Which sports tourer?

[pumilio]

Bandits are one of the best biking bargains for the money in my opinion. I had a bandit 650 for a while and *almost* traded it in for a 1250 GT. Bandits are comfy, grunty, true all-rounders.

Having said that, I don't consider either of the bikes you suggested sports tourers really. As above, I'd suggest having a look at a Triumph Sprint ST. They are a little more cash than than a 1250 gt maybe, but they have a "free" panniers deal at the moment and are a lot more sporty - the 1050cc triple engine is bullet-proof and can make you giggle like a fool...

Have fun deciding

[Guest]

Yep a few people have now mentioned the Sprint... did go to their B'ham branch today but it was closed... will try to get there in the week.

I have also been having the discussion with myself... why should I go to a 1000/1250cc? Isn't 600 enough?

I found that, at least with my fazer, I was getting extremely comfortable with its performance and lost the grin factor I had during the first few months. Maybe its the speed freak in me that wants a bigger engine with more oomph (can't imagine what peak torque must feel like at 3,500rpm... its up nearer 9,000rpm on the FZS600!).

[pumilio]

Nobody really needs more than a 600!

[Rosie]

I have also been having the discussion with myself... why should I go to a 1000/1250cc? Isn't 600 enough?

I found that, at least with my fazer, I was getting extremely comfortable with its performance and lost the grin factor I had during the first few months. Maybe its the speed freak in me that wants a bigger engine with more oomph (can't imagine what peak torque must feel like at 3,500rpm... its up nearer 9,000rpm on the FZS600!).

 

I had the same discussion AND had been told by a couple of folk "what do you want with a bigger bike?? your 600 is fine for you"

I felt I had outgrown the 600 and was fed up of being up and down the gears or stuck in third depending on where I was riding.

Some folk will not agree and they ride the 600 just for the very reason of the gears ... each to their own.

I try to equate the difference between a 600 and a bigger bike as the difference between a 1 litre car and a 1.9 deisel - it's just a steadier and more planted ride with the ability to get up to the speed limits a bit quicker than you sometime realise

Sounds like you do need to do a lot of thinking and don't forget to add in the extra insurance costs too.

The fun is in the planning

[yorbandit]

my descion to go from a 600 to the 1250 was based on the fact that i want to do some long trips on the bike and wanted hard luggage and the 1250 just has so much more power 2 up on a 600 you would be flogging it where as the 1250 has that bit more grunt so if you intend to do 2 up touring then IMO you need the bigger bike if it was just me i would of stayed with the 600

[nman1]

Ther ya go Rick, looks like you is getting your answer. The Bandit looks favorite but I`d still go and see if you can get a test ride, after all it`s what you fell comfortable with. If you get the full payout on your old bike you can either use it as a deposit on the new one or keep it in the bank to earn some interest. Bonus. Good luck with whatever you choose, keep us informed

[rennie]

I don't agree with a word PG said!

I have ridden bandits and fazers both 600/650. 1200/1250 bandits and 600/1000 fazers.

I was very very close to buying a brand new bandit 1250 GT, they're good bikes and a hell of a lot of bike for the money.

however, the fazers, in my opinion, are better in every way!

The 1250 has closed the gap on the fazer 1000, but the yam is still better braked and better handling!

I don't like the looks of the new FZ1 though!

How about a honda CB1000GT ? similar to bandit but a bit dearer! but honda quality!

[Guest]

Nah don't want a Honda

Rennie what are the main differecnes between the carb'd Fazer 600 and Fazer 1000 you and I have? I love my Fazer and so if the Fazer thou is the same, only better, that can only be good! What about the new and older fazer thou? Which one, in your opinion, is best?

One thing I like about buying slightly older vehicles is that I can service them myself without fear of warranty problems. My Fazer 600 carb is extremely easy to work on... I'm assuming the carb'd fazer thou is pretty similar?

[rennie]

I think up to 2004 fazer thou is carbs.

That's what I'd go for!

differences, slightly higher, slightly longer and a lot more go

better headlights too I think, that's about it.