piston. Think they went back to the prior design, which had no issues, when they realized what was happening.

 

[elrico]

Big Bandit fans enjoy:SportRider magazine Jan.2012 issue.Holeshot Bandit 1250FA,super standard mods article.