[motorcyclistonline] - 1997-2005 Suzuki 1200 Bandit | Smart Money

[Ninjette Newsbot]

1997-2005 Suzuki 1200 Bandit | Smart Money

Despite its Japanese roots, the 1200 Bandit tackled the job of producing power in a very American way, by shoe-horning a huge engine into a middleweight-sized chassis.Despite its Japanese roots, the 1200 Bandit tackled the job of producing power in a very American way, by shoe-horning a huge engine into a middleweight-sized chassis. When it was introduced in 1997 the B12 hovered uncertainly over the line of demarcation between sportbikes and standards, but eventually came almost singlehandedly to create the upstart "hooligan" class-soon joined by Kawasaki's Lawson-esque ZRX1200R and Yamaha's R1-based FZ1. The Bandit's detuned and bored-out GSX-R1100-derived engine was cooled by both air and a large oil cooler, and had screw-and-locknut valve adjusters that even 10-thumbed owners could service. But best of all was the astonishing reserve of power that lurked within, needing only a few simple performance mods to unleash it. Even if the Bandit struggled to get far beyond 100 horsepower at the rear wheel, its torque curve was commendably tall and broad.

a
Photo Gallery: 1997-2005 Suzuki 1200 Bandit - Motorcyclist Magazine


1997-2005 Suzuki 1200 Bandit | Smart Money | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us


Click here for full story...