Bandit 12

[Suzuki Al]

The new model Bandit 1200 was released around June 2000 as the K1. This latest incarnation of the B12 has remained the same to the present day except for the introduction of a catalyser in the exhaust last year.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

This “new� Bandit is an all round excellent bike and stunning value for money. Currently it is considerably cheaper than many 600cc bikes such as the Fazer.<o:p></o:p>
I ran a K1 for 3 years and 24,000 miles and can honestly say that it had only one problem in all this time – the plastic coating came off the mirror ball sockets after 2 years and were replaced under warranty.<o:p></o:p>
If you are looking for a big bike and are not concerned about fashion, flavour of the month accessories and looks (the 1200S is pretty ugly) then this bike is pretty well unbeatable. Seen alongside the latest kids on the block and it looks like nothing much, but looks are deceptive, this bike is fast and very capable:<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

0-60 in 3.3 secs. (tested)<o:p></o:p>
0-100 in 7.6 secs. (tested)<o:p></o:p>
0-130 in 13.9 secs. (tested)<o:p></o:p>
100-0 in 4.5 secs in 311 feet.<o:p></o:p>
In other words 0 – 100 – 0 in a shade over 12 seconds. <o:p></o:p>
Top speed is 154 mph.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

These figures put it right up there alongside, and sometimes ahead, of the more expensive Fazer 1000, Kwak ZRX1200, Speed Triple, CB1300, Tuono and all the other muscle/naked/traditional bikes that are now on the market. Whenever it is tested, despite its old school engine and dated looks, the B12 continues to shine and often outperform these rival bikes on the track and on the road. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Its handling is fairly good, very stable and predictable, but it certainly isn’t a sports bike. The 6 pot front brakes are strong and progressive. It is very comfortable and takes pillions well and in comfort. It is a very easy and forgiving bike to ride. <o:p></o:p>
The torque laden engine puts out around 98 to 105 bhp at the rear wheel off a 9.5:1 compression ratio. 70mph comes up at 3750 rpm in top and it redlines at 11000 rpm. It pulls cleanly from 2000 rpm and over 60ft/lb of torque is available from 3000 rpm and beyond. This air/oil cooled engine is universally acknowledged as one of the all time great motorcycle engines and because it is married to the slickest gearbox around, the B12 is built on the best of foundations. The R1 only starts putting out more power than the B12 beyond the 7000 rpm mark – pretty impressive for an old tech engine.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

The bike is built down to a price however and the suspension is not top drawer, but it works well enough in day to day situations. Even neglected ones stand up to winter pretty well, and B12s are certainly no worse in this regard than any bike on the road. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City><st1:place>Tyre</st1:place></st1:City> life is good and you can expect 6000 miles from a rear and 8000 from a front tyre if you run with Macadam 100s. My fuel consumption was always in the 44 to 48 mpg bracket. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Issues: the OE chain isn’t that good, so expect to change it before 15,000 miles. The rear shock is usually shot by 20,000 miles.<o:p></o:p>

Quite few new generation K1 and <st1:place>K2</st1:place> models suffered from high oil consumption. In this country Ride did an investigation and after this was found to be a common problem, the piston design was changed and effected bikes sorted out. I was lucky and my K1 used no oil at all.<o:p></o:p>

The headlights on the half faired S are not very good at all, bordering on the downright bad.
Conclusion: Under £5000 for a bike with these abilities is nothing short of amazing. If money was no object, I still cannot think of a better bike for long term ownership, commuting and touring + a little bit of madness should the mood dictate.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

BTW It has no off road ability<o:p></o:p>

[rockman]

Hmmmmm, that looks like a list to me:ljl:

[yen_powell]

Well personally....I don't believe it!

[jmc123]

I used a B12 at a wheelie school a couple of weeks ago, its good got a very torquey motor, the engine pulls cleanly and the gearbox is good.

I didn't like the standard bars, if i owned one i would deffinatley replace them with a set of renthals.

I can't comment on build quality but the ones at the wheelie school didn't look to bad but they have been abused.

[Suzuki Al]

Well personally....I don't believe it!

Which bit don't you believe? The B12 and Kwak12 figures are from Bike test February 2003.

Performance comparisons with the latest B12 competition::XT Alan:

Bandit 1200: 0-60 3.3secs, top speed 154mph
Speed Triple: 0-60 3.35secs, top speed 148mph
Benelli TNT: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
KTM 990 Superduke: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 136mph
Monster SR4: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 144mph
MV Brutale: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
Z1000: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 149mph
Aprilia Tuono: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 154mph
Buell XB-12S: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 135mph
Yamaha FZS Fazer: 0-60 3.3 secs, top speed 157mph
Triumph Sprint RS: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 151mph
Honda VFR: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 148mph
Honda CB1300: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 141mph
GSX1400: 0-60 3.75secs, top speed 139mph
Kawasaki ZRX1200S: 0-60 3.1secs, top speed 155mph
Yamaha XJR 1300: 0-60 3.6secs, top speed 139mph

True, figures (different conditions, different riders etc, etc) don't tell the whole story about how a bike behaves and what it feels like to ride, but they do show that the B12 is still "right up there" with the best of 'em and costs a lot less than all of them.

I feel qualified to talk about the build etc, as I owned my last one for 3 years and it looked as good as new after 24,000 miles and 3 winters. I used it to travel regularly from Wales to London loaded up (3 boxes) and can also judge it as a tourer.

[XTreme]

:ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl:

Did the rest of you hear that Whoosh? :yen:

[Suzuki Al]

:ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl:

Did the rest of you hear that Whoosh? :yen:

It wasn't everyone rushing to get a B12 was it?:o:

[Pete Rock]

It wasn't everyone rushing to get a B12 was it?:o:

hey Alan, maybe your list making powers only show themselves when the B12 or XT´s honour´s in danger

[Suzuki Al]

hey Alan, maybe your list making powers only show themselves when the B12 or XT´s honour´s in danger

I done a nice list in another section where the B12 doesn't get a mention.

As far as honour is concerned, I just report my experiences, good and bad (how else would you know about the XT's ECU, rust and the B12s poor lights and possible excessive oil consumption on some models?) and quote a few results from magazine tests for the sake of comparison.

Others are free to bat for their own machines, but will they give a "warts and all" picture, like what I do?

[jmc123]

Which bit don't you believe? The B12 and Kwak12 figures are from Bike test February 2003.

Performance comparisons with the latest B12 competition::XT Alan:

Bandit 1200: 0-60 3.3secs, top speed 154mph
Speed Triple: 0-60 3.35secs, top speed 148mph
Benelli TNT: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
KTM 990 Superduke: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 136mph
Monster SR4: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 144mph
MV Brutale: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
Z1000: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 149mph
Aprilia Tuono: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 154mph
Buell XB-12S: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 135mph
Yamaha FZS Fazer: 0-60 3.3 secs, top speed 157mph
Triumph Sprint RS: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 151mph
Honda VFR: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 148mph
Honda CB1300: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 141mph
GSX1400: 0-60 3.75secs, top speed 139mph
Kawasaki ZRX1200S: 0-60 3.1secs, top speed 155mph
Yamaha XJR 1300: 0-60 3.6secs, top speed 139mph

True, figures (different conditions, different riders etc, etc) don't tell the whole story about how a bike behaves and what it feels like to ride, but they do show that the B12 is still "right up there" with the best of 'em and costs a lot less than all of them.

I feel qualified to talk about the build etc, as I owned my last one for 3 years and it looked as good as new after 24,000 miles and 3 winters. I used it to travel regularly from Wales to London loaded up (3 boxes) and can also judge it as a tourer.

I like the way you use out of date figures to prove that the B12 is still up there:ljl:

The Tuono, KTM duke, MV Brutaleare, Monster SR4, Benelli TNT, Z1000, Speed Triple are far better bikes than the B12.

But hey if you feel the need to justify the B12, go ahead.

[XTreme]

I like the way you use out of date figures to prove that the B12 is still up there


Don't question Alan's figures in his lists JMC....they're always right you know!
In XT Alan World the List is King! :ljl:

[jmc123]

This is my favourite quote from MCN regarding the B12

"Its cult reputation also serves it well, its the machine of choice for stunt and tuning freaks, and that just boosts its muscle bound image. The only thing that lets it down is the finish, some of the parts look a little cheap & nasty, not to mention fragile."

:p:

[yen_powell]

Which bit don't you believe? The B12 and Kwak12 figures are from Bike test February 2003.

Performance comparisons with the latest B12 competition::XT Alan:

Bandit 1200: 0-60 3.3secs, top speed 154mph
Speed Triple: 0-60 3.35secs, top speed 148mph
Benelli TNT: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
KTM 990 Superduke: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 136mph
Monster SR4: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 144mph
MV Brutale: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 151mph
Z1000: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 149mph
Aprilia Tuono: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 154mph
Buell XB-12S: 0-60 3.5secs, top speed 135mph
Yamaha FZS Fazer: 0-60 3.3 secs, top speed 157mph
Triumph Sprint RS: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 151mph
Honda VFR: 0-60 3.4secs, top speed 148mph
Honda CB1300: 0-60 3.7secs, top speed 141mph
GSX1400: 0-60 3.75secs, top speed 139mph
Kawasaki ZRX1200S: 0-60 3.1secs, top speed 155mph
Yamaha XJR 1300: 0-60 3.6secs, top speed 139mph

True, figures (different conditions, different riders etc, etc) don't tell the whole story about how a bike behaves and what it feels like to ride, but they do show that the B12 is still "right up there" with the best of 'em and costs a lot less than all of them.

I feel qualified to talk about the build etc, as I owned my last one for 3 years and it looked as good as new after 24,000 miles and 3 winters. I used it to travel regularly from Wales to London loaded up (3 boxes) and can also judge it as a tourer.
You silly sod. I voz making viz zer Victor Meldrew joke. No need to write all that again. I have nothing against Suzuki 1200 Bandits. Do you do graphs as well?

[Renegade]

Kawasaki ZRX1200S: 0-60 3.1secs, top speed 155mph




It's faster than that :XT Alan:

[Suzuki Al]

I like the way you use out of date figures to prove that the B12 is still up there:ljl:
.

Do you mean that test speeds slow down over time? Strange logic!

If this is the case, then the Vincent Black Shadow has a top speed of 35mph, because it was tested in the 50s/60s :rolleyes:

[Suzuki Al]

Don't question Alan's figures in his lists JMC....they're always right you know!
In XT Alan World the List is King! :ljl:

They're always accurately quoted.

[Suzuki Al]

You silly sod. I voz making viz zer Victor Meldrew joke.

You'll have to work on the accent, you sound nothing like him.:)

[Cupid Stunt]

0-60 figures are crap Alan
But then again so are bike tests

The Bandit is OK but is been far outdone by later bikes (and some earlier one's too)

[Suzuki Al]

0-60 figures are crap Alan
But then again so are bike tests

The Bandit is OK but is been far outdone by later bikes (and some earlier one's too)

My three year old, 24,000 mile Bandit near Llyn Clywedog

http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_DSCN0052%23001.jpg

I can do 0-100 figures or even 0 - 130 figures or torque or bhp outputs at what revs, top gear roll ons, standing quarters etc etc. Whatever measure, you'll find that the venerable B12 still runs near the front of the pack with the least stressed (fact) engine of all the direct competition. Remember, I'm an anorak. I have tests going back years.

Tests are one person's opinion and represent one person's perception. Everyone carries predjudices and preferences around with them. These opinions should not be automatically taken at face value, but nor should they be dismissed out of hand. Some of these testers know their stuff. It takes a brave man, or a fool, to back themselves against acknowledged experts, but hey, it's a free country.

On the other hand, test figures are objective measurements of a particular bike on a particular day. Although no two bikes or sets of conditions are ever exactly the same, they give a good indication of what a bike can do, in spite of these variables. I trust them more than manufacturers' claims and brochure hype.

Of course there is no substitute for ownership if you want to assess anything, but not even I can own everything, let alone blag a ride on every bike on the road - but I do my best and have ridden quite a few more than I have owned.

When buying a bike, there are so many subjective factors involved in the decision. It's part of the fun, just like gambling. Having a few bits of information never hurts though.

[Cupid Stunt]

:ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl: :ljl:

Did the rest of you hear that Whoosh? :yen:

And again

:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

And again

:ljl:

It's a trend ;)

[jmc123]

<TABLE cellPadding=3 width="95%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="3%" bgColor=#3366cc height=20></TD><TD width="2%" bgColor=#3366cc height=20> </TD><TD width="95%" bgColor=#3366cc height=20>Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<CENTER><MAIN section!></CENTER><TABLE cellPadding=3 width="95%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE width=75 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.roadracers.co.uk/files/viking.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD>The Bandit. Oh, sorry - is this the wrong picture?
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Many road tests have been written about this old beasty, but I actually had the pleasure (eh?) of owning one for a while.

At the time of purchase, I was the owner of a YZF750R, but this had been damaged whilst at the ‘96 TT through a very unfortunate accident at the bottom of Bray Hill when I was unceromonially run over by a rampaging Dave Black, so the bike was still undergoing repair when I was in need of a motorcycle as transport. All the reports I had read suggested the Bandit 1200 was the bit of kit to have if you wanted to enjoy motorcycling for motorcycling's sake and I thought this to be apt as age was creeping on and I wanted to slow down a bit (eh?)....oh, and lots of mega wheelies to boot. (See, you will read those bike magazines ...)

So, off I popped down to my local dealer and sure enough they had a nice brand new Dark Metallic Blue one there, (with my name all over it), so I bought it. Cheap too, it was only £4,500. Seemed like a bargain, certainly got a stonking engine in it. Oh, by the way I bought the unfaired one, as I was well ‘ard in them daze !! (haze?)

Anyway, I rode it home at a nice leisurely pace and it felt fine, bouncing along nicely with loads of torque, you could ride this thing anywhere in 5th all day long. I ran it in properly and had it serviced, then I garaged it and flew back to the Middle East, where I was working at the time.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I returned in March ‘02 and gave the Bandit a good old spring clean and got her ready for the summer. This was going to be fun, all this cruising around. A whole summer (as I was no longer an ex-pat), of flies in me teeth (sign of a happy biker) and looking very cool on my menacing street decimator. This beauty would take anything away from the lights and on one wheel too.
One Sunday soon after I returned I decided I’d give it a go out with the lads on their sports bikes, so I went out for a Sunday Bash with some of the lads from my local dealership. A few of them were a bit quick but trustworthy to be in a pack with. I also had an idea of where they were going to go and I had some knowledge of the roads. Off we went, blasting around at about 60. Fine, I can handle this, then we hit the quicker stuff. All those thoughts of enjoying motorcycling for motorcycling's sake went out the window rather sharpish. I wanted to be near the front, so I attempted this feat and seemed to be doing OK. When we arrived at Goodwood for brekkie I realised why I thought I was doing OK when Marcus quoted, “Tet, the reason I didn’t come past was because I was enjoying myself so much watching you try and hang on to that thing through the bends, that I would have ruined all my fun�. Admittedly, it had been hard work, but it had been fun and the power made up for a lot of the misgivings the rest of the bike had. However, I did remember those immortal words uttered by Marcus.

After having to spend a few weekends with this thing I started to notice that it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. I still wanted to ride faster than I thought I would, and the Bandit may be fun in a straight line and from a standing start, but round corners ? Fun it is, safe it ain’t !!

http://www.roadracers.co.uk/bikes/banditclocks.jpgThe frame bears more semblance to liquorice, or something that has a rather large hinge in the middle. The suspension reminded me of a child's pogo stick, all bounce and no damping. The engine was starting to develop a top end rattle at 2500 miles. I was starting to become unhappy with it!! Not such good value after all ?

A friend of mine had recently bought a Bandit himself too. He was one of the born agains and I had told him that this bike was a goodun for getting back into bikes, and yes, it is, but that’s about it. Fast Pete lived in Exeter and he suggested I pop down for Easter, as the roads down that were PUKKA!! So I did, I set off early one morning and after what seemed like an eternity I arrived at Exeter all aching and weary. The next day we went out and visited a few places, picking some good roads on the way. The Bandit seemed OK at this pace. We also visited Bridge, the motorcycle dealer in Exeter as they had just built new premises, but unfortunately were closed!! However, in the window, on a display stand, was a Honda VTR in YELLOW. Wow, that looked cool. The seed was sown.

The next day it was time for me to go home. I hopped onto my trusty, bendy and rattly steed and set off. I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m going home I like to get there quick. So I upped the pace and was averaging a good speed in places and enjoying the ride. The fuel gauge was getting low, so I thought I’d better fill up. I pulled over and got off the bike. CHRIST, I could hardly move !! I felt that if I tried to move my neck it would snap. I wasn’t happy, but I filled ‘er up and set off again, thinking that maybe I just needed to get used to it. By the time I got home, I was in sheer agony. It wasn’t pleasant.

The next day I went to my local dealer and bought a Yellow VTR Firestorm. I couldn’t stand it with that Bandit any longer.

If you have an unfaired Bandit and ride at speeds above 100 mph for long periods of time, you must be related to Arny. If you have one and want to enjoy it, keep your speeds to a paltry 70 or less. The wind rush and force on your upper body is nowhere as severe. Enjoy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan,

I can find loads of articles about the B12 that make it sound like a terrible bike and becasue i've ridden a few i can tar them all with the same brush.

Just like you did with your opinions of the XT.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Suzuki Al]

That's the first gen Bandit they're testing there jmc:lg: . I have no experience of those bikes and those comments may very well be justified. I am talking about the K Series.

If you can find one post where I said that the XT was a terrible bike I'd like to see it jmc. My only criticism has been the build of my bike, which I reported fairly and without rancour. Aside from these issues re: the bikes finish I have been delighted with the XT and have never said any different.

[XTreme]

I'd agree with that test on the B12...it's heavy and it feels it.

The steering is so stiff that even going around a roundabout required you to physically manhandle it cos the bloody things don't want to turn.

At the end of a ride I always felt physically tired cos I was forever battling with the thing...whether it was trying to keep the front wheel down or just getting it to go round corners.

The power is great....but the rest of the package doesn't measure up to it.
The bike is just not balanced as a total package, and consequently most of the time I didn't enjoy riding it. Too much work and input needed on it tbh.

[Lonerider]

I have a K2 1200 bandit and have improved the handling (Progressive Springs, Hagon Shock). Plus the fitment of wider bars and I don't find the steering heavy at all. I have a small screen fitted to mine but It's not faring sized. I find that with this I am able to maintain 90+ motorway speeds quite comfortably.

I have just got back from an easter trip to France where it was equaly adept on mountain roads and motorway.

Yes the finish is poor but it's a lot of bike for £5000 (that includes the suspension mods)

[Suzuki Al]

I'd agree with that test on the B12...it's heavy and it feels it.

The steering is so stiff that even going around a roundabout required you to physically manhandle it cos the bloody things don't want to turn.

At the end of a ride I always felt physically tired cos I was forever battling with the thing...whether it was trying to keep the front wheel down or just getting it to go round corners.

The power is great....but the rest of the package doesn't measure up to it.
The bike is just not balanced as a total package, and consequently most of the time I didn't enjoy riding it. Too much work and input needed on it tbh.

This isn't the bike that I had and have quoted for.
You had a pre K series B12 Pete. Much more peeky motor and a different wheelbase and a higher seat height.

All the mags said that the K series was much more user friendly than the previous "mad as cheese" version.

[XTreme]

I had a 2001 K1 model Alan....one of the legendary oilburners.

[Stuart Fordyce]

I'd agree with that test on the B12...it's heavy and it feels it.

The steering is so stiff that even going around a roundabout required you to physically manhandle it cos the bloody things don't want to turn.

At the end of a ride I always felt physically tired cos I was forever battling with the thing...whether it was trying to keep the front wheel down or just getting it to go round corners.

The power is great....but the rest of the package doesn't measure up to it.
The bike is just not balanced as a total package, and consequently most of the time I didn't enjoy riding it. Too much work and input needed on it tbh.

How much money do you need to spend making the Bandit handle? How much are replacement fork springs, shocks and labour to set it all up?

[Lonerider]

Hagon Shock £240, Progressive Springs £60. Renthal Bars £30

Fit it and set it up youself, it's easy.

Get the parts direct from hagon, or progressive, or try justbandits/banditmania.

[Suzuki Al]

How much money do you need to spend making the Bandit handle? How much are replacement fork springs, shocks and labour to set it all up?

For day to day riding they handle fine Stuart, just as well as the CB1300 and better than the GSX1400 and Fazer 1000. If you want superior handling to make it comparable with a sports bike then £500 - £1000 would do it add an end can (the original is incredibly restrictive) for an extra 15bhp and you have a giant killer for less than a new CB1300.
There is a whole B12 industry out there.

Me? I'll be happy to keep it all standard, I'm no racer. I just like a bit of oomph.

[Suzuki Al]

I had a 2001 K1 model Alan....one of the legendary oilburners.

My mistake, from my memory of the picture you posted, I thought you had an early one. Did you get the new pistons? The test JMC posted is of one of the originals though.

By the way: The handling which you didn't like (and I accept that - we all have our likes and dislikes), is a lot better than the Fazer 1000 and a little better than the CB1300. These B12s are big bikes (214kgs) and they take a fair bit of energy to chuck about.

PS these legendary oil burners only used the same amount of oil as a present day Fireblade :ljl:

[XTreme]

I fitted a Remus legal can to mine....made it a lot quicker and smoother, and improved mpg by about 3 or 4 miles.

[XTreme]

My mistake, from my memory of the picture you posted, I thought you had an early one. Did you get the new pistons?

No....I outed it to a dopey dealer. I didn't want to go through all that shit.

[Suzuki Al]

I didn't want to go through all that shit.

I know that feeling all too well. "If you have a bike that ain't right, get rid of it pronto" has always been my motto.

The sad truth is that too many bikes (from every single manufacturer) are troublesome - but you only get to know after you've put a few miles under the wheels. It's the one thing that road tests never show up.

[woody]

I love the socks of my B12, can't get my tyres to last 6000\8000 miles or a chain to last 15000 mile, the sodding thing munches up the tyres and chain, sprockets etc!!

[Renegade]

I love the socks of my B12, can't get my tyres to last 6000\8000 miles or a chain to last 15000 mile, the sodding thing munches up the tyres and chain, sprockets etc!!

Tyres !! Burn outs ? :ljl:

[rockman]

I love the socks of my B12, can't get my tyres to last 6000\8000 miles or a chain to last 15000 mile, the sodding thing munches up the tyres and chain, sprockets etc!!

I'm surprised it doesn't eat clutches as welll:rolleyes: :ljl:

[woody]

Ouch don't say that!! :w00t:

[Shaunie]

It sounds very much like Alan is trying to convince himself that he's made the right choice. I know, 'cos I've done it several times myself when changing bikes.

Let's face it, if you're buying new, then there aren't really any BAD bikes these days.

This "my bike's better than your bike" stuff is pointless.

[Suzuki Al]

It sounds very much like Alan is trying to convince himself that he's made the right choice. I know, 'cos I've done it several times myself when changing bikes.

Let's face it, if you're buying new, then there aren't really any BAD bikes these days.

This "my bike's better than your bike" stuff is pointless.

Start at the top Shaunie - you've missed the point. This thread started as a bike review based on my own ownership of this bike over three years and 24,000 miles. I have also posed reviews of my other recent bikes - XT660 and CB1300. This is one of the reasons for having a forum: getting people's impressions about bikes they have owned and ridden.

The fact that people have used 10 pages picking over my posts about the B12 and none re: the CB1300 tells its own story.:ys:

[XTreme]

My bikes Gayer than yours!

I've renamed it The Sodomiser! :ljl:

[Shaunie]

Start at the top Shaunie - you've missed the point. This thread started as a bike review based on my own ownership of this bike over three years and 24,000 miles. I have also posed reviews of my other recent bikes - XT660 and CB1300. This is one of the reasons for having a forum: getting people's impressions about bikes they have owned and ridden.

The fact that people have used 10 pages picking over my posts about the B12 and none re: the CB1300 tells its own story.:ys:

The fact that people have used 10 pages picking over your posts tells us that they strongly disagree with your views about the B12. Many people will have either owned or ridden a B12 and therefore have an opinion on them. It's been a popular bike for a long time. I've never ridden a CB1300 or a XT660 so I couldn't post my thoughts on them.

Every bike that I have owned has had good points AND bad points. The good points about my B12 were the engine and the price. The bad points were everything else. Maybe I'm too sensitive because I had a bad one and hated it but others here seem to agree.

[BawdyMonk]

It sounds very much like Alan is trying to convince himself that he's made the right choice. I know, 'cos I've done it several times myself when changing bikes.

Let's face it, if you're buying new, then there aren't really any BAD bikes these days.

This "my bike's better than your bike" stuff is pointless.

...Which means in 9 months time we'll be wading through more friggin' lists about whichever bike he's decided is the new holy grail of motorcycling...:rolleyes: :lg:


I'm looking forward to seeing how he sells us the Silver Wing, OH hang on.... he doesn't like Hondas so it'll probably be a Burgman next:bleh:

[Suzuki Al]

...Which means in 9 months time we'll be wading through more friggin' lists about whichever bike he's decided is the new holy grail of motorcycling...:rolleyes: :lg:


I'm looking forward to seeing how he sells us the Silver Wing, OH hang on.... he doesn't like Hondas so it'll probably be a Burgman next:bleh:

I might completely lose the plot and get a Beemer :w00t: If I do start praising these Bosh Bandits, you have my permission to instigate euthenasia before I waste my childrens' inheritance.

[Lonerider]

I have a 1200 Bandit which i love.

I'm sure you love your own bikes too.

But have you earned the right to criticise somebody else's bike, 'cos let's face it we treat our bikes better than our children LOL

[BawdyMonk]

I might completely lose the plot and get a Beemer :w00t: ...

Please Don't.

You're too old for a beemer and http://www.reset.plus.com/toons/cocklicker.gif doesn't suit a man of your age.

[Suzuki Al]

Please Don't.

You're too old for a beemer





"Too old for a Beemer" is an impossible concept. It is well known that you can only be too young for a Beemer:lg:

Now, you can be:
1 - Too old to walk.
2 - Too old to serve in the Forces.
3 - Too old for a sportsbike.
etc, etc.

Not even Michael Foot is too old for a Beemer. :ljl:

I will not consider one until I qualify for a bus pass - promise :)

[Renegade]

I will not consider one until I qualify for a bus pass - promise :)

Which isn't that far away :ljl: :p:

[yen_powell]

Which isn't that far away :ljl: :p:
He won't last 5 minutes on public transport. Once he starts dissin the driver about the comparison of the Routemaster bus's maximum torque with that of his 1200 bandit, he'll be out on his arse at the next request stop. :)

[Renegade]

He won't last 5 minutes on public transport. Once he starts dissin the driver about the comparison of the Routemaster bus's maximum torque with that of his 1200 bandit, he'll be out on his arse at the next request stop. :)

:ljl: he probably won't get as far as the next request stop.:bgg:

[Suzuki Al]

Routemasters suck :ljl:

[bustupbiker]

Routemasters suck :ljl:



:XT Alan: Please.

[Tym]

Driving with 67 back seat drivers sucks more :yen:

[Gnomad]

The crazy thing is that there are a couple of the old Routemasters here in Alaska, in fact, one was parked at the other end of the "Cunning Stunt" building all winter but seems to be gone now. One was parked for a couple years at a house just down the road from me. They were trading pretty cheap up here, probably cheaper than in the UK. :XT Alan:

[yen_powell]

The crazy thing is that there are a couple of the old Routemasters here in Alaska, in fact, one was parked at the other end of the "Cunning Stunt" building all winter but seems to be gone now. One was parked for a couple years at a house just down the road from me. They were trading pretty cheap up here, probably cheaper than in the UK. :XT Alan:
Don't worry, there'll be another two along in a minute. The drivers wait around the corner to make sure you're really wet and miserble at the bus stop, before they come and splash you without stopping.

[Suzuki Al]

First 250 miles done and still no rust :ljl:

mpg (imperial of course) 50.37

Speedo accuracy (by GPS): reads 80 mph at a true 74 mph @ 4500 rpm.

Oil used - nil.

Chicken strip 2 cms wide :)

[yen_powell]

First 250 miles done and still no rust :ljl:


250 miles, ah now come on, even my AT was rust free when I'd only had it for two and a half days. :p:

[Suzuki Al]

250 miles, ah now come on, even my AT was rust free when I'd only had it for two and a half days. :p:

That's the legendary Honda build quality shining through, that is:lg: