I've had my 2001 Bandit 1200S since Dec 2000 - over 26K miles so far. It did get less than impressive gas mileage stock, but this bike gains so many benefits from simple aftermarket modifications. A slip-on, jet kit and pod filters will open up around 15 bhp, and has given me an average of 41mpg on the highway, with more power everywhere. Some Bandit buddies and I ran Deal's Gap (very tight technical section of Rt 129 in Tennessee and North Carolina) and never had to shift out of second gear - this thing pulls from 1500rpm to over 10,000rpm. The engine is derived from Suzuki's GSXR1100, so there is a huge performance aftermarket. This bike is the best bang for the buck, and compared to others in its class, a modified Bandit will stomp pretty much all of them.
Posted by rooivalk on 9 okt 2003
I love my Bandit. What a bike! It's a little bit heavy on fuel, but not too bad. It handles amazingly well for such a big bike, the brakes are darn good, it's very powerful and quite fast, and my wife loves it! Riding long dist. with pillion is no problem. Took it to the mountains last weekend and was very pleasantly entertained by the bike. It's reliable and hard working. Spoke to a guy who has 75000km's on the clock on his Bandit, and he's still smiling all the way. This bike should be a lot more expensive because such good value for money is almost impossible to find nowadays!
Posted by adam on 28 aug 2003
brought newer model 2/03. new changes to model have made bike more user friendly. performance remains very good, brakes improved, handles better, and although in the minority it seems, the fairing looks good and works very well.excellent all round sports tourer at a bargain price!!
Posted by Obelix on 31 okt 2002
Have ride 55.000 +km during last 2 years in europe, a realy nice bike to travel in duo, a little bit too expensive in tires. Please see http://users.skynet.be/fa068836
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