Motorcycle Review - 1998 Suzuki Bandit GSF 1200 - Big, Beefy, Ugly and Fun

[@TheLoneTrader]

🍺 If you enjoyed this video click this link to buy me a beer: www.buymeacoffee.com/thelonetrader 🍺

[@privateer0561]

I had a 1999 Bandit 1200S for many years. It was the last year of carburetors, and it was cold-blooded as hell. It also felt like a potato was jammed in the exhaust. Shortly after I rolled it out of the dealer and discovered this, I went online and bought a Holeshot Performance Stage 2 kit by Dale Walker with new jets, twin individual oval filters, a 5-degree ignition advancer, and a jet hot ceramic coated pipe with Holeshot Performance exhaust can/muffler. It was stunning how different the bike performed. I believe it was a 20 rear wheel increase in hp, and it ran perfectly from cold. It was all bolt-on and completely worth the money. Walker knows what he's doing, and I'm not alone in this opinion.

[@TheLoneTrader]

@@privateer0561 Holeshot is a fantastic company. I used them for my ZRX tuning. Even worth the money getting stuff imported from them into the UK.

[@jonass961]

I used to watch this video many times before getting a Bandit, both because of the sound quality and the narration. This video did its part to motivate me to get a Bandit 12 of my own lol.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Cool. I like it too. Recently I got the 650. Havent filmed it yet. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers.

[@BenSuzi1980]

Bandit from 2000 here, i love it. i had 2 1200's and 2 600's. They are alot of fun, u can repair anything on ur own, enough power, good handling, comfortable. Most cars underestimate this bike, but there are not many cars that can hold up if i pull the throttle to be honest. Great for beginners(600's) and alot of fun for more experienced riders (1200). i never had technical problems with them and i never feel like it hasn't enough power, 120hp(with an performance exhaust) is way enough in almost any situation !!!

[@stefanmortem562]

6 years later, still a good review, still an awsome bike, i have the '95 600 an love every part of it

[@kasparsbutlers]

I ride Mk1 600 Bandit - very nice. Love the "analog" feel of these older bikes and the ability to fix anything on it in your own garage. Keep the vids coming, we need more Mk1 Bandit videos on internet :)

[@TheLoneTrader]

Cheers man. I plan to restore this bandit to its former glory so there will be plenty of updates on it. I don't think there's enough attention on the old school bargains that are out there. First step is new renthals and headlight. Then I'll get some tuning done! Glad you like the vid. I've got GSR600 and a Zx6r A2p coming up.

[@PeterPrism]

First Bandit 1200n 1998 with carbs is a fantastic, beautiful and big bike with a perfect motor.

[@pablogp9333]

I´ve bought one two months ago and I´m in love with her...

[@urbanfireblade]

I'm on my second Bandit now. 5 years after selling my '01 1200 naked i've got myself another, this time a 2005 1200S faired model and i absolutely love it. Your review is just spot on. My fave bit was 13.08, nice wheelie!

[@menmentantan5591]

Exactly. after this, Bandit were changed to liguid cooled smooth engine, with another 30KG

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

I first rode one of these in 1998, and had the same impressions as you. Good to see your 20-year-old 1200 is still out there making that famous GSX-R oil-cooled noise.

[@daniellander1964]

great review ! I still have my 98 1200 that I had since new. Over 50,000 miles on it and still runs good. Although I am considering tearing it apart over winter and putting a 1216 kit in. Service my Works Performance shock, and front forks (has Racetech gold valves and springs. ) All new bearings and just go over everything. It is worth more than the resale value, and she's just a keeper.

[@bo440guitar]

you cant beat old school proper bikes, air cooled and carbs

[@johna6968]

bo440guitar oil cooled

[@johna6968]

@Gerry Cooney Air cooled, with an oil cooler

[@TheLoneTrader]

You're not kidding. I'm now riding a ZRX-1100. Just as awesome and old school.

[@LukeTPZ]

The Lone Trader Is the ZRX Better or worse than the Bandit?

[@robertbaxter4021]

I got a 650 oil/air cooled one

[@grabir01]

I have this bike. It will do over 110mph in 2nd gear. It is a Hooligan bike. It will kill a beginner or intermediate rider although the intermediate rider may live a little longer. If you are an older mature advanced pilot with tons and tons of experience riding motocross race and street bikes, you will love the Bandit 1200 series bikes. The single biggest power upgrade I have found is to simply remove the stock muffler and run only the collector. The increase in power is off the charts!! Wear ear plugs, enjoy the glorious sound when it gets on the pipe!! Wow!! And try not to get arrested... Enjoy!!

[@johnb5352]

100% correct.I’m 60 yrs young & have been messing about with bikes all my life.Mainly 2 strokes from the 70s -Yamaha RD’s&Kawasaki triples.+ a fair few motocrosser’s ,CR500’s,Ktm’s etc. Just recently I found myself getting a bit bored with them-tired of being nearly shaken off them due to the old school near non existent suspension & the expansion pipe noise that I used to love finally got on my nerves. So I bought myself a 96 mk1 1200 with the usual mods-seat,pipe,motocross bars etc & I absolutely love it. Smooth,powerful & quick as f#ck if you want it to be.Comfortable & the handling & brakes are fantastic to me compared to the old stuff I’m used to.Also cheap as chips in comparison.I paid £1900,which is an absolute bargain compared to the 3 to 12k + the old strokers go for these days.

[@davehall1406]

had a 1200sx for 16 years and. 50k miles still feels tight . change the oil at 2k and do valves and carb balance at 5 to 6k. just keep a forensic eye out for cycle part corrosion. Good sensible vid cheers.

[@MANIKO5]

I'm looking at getting a Bandit for my first proper bike, after riding my little12 plate ybr for a year. I'm 35 now and it's about bloody time I got off my arse and sorted my licence. Loved the video.

[@ernestchitwood4971]

Bought mine 8 mouths ago , i can't put my finger on it why i love it , Easy to ride slow or fast , Easy to maintain, It dives on the brakes , wobbles in a bend with the power on , With my FZR 1000 EXUP i could not use all the power because it was all in the top of the rev range , 1200 bandit just twist the throttle any gear and off you go , Just FUN

[@ernestchitwood4971]

Hi again , 18 mouth on I still have my 1200 bandit s and still love it , I've changed the exhaust for a full system black widow , road legal, just right for the image, lol , belly pan crash bars, and progressive springs for the forks , the feeling after a ride stays with me for week until next weekend , yes it's a weekend toy and I love it , can't see myself selling it ,

[@Virusman26]

I've just started riding at 40 and my brother has kindly started teaching me on his 98 Bandit. I loved the raw feel of the bike, and wasn't quite prepared for how much in would love it. His ZZR 1400 is a much better bike, but doesn't have the same "feel" to it.

[@tomkinsey3578]

Best description of the bandit I've heard so far. Down to the tea 👌🏻

[@jellethegreatest]

I've got an Honda Cbr600rr which I use as a daily commuter. Bought the Bandit 1200 recently as a second bike because it was so cheap.. I hate to admit it, but I find the Suzuki much more enjoy to drive. The engine is insane: smooth, powerful and its sound heavenly.

[@citizenseventies6738]

Picking up a Mk1 Bandit 1200 tomorrow - It has done 66000 miles but owned by a mature gent who has had it a very long time and regularly serviced it so it doesn't arouse concern, plus I am getting it for 1100 notes. Can't wait !

[@carreteras101]

excellent review and commentary! i've owned many suzuki oil-cooled engines, and they are an absolute blast, with easy maintenance. i'm from the USA, so watching the riding/driving on the opposite side is totally foreign, but also fun. cheers

[@jhintelman846]

its 10/3/2024 and this video is 9 years old even so hyped me up to buy one im getting one this weekend, so thank you

[@gilesfarmer5953]

Hi LT, Great review. Informative, eloquent, and well presented with a hint of mischief. I love these bikes, especially the early air/oil cooled ones, with engines reminiscent of those from a WW2 fighter plane. Brilliant racket, huge gobs of power, and a touch of hooligan thrown in.

[@888jackflash]

I am a Bandit 12 pro. BEST OVERALL STREETBIKE EVER MADE. My current '98 has 160,000 miles on it, runs better than new. But like Clark Kent, it needs to be pulled out the Phone Booth. Simple motor work- JE 1216cc pistons, Ivan jetting, Yoshimura pipe, light head-porting - and it gives 120 HP-84 ft/lbs at the wheel. (Stock is 98 hp / 72ft/lb). CHANGE THE SUSPENSION, and Superman comes out swinging. This is a bike HUNGRY for Upgrading. I LOVE MY GSF1200!!

[@ronwhite8503]

Had my '98 1200 since 2007 and I still love it. The ART can makes it howl....a real bike for me.

[@a_maze_snaps]

My favourite suzuki bandit video of the whole internet. If you have a chance make a video of this bike just for fun so we can listen to it more please.

[@TheLoneTrader]

+Adrian Maziarz I'll be resuming the videos soon as the seasons have finally started to turn. I've got plenty to do on the Bandit and a new sound recorder so it should sound even better than before. First up is a clutch upgrade and handlebar replacement. I have also just gotten hold of a lovely ZX12R and will be picking up a Triumph Sprint ST1050 so stay tuned for some new vids. I'm going to try keep things to 10-15 mins and refine the format a bit. There's a lot of butthurt people on the GSR-600 video so it should be interesting.

[@Coversbymonsters]

great review, wondering if i should get one, you convinced me friend. I'm not sure if I should get a mk1 or 2, but have been told to steer clear of '01 and '02 models due to the engine eating up oil issue. Would you recommended a particular model ? Cheers, Pierre from Québec

[@adamdrives365]

Love my 98 1200s. I am a novice rider and the suspension is adequate for me. Finished a 2.5 hour long trip this summer and had a great time. Looking at a gsxr 750 now although I am pleased with the power my bike makes.

[@stevenandrews7304]

Great vid, after years of sportsbikes and then giving up riding for some years, I came back by getting on an old 1200 bandit, the K1 is still a great bike, very similar to the 1st gen. It was later on they really changed. You hit the nail on the head with your review, really enjoyed watching. Thanks.

[@TheLoneTrader]

Michael Andrews Thanks. As an everyday road bike that is still fun it's hard to beat. I've not ridden the K1 but glad to know it still has it's mojo. The 1250 was a great bike but just seemed a bit to grown up haha. I've posted a new vid if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH6ZYYh_mZyYl6s

[@rickbarbosa344]

The Lone Trader ha. indeed.

[@marks2731]

I have a ‘98 GSf600, and I love it. Cost me a fortune over the last few years. It is the best I have every owned.

[@TheLoneTrader]

How has it cost you? They usually stand up to abuse pretty well.

[@michaelheiss4456]

I bought a brand new Bandit GSF1200S in '01 and it was the most fun bike I ever had ridden . It wasn't the fastest or quickest , but it would take me anywhere I wanted to go and comfortable doing it . I put a couple of performance modifications recommended by my buddy that was a pit crew mechanic for the Suzuka GP Circuit for Suzuki . These mods woke this engine up with a Yoshimura carbon fiber exhaust system . Wish I never sold that bike . It was sweet ! Later on I bought a '02 Naked version and blew it up . I bought a new engine and modded the engine and it would wheelie any time I twisted the throttle . Loved this one too . Thanks for the video .

[@SB-vb8ch]

To be fair it shouldn't be left behind in a drag with an early 2000s 600, certainly not below 120mph, they aren't the most powerful thing but do deliver best part of 120bhp with a decent can & a good setup. Just over 200kg so not silly heavy either just no point in revving the conkers off them as the softy cams & lower compression removes top end. A head skim bumps the compression up & tweaks the cam timing to move the power up the range which works well. Decent pads & braided hoses sorts the brakes, decent fork springs & oil plus a decent rear shock sorts out pretty much all of the shortcomings! I know as that is exactly what my '96 has! Huge bang for your buck & the noise with a decent can is great (Yoshi RS3 gets my vote!).

[@MuscleBandit]

I thought the same about the drag comment. I share a garage with my pal who has a 1999 CBR600f and he certainly cannot outdrag me, ever! Great review though.

[@MHLivestreams]

I fancy making a hardtail chop out of one, great machines.

[@davidpyper82]

As if I had reviewed it myself very good opinion and review good man

[@shinethelight01]

Music to my ears! Love the sound of that oil cooled engine through the Delkevik exhaust!

[@mathewwebb522]

Thanks for making such a great vid/review on this bike. You've made me both jealous and wanting one. Biggest bike I've owned ever was a CB 750 K. Loved it but think I would love this bike more. Thanks again.

[@stickman8005]

The noise the power! Probably the best educational video I’ve watched on this icon of a bike! 1200cc naked power genuinely one of my favourites ❤️

[@atthesummitMTBskills]

Loved my 89 gsxr1100 now on the lookout for a bandit 12. Don’t say bad range, I get about 80miles before the light come on on my Harley. Anything that goes more than a 100miles to a tank is good in my book. Great review, thanks

[@TheFatLobster]

Got myself a 2003 Bandit 1200 after watching this video and couldn't agree more. There's just something special about the visceral analog feel the bike has.

[@conbry6388]

8:25 'In case the fuel prices have gone absolutely mental since then' Me sat here in the summer of 2022, shoulders heaving as I stifle tears.

[@bulletz9280]

People say about them that "it's a bike that's not good at anything" but my experience with naked Suzukis, whether it's a GS500, GSF600 or 1200, is they're all fantastic for having fun within the speed limits in a way that nothing else is. Give them some mild suspension upgrades and they'll outperform just about anything. I turned a GS500 into a street scrambler which shaved a lot of weight, the resulting performance improvement was very surprising and to this day it's hands down one of the best bikes I've ever owned.

[@spokebloke1]

I bought a 1250 6mths ago, and I love it. I've always had v-twins, and the smoothness of the in-line 4, the hugs gobs of usable torque, along with the upright riding position all have me hooked! Yes, it's not truly 'fast', but as a road bike, putting it through a nice set of corners just puts that big grin on your face. My commute is a 250km round trip on highway, with one really great section of mountain range to go down in the morning and then up in the afternoon. The Bandit is perfect for this. With peak torque only a couple of hundred revs above what she sits on at the speed limit, there's no need to drop down. Just keep it in 6th, check over the shoulder, wind the throttle on and enjoy the train-like pull!

[@nazzers2794]

Just passed my bike test and hopefully getting a 650 bandit, yours sounds immense!

[@marcready6369]

I have recently fallen in love with this bike and i really enjoyed your review. Thanks. :)

[@snirge]

Really enjoyable review - loved it, I've got one and agree with everything.

[@Arjan-re7lr]

Nice review! I own the same bandit and recognize a lot of your criticism. It is really a lot of fun to drive, even after I owned several faster bikes like a 600 Thundercat and ZXR750. But on the road this is perfect for in The Netherlands and Germany.

[@MrCimexman]

I have a 1999 1200 Bandit and it does very well keeping tabs on my Mates R1. The bike just breeds confidence, as you say in your review the front end can jiggle but it always feels safe. I have always maintained that the bike has more performance than I can give it so while still powering on, there is a safe limit there

[@MrCimexman]

MrCimexman Also the bike has done ove r43000 miles and still runs sweetly

[@m0untainm0ney]

I have a 98 as well. I imagine every bandit owner says the same kind of things you say. It's not the fastest, but it's fast. It's boring, but it's fun. It's not the prettiest or slickest looking, but it's not ugly. I'd like to get another kind of bike, but.... I'm cool with this one. I always tell folks that it's a really cheap fast bike, and a really fast cheap bike. I would keep that "future classic" talk down, though, or it may mess that up as well. awesome job on capturing the sound

[@TheLoneTrader]

m0untainm0ney I think it's ugliness is a part of it's beauty. I was a bit pissed off with the sound as the mics on my Zoom H4 get overloaded above 50mph or so. I'll have to look at other options I think. Although it certainly captured the feeling of riding it. As regards "future classic" talk haha: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLVq2BsmKmdiKM

[@bradmacdowell6583]

Nice review! I've got a 2006 Yamaha FZ6 and an '88 Ninja ZX600, both inline-4. I love the top end power and sound of them but videos like this make me want a bigger cc bike, something more torquey. Nice roads there and great riding!

[@scottlochans4180]

GSF 1200 BANDIT, very nice. My '05 GSF 650 BANDIT, is everything, one careful, cautious owner, who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles, and you could never want or need to accelerate faster than my 650 Bandit.' take care'!! No it's a Bandit, such a JOY, never same old, same old.

[@joebutlersnr7017]

I had a 1200, and I couldn't believe how it felt , very hard to keep the nose down , I only had it for 10 months, then a 916 hit me head on , two broken arms and an amputated right leg above the knee finished me , ducati on the wrong side of the road , 130 mph closing speed, but what a bike , awesome.

[@MANIKO5]

Just watched this vid again with a smile on my face, who doesn't love the bandit hey ? Then your comment was like a smack to the face, a wake up call you might say. Hope your doing ok bud.

[@joebutlersnr7017]

@@MANIKO5 I'm doing fine mate , thanks.

[@keltthomas8476]

The day I passed my test I got a bandit 1200 I've been on it for 9 years now and still love it it really dose teach you how to ride proper and u learn very fast on how quick the bandit can and will kill you if u ride like a prat

[@leeengelsman1855]

So true they can be dangerous but this is great for tempering feelings of invincibility.

[@leeengelsman6356]

That thing is an absolute honey, It will spoil you for anything else and ooohh what sound!

[@richardburn9221]

This is my favorite review on the bandit. Well done!!

[@patrickdumont8670]

Got a 2008 1250GT 6 weeks ago mint showroom condition Suzuki blue. Got it for real cheap 3000CAN dollars. Best bike i've owned yet. Use it every day if not hard rain. Already put 6k on it since. The torque makes me so happy, i have the MiVV GP exhaust on it. The snap crackle pop sound when downshifting or coasting after acceleration is second to none. 🏍️ You make a fely nice review and i envy you sound setup for the exhaust. Ride safe 👌

[@Adikxx]

mate this is a quality review,I've been waiting for proper 1st gen bandit review for ages,thanks very much!!! If you somehow have access to other bikes please review zrx1200r! Regards

[@sam73mck]

Well, I was undecided with regards to buying one. Been teetering for a while but you’ve swung me. Got a 1997 model firmly in my sights.

[@_XRMissie]

I know this video is nearly a decade old, but I own a 2008 650, been riding that for 2 years. It's ok, but I've had so many inexplicable problems with the FI system, and coming from a carbed 125 that I've been riding for 6 years, it's just a pain... Even an "old" bike like mine is too modern for me, hence why I want to "downgrade" but also increase the CC by getting a Mk1 bandit. Bonus points if it's a 97. I'm looking at this video as if it were made today, because I know these old bikes are just built to last (mechanically). They're absolute machines, motorcycling in its purest form. May not be the fastest, some call it ugly but I just think they're fab. They're just a normal, unassuming bike with enough power to get you in and out of trouble lmao. Dream machine. If you still have this bike, I'd like to ask a few questions: - Genuinely, is it actually a difficult thing to "balance the carbs"? Working with a carb isn't hard, but I can imagine it's annoying trying to tune them to work together. - How do you feel about not having ABS? I feel like I don't need it. My CG125 didn't have it, and the brakes on that were bloody awful. - 5 speed kinda worries me. I already try to go into imaginary 7th a lot on my bandit, but my CG was 5 speed too, but you seem to think it's fine due to the momentum. - What's the long term maintenance like? Is it easy enough to get parts for it still, being nearly 25 years old? Invaluable video mate, glad you kept it up all these years :D

[@TheLoneTrader]

Hi there. Here goes with answering your questions: - Once you get the hang of the method and use decent gear, it's not actually difficult to balance carbs. You just need a bit of patience. - I grew up riding bikes with no ABS, so it doesn't bother me at all. However, that's going to come down to personal preference. It's a heavy bike and the brakes aren't amazing, so it's something to think about. - The 1200 engine puts out so much torque that 5 gears is genuinely all you need. It's quite long legged in the gearing so it doesn't feel rushed at speed. - A lot of these older Bandits will be in need of a fair bit of maintenance and TLC but they really are hard to kill. Everything is easy to get at physically and online guides are plentiful. They also share so many parts with other bikes that there's no issue at all getting spares. Addendum: Carbs are great and I love them but they are more maintenance and a bit more fiddly than FI bikes. Once you learn how to fix and maintain them, it's all great. But it does require that investment of knowledge.

[@_XRMissie]

@@TheLoneTrader Thank you so much for answering, I will keep these in mind. As for the addendum, people say FI is superior in every way, but at least you don't need specialist software just to increase idle speed, or to slightly increase the fuel/air mixture ratio for carbs

[@UrAverageGamerHD]

got my 1200 maybe 4 months ago. put some TLC into it. love every second of it. never selling it

[@stevemurphy5467]

Cool review - looking at getting a '98 1200 Bandit so perfect run through - thanks

[@TheTopGhia]

I agree with all you have said, they are great bikes. I missed mine so much i bought it back again 3 years later and paid the same as i had taken for it. Check out your bars though they are twisted mate.

[@champ8899]

What a great review!! such a nice bike,I just got one that was wrecked and look forward to when I can try it.

[@SamMackinnon-j1f]

I have a mk1 1200 N Love it. After riding old BMW'S and evo Harley's for years it's a blast to ride. Great review recommend to anyone 👍

[@neilcole4844]

Yes I had one of those and it was great fun lots of lovely low down torque!!

[@MrBoybergs]

Very nice review. Gotta love the older bikes. Btw; anyone else immediately thought of the old Baron videos when we cut to the riding through London clips?

[@hypo79]

I love older bikes cause you have to really ride them, even youre doing only 100km/h, feels fast as hell ;) I ride 2004 1200s Bandit

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Nice bike and sounds incredible. Mine's even more old-school than that being a '88 Katana 1100 (GSX1100F) but even at around 115,000 km still runs great and pulls like a freight train.

[@eggsjackarmy9]

Cracking review, good sound quality too!! Looking forward to getting mine out this summer, thank you

[@Steve-ob2zg]

Love bandits, sold my last years ago and wished I never, finally got another last year, will always have one in the garage now.

[@azmike1956]

Wheelie meister! I miss my '01 Bandit. Holeshot stage ll, Yoshi header, Gixxer 1100 intake cam, airbox work with K & N! Other tweeks too.✌

[@markbrown4127]

Ridden that road a million times, through Balcome to Burgess Hill :) Happy days!

[@davidrochow9382]

thanks for the review.I live in South Australia and I am thinking about buying 1 and your review has been very helpful.

[@ConnieRyder]

Genius video -- well done. I'm looking to pick up a low mile (23k miles) '98 myself this month. This bike defies reason -- a few bikes have better stats (1/4 mile, wet #, tech), but they just don't have that balance and visceral feel that your video captures so well. Nicely done.

[@eliashader5148]

Best Bike 1st gen 1996 with Cobra Exhaust you drive over 300 km/h and you have a very good sound. 120 1st, 180 2nd, 240 3rd and power without end in every...FANTASTIC for 1700 €.

[@stanbest3743]

The Suzuki engineers admired the Merlin installation in the Spitfire which has equal sized oil and water coolers.. Air cooled is actually oil cooled.

[@thegazwaz640]

Great review thanks. I'm 45 and only past my test 2 years ago. I've had an RF600 for the past year and a half but just sold it to buy a Bandit 1200. Been looking at the 1250 07+ but I'm finding myself more leaning towards a later pre water cool model. Looking forward to feeling all that torque. Cheers Gaz

[@TheLoneTrader]

TheGazWaz Thanks for the comment. The 1250 is a bloody good bike and more powerful too but it's a bit less "up for it" in the way it feels. The problem with the pre-watercooled models is finding one in good condition for a decent price. They rust and corrode like nothing else. Good luck in your search. They certainly are out there.

[@davemoore53]

@@TheLoneTrader w Had been looking for a clean mk1 for a while and found one that had been in storage for years with just 7k miles on it - went fishing for mackerel and caught a shark, what a blast!

[@davemoore53]

Loved your video mate especially the mid-talk wheelie🤣 on an even better note I've recently bought a mk1 1200N with just 7000 miles on it - can't wait for next summer 🙂

[@grabir01]

Good find for sure!!

[@HALFBREEDMUGEN]

I have a k2 bandit and its perfect for the narrow San Francisco streets

[@yishay83]

Very nice review on the bandit ! Waiting for your next review

[@TheLoneTrader]

yishay83 Thanks. I really appreciate it. Next vid is up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH6ZYYh_mZyYl6s

[@stealthypope]

+The Lone Trader Any more reviews in the future?

[@Llyander]

I've ridden a lot of different bikes, and nothing accelerates quite like the 1200 Bandit. It might not be the fastest accelerating thing out there, but it really is like Thanos. It's inevitable.

[@KONOSSEK]

Still best bike on earth. You don't need anymore to drive like a champ!

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

I had a GS1100 E. I gave it to a friend. Must be the father of this one. It had the same hp that you stated back in 1983. About 114 hp. I am old and driving a Goldwing now.

[@kierenleak6521]

great video, i started out on a bandit 600 mk1 when i passed me test few years ago, ive been doing up a mk1 1200 97 for the last 2 years, its nearly ready for the road, just having the carbs ulter sonic clean, like you said in the video the bandit 1200 only got 5 gears is strange because the 600mk1 has 6, easy enough to work on, only thing i will say is if your buying a bandit b12 is check the headers and join on the exhaust as that's where they go, plus back brake is crap if honest gets all the crap from the raod salt ect can be a nightmare to get the potions out if anything like mine, as when i bought mine was a mess if honest and i payed £920 from london keep the video coming

[@kvarnerinfoTV]

Nice review. I own 2004 1200 Bandit and I love it :)

[@ZacharyThomas-n6x]

I have a 97 1200s. Modified air box and a five degree timing advance kit. And kerker exhaust pipe. Has 24,000 miles. It was my first motorcycle and I love it. It's hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. Just wish it had a six speed and a higher rev limit

[@MHLivestreams]

Swap it out for gsxr engine and cdi if you like. 6 speed, wild cam and ignition as standard.

[@brandon52491]

19:01-19:10 That sound...

[@TheLoneTrader]

The key to my heart.

[@tomreinhard8916]

thank you so much for that timemark! didn't count how often I used it

[@romainm2271]

@@TheLoneTrader Hi whose exhaust have you got on your B12 ?

[@Chilenglish]

Great video and commentary. The bike sounds fantastic looking forward to more of your vids

[@TheLoneTrader]

craig wilson Thanks for your feedback. I aim to please. The next vid is up if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH6ZYYh_mZyYl6s

[@larrywhitesell4139]

I've got a 2001 1200 s bandit with a yoshimura full exhaust and I think it sounds better than the new formula one cars. Torquey and fun and reliable doesn't use oil at 48,000 mi. even driving it hard everyday. Fast enough, although above 10,000 ft I wish I had another 15 lb of torque!!

[@toffetamboer]

Love my 1996 Bandit 1200. It's one very cheap, reliable torque explosion. And it's rock n' roll (in black).

[@TheLoneTrader]

You basically summed up my thoughts nicely 🤟

[@toffetamboer]

Enjoy ur coffee 🤘🏻

[@TheLoneTrader]

@@toffetamboer Thanks, man. I really appreciate the support. 🤟🤘

[@impalaSS65]

This is a good and honest review. Refreshing. I have two of them and some other bikes. Agree with most things stated. However, I don't agree it's "heavy". At the time, only the much more expensive fz1000 fazer was lighter. the more comparable and still more expensive XJR1200/1300 was way heavier. so was the ZRX 1100 and 1200. And I at least can't push it to it's limits, as I can with a moped or my klx650r or ttr600. On bumpy, twisty roads, I can go as fast as my zrx1200 because of the tight chassi (short wheel base, light weight and steep forks), despite much worse brakes, suspension and almost 25hp less power.

[@rgochina]

Love, love old Bandit's! Had 5 of them, best bikes 👍

[@andrewnash4394]

nice review after years of riding and band for 3 years for speeding at 50 + years old i found an old school all do all bike. I got a 1200 mk2, bit of a dog with 64k miles on 02 plate. i got it cheap to build the bike the way i wish to ride. for under 2k i now have a bike with 135 bhp, that handles on track days, good on long runs and stops like it hit a wall very esay to work on. Naked to make sure i don't live at 140mph + every time i ride. The bus really is no fun.!!!!

[@hotrodsgarage]

Great review of a fantastic bike. Bravo!

[@icantrideslow]

Mate that was a fricking close call at 6:23 :O great review!

[@cluckcluck2001]

I've had a few of these. Bananas bike. One of the best bikes ever made FOR SURE. Sidecar racers used to use this engine widely - very reliable and NUTSO. I think the maximum speed I had out of mine was around 145mph coming home from Laguna Seca back in 2002....difficult to tell as my head was shaking in the wind a bit - hahahaa. GREAT "drag bike" - stop light to stop light - take a bit of masterful control, but I can't remember anything ever beating me 🙂

[@lilRicky891]

When I was growing up my dad had the bandit 1200s but his was a 200mph monster on a stock chassis. which he ran with cut slicks and to this day he claims it's his favourite bike he's had. He's currently riding the b-king it makes me want to grab a bandit but I enjoy my cr450 supermoto to much atm.

[@johnb5352]

Great review,super accurate.Never a truer word spoken about sports bikes too!

[@cecilwilson5442]

Just bought a 1200s year 2000 for £1500 19000 miles,,go with my 06 gsxr 1000 ,,be keeping it great old bike ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

I agree that inline fours are horrible for the street, but if you try a big v-twin, you will love the big engines, and the incredible torque.

[@atom608]

+mrsuperbuckets why would you need more torque than what this bike has?

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

+atom608 This is one of those "if you have to ask, then you wont understand" kind of things.

[@atom608]

mrsuperbuckets it power wheelies with no effort in 1st gear with piss all throttle and second and if you look at the bike all the weight is at the front because of the cylinders and it weighs a ton and it power wheelies with ease like realistically how can you want more torque than this if you had anymore you would loop it

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

***** A Buell 1125r has more torque, and hp than this bike, and it also has shorter gearing, and a shorter wheelbase, and I have absolutely no problem controlling it. An EBR 1190 makes 180hp, and 110q, and it isn't hard to control.

[@fattymcgee123]

I know this is an old thread, but the 1125r doesn't have much more torque than the b1200... you know, I just looked it up to confirm I'm not an idiot and found I'm exactly that. I'll leave this in here for posterity. At least the b1250 has about the same torque but less power than the 1125r. Totally different bikes, though. And prices :D

[@Phantomwiz1985]

Got a 05 gsf1200s. My dream bike. Only got 2900km on it. Beautiful

[@allanhughes7859]

This is why I just love my vfr 400 Its just fun to ride and is good fun at any speed My friends with their new bikes just find them boring under a 100 plus and lets be honest where the hell can you do those speeds these days YEP "TRACK ONLY" unless you dont mind being of the road for 12 months and paying twice the insurance when you get your licence back !!! Good review fella well done !!

[@TheLoneTrader]

Cheers Alan. I'm in total agreement. I've had the litre bikes in the past and they just end up feeling frustrating 90% of the time. You're not engaged with the bike because you're barely waking it up at sensible road speeds. Hence you just end up doing stupid things on group rides to feel the thrill. It's much more interesting to push a lesser bike towards its limits because you become engaged with managing its limitations and you can feel like you're having an effect on it and vice versa. Look out for a VFR 400 review in the future. I just bagged an NC24 and the first impressions ride will be up very soon.

[@bradychurchill3320]

Funny thing, I have been looking for one of these bikes and came across your video. I knew something looked really familiar at the beginning of the video. And when I seen you come down the road by the hospital I knew exactly where you were. I live in the same town. I will be checking out all of your videos!

[@karylhogan5758]

Owned one in ‘96.. loved this bike.. parked it into car at 95mph.. bike not too bad, car I hit cut in half..😁

[@mastertek383]

Zuki did us a big favor whith the B12 by using the same engine from the 1990 gsxr11. That motor has potential to put down a reliable 150whp and 85ft/lbs horsey torques. If you spend the penny on a better rear shock and respring the front you can have a comfortable bike with looney output. The gsxr11/katana 11 were commonly referred to as the kings of torque back in the day

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A well done video. Enjoyed. Got the 650 as a second bike. I like it a lot. Cheers bro.