My 1997 Suzuki Bandit.

Well, it's like this. I was fed up with my job and things in general and I needed a way to relax. I found this absolutely perfect 1997 Candy Maroon Suzuki Bandit 1200 with just over 1,000 miles on it for a giveaway price. You see, the guy was restoring his 1972 Olds 442, and his wife wouldn't let him keep both. So I got the bike for a song. I strapped on some bags and drove it back 600 miles from Lousiville, KY to my home in Salina, Kansas.

The Bandit has been a big seller in Europe, but not so much here because it is an excellent motorcycle above all else. It is not a crotch-rocket sportbike, it is not a harley-style cruiser, it is not a behemoth tourer. It just does everything well. It is not as fast as most modern sportbikes, but it has enough beans to do 0-60 in 2.7 seconds and 11.2 quarters at 125 mph. It tops out around 151 mph, depending on road conditions and testosterone level. It is comfortable. It has a big flat seat, tubular handlebars that you don't have to reach for, and pegs that let your legs point straight down. It has good wind protection, and you don't ride it like a crotch rocket. The handling and braking are superb. The lack of plastic covering the engine means low insurance rates. It gets decent gas mileage and is stone block reliable. That engine is also a torque monster - with effortless first gear wheelies and 40-60 in less than 3 seconds even in high gear. It is also easy to work on and hop up. The bandit is not a finished bike in showroom form, but rather requires a bit of massaging to get what you want. I have found out all kinds of info about the Bandit on the web, and there are some very good sites and chat groups out there for it. With the help of these sites, I have made the following changes to my bike to increase its performance and usefulness:

• 20 inch rifle windscreen - really cuts down on wind blast and makes high speed touring a reality.
• Dunlop D205 sport touring tires - long life radials with plenty of curvature for less cupping on corners
• D&D polished aluminum exhaust - weighs less, adds power, gives a deep throaty growl
• The "two inch mod" - two inch air intake hole, 127.5 main jets, 35 pilot jets, 2 3/4 turns out on idle screws, 0.030 inch needle shims to fix cold bloodedness and add power
• Givi Maxia Italian Topcase - waterproof, unobtrusive, easily removed, lockable luggage that will hold a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, 2 pizzas and a movie.
• Suzuki engine case guards - they look ugly but protect the engine in case the bike is ever tipped over
• K&N filter - flows more air and can be cleaned and reused, but requires rejetting.
• Underseat electrical power outlet to supply accessories and provide a convenient charging point
• Timex IronMan watch - sunproof, waterproof, and cheap chronometer
• 16 tooth SunStar 51116 drive sprocket to increase mileage and reduce freeway rpm.

The bandit page will continue to grow as I put on more stuff, go on trips, and add links. So check back every month or so!

Trip to Colorado July 4th 2001

Back to the top

Go to Ryan's Homepage