I just bought a Bandit 1250 SEA (Canadian model with bags and full fairing). I thought I would post a quick review and comparison to my FZ6. I have posted this in the "other" FZ6 forum as well...
On paper the Bandit makes the same HP as an FZ6..... so you may be asking, what's the point of buying a bike that weighs more without doing more.... Ironically, the Bandit's jewel in the crown is it's motor.... Might I add what a motor! The Bandit is a freight train.... The engine develops it's max torque by 3700 rpm.... that's right 80ft/lbs at 3700 rpm and maintains a flat torque curve all the way to just below peak rpm (9500rpm). You can pull 6th gear without a fuss as low as 2000rpm... Sweep the tach past 4000 in sixth though, and leave the FZ6 as a tiny speck in the rear views. What's more the motor is so smooth, you can't believe your eyes when you look down a see your doing 140 kph and increasing. The FZ6 will eventually keep pace, but you will need to be a good rider to do so.
The motor is the smoothest inline four I have ever ridden and the transmission shifts with a satisfying "snick" up or down... no clunking to be found... Far superior to the FZ6's tranny...
The bike feels like an FZ6, even in handling (despite being about 50 or so ponds heavier). I found myself riding it the same way I ride my FZ6... The Bandit however, has much superior suspension... The forks have pre-load adjustment. The rear shock has pre-load and rebound damp adjustment.
The riding position is pretty much identical to the FZ6, however the seat is wider with about the same comfort level.
There is no temp gauge on the Bandit, just a temp warning light.... The speedo is useless... it is incredibly inaccurate... My GPS said 79 Kph while the speedo said 85kph. I never had time to check the odo..., but I am not feeling positive about that either... The FZ6 was only a few KPH off of the GPS numbers.
The ABS system works very well..... I now believe (this is first time I have ridden a bike with it) it would be very useful to beginner riders.... The brakes are not as poweful as the FZ6's but the added control of the ABS is re-assuring. The back brake is all but useless compared to the FZ6.
Pros
1) Motor, Motor, Motor! Torque a 747 would be envious of
2) Good suspension
3) Came with luggage and full fairing
4) Handling is decent
5) Wind protection, about the same as an FZ6
6) Oil level window, easy to check level
7) ABS is very useful and well integrated (more than I thought it would be)
8) Very little driveline lash
9) Hydraulic clutch, wider engagement and smoother
10) Fuel injection is flawless, no glitches or surging
11) Bargin price for what you get
Cons
1) Fit and finish not up the FZ6's
2) Frame a little ugly, FZ6 has a work of art for a frame
3) Oil change more difficult as filter is behind fairings and exhaust (minor)
4) Instrument cluster a little old fashioned and no temp read out
6) Motor should be blacked out (personal opinion)
7) FZ6 is a much prettier bike, with clean lines and under tail exhaust
8) FZ6 better thought out, thus easier to work on, more aftermaket stuff than the Bandit...
Maybe more later....
'08 Bandit 1250 Vs '07 FZ6
I've read lots of good stuff about the new Bandit.
Linear Mode
