I find it interesting that some people think the FJR is faster then the Bandit. I also moved up from a 2002 Bandit to a 2009 FJR. The bandit was the same as the FJR for power under 8,000 RPM. Over 8,000 RPM the FJR needs a gear change soon, while the Bandit becomes an animal. I loved that kick from the bandit and with the FJR had the same. I miss that scary feeling. Handling is another story. The bandit suffered from a weak front end. The FJR easily out handles the Bandit. It is way easier to carve up the curves on the FJR, and miles just seem to melt away. Buy the FJR, you won't regret it.
Do you have anything to back up your claims of greater top-end on the bandit? FJR trap speeds are higher in the 1/4 mile typically and all you have to do is line them up and you'll watch an FJR walk away from a B12, ESPECIALLY on the top end. I'll make a video next time I ride with my buddy and his 03 B12. The Bandit has about 101 peak hp stock.
Don't get me wrong, I put 50k miles on my Bandit and owned it for 9 years, loved it.
