Bandit 1200s vs 04 Katana 750...what should i do? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

troyk87 · 08-25-2004, 02:19 PM

I've been looking into purchasing a bike (my first) and have received much direction toward the Bandit 1200s. Haven't seen many reviews nor much talk about this bike in the forum. It's a brand new 03 model that the dealer are tryin' to get rid of. Is it too much bike for someone 6-5 260 or is it just what i need. I also have some interest in the katana 750. Which would work best? Is 6k too much for an 03 Bandit 1200s?

themeatmanlandry · 08-25-2004, 02:21 PM

Gixxer 1000 with all the mods. You'll be much happier with as much power as you can get. Did you get into sportbniking so you could have the weakest bike? I don't think so.

NOS Gixxer 1000, else a 'Busa.

Don't get insurance . . . it'$ a waste.

08-25-2004, 02:28 PM

DONT DO IT!!!!! i suggest a suzuki gs500. its made for people like you. you will love it. many people here have one.

troyk87 · 08-25-2004, 02:36 PM

Thanks Soad...I had no intention of getting a gixxer for at least another 2-3 yrs. Gotta be as safe as possible while i'm learining to ride. I looked at the GS500F but the salesman didn't see that as a good fit for me. He also really downplayed the power on this bike which actually turned me away from it. Maybe one day i'll be experienced enough to get a GIXXER!!!!1

08-25-2004, 02:38 PM

well, the gs500 doesnt really have much power because its not made to. its pretty much made for novice riders. a katana 600 is also another choice. its heavy but forgiving. also, many people here have this bike.

**Clint** · 08-25-2004, 03:46 PM

Newsflash: The B12 is just as fast as a GSXR and will knock you on your butt just the same. It is certainly not a beginner bike.

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DaMaNP750 · 08-25-2004, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Newsflash: The B12 is just as fast as a GSXR and will knock you on your butt just the same. It is certainly not a beginner bike.

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I almost stuck my foot in my mouth...i didn't know this, but the gixxer 600 only has the weight beat. The torque and slight HP increase will make up for that. Until about 100 I suppose.
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_..._Measurements/

**inspiron** · 08-25-2004, 05:44 PM

First bike a 1200'er ... ARE YOU NUTS?

Look around this forum, you'll find a whole bunch of threads where this is discussed ... basically, you start with a small, low power bike (preferrably a used bike, since you WILL drop it a couple of times) until you master the skills. After a couple of years, as your skills increase and your need to be a squid decrease, then you can consider getting a high-power machine.

Or, you can just buy the 1200'er and kill yourself ... but please try not to injure anyone else in the process. And be sure to fill out an organ doner card, in case there are any usable parts left over. And be sure to leave a will, it makes it easier for your family when you're gone.

Okay, I think I've made my point now. Time to step down of this soap box and go to bed.

Hap Call · 08-26-2004, 09:15 AM

I suggest a Bandit 600 for you. You are a big guy and the GS500 may be a tad small. The Bandit 1200 is for experianced riders. The Bandit 600 fit right in between. Also, the seating position on the Bandit is much more comfortable for day-to-day riding than the GS500.

Hap

LayinLo · 08-26-2004, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themeatmanlandry

Gixxer 1000 with all the mods. You'll be much happier with as much power as you can get. Did you get into sportbniking so you could have the weakest bike? I don't think so.

NOS Gixxer 1000, else a 'Busa.

Don't get insurance . . . it'$ a waste.

Thats freakin' hilarious, Mark.

themeatmanlandry · 08-26-2004, 10:35 AM

I got tired of trying to use reasoning in a futile manner, so I figured, what the heck?

tlwisner · 08-26-2004, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyk87

I've been looking into purchasing a bike (my first) and have received much direction toward the Bandit 1200s. Haven't seen many reviews nor much talk about this bike in the forum. It's a brand new 03 model that the dealer are tryin' to get rid of. Is it too much bike for someone 6-5 260 or is it just what i need. I also have some interest in the katana 750. Which would work best? Is 6k too much for an 03 Bandit 1200s?

A Bandit 1200 is one of the fastest most powerful bikes around - it is too much to learn on. Learn to ride first, then get the Bandit 1200 and it won't scare the hell out of you, you'll enjoy it.

You are buying your first bike, not your last bike, although sometimes people buy a supersport bike for their first bike find that it is their last bike...

troyk87 · 08-27-2004, 02:40 PM

Thanks everyone...I'm actually in the process of finishing up a deal on a good used Katana 600. I figure it's a great bike to learn on and i'm not speding an arm and a leg so I won't be so hurt (financially) when/if i lay it down a couple of times. This forum has been very helpful in assisting me in making a decision on a bike. Hopefully everything will go well and pretty soon i'll be cruisin the streets.

DaMaNP750 · 08-27-2004, 04:37 PM

good luck and safe riding

08-25-2004, 02:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
troyk87 Newbie Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 4	Bandit 1200s vs 04 Katana 750...what should i do? I've been looking into purchasing a bike (my first) and have received much direction toward the Bandit 1200s. Haven't seen many reviews nor much talk about this bike in the forum. It's a brand new 03 model that the dealer are tryin' to get rid of. Is it too much bike for someone 6-5 260 or is it just what i need. I also have some interest in the katana 750. Which would work best? Is 6k too much for an 03 Bandit 1200s?

08-25-2004, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Gixxer 1000 with all the mods. You'll be much happier with as much power as you can get. Did you get into sportbniking so you could have the weakest bike? I don't think so. NOS Gixxer 1000, else a 'Busa. Don't get insurance . . . it'$ a waste. __________________ Go to hell

08-25-2004, 05:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	First bike a 1200'er ... ARE YOU NUTS? Look around this forum, you'll find a whole bunch of threads where this is discussed ... basically, you start with a small, low power bike (preferrably a used bike, since you WILL drop it a couple of times) until you master the skills. After a couple of years, as your skills increase and your need to be a squid decrease, then you can consider getting a high-power machine. Or, you can just buy the 1200'er and kill yourself ... but please try not to injure anyone else in the process. And be sure to fill out an organ doner card, in case there are any usable parts left over. And be sure to leave a will, it makes it easier for your family when you're gone. Okay, I think I've made my point now. Time to step down of this soap box and go to bed. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

08-26-2004, 09:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
Hap Call Seat Tester Joined: May 2004 Bike: GS1100E, ZRX1200R, Ninja EX250 Location: Newport Beach, Ca / Beaumont, Tx Posts: 52	I suggest a Bandit 600 for you. You are a big guy and the GS500 may be a tad small. The Bandit 1200 is for experianced riders. The Bandit 600 fit right in between. Also, the seating position on the Bandit is much more comfortable for day-to-day riding than the GS500. Hap __________________ Hap Call Village Idiot 1981 GS1100EX - GSR June 2004 Bike of the Month

08-26-2004, 10:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	I got tired of trying to use reasoning in a futile manner, so I figured, what the heck? __________________ Go to hell

08-25-2004, 02:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	DONT DO IT!!!!! i suggest a suzuki gs500. its made for people like you. you will love it. many people here have one.

08-25-2004, 02:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
troyk87 Newbie Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 4	Thanks Soad...I had no intention of getting a gixxer for at least another 2-3 yrs. Gotta be as safe as possible while i'm learining to ride. I looked at the GS500F but the salesman didn't see that as a good fit for me. He also really downplayed the power on this bike which actually turned me away from it. Maybe one day i'll be experienced enough to get a GIXXER!!!!1

08-25-2004, 02:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	well, the gs500 doesnt really have much power because its not made to. its pretty much made for novice riders. a katana 600 is also another choice. its heavy but forgiving. also, many people here have this bike.

08-27-2004, 02:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
troyk87 Newbie Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 4	Thanks everyone...I'm actually in the process of finishing up a deal on a good used Katana 600. I figure it's a great bike to learn on and i'm not speding an arm and a leg so I won't be so hurt (financially) when/if i lay it down a couple of times. This forum has been very helpful in assisting me in making a decision on a bike. Hopefully everything will go well and pretty soon i'll be cruisin the streets.

08-27-2004, 04:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
DaMaNP750 Third gear and cruising Joined: Aug 2004 Location: STL Posts: 455	good luck and safe riding __________________ 2004 GSX-R750 Black/Yellow MICRON slip on Frame Sliders Fender Eliminator Integrated Euro Taillights A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts!

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