Nice review. I bought my 2011 new and now have over 69,000 trouble-free miles on it. This has been a fantastic machine. When I bought my Victory Vision in 2014 I decided to keep this bike and sport it up a bit! So all the luggage and the metal framework came off, the pillion pegs came off, I changed the gearing, redid the front forks with all new Race Tech stuff, put a custom built rear shock on, re-did the brakes/rotors, new front Master Cylinder and had all the hydraulic lines changed to braided stainless steel. And to top it all off I can now get away with sticky sport tires. The bike was completely transformed and is now a hoot to ride! The beauty of this machine is this amazing, completely unstressed engine that produces ass-loads of torque and a butter-smooth, precise transmission. This is perfect for real world street riding. And it is comfortable. The value this bike has given to me cannot be understated. It's a winner.
Dennis M , it was my first real big bike and I really am sad i got rid of it, even though I really love my V-Strom. With the changes and upgrades you describing it would be awesome, thanks for sharing, have fun.
Seems you changed from the GSX1250FA to the 1000/1050 V-Strom. I'm in between both of them concerning which one would be the better fit for the first bike. What do you advise me and why?
I bought my GSF1250/S Bandit in 2008 & even though I've had six bikes on the road at the same time including; the GL1800 Gold Wing, Triumph Rocket III Classic 2300cc, Kawasaki 650 Versys, KLR650 Dual Sport & Honda PS250 Big Ruckus, I'm now down to the Bandit & a 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber 1200cc High Torque. So far, I've found nothing wrong with a pair of 1200's in the stable.
Just done the spark plugs on mine. Remove tank, remove 2 bolts that hold cap/thermostat housing and you’re good to go. Cutouts in the frame let you get the left and right plug out. Move the thermostat housing left and right a smidge to do the centre 2 plugs. Less time and hassle than the 2 plugs on my TL😊
Nice review! Am looking at upgrading from 99 VFR800, was looking at VFR1200 - but maybe thats a bit too much! Had an older carb XJR1300 - loved it! Commuted in London for years on it. Might look at the GSX1250, never had a Suzuki ever. I'm more looking for low down than top end, hence the VFR1200 might not be ideal.
Well the GSX has definitely got it low down and mid range, easy to commute or cruise . . . and there’s still top end fun to have in the twisties coz it handles pretty nice as well!!
STEVE W-K , having visited Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side, and the temperature hit -29 I can see why you don’t ride all year. Thanks for commenting, ride safe.
Hi bud. So aftwr selling my 2019 GSA 1200. I've just bought a K1300S for summer touring. Im now after something to run through the colder months/rain. My budget is around 4k. Was looking at the GSX1250FA CBF1000 VFR800.
I only have experience of the GSX 1250fa, which in my very biased opinion is thee bike to get out of your list. Bullet proof engine, easy to work on and good looking 👌 I suppose the only other consideration is picking it up off the floor, something I truly hope you don’t have to experience🤞, in which case the VFR is the lightest🤷♂️ Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, let me know what you went for👌
@bikerantics5001 Try picking a R1200GSA fully luggaged up, around 285kg 😅. It'll only be used as a motorway muncher . Appreciate the help. I'll try to get on the GSX1250 sometime this week.
@@inked-96 I know what you mean😢. My Hayabusa fell over in my shed the other day and was tight against the side wall🫣. So i had to drag it away from the wall😢 so I had room to pick it up 😮💨. With the clip-ons there’s not the leverage I had when picking up my V-Strom 💩, it took some effort 🫡. I suppose the main thing is to stop dropping the bikes in the first place🤣
@bikerantics5001 ouch! Bet that was a stomach turning moment for sure! I do like the Strom, was contemplating getting one as the workhorse, but you're look at 4.5k+ for a 2017+. Where as the GSX1250/CBF100/FZ1 are around 3 5k.
@@inked-96 I’d only had the bike about a month 😱 thanks to the frame sliders it didn’t sustain any damage😮💨 I think the inline 4’s are more robust/ bulletproof than the twins and less agricultural 🤷♂️
fattymcgee123 BANDIT ISN'T EXACTLY FAST, WOW WHAT!!!!!, MY 2005 GSF 650 BANDIT, NOT A BANDIT S, BETTER THAN A BANDIT S. ACCELERATION LIKE IT'S AN UNARMED EXORCET SIDEWINDER POLARUS MISSILE, THAT PULLS UP A STEEP HILL, LIKE IT'S FALLING OFF A CLIFF!!!. WHEN I GOT MY BANDIT, IT HAD BEEN RAN IN FOR JUST OVER 15,000 MILES, BY ONE CAREFUL CAUTIOUS OWNER. MAYBE THATS WHY IT'S SO SO SPECIAL.
@@scottlochans4180 it isn't, considering what kind of power other bikes are putting out, and much lighter bikes at that. I've now got pistons and cams in my 1250, on top of Dale's stage 2 exhaust mods, and it would still get left in the dust by a super Duke GT. So yeah, quick enough for me, until I decide to strap some nitrous to it and get it up to snuff.
Tony Pham , its just a ‘motorcycle clip on windscreen’ from Ebay and it does help with buffeting, also during a hot summer you can use it to direct air to you, it also easily deals with high speeds.
Hi mate, looking to buy one soon, can you let me know the average mileage per tank? I intend to use it for a comuter, lets say 60-70miles per day...not a speed freak ... Apreciated, cheers and safe ride
Pancho_Villa_ PT , Hi, good choice! I get anywhere from 110-150 miles on a tank, but I'm quite throttle happy. So if your taking it easy and cruising you should easily see 140-150, maybe more.
Hi, it was comfortable for about 1.5 - 2 hours riding then I’d need to get off and stretch. Hope this was helpful, thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
What are the chances that I was just looking at this bike on the rite bike website and I thought let's look at a review and it's actually turned out to be your old bike minus the luggage box, nice review 👍
ewanburnett , well i can tell you it was run in as per the book and serviced regularly. The valves were checked and adjusted as part of a recall, but I’m pretty sure I’ve uploaded videos to show all this. I can’t vouch for the other owner, hopefully all the paperwork is still with the bike. I can’t compare as I’ve never ridden or owned a vfr but i know this bike is (was?!) a lovely machine. Good luck with making a decision.
![[TH] 2024 PMGC League | กลุ่มสีเหลืองวันที่ 1 | PUBG MOBILE Global Championship](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I_FdxGT3WV4/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice review. I bought my 2011 new and now have over 69,000 trouble-free miles on it. This has been a fantastic machine. When I bought my Victory Vision in 2014 I decided to keep this bike and sport it up a bit! So all the luggage and the metal framework came off, the pillion pegs came off, I changed the gearing, redid the front forks with all new Race Tech stuff, put a custom built rear shock on, re-did the brakes/rotors, new front Master Cylinder and had all the hydraulic lines changed to braided stainless steel. And to top it all off I can now get away with sticky sport tires. The bike was completely transformed and is now a hoot to ride! The beauty of this machine is this amazing, completely unstressed engine that produces ass-loads of torque and a butter-smooth, precise transmission. This is perfect for real world street riding. And it is comfortable. The value this bike has given to me cannot be understated. It's a winner.
Dennis M , it was my first real big bike and I really am sad i got rid of it, even though I really love my V-Strom. With the changes and upgrades you describing it would be awesome, thanks for sharing, have fun.
Seems you changed from the GSX1250FA to the 1000/1050 V-Strom. I'm in between both of them concerning which one would be the better fit for the first bike.
What do you advise me and why?
I bought my GSF1250/S Bandit in 2008 & even though I've had six bikes on the road at the same time including; the GL1800 Gold Wing, Triumph Rocket III Classic 2300cc, Kawasaki 650 Versys, KLR650 Dual Sport & Honda PS250 Big Ruckus, I'm now down to the Bandit & a 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber 1200cc High Torque. So far, I've found nothing wrong with a pair of 1200's in the stable.
over 80ft-lbs of torque at 3,500rpm is just insane for an inline 4. Looking to jump to this after my GSX650F. Fantastic machines.
A world of difference from the 650, a proper stump puller, you’ll love it 👍
Good review, gonna pull the trigger on one next week
Looking at a 1250gt with 26k on the clock for some touring. I liked your review a lot, good narrating and good humour 👍 cheers
Jack Gambino , thanks, I’m glad it helped.
Nice one bud , you’ve got as much technical knowledge as me love it 😊 good review
David McGuire , Haha, thanks . . . I think 🤣
Just done the spark plugs on mine. Remove tank, remove 2 bolts that hold cap/thermostat housing and you’re good to go. Cutouts in the frame let you get the left and right plug out. Move the thermostat housing left and right a smidge to do the centre 2 plugs. Less time and hassle than the 2 plugs on my TL😊
They’re definitely an easy beast to service 👌
Nice review! Am looking at upgrading from 99 VFR800, was looking at VFR1200 - but maybe thats a bit too much! Had an older carb XJR1300 - loved it! Commuted in London for years on it. Might look at the GSX1250, never had a Suzuki ever. I'm more looking for low down than top end, hence the VFR1200 might not be ideal.
Well the GSX has definitely got it low down and mid range, easy to commute or cruise . . . and there’s still top end fun to have in the twisties coz it handles pretty nice as well!!
Looks smart bud, get a 2010 one on the 1st of next month!. Cant' wait.
Matthew Jackson , quality ride you'll have plenty of fun . . . just don't get caught!!
VenomKiller 1 will let you know how I get on. Good vid by the way. Gave me some good ideas for bits I'd like to get.
You won't believe this but i've just bought that exact bike !! lol waiting on delivery
I should never have sold it🤷♂️, have fun👍
Has it still got ‘Venomkiller’ embroidered on the seat?
Yes haha I believe so, I was trying to make out what it said via the photos…. Now I know lol 😂
@@Studog76 In my earlier days of TH-cam and being a Spider-man fan🙄🫣😂
th-cam.com/video/d5KknDkMQio/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
As a Canadian, it still blows my mind that you guys can ride a bike all year long....lol
STEVE W-K , having visited Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side, and the temperature hit -29 I can see why you don’t ride all year. Thanks for commenting, ride safe.
im seriously considering this bike after i get my full licence
Laughing Dog , it’s an excellent choice!
Hi bud.
So aftwr selling my 2019 GSA 1200.
I've just bought a K1300S for summer touring. Im now after something to run through the colder months/rain.
My budget is around 4k.
Was looking at the
GSX1250FA
CBF1000
VFR800.
I only have experience of the GSX 1250fa, which in my very biased opinion is thee bike to get out of your list. Bullet proof engine, easy to work on and good looking 👌
I suppose the only other consideration is picking it up off the floor, something I truly hope you don’t have to experience🤞, in which case the VFR is the lightest🤷♂️
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, let me know what you went for👌
@bikerantics5001 Try picking a R1200GSA fully luggaged up, around 285kg 😅.
It'll only be used as a motorway muncher .
Appreciate the help.
I'll try to get on the GSX1250 sometime this week.
@@inked-96 I know what you mean😢. My Hayabusa fell over in my shed the other day and was tight against the side wall🫣. So i had to drag it away from the wall😢 so I had room to pick it up 😮💨. With the clip-ons there’s not the leverage I had when picking up my V-Strom 💩, it took some effort 🫡. I suppose the main thing is to stop dropping the bikes in the first place🤣
@bikerantics5001 ouch! Bet that was a stomach turning moment for sure!
I do like the Strom, was contemplating getting one as the workhorse, but you're look at 4.5k+ for a 2017+. Where as the GSX1250/CBF100/FZ1 are around 3 5k.
@@inked-96 I’d only had the bike about a month 😱 thanks to the frame sliders it didn’t sustain any damage😮💨
I think the inline 4’s are more robust/ bulletproof than the twins and less agricultural 🤷♂️
Sounds ACE!
It was a lovely machine, shame I traded it in . . . but the Hayabusa I have now takes the pain away 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
Does it still live up to the Bandit name of being a reliable hooligan?? 🤔
Truly a Wolf in sheeps clothing👌
bandit isn't exactly fast, but i love mine. got some gold valves from racetech, and new springs... but now it's way too stiff. shit.
fattymcgee123 BANDIT ISN'T EXACTLY FAST, WOW WHAT!!!!!, MY 2005 GSF 650 BANDIT, NOT A BANDIT S, BETTER THAN A BANDIT S. ACCELERATION LIKE IT'S AN UNARMED EXORCET SIDEWINDER POLARUS MISSILE, THAT PULLS UP A STEEP HILL, LIKE IT'S FALLING OFF A CLIFF!!!. WHEN I GOT MY BANDIT, IT HAD BEEN RAN IN FOR JUST OVER 15,000 MILES, BY ONE CAREFUL CAUTIOUS OWNER. MAYBE THATS WHY IT'S SO SO SPECIAL.
@@scottlochans4180 it isn't, considering what kind of power other bikes are putting out, and much lighter bikes at that. I've now got pistons and cams in my 1250, on top of Dale's stage 2 exhaust mods, and it would still get left in the dust by a super Duke GT.
So yeah, quick enough for me, until I decide to strap some nitrous to it and get it up to snuff.
Just got a 2016, loving it so far. The attached screen you have, which model is that and does it help with the wind buffet?
Tony Pham , its just a ‘motorcycle clip on windscreen’ from Ebay and it does help with buffeting, also during a hot summer you can use it to direct air to you, it also easily deals with high speeds.
Great video mate. Have you still got it.
David greenhalgh , thanks and no I haven’t, another of lifes regrets?!?
Hi mate, looking to buy one soon, can you let me know the average mileage per tank? I intend to use it for a comuter, lets say 60-70miles per day...not a speed freak ... Apreciated, cheers and safe ride
Pancho_Villa_ PT , Hi, good choice!
I get anywhere from 110-150 miles on a tank, but I'm quite throttle happy. So if your taking it easy and cruising you should easily see 140-150, maybe more.
VenomKiller 1 Mine does 200 on a full tank if ridden carefully using high gears and 60 MPH cruising.
Me Me England UK , Good to know but I couldn't stick to such a regime!? Gotta play!!
Is it comfortable?
Hi, it was comfortable for about 1.5 - 2 hours riding then I’d need to get off and stretch. Hope this was helpful, thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
What are the chances that I was just looking at this bike on the rite bike website and I thought let's look at a review and it's actually turned out to be your old bike minus the luggage box, nice review 👍
ewanburnett , thanks for letting me know, amazing machine! . . . are you gonna buy it?????
@@bikerantics5001 keep tempting myself not had a bike for about 5 years. Last one was a vfr750.
ewanburnett , well i can tell you it was run in as per the book and serviced regularly. The valves were checked and adjusted as part of a recall, but I’m pretty sure I’ve uploaded videos to show all this. I can’t vouch for the other owner, hopefully all the paperwork is still with the bike. I can’t compare as I’ve never ridden or owned a vfr but i know this bike is (was?!) a lovely machine. Good luck with making a decision.
Where was the screen deflector from?
From eBay, just type in ‘motorcycle windshield extension’, it was about £15.
@@bikerantics5001 Thanks.
a fucking mazing bike
Absolutely right . . . I’m sad I sold it🤷♂️