Bandit 12's

Tried Adie's 12 on Sunday and it was a hoot. They seem to have gone
through a few model variations, carbs included. What's the best/model
year then? reliability and power.

Googled a fair bit but can't find anything comparing the variations.

'Hog

 

Well, Adie's, obviously. Especially as you seemed to have survived...

 

I compared the 600 models with each other, and the 1998 model tuned out
to have the most claimed power. When they changed the frames to the new
style frame, I think that Suzuki sanitized things a little... The 1200
model may be the same?... but hey... imho and all that.

 

Engine reliability is one thing for which the Bandit 12 is known; any
and all should be damn near bulletproof. The post-2000 (K1/2/3/4)
models have been slightly sanitized compared to the original; not sure
about peak power, but the power delivery is supposed to be less
frenetic on the later bikes. K1 and K2 models have a reputation for
burning oil (something like 1l/1000km); someone at Suzuki thought it
was necessary to widen certain oilways in an engine that was already a
byword for unburstability and reliability. This was put back to
normal for the K3 [1] and K4 models, so oil consumption is not a major
issue for them.

The "noise wires" [2] on the earlier models, which can be disconnected
for increased power and, of course, noise, are not present as such on
the K series Bandit 1200s, as the entire wiring loom is considerably
revised. Also, from the K4 onward, the exhaust end can has an
integral link pipe, so is not as easily replaced (as is obligatory) as
the good old 3-bolt can on all earlier models. The rear shocks are
generally considered tired by 15k miles, and fucked by 25, although
there are several worthy options for replacement.

Hog? If it's a good pre-2000 model, buy it. If it's in good enough
nick, it's not worth spending the extra for a K model; a few quid
judiciously enough spent will give you a superior bike.

[1] Wot I got. It's nice. Quill T3 cans are nice too.
[2] They retard the ignition in first and second gears - also known as
"wheelie wires", as they help keep the front wheel down.
[3] There is no reference to this footnote.

 

If it's more than about 4 yrs old check the exhaust for rust where the link
pipe joins the collector box, the general build quality can be a bit iffy.
They're great bikes, huge fun to ride, thoroughly recomended.

 

<snip>

Just fucking get one.

Pre 'K' model is more ... err ... characterful. Up to and inc 1999,
then - and paaarty with your bike. 'S a hoot, man.

How many times do I have to say that they should be available on
fucking prescription?

 

I love them to bits. A tad tall and heavy for me but who cares.

Indeed, A B12 is much better than the homeopathetic opposition.

 

The Riddler. wrote

I know it is not the one true colour and all that but that looks nearly
quite nice. If it was a bit glossier and the chrome less so that would
actually be very good sort of bring the frame and stuff forward and put
the chrome back a bit style of thing.

Shame about the mile wide chicken strips though. Needs a flatter
profile tyre then dunnit?

 

If I could justify the running costs (and afford anything more than
a pint atm) I'd have another one again tomorrow as a second bike.

Unfaired, natch.

 

That's a smart looking bike...

 

On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:16:04 GMT, "The Riddler."

Everyone says that but seriously, what was dull about it as I prefer
the looks of the 2k model.

 

Daz says...

The original Bandit was easy to tweak for very little money, but the K1
onwards is softer tuned to start with and costs more to get to the way
it should be. I also prefer the look of the early model.

 

Adam Svenson says...

Some clutches slip, and upgraded springs are available cheaply. In
general Bandit clutches aren't bad. A lot of it is down to the wrong oil
being used.

 

Can it? It's not something I've ever heard someone complain about but
that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The only B12 I've ridden for any
distance had a brute of a clutch and I couldn't see it ever slipping.

 

Andy Bonwick says...

If you mean Adie's Bandit 12, that has heavy duty springs fitted. Bandit
12 clutches are a lot lighter as standard.

 

Some people un with one heavy duty spring in place to strike a ballance
between effort required and clutch slip.

 

Yeah! DON'T use fully synthetic oil!

 

Ratchet says...

*ding*