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2002 Suzuki Bandit 1200
I've always thought that the Bandit is a pretty bike. The blue of the one I sat on this year was really gorgeous --
sort of a deep blue-grey. The Bandit 1200 is an interesting bike -- at first glance it looks very similar to the SV650, but
there are quite a few differences under the hood, so to speak. The obvious one is that the 1200 has a, well, 1200cc engine
(ok, 1157cc, but who's counting?), and four cylinders instead of two. There are a few minor differences as well, such as
the Bandit's hydraulic clutch, 5.3 gallon gas tank, and centerstand. Why Suzuki hasn't at least added the hydraulic clutch
and centerstand to the SV is anyone's guess.
My thoughts from the saddle: The Bandit's stock seat must be wider than the SVS's, since I remarked that the Bandit felt
tall despite a 31.1" seat height (the SVS's is 31.7"). The stock seat is comfortable, though, and the ergonomics of the bike
are nice. I was leaned forward more than I'd really like, but it's nowhere near the agressive posture of the stock SVS setup
(the Bandit 1200S is probably more analogous to the SVS in this regard). It looks like a fun bike; I'd like to get the
chance to ride one sometime. :)
Suzuki's spec sheet
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