UJM-Suzuki Bandit 1250S

[veech_imp]

A good, cheap to buy, run and own, do everything if you can manage the weight, motorcycle. I like it. Would make more sense for me to own than the CB. Wind protection for touring and undoubtedly better service intervals than the CB. More tire options. Better luggage options. Cheaper WITH ABS. But I doubt it will sell well here.

Not available for sale here in the states.
Wait, were you referring to the Suzuki or the Yamaha XJR1300? That's the one not available here...

[kevbroce_imp]

A good, cheap to buy, run and own, do everything if you can manage the weight, motorcycle. I like it. Would make more sense for me to own than the CB. Wind protection for touring and undoubtedly better service intervals than the CB. More tire options. Better luggage options. Cheaper WITH ABS. But I doubt it will sell well here.

Not available for sale here in the states.
Wait, were you referring to the Suzuki or the Yamaha XJR1300? That's the one not available here...

Not available for sale here in the states.
Wait, were you referring to the Suzuki or the Yamaha XJR1300? That's the one not available here...
I'm talking about the Bandit. Though I like the XJR!

[flynrider]

First gen Interceptor = way ahead of its time.

I'll say. My best friend brought one home in '83 and all of us UJM riders were skeptical. Water cooling? Mono shock? Factory fairing? V-4??? It was definitely not a UJM. I ended up riding it quite a bit because the riding position didn't agree with my buddy's lower back. I'd swap him my KZ on long road trips and ended up loving that bike. I couldn't afford one at the time, but it was a joy to ride.

[DAC]

I lusted after that V45 Interceptor back in the day. But I was a broke college kid riding my buddy's GS750e. It was 2009 before I finally got a sixth gen. A better bike for sure, but I never forgot that V45.

[TINK_imp]

I owned a 2004 Bandit 1200/S for several years. Almost too fast for me... I thought; "I could loose my license on this bike" so I sold it and got a V-Strom 650...i.e. something a little slower


TINK

[the Ferret]

Beautiful bike Tink

[JustPassinThru_imp]

I wish it well. It may be I'll own one, secondhand.

But...as with their cars, Honda-versus-Suzuki...the stouter engineering is Honda's. Anyone remember the Geo Metro, or the Geo Tracker? Suzuki designs built in a plant Suzuki owned in Canada (GM had partial ownership on the Canadian plant) The Geo Metro, of which I had two, was a zippy little car with impeccable handling, and a tendency to grenade right around 70,000-90,000 miles. It was NOT a long-term keeper.

The Suzuki Burgman 650, as well. The only maxi-scooter with a sophisticated CVT transmission, instead of just a variable-pulley centrifugal-clutch setup. An engineering marvel; and delivered amazing power and acceleration AND economy. But...there were a couple of under-thunk points, including a stopper-bolt...it would wear; and if it wore beyond a point the transmission would blow up. And the cost of repair or replacing it was prohibitive.

Lots of Burgman 650 owners had bought extended warranties - and used them, for that issue.

So...the more the merrier, but for the moment, I'm suited with Honda's interpretation. Even if it is a little slower.

[the_undecider_imp]

I wish it well. It may be I'll own one, secondhand.

But...as with their cars, Honda-versus-Suzuki...the stouter engineering is Honda's. Anyone remember the Geo Metro, or the Geo Tracker? Suzuki designs built in a plant Suzuki owned in Canada (GM had partial ownership on the Canadian plant) The Geo Metro, of which I had two, was a zippy little car with impeccable handling, and a tendency to grenade right around 70,000-90,000 miles. It was NOT a long-term keeper.

The Suzuki Burgman 650, as well. The only maxi-scooter with a sophisticated CVT transmission, instead of just a variable-pulley centrifugal-clutch setup. An engineering marvel; and delivered amazing power and acceleration AND economy. But...there were a couple of under-thunk points, including a stopper-bolt...it would wear; and if it wore beyond a point the transmission would blow up. And the cost of repair or replacing it was prohibitive.

Lots of Burgman 650 owners had bought extended warranties - and used them, for that issue.

So...the more the merrier, but for the moment, I'm suited with Honda's interpretation. Even if it is a little slower.

I can't speak for the liquid cooled 1250, but the air/oil cooled 1200 has a solid reputation. Suzuki has some good bikes, but their R&D budget is tiny compared to Honda's. That shows with their more sparse product line and longer product cycles.

[kevbroce_imp]

Speaking of Suzuki R&D, I'm very impressed with their MotoGP performance. Can't wait to see what they can do next season!

[AndyHe_imp]

My take on it: I'd call it "retro" but only back to the early 2000's... which isn't that retro to me but for someone who now is 30, this style was the cool thing when he was a teenager.

I don't like the styling much but it certainly checks off all the boxes for what I'd be looking for if the CB1100 wasn't available (assuming it has ABS which was an option several years ago). That is : plenty of power, upright comfortable position, six speed, ABS, decent in the corners and not as big/heavy as a touring bike. Also like the fact that it has a fairing even though I'm not thrilled with the looks of it as there is too much distance between the bars and the fairing from the side.

I'd take a CB1300 Super Bol'Dor over the Bandit any day of the week as the styling is much more to my liking. Yeah, I'm still drooling over that one.