Bandit 1250ABS vs V-Strom 1000 ?

[Hanadarko]

Hi!
This is my 1st post here. I am rather active on the Kawa forums but my next bike is destined to be a Suzuki.. - Summer of 2008..

I currently drive a 2007 Ninja 500R and would like a bit more HP along with a bit more of an upright riding position..

I basically only would use the bike for to/from work and once in awhile on the highway - but not travelling all over the USA for example.

I am 40 and think I lean over a bit too far with the Ninja but like the looks of a sport bike. The Harleys dont do a thing for me....

I have noticed that my hands tend to get numb while riding this bike and I think thats due (at least in part) to my seated position. I am 6' 185lbs and seem to fit ok on this bike...but like I mentioned, I am looking for a bit bigger bike and more of a dual purpose and for sure..fuel injection...no more CARBS!

So, does anyone have any experience with either/both of these bikes that can offer me some comments? - Dealers flat out refuse to offer test drives so I really need to do my homework before coughing up the $8k or so.

Thanks guys!

[Barbarian]

Both are great bikes with a nice upright position. Many people actually prefer the wee-strom to the 1250 version unless they're doing lots of two-up riding.
Check around on this board, particularly the Suzuki section.

[inspiron]

I think that the primary difference is the old "V-2" versus "I-4" discussion. The V-Strom is a V-twin, which gives you more torque and more vibration. The Bandit is an inline 4, which is smoother and quieter, but also heavier. You really need to ride both and see which appeals more to you. I prefer 3- or 4-cylinder engines ... the V-twin never did it for me.

[Hanadarko]

None of the dealers around here permit test rides on new bikes. I cant believe that but thats the way it is.

I can sit on them but not leave the showroom...so I am left with asking people around my size which bike they liked and why....

[Clint]

I had to buy without a test ride, too. I find that sitting on a bike for twenty minutes gives me a good feel for ergonomics. I'd ask a dealer to start the bike and let you rev it while sitting on it to get a feel for engine vibration. I know, it sucks to shop this way. I've taken a test ride at MotoPrimo in Minneapolis, though. I'd suggest them if it wasn't winter. Maybe next spring you can go over to the Mall of America or something and stop at MotoPrimo, too.

[Hanadarko]

Well thats about 6hrs away from me....we used to go that way a few times a year but haven't in a long time.

I am leaning towards the bandit 1250 due to the I-4 setup....I need to see more photos of these bikes (including the gauges) and thats not easy to find. My dealer will likely be stocking them late winter...

I want to order the bike but dont know how long it likely takes or when the cut off is for the last orders of 2008 bikes.

At least I have all winter so far...

[Rickster]

Both are great bikes, and you won't be disappointed with either.

Besides the inherent differences in the motors (V Twin verses In line four), there are some minor differences in riding position, and comfort when up to speed.

The differences in riding position are easy to note by just setting on the two bikes. Both are more upright than your current ride, with the V Strom being a little more so than the Bandit. For me, that's a plus, and my personal favorite is the V Strom.

Comfort at speed is a slightly different animal, and unfortunately in your case, unless you can find a used one to test ride, you will have to buy the bike (V Strom) to find out if it adversely effects you.

There are two issues that keep coming up from V Strom owners. The first one only pertains to the He Strom (DL 1000). For some reason (I suspect fuel economy) the Suzuki engineers have not been able to make the motor on the bigger bike as smooth as the We Strom (DL 650). The problem is a noticeable "chudder" that occurs in the 3000 to 3500 RPM range. It's most noticeable when rolling on throttle in 4th, 5th, or 6th gear, and unfortunately that's something you do a lot in your day-to-day riding. There is a fix, but it involves spending more money, about $250 for a "DynoJet Power Commander". Some dealers will offer to re-map your ECU (electric control unit) for free, and some owners have reported good results with that. It helped on my bike, but not enough, I went with the Power Commander.

The second issue with the Strom's is Wind Buffering. Depending on how/where you sit the bike, will determine how much of a problem this is for you. A few riders say it doesn't bother them at all, most complain at least a little about it, some have sold there bikes because of it. Again there is a fix, and that's to buy an aftermarket windshield. Seems pretty straight forward, till you realize there are about a dozen company's all calming there windshield is the best. Each and every one of these company's have customers that strongly agree, and other customer's that claim no improvement.

The Bandit's don't have the "chudder" or "wind buffeting" problems, but they do have a less comfortable seat, more pressure on your hands, and less travel in there suspension. All this makes them less comfortable (for me), especially when the road surface is less than perfect.

[Hanadarko]

WOW - thanks so much for this post. I have been reading up on some of these complaints but this post put it all together. The bandit is about $200 less MSRP IIRC and thats cool for me. It comes with ABS and so far I have not heard any show-stopper complaints. The newest bike I am looking at is smaller but the GSX-650F but I think that leans at least as much forward as my ninja does now....I dont mind the ninja lean but would like a bit more upright. The bandit might be perfect. But storage..under the seat..tie downs? - I really need to see more photos of these and ideally one up close!

[Clint]

Keep in mind that any bike with tubular handlebars can have them raised or replaced for little cost. Only clipons tend to be restrictive.

[Hanadarko]

thanks - good to know that.

But I would prefer to pick the right bike. My ninja was 'acquired' and as such I didnt have any say in it....I like it but its a bit small for me.
Not underpowered - just looks like a scooter compared to other bikes
at work

[Clint]

Yeah, but with some practice you could ride rings around those other guys.

[Hanadarko]

Well, I have found a few forums - one about bandit bikes (thanks to a guy from here) and I will be lurking around there for a bit...

For the record, the bike I last rode before the 2007 Ninja 500 was a 1972 Honda CB350....Things have changed...just a tad.


Living here in Milwaukee, I constantly get hounded by Hogs - but I just dont see myself -ever- riding one of those. I wont make any comments about those, but I just find -these- sport bikes more appealing.

Maybe it's a mid-life thing.

[omegajim]

Welcome aboard!

Milwaukee, did somebody say Milwaukee! I work in Milwaukee!

Even owned a 1973 CB 350 (front disk brake, the '72 might have had it too, can't remember).

As far as midlife, you are buying something you've wanted for years.

Which reminds me of another "midlife crisis" thing.

Let's say a kid sees a Corvette and would really like to buy one, then

.......goes to college no money
.......gets married, buys a house, no money
.......has kids, no money

Kids finally move out, has money, buys a corvette (not necessarily new, but you get the point).

[JmalB]

I'd say try a ninja 650R, but the lean might be too much on that too. I liked the one I test rode... A lot.

[Hanadarko]

Thanks...the 650ninja is a nice bike.
The dealer has one....but it just doesnt have the sex appeal like a bandit.

Yea, I turned 40. I did the tattoo thing (10 of them) over the last few years and got my 91 MR2 and restored it...so that sorta covers the sports car thing and now with the bike, I might have my midlife crisis ready to go.

I think a hot chic girlfriend might be a good choice too, but the wife might object....painfully I might add

I am going to post around and see if anyone in milwaukee or very close has a bandit 1250. My dealer has zilch - but likely will come 2nd quarter 2008.

I am going to stop at the dealer today. I want to see what sort of a deal they might do on an order out. Thats a straight forward deal and there should basically be a 'fixed' price - theoretically.

Otherwise? - my best bud offered to use his pickup and we could cruise down to neighbor state Illinios if I can find a better deal there as well. At least thats an option.

My dealer sold my kid the Ninja 500 over sticker (ok so only $50 over) but still...and each time I have gone in there I have made comments. That really irritated me that they took advantage of not only my kid but that he is off to fight in IRAQ - I also made that point known. I am not out to cheat dealers and they need to make a profit - but there should be some common ground. Something close to invoice ideally.

[JmalB]

$50 over sticker OTD? Sounds good to me. May be he could have gotten a better deal, but I know I didn't.

And if you're looking for sex appeal try Tuono. Much sexier than the Bandit imo.

[Hanadarko]

$50 over sticker.
Plus tax
no charge for setup or delivery.

I think that deal stinks personally...especially for an average Ninja 500 run-of-the-mill bike....it's not like its a MUST HAVE in demand bike.

I think he overpaid about $250 for this bike to be honest...

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Hanadarko

I think a hot chic girlfriend might be a good choice too, but the wife might object....painfully I might add

I think he just outed the Chicster!!!!



Hana.....ever think of a Buell?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Hanadarko

Dealers flat out refuse to offer test drives so I really need to do my homework before coughing up the $8k or so.

That is pretty much standard policy for most dealers.............for folks who just wander in off the street. The policy usually changes when you make it known that you have cash or credit in hand and are ready to buy. If that doesn't do it, let them know that you are ready and willing to drive 150 miles to find a dealer that WILL let you ride before you buy. If they still won't budge, ask for the owner. If HE stands firm, leave. You might actually find another dealer who understands good customer service !!

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

That is pretty much standard policy for most dealers.............for folks who just wander in off the street. The policy usually changes when you make it known that you have cash or credit in hand and are ready to buy. If that doesn't do it, let them know that you are ready and willing to drive 150 miles to find a dealer that WILL let you ride before you buy. If they still won't budge, ask for the owner. If HE stands firm, leave. You might actually find another dealer who understands good customer service !!

Good advice.

However, myself, I wouldn't go through all the backflips. If you can't get it done on the first or second tier of the deal. Chances are the owner doesn't really give a rats ass either. A fish stinks from the head down, and they've all drank his Kool-Aid to be employed there.