2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS

I've always loved my 2001 Suzuki Bandit -- a smooth, powerful, comfy mount equally at home commuting, cruising, or just out for a pleasure ride. Of course, the parts-bin nature of the bike meant compromises -- five speed transmission, no fuel injection or water cooling, and always just a few years ... "behind the curve." For me, it was the perfect bike, but could use just that little something extra.

When the new 2007 Bandit 1250S ABS came out, I just had to try one. I wasn't disappointed. This one fixes just about every problem the old one had, and there weren't that many fixes needed. Six speeds, fuel injection, liquid cooling, extra torque, extra ground clearance, and a suspension that puts the last one out to pasture.

Is it perfect? Darned close, but there are just a few little niggles. The first time I got on, I found my 6'4" knees up against the bodywork, a surprise since the previous one had no such issues. It turns out that, due to the new seat, you actually have to slide back into the butt-stop on the seat. Voila, extra clearance. And about that butt-stop: it certainly does lock you in more than on the old bike. Fortunately, the new seat is more comfortable on long trips, so that's less of a problem than you might anticipate. And of course, the ABS brakes are a wonder, and add greatly to peace-of-mind. Just bear in mind that the lever isn't as crisp as the old one (all that extra plumbing does make it a bit squishier), and don't forget that you can no longer slide the back end out with the rear brake (that saved me once on the old one, but I'll have to find a new way to create miraculous collision avoidances on this one). Also, if you're used to the old one, the bend on the bar is just a little odd, but if you slide back to the butt-stop and lean forward, you'll find that it's actually right about where it should be for that position.

How else does it compare to the old one? Back-to-back, you can feel the differences, but my mechanic was amazed at the similarities between the two bikes. Yes, it's smoother, more powerful, corners better, stops better, and has better long-distance comfort, but in most ways, if you loved the old Bandit, you'll fall head-over-heels for the new Bandit.

One problem I must address: during its 15,000-mile checkup, the timing chain SNAPPED during valve adjustment. As my mechanic knows what he's doing (he was the crew chief for a team that won a national championship a few years back), I got a little curious, and did some checking. It seems some of the cam chains on 2007 Suzukis weren't all they should be, and there have been a rash of replacements, so be aware that they need to be checked (if the chain had snapped while the bike was on the road, I might have been using that motor as a paperweight, rather than as my 'daily driver').

Is it as pretty as the 2001? Well, such things are personal preferences, but to my eye, the angular new bodywork isn't quite as beautiful, but the new line-beam headlamp is worlds ahead of the old cat's eye projector low beam. Of course, the old high-beam could start fires, and the new one's a bit weak, so you pays your money and takes your chances. Oh, and you can have the ABS bike in any color, as long as it's dark blue (aw, c'mon, guys, the new Hayabusa came in ORANGE!) The Suzuki designers also reduced the lamp count in the taillight cluster from two to one, so I'd replace the OEM incandescent 1157 bulb with an LED unit instantly, and keep the original as a spare (that's about all that will fit under the new seat, due to all that liquid cooling plumbing). Oh, and dump the OEM Dunlop tires as soon as is practicable -- they're sticky for about the first 1,000-1,500 miles, and then become the most disappointing sacks of goo imaginable. My uber-mechanic recommends Bridgestones, and I have to say that they have a good mix of grip and wear in chaotic Los Angeles traffic.

In short, if you're in the market for a big-bore standard/naked bike that won't scare you senseless the first time you try to crank open the throttle in a tight turn on Angeles Crest or Ortega Highway, this is the bike. Oh, did I mention it's also inexpensive, easy to insure, and has a comfy pillion seat for you Significant Other? As the British say, "Recommended at the price."