I have a 2002 Suzuki Bandit that I am trying to sort out or ? ? I got it from a friend at a super deal and I hate to sell it off because of the super deal. It's a strange bird compared to my SD. I got it with less than 1K miles and it now has 10K and it is still in great shape. The seating position is just foreign to me coming from mostly sport bikes. I guess I need a set of rear sets. The starter gear on the crank shaft worked loose last year so I finally had time to track it down last week. Took it out for a spin yesterday. Nice motor. Just does not handle like my SuperDuke. Toying with the idea of retro to 87 GSXR race fairing. Still miss my blue/white 87 GSXR 1100. I like the wind protection of the sport fairings.

So, anyone have experience with the Bandit? I think it just might be a stop light to stop light bike and not a real road bike. Would rather have a GSXR1000 2005.
Not sure if the bandit can ever be sorted out proper.

Was shocked to find ball bearings in the head stock when I lubed them up yesterday. What is next on the cheap parts to find?

Done some time on a big Bandito, and a buddy I regularly ride with (former SMC690 and TL owner) has one - and loves his. They are definitely old-school tech UJM, but can be transformed into whatever you want them to be. From tourer to track tool (no lie).

OE suspension bits are beyond soft - but plenty of aftermarket to sort any issue at whatever budget one wants to commit to.

No matter what, it's always going to be on the heavy side, but for a lot of people who want a really affordable ride to rack up miles on, few bikes are as good a value.

Best if kept clean and dry, pretty cheap and easy to keep lit.

Popular platform in Europe with "streetfighter" folks and E.T. guys here.

Dale Walker is your friend: http://www.holeshot.com/bandit/

For what it's worth: http://www.portablepct.com/fastlarry/banditfaq.htm

i had a bandit 1200 which was an 03 model, loved it and regret selling it, that thing was heavy but could be man handled around corners easy enough,

on a track day at lydden hill i was passing supermotos and lydden is a supermoto size track.
modified air box, race can and there is a wire that needs cutting to let it go in the lower gears,

that bike was so comfy two up as well

Spent some time on a 1200 Bandit (mild mods brought it to 126rwhp). The biggest issue I had with the riding position was how wide it splayed the legs compared to my TL.
Handling was a bit slow and soft compared to my TL though (which I have set up a bit twitchy).
I'm actually looking for a wrecked one at the moment. Want to stick the lump and wiring into my 1990 GSXR750AL.

Wow! Thanks for all of that guys! Might have a winter project in the making.

I always liked the 1200 but not the 1200s

"I always liked the 1200 but not the 1200s"

Well DD, then you will like mine 'cause it a Naked Bike with the single head light without the half fairing.

Dark blue with all the reflectors removed.

Looks bad ass and love that big block sound of the big cat purring, with out any lumps.

I used to have one.

Was an S, but I changed the light setup etc.

I installed a ZX10R rear shock, raised the rear, had racetech springs and valves installed in the forks and setup for my weight to suit hard street riding.
Installed pod filters and a full Hindle 4-1 race exhaust with Demon titanium muffler; jetted to suit, and -1 +2 sprockets. Pairs block off kit etc.
Lower bars etc.

Thing was an animal, handled really well, would grind footpegs and the frame no worries, even while hanging off.
Basically lived on the back wheel in the first 3 gears, and would keep up with any other bike until 100+mph.

An oil rad cover / guard! Cool!
Any problems with the peg placements with others?
Might be my low MX bars.
They feel way to forward.
I am thinking back and down some.
Might be done with different pegs.

You don't know Andy Cox do you (Cox Racing Group, http://www.coxracingroup.com) - ? He's in Newberg. Good guy.

I don't see the 1200 on his list, but I'm willing to bet he'd fab one for you - especially if you were willing to roll up for the deed (so he can get a pattern).

I use his guards on all my bikes (that they are available for - and I'm still pestering him for one for Hinckley Bonnies ...). Worth every penny, and what I like best is they stand up to long-course superbike speeds, don't affect running temps, and are very subtle in appearance - as if they were OEM.

Seriously, they take mods well, and are adaptable to any road task. Cheap to own in every way. Keep after it (especially the finishes), and they are a hoot. If you don't mind dealing with carbs, the only thing really "wrong" with them is the suspension IMO.