Suzuki Bandit Question

[cowboyup3371]

I happened to come into a little bit of money this week that I was emphatically told I will spend on myself and not the family for once. Consequently I am looking at finally getting a new bike. I like the FJR but it's just too heavy to maneuver in my driveway very well so I think I'm going to go with my other option and get a Bandit. I would prefer to get a 2007 or newer bike only because I like the idea of the fuel injection but I won't be leaving carbureted bikes as I'll keep the 550T I have. I would also like to change up my color scheme a bit and go with a red bike as they are faster but I'm not as concerned about that.

I've checked Craigslist and Cycle Trader and found this one in Sandusky, MI. As I will want to ride it home instead of having it shipped, I wondered two things. First, does anyone have any opinions of this dealer ad? And second, for our Michigan folks, would it be okay to ride back to Dayton in Mid-April or should I just suck it up and have them ship the bike to me?

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Suzuki-Bandit-1250-123336613

And just for arguments sake, am I completely off-base with my desire to go newer than '06?

 

[hillsy]

The dealer ad to me looks pretty much like any other dealer ad.

Not trying to put you off the idea of a Bandit but in that vintage (watercooled, EFI) you should also consider the 05/06 Yamaha FZ1 as from all reports it's a ripper.

Same dealer has one of those as well:

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Yamaha-FZ1-5001294578

 

[Steve]

Can't offer a valid opinion on the bike(s), but I do have a question.

Have you placed your carcass on either one? Do you fit? :-k

As far as the ride vs. ship decision, there is always a third option: "trailer".
You know where to get one. :-\\\

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Can't offer a valid opinion on the bike(s), but I do have a question.

Have you placed your carcass on either one? Do you fit? :-k

As far as the ride vs. ship decision, there is always a third option: "trailer".
You know where to get one. :-\\\

.

I rode the FJR (loved the bike hated the weight issues in the driveway) but only sat on a Bandit. The FJR won't need much in the way of adjustments to me but I will need bar risers for the Bandit to take some of the pressure off of my hands

 

[cowboyup3371]

The dealer ad to me looks pretty much like any other dealer ad.

Not trying to put you off the idea of a Bandit but in that vintage (watercooled, EFI) you should also consider the 05/06 Yamaha FZ1 as from all reports it's a ripper.

Same dealer has one of those as well:

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Yamaha-FZ1-5001294578

I don't remember if I sat on the FZ1 before but I know I have height issues on the FZ/J-09 (I only have a 30" jean inseam so figure 32" leg length or so at max). I'll take a look at the FZ1

 

[Guest]

Both are good bikes. Remember this is a dealer and expect to wind up paying more than it is advertised for, dealer fees, tax, tag, title...... Are you paying cash outright or financing part of it. Also, I work for a resale dealer and they either took that in as a trade in and gave around a grand for it or they got in an auction and got it for around a grand or maybe two. Talk them down as much as possible, then walk away telling them that you have a few more your looking at that are priced less. They will probably have a better price for you before your out the door, but even then it's not their best price. Play them, because they'll be playing you.

 

[Guest]

I don't remember if I sat on the FZ1 before but I know I have height issues on the FZ/J-09 (I only have a 30" jean inseam so figure 32" leg length or so at max). I'll take a look at the FZ1

They both can be lowered with a shackle kit and dropping the trees some or shorting the spacer in side the forks. A piece of Schedule 40 PVC will do the trick allowing you to replace the original spacer if need be.

 

[niclpnut]

I got my 08 1250 for 3k. Dealer knocked off 800 from the original listing. I've had it for 2 years now. Put some aftermarket things on from Holeshot. Including efi. Tuner, speedo healer (most are off by 5 mph), pair elimination, and a SS header from delkevic.

I really like the bike, however 2 things that sucked when I got it were the stock seat and bars.



Nic

 

[glib]

I had an 08. Loved it. Re-shaped the seat a bit. Really great torque. That seems a good deal on a clean bike.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Thanks guys. Rick, I'll be paying cash but I'm not that good at negotiating unless it's for obvious problems that a private person would probably agree needs to be fixed. What would I want to use as an argument for going much less when the dealer would argue he could fix it for me? Do I just say I'll pay this much right now out the door and how much less can I reasonably go?

 

[Jedz123]

The Gen 2 FZ1 is a more a sport bike and is WICKED uncomfortable, I don't know how Jethro still has shoulders from the exceptionally tough front suspension. The Gen1 FZ1 is by far the better bike to put miles on... But that's Carburated, which honestly doesn't matter as long as you diligent about maintenance. The Gen 1's fetch a pretty penny for they are such great motorcycles.

The Bandit 1250 is a true Gem and I know of fellow rider that has ridden hers all over the Continental US. I think she's pushing 100K miles on her 08. You can't go wrong with it.

If you want more tour than the GSX1150FA is a GREAT bike for touring with the full fairing.

Now that I'm finally growing up (yes Jedz is only throwing the front wheel up at every other stop sign now) I would take a 1250 over a gen 2 FZ1 just for my mile blasting purposes. The 1250 lump still will offer good hooliganism properties.... I almost even traded the HD for one when I was in Florida...

Anyway the new CP3 Yamaha power plant in the FJ/FZ/MT/XSR is Awesome... If you can afford to get a new yamaha 9 I would go that route... The bikes are light, nimble quick and good on fuel.

I personally am saving up my chump change for a new Z900RS... I'm not going to get crap for my XR1200 in trade so I'll need to Private sell it so I can purchase a new machine... I'll have brand new wheels for 2019. I'll be using the 20 year old Bandit as my primary this year... It's more reliable than that stupid HD.

 

[cowboyup3371]

On another note, I found this one in Southern Indiana that is already set up like I want it (again, wrong color but oh well) with the bags. However, it has 77,000 miles on it; is that too high?

https://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2007-suzuki-bandit-gsf-1250/6524630060.html

2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS bought new in January 2008. Set up for sport-touring with Suzuki fairing lowers and 3 case luggage system (badged as Suzuki but made by Givi), Saddleman gel seat, Zero Gravity touring windscreen, accessory fuse box on keyed relay running heated grips and a Powerlet socket for heated gear, hard-wired for Garmin GPS. 77,000 miles but highly maintained and in great condition. Many of the wear-and-tear items replaced over the last year as I was intending to keep the bike for at least a couple of more years with a planned trip to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland this summer. However, been wanting a Tiger 800 to get off pavement a little and found a deal too good to pass up. This Bandit looks and runs great. This winter replaced front and rear wheel bearings, brake pads front and rear, spark plugs, brake/clutch fluid, coolant change, and oil and filter. New battery 4/15/16. New OEM rear shock at 69,500 miles. New chain and sprockets at 73,200 miles. New Bridgestone 023's front and rear at 73,500 miles (should have another 3000 + miles left). Comes with factory service manual, spare keys, stock seat and windscreen, Givi windscreen, new OEM air filter, backrest for top box, all stock parts to remove fairing lowers and luggage if so desired. Engine and exhaust are stock, no modifications.

 

[Jedz123]

I rode the FJR (loved the bike hated the weight issues in the driveway) but only sat on a Bandit. The FJR won't need much in the way of adjustments to me but I will need bar risers for the Bandit to take some of the pressure off of my hands

Felt the same way with the Connie, low speed maneuvers were a total PITA... I will likely not get a big land missile like that anytime soon.

 

[cowboyup3371]

The Bandit 1250 is a true Gem and I know of fellow rider that has ridden hers all over the Continental US. I think she's pushing 100K miles on her 08. You can't go wrong with it.

You and I posted at the same time so you answered my question - I won't have issues with the mileage

 

[Jedz123]

Definitely not, those bikes are stupid reliable.
I have resurrected two GSX650F's (the Bandit 650 same motor design) and they fire right up regardless... Bomb proof bikes. Like most bandits the only thing lacking is the Suspension... More tour than performance. Loads of torque the 650 is quite adequate as well... I plan on making some sort of hooligan for this 08 that's just sitting in my back yard. They handle pretty decent, just a little flex in em' adds to the experience

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys. Rick, I'll be paying cash but I'm not that good at negotiating unless it's for obvious problems that a private person would probably agree needs to be fixed. What would I want to use as an argument for going much less when the dealer would argue he could fix it for me? Do I just say I'll pay this much right now out the door and how much less can I reasonably go?

That's hard to say, my wife is a better negotiator than I am, but I think they have at least an $800 margin to make a sale and maybe more. I would definitely walk if you can't get it out the door under $3,000. I would do the negotiation over the phone, so you are not wasting your time. Now with that said, I prefer the second option even with the higher miles. It looks well maintained and was ridden my a mature owner. Has all the goodies I'd want if I had one. I think you could probably show up with 2,700 cash in hand and walk away with it. Using the high mileage as your leverage.

 

[Jedz123]

I would do the negotiation over the phone, so you are not wasting your time. Now with that said, I prefer the second option even with the higher miles. It looks well maintained and was ridden my a mature owner. Has all the goodies I'd want if I had one. I think you could probably show up with 2,700 cash in hand and walk away with it. Using the high mileage as your leverage.

I would show up and walk out the door... I've done that a couple of times, it's great to watch the salesman run!
I wear my IDGAF hat when I go to buy a motorcycle. If they really want to sell it and you aren't there to "make friends" you can get what you want, most of the time. Private sales are way easier to get a bargain for everyone has the lowest dollar and it's amazing the haggling I've done with the phrase, "Look do you want to sell a motorcycle or not? you could have this (holding cash in their face) in Hand TODAY if you take my offer". Sure motorcycles are enriching to your personal experience but when it comes time to deal, IDGAF " It's not personal. It's strictly business." and unless we are "friends" you;re going to give me what I deem fair and if not your the one without the cash in pocket... Intimidation DOES WORK.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Uggg; why do companies post stuff then don't update it immediately? I called the company in Michigan and they said it sold two weeks ago. They use a third party company that only updates their web page once a month.

Email and text sent to the second person but haven't heard anything back yet.

 

[storm 64]

In my opinion, I would stay away from the high mileage Bandit. I'm sure it has life in it, but think about resale value. Say you ride 5,000 miles a year and have it for a few years now your close to 100,000 miles. I think it would be a hard motorcycle to sell. Plus a high mileage machine, even thou well maintained, things start to wear out. Just my opinion. I'm excited for you Cowboy, can't wait to see what you decide on.

Oh Jedz, Land Missile? I prefer to call it a Cruise Missile. ☺

 

[Jedz123]

Oh Jedz, Land Missile? I prefer to call it a Cruise Missile. ☺

Those bikes are more closely related to ICBMs HAHAHA