FJR vs Bandit 1250

[LgFJR]

The bike was delivered earlier today!

I sure hope we get an early spring this year!

Cheesy you done good!......it looks like a screamer just sitting there........many happy miles coming up......

 

[HPTuner]

I've got a question for the guys who have had both bikes. I've got an FZ6 that I have farkled for sport-touring & it does a good job for what it is. But most of my riding ends up being longer distances(for me anyway), so I've been thinking about a bigger bike so it won't be screaming it's guts out on long hauls. I originally thought about a Bandit 1250, but by the time I address the wind issue(I like to ride in a quiet pocket)& put luggage on it, I'm within 1000-1500 bucks of a used FJR. I had never ridden a Bandit until a couple of weeks ago, when I was checking one out to buy. I test rode it down the road & boy, that thing had a harsh ride! It wasn't close to the suppleness of my FZ6. When I got back from the test ride, I got to looking at it & it had been lowered. They used lowering links on the back & had slid the fork tubes up in the triple clamps about an inch. Well, that explained the nervousness in the curves. I was able to check the rear preload & it was on #4 which I think is stock setting. The ride & handling was unacceptable. I don't really think that was a good example for a Bandit, but my question is... How does the ride compare between the Bandit & FJR?(in stock form) I am aware that enough money could be spent to make any bike ride the way you want,but this bike purchase is going to pretty much wipe out the old budget!

 

[Spud]

I had a prior gen bandit (1200) and the suspension on the FJR is definitely a step up. If you're serious about distance the shaft drive is something I never really cared about--until I had it. Then you realize the chains really are a PITA. Better range, better wind protection. The bandit felt narrower (which I liked better) and more nimble. If I was never going to go over 200 miles at a time, I'd probably save the money and go with a bandit. For 400 mile + days the FJR really takes over as a superior machine.

 

[stevec677]

Definitely go with the FJR. You won't be disapointed. Adjustable windshield, hard saddle bags and shaft drive make all the difference.

 

[FJR Bill]

For short weekend rides I'd prefer my Bandit. It's fast, light/nimble and trouble free. For long distance trips, the FJR is superior with excellent wind protection, side bags, good suspension. Both are great bikes and owning both would be ideal. But identify the main use for your future bike then make a decision.

Bill

 

[TheBlueStreak]

I had a B12, then bought a FJR (2008) but kept the B12 for going to work, short rides and teaching (I'm a MSF RiderCoach). Ended up selling the FJR to buy a Goldwing and last week bought a B1250. I got the promotion saddlebag deal too ($200 for Givi bags that normally go for $1100) and the Goldwing for longer rides and/or two up riding. The FJR is not really a great two up bike. I think it depends on what you will be doing.

The B1250 is much closer to the FJR than the B12 was; about the same fairing coverage, ABS, speed/power, comfort, etc.

I think both the B12 and B1250 handle better than the FJR, i.e. more nimble, quicker steering, etc.

Rob

 

[FJR Bill]

I had a B12, then bought a FJR (2008) but kept the B12 for going to work, short rides and teaching (I'm a MSF RiderCoach). Ended up selling the FJR to buy a Goldwing and last week bought a B1250. I got the promotion saddlebag deal too ($200 for Givi bags that normally go for $1100) and the Goldwing for longer rides and/or two up riding. The FJR is not really a great two up bike. I think it depends on what you will be doing.

The B1250 is much closer to the FJR than the B12 was; about the same fairing coverage, ABS, speed/power, comfort, etc.

I think both the B12 and B1250 handle better than the FJR, i.e. more nimble, quicker steering, etc.

Rob

I pretty much agree with your comparo expecially, "more nimble, quicker steering, etc." However the wind protection, stability at high speed, better suspension (to 1200), I think make the FJR better as a long range sport/tourer. Sure loved my '99 Bandit. Don't fall asleep on your GW. Bill

 

[roger dodger]

FJR = MADE for sporty touring

Bandit = CAN be made for sporty touring

 

[Kevin_Ireland]

Well, on my Bandit I changed the shock out, upgraded the springs and Dale Walker got a lot of my money for the engine. I never put bags on it but it could haul ass by the time I was done with it. I liked it but I never loved it. I've had the FJR a few years now and if I get rid of it, it will only be to get another one. I love it! It does everything that the Bandit it only better right out of the box. I disagree about it not being a good two up bike. There are plenty of us on here that use it for two up riding including multi-day trips. Is it a Goldwing? Heck no, and it shouldn't be. It's not a TOURING bike it's a SPORT-TOURING bike. Compare apples to apples please.

I put 16,000 miles on my bike is 6 months of riding last year. I only put 4,000 on my Jeep. When I get home from this deployment the FJR will be waiting for me in the garage. My Jeep was sold.

 

[steve'o']

I have riden both, although I only owned the B12 for a few months, it was a fun bike, but I would have to agree with the percentage that the FJR is an all-around better bike, stock version, more bang for the buck imo.

 

[Graham Downunder]

Personally I would not buy a new bike as the second hand market has so many bargins at the moment I would go after good used bike .If you are going to do 5-10,000 miles a year what dose it matter if a bike has 15,000 on it when these bikes will do 120,000 plus miles before major cost. Remember if you buy second hand you stand to loose much less if you do not like it .

I would consider hiring a bike for a day so you have time to decide if you like it.You may be able to hire one of each for half a day so you can compare them back to back over the same roads without the pressure of a salesman.

The FJR has a more solid feel about it like something carved from stone .

A bandit 1250 is a good bike for the price but not to the standard of the fJR.

Remember the best bike you have riden is the best you know untill you ride something better.

 

[TheBlueStreak]

For me the FJR was just not comfortable enough, so went with the Goldwing. I can tell you, that I keep up fine with my friend and his BMW K1200S and he does not ride slow in the twisties. Love both my B1250ABS and Goldwing depends on what I want to do!!

 

[rwenck]

I have an FJR, a Bandit, and a Chrysler 300 SRT8 sitting in my garage. I'm too sick to ride the bikes, with no prospect of getting better, but I love them both and can't bear to part with them.

 

[garywayne]

For me the FJR was just not comfortable enough, so went with the Goldwing. I can tell you, that I keep up fine with my friend and his BMW K1200S and he does not ride slow in the twisties. Love both my B1250ABS and Goldwing depends on what I want to do!!

I put a full Traxxion (front springs & rear shock)on the Wing I had. Some people just could not beleive it when they looked and saw a Goldwing behind them.........

Gary

 

[dirttracker30]

Thanks for the comparisons everyone. I decided to go ahead and buy the FJR. I'm working with a local dealer and if they come through with the price I want, I'll own a new 2011 FJR by the weekend. It is probably crazy to buy it based on a test ride from a few years ago, but I've wanted one ever since they first came out.

It is good to know the FJR is a bit faster than a stock Bandit. I would sometimes toy with the idea of doing the full Holeshot treatment on the Bandit. Maybe when the bank account recovers from the FJR purchase I can talk my wife into it so I can have some extra fun when I borrow her bike.

A little preplanning for you get the FJR. What will be the price your wife have to pay if she claims the FJR????

I need to be careful not to talk her into trying it out this time. We took turns sitting on an FJR in the showroom last weekend. She commented that it seemed huge and felt really heavy. However, that is exactly what she said about the Bandit when she first sat on it.

The only problem with the Bandit on long rides is the stock seat is not very good. He had the Spence mod done but didn't notice much change.

It is interesting how people's butts are different. I could barely stand the Bandits stock seat after 50 miles, but after the Spencer seat mod I could go about 300 miles before my but started to ache. I really like to Corbin I had on my old FZ1. I didn't have too much trouble doing an Iron Butt with that bike. The worst was doing a 750 mile day on my old Intruder 1400 on a brand new Corbin. Between the unbroken in seat and not being able stand on the pegs to give my butt a break, it seamed like a much longer ride. Hopefully I can get by with the stock seat on the FJR for a riding season or two as won't have much discretionary spending money for awhile.

One word...... AIRHAWK........ Your arse will thank you

 

[Steve Scheer]

I've got a '02 Bandit 12S and a '10 FJR in the garage. I love them both. The Bandit is a little less refined and a little more grunty, but's it's toured the southeast (with strap-on saddle/tail bags) and it's a nibble commuter. The FJR is better in slightly cooler weather, more comfy on truly long days in the saddle, and just more refined. I just can't sell the Bandit...it's the feisty, scrappy old dog you love andplah with in the back yard, while the FJR is the young dog you take for the long walks.

The Bandit replacement, the Suzi GSX1250FA gets terrific reviews and looks more modern than the Bandit...maybe it's the compromise you're looking for.

 

[incoherent]

Suzuki really screwed the pooch when the a/o Bandits were still being made. All they had to do was update the 1100G engine (shaft drive, dual counter-balancers, 5 gt oil capacity) and make a touring model. Suzuki would have ruled the Sport-Tourer market. The chain drive Bandit is best when neckid.

The FJR is just such a damn good all arounder it's hard to beat. Good looks and lots of function along with just the right amount of amenities.

 

[garyahouse]

You spoke of the old Suzuki 1100G. They made them from 91-93. I had a stocker...a 1991 - just a couple years ago. Sold it to get my FJR... Comparison? The FJR rear suspension doesn't jump as much when ya hit the gas. No antilock brakes, very similar weight, oddly enough. Suspension on all the G's was attrocious, but frame was stout. Seating position was great and all in all it was a great bike. Made about 115 hp or so and was just a tick slower than the FJR. Don't be fooled by the radiator, it's oil and air cooled. Lotta good memories on the "G."

Gary

Darksider #44

 

[incoherent]

I had a '91 as well. It was the maroon color. I did the suspension on mine and it made a world of difference.

The gist of my comment was the fact that if Suzuki would have built a dedicated S/T (not just the catalog add-ons like what they had for the G) based around that engine/final drive back in the late '90's they would have commanded the market place. It would have also made a good building block for the future market place. They just haven't figured out yet that people will pay extra for shaft drive motorcycles.

I'm glad that Yamaha did and builds one of the finest S/T's the world has ever known.

 

[gumba]

I have both. Bought an 07 to take my mind off the 07 FJR ECU disaster. Never dreamed how complex the Bandit electronic control was going to be. It's a mind fucker. To do a TBS on that prick takes some study. I hate coils in spark plug caps. 20k and my chain is already spitting red (hate it when that happens). The Bandit suspension sux.