2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S

Pros: Price. Looks. Versatility. Ease of maintenance. Legendary engine reliability.
Cons: "only" 101 hp stock. Will have 100k miles when last payment due.

I bought my 01 Bandit 1200s from Competition Accessories in Columbus, Ohio in May 2001. I shopped via the internet, exchanged a couple of emails with a salesman, sent the check and 3 days later the bike was delivered (Friday before Memorial Day 2001). ...

Pros: Insane power at all revs, impressive handling for budget price, multi-state ergos, cheap insurance
Cons: NOT FOR BEGINNERS! Not a touring bike and heavy for some to handle.

Quick background on me: Been riding with my dad to races and rallies since I was 5. I've grown up around motorcycles and had a chance to ride every major motorcycle from the last couple decades of bikes. I love a sportbike for an afternoon scratch, ...

Pros: Great looks, power, brakes, low vibration, classic engine, for a rock-bottom price
Cons: Lots of air deflected over small fairing.

We purchased our 2001 Bandit 1200 S early in the 2002 season for Schaumburg Honda-Suzuki for $5600. What a steal. The Bandit has great low-mid range torque and enough HP on the high end to thrill just about anyone. Why this bike gets so little press here ...

Pros: Fast, Great Mid-range Torque, Affordable, Comfortable
Cons: Small fairing (very windy above 100 mph)

This bike has an excellent engine that puts the power in the mid-range where a rider of moderate ability can really use it and have fun. With its more upright seating position, it keeps the weight off the wrists and is very comfortable to me (6' 3"...

Pros: Great reliability, tons of easy power, great value for money, easy to modify.
Cons: Handling not as sharp as some bikes, but can be improved with after market shocks

Bandits are a damn good bike, I have just sold mine, only because I couldn't afford to keep the SV1000S and a Bandit as well. I think the Bandits are superb value for money, tons of easy torque for a very low rev range, more so than the Sv1000s I would ...

Pros: comfortable, powerful, bulletproof motor.
Cons: suspension is basic

The 2001 Bandit 1200S is truly a remarkable machine. I've owned mine now for 1 year and have 13,500 miles on it.
Being a commuter, I ride daily, roughly about 80 miles round trip to and from work. I also ride 2 up sometimes on the weekends for...

Pros: Price, Comfort, reliability, economy, power.
Cons: If you don't really look after it in the winter it rusts too quickly

I upgraded to the 1200s (fully faired) from the Naked 600 and thought the only real difference would be a bit of grunt and a little less wind in my face. Boy was I wrong.

This thing pulls like a train, but when you want to chill out round the twisties you need never let out of top gear as the torque follows the engine through the entire rev range (the 600 has power ranges at 4k and 8k revs).

The riding position is upright enough to ride all day without paining your back, and forward enough that you can duck under the fairing and go 150mph (on a track day of course).

The handling is great, not a race bike, but that's not what the bandit is about. I can ride all day, 2-up with luggage and it won't fail. Good economy (only slightly more fuel used than the 600) and fast enough that the boy racers in their Scooby's don't stand a chance.

Would I buy another???

You better believe it.

Pros: Plenty of power for riding with other sport bikes, and handles well.
Cons: I have had a hard time finding after market performance parts.

I bought an 2002' Bandit got a steal of a deal with only 8000 miles on it and in mint condition. I love this bike its pretty fast and handles great. It was a little heavy at first from my last bike but is balanced well. It is a great bike to ride if you want somewhat of a crossbreed bike its more sporty than a traditional touring but still relaxed enough for a long ride with a more upright position when riding. Tip: This is not a novice bike for beginners, I def. think it is a more moderate bike not a racing bike but you should be somewhat expieranced.