Bandit or FZ1

[blokv1100]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I thought I try it here.

First, let me say, I have no intention on getting rid of my GS 1100L.

However, I must be going through some mid life crisis, I don't know. But I'm feeling like I need a bike with a bit of, a bit of, let's say pep with style.

So I'm thinking FZ1 2001-2005 or Bandit 1200S.

Any advice from my fellow GS'rs.

 

[Rake]

Ive ridden both and my personal preference would go to the Suzuki. I just dont like the fit and feel of the FZ1

 

[Joe Nardy]

Victor,

I've never ridden either but I know a lot of people regard the first generation FZ1 was a better all around bike than the second generation.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[TheCafeKid]

Victor, not crackin on you bro, but Im not sure you're tall enough for either. I had the luxury of sitting on a Bandit 1200 just Sunday, as I was looking at possibly getting one myself, untill Lurch's irresistable offer on his 1100ESD. Its pretty tall. You sat on my 1100G, and its a goodly inch or two taller in the seat than that was. Having said that, *I* would be after the Bandit, simply because not only are they sexy, quick and versitile, but they are familiar. That motor is essentially a late model GS motor. The mechanics are super similar, as is the maintainence routine. The FZ1 is sexy too tho, Ive just never been a big Yammie fan.

 

[blokv1100]

Victor, not crackin on you bro, but Im not sure you're tall enough for either. I had the luxury of sitting on a Bandit 1200 just Sunday, as I was looking at possibly getting one myself, untill Lurch's irresistable offer on his 1100ESD. Its pretty tall. You sat on my 1100G, and its a goodly inch or two taller in the seat than that was. Having said that, *I* would be after the Bandit, simply because not only are they sexy, quick and versitile, but they are familiar. That motor is essentially a late model GS motor. The mechanics are super similar, as is the maintainence routine. The FZ1 is sexy too tho, Ive just never been a big Yammie fan.

No crackin taken, I too want to make sure I'm able to touch the ground (without using my Gene Simmons boots). I ruled out the V Strom a while ago due to its height. My little 30 in. legs need to be able to touch. I believe the FZ1 is somewhere between 30-31 in. I need to sit on a bandit and see how comfortable I am.

Someway or another I need to ride both of them and see what is the best fit.

 

[Suzuki mad]

Don't know the Yama but I've got a B12.....

Its the later GSXR engine, about 100bhp and pretty much bomb proof.

Best way I can describe it is my GS(X) engine with GS style and handle bars modern day tyres and handling.

Watch out for soft rear shocks and bikes that have been dropped as the subframes bend. Finish paint work and chrome is not brilliant.

Suzuki mad

Oh, and the standard seat are naff. Numbicus bumbicus in about 100miles. GS's far more comfortable seat.

 

[skreemer]

If your looking at the B1250 (the new one) they have adjustable seats on em now... granted I think it only moves about an inch or a little more but it is adjustable.

I've ridden both a B1250 and a B12 and both were as smooth as whipped butter. I haven't had a chance to ride and FZ1 but I've sat on a bunch of them. They felt OK to me stationary at least.

 

[earlfor]

My little 30 in. legs need to be able to touch. I believe the FZ1 is somewhere between 30-31 in. I need to sit on a bandit and see how comfortable I am.

Someway or another I need to ride both of them and see what is the best fit.

I have a 29" inseam and removed 1" of foam from the stock 01 Bandit 12 seat. I can flat foot the bike now. I also dished out a 1 1/2" deep pocket the remaining seat foam and inserted a 1 1/2" thick medical gelpad that was made to be used for a wheelchair (cut down to fit the bike seat). The seat is comfortable regardless of how long I'm in the saddle. The stock seatcover still fits perfectly and the seat looks stock.

Earl

 

[Road_Clam]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I thought I try it here.

First, let me say, I have no intention on getting rid of my GS 1100L.

However, I must be going through some mid life crisis, I don't know. But I'm feeling like I need a bike with a bit of, a bit of, let's say pep with style.

So I'm thinking FZ1 2001-2005 or Bandit 1200S.

Any advice from my fellow GS'rs.

PM member Pillage. He has both, and can give you a detailed overview of the negs and pos' of both bikes. He is also an awesome rider who knows how to push a machine to the fullest...

 

[Jethro]

I have ridden both of Pillages' bikes and actually own a 2nd generation FZ1. The 1st Gen FZ1 is a big bike, bigger than it looks. I have a 30" inseam and can not flat foot it. It's also a reach to the bars. Fantastic engine, and since owning a Yamaha I can say that the fit, finish and quality is second to no other that I have owned, and yes, I've owned a Honda. The FZ1 is liquid cooled, and that makes it a tighter tolerance machine. Also be warned, it's a 5 valve per cyl. system. I'm not looking forward to adjusting mine, luckly it's interval is only every 30k miles.

The Bandit is also a fantastic bike, with possibly the best street riding engine I've ever been on. Absolute torque monster, but not much faster than the big GS's on the top end. Think an 1100E with radial tires, because that is essentially what it is. You can get them for cheap money and they will last a long time.

The FZ1 handles better because it is lighter. Not much, but enough to make a difference. The suspension on the FZ1 will be better.

If you are looking for a faster bike, the FZ1 is the ticket. If you are just looking for an updated GS, the Bandit is your bike.

Oh, and another big plus for the FZ1 is they have a forum that really rivals this one, www.yamahafz1oa.com. There was Bandit Alley, but is that gone now?

 

[jwhelan65]

Have to agree with your comments on the FZ, I have an 06 with a PCIII, Ivans FCE and a Scorpion slip on...it is a speed demon!! Also have an 82 GS 1100E that I am in the middle of building out.

 

[andrewclaycomb]

I pm'ed you back with my opinion!

but here's a copy and paste in case somebody else is interested in my response.

1997 Bandit S
2007 FZ1

I bought the Bandit originally because I wanted the benefits of radial tires, brakes and the extra power over my 78 GS 750. When I actually got the bandit I was a little disappointed in the power. It was extremely comfortable (had a spencer's seat mod, http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php) and I really liked the handling, especially coming from the GS.

I started tweaking with the carbs, because the bike would bog badly if I snapped the throttle. I even tried installing a jet kit but could never get it sorted out because the bike was stock other than an airbox mod and a high flow filter. I eventually got very frustrated because the previous owner sold me what was turning into a lemon. Wiring was starting to corrode, fasteners were stripped, throttle cables were beginning to fray. Basically I could either spend a substantial amount of money on a bike I had already paid the going rate on, or replace a few parts to get it running well enough to trade in.

I chose the new FZ1 over the new fuel injected Bandit 1250 for a couple of reasons. The FZ1 makes more power and is a better sport bike regarding handling. It was also cheaper because I got a good deal on a carry over 07 that had been sitting on the showroom for over a year.

It didn't matter too much, but I also like the look of the FZ1 more than the Bandit.

Lastly, there are better forums for the FZ1 than the Bandit. The FZ1 forums remind me a lot of this site. If you ask a question, you will get several answers sometimes within hours. The Bandit forums would take days to get answers and sometimes you wouldn't get any answers at all. That may not be a big deal to you.

The Bandit, I do think would make a better tourer if the comfort is the same as the 1st gen bandits like the one I had. With that said, I took my FZ1 on a 4000 mile trip to the coast and back. It wasn't the most comfortable but it was doable.

 

[blokv1100]

Andrew, thanks for your input.

 

[argonsagas]

No crackin taken, I too want to make sure I'm able to touch the ground (without using my Gene Simmons boots). I ruled out the V Strom a while ago due to its height. My little 30 in. legs need to be able to touch. I believe the FZ1 is somewhere between 30-31 in. I need to sit on a bandit and see how comfortable I am.

Someway or another I need to ride both of them and see what is the best fit.

Me, too. And with the same inseam sitting on the 98 B12, they do. It was one of the things that got me to buy the bike.

I do not entirely flat-foot it, but both feet can be down comfortably and in total control of the bike when stopped.


And it feels a LOT less top-heavy than the GS110G or GK....of course, it also weighs much less.....