 |
|
28 Apr 2011
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
|
|
|
A Suzuki Bandit 1250S for RTW?
Question 1:
Calling the experienced ones. I'm planning to head on a RTW trip next year and I'm planning to do it on my Bandit 1250S. Do you think its a sensible option? Im from India and i dont have many options. My other option is either a Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (single cyl) or a Hero Honda Kariza (225cc single cyl).
As far as i have researched, the bandit is a very reliable machine and can handle roads with aplomb and do a bit of dirt as well.
Question 2:
If i do take the Bandit, what tyres should i go for? I need something that will last me a while. Any good medium or hard compound tyres. Recommendations please.
|
28 Apr 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
|
|
|
Given your other options, I'd take the Bandit.
Sorry, can't help with tires.
|
28 Apr 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
|
It´s been done on R1´s, Goldwings, Burgmans etc, etc... so the simple answer is: yes, the Bandit is very capable of doing a RTW-tour.
But there are so many ways of doing it, and without knowing anything about your plans (like what routes you´re planning to take, and if you´ll ride alone, or 2-up), it´s very hard to say, whether it will be your best selection for _your_ trip.
One note: you will most likely have to freight the bike several times to cross the oceans on a trip like that. The weight, and the cubic dimensions of the crate (that´ll contain your motorcycle when freighted) will naturally depend to some degree on the weight&size of the bike; so a smaller bike will be (a bit) cheaper to transport.
Also in some places, you might need to put the bike on a riverboat or something, and one that is easier to lift, will again have an advantage. And then of course those advantages will be reversed on big highways, where small bikes might suffer.
|
28 Apr 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
|
What are your tyre sizes? I'm lucky, the Bonneville shares sizes with some so-called "Adventure" machines. Heidenau do a good range. I'm finding anything with a block tread that could roughly described as knobbly makes a difference to a road bike on a loose surface. Wear wise they seem very similar to the semi-slicks we get for road use.
Go for it and enjoy yourself,
Andy
|
29 Apr 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
|
|
|
1) Bandit will do just fine. The bullet has done it have not seen a hero do it but do not see why it can not. On a side note the 1250 is much more bike than you will need in most parts of the world.
2) Metzeler Marathon be my pick for a longer lasting. Drop the psi a good bit off road, pump them back off for higher speeds.
|
29 Apr 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
|
|
|
A Suzuki Bandit 1250S for RTW?
I think a Suzuki Bandit 1250S for RTW trip would be great and agree with all the previous comments about weight vs highway riding. Tough bike.
|
29 Apr 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
|
|
|
bandit
I had one and I loved it , great bike very reliable and very fast , the clearance is as good as a Vstrom and you can get them with plastic pannier or some metal one . the maintenance was very spaced , my only concern will to find good back tire and not speeding all the time.
|
29 Apr 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
|
|
A 1250 Bandit is quite capable of a RTW no doubt about it. Not my first choice but bearing in mind it's been done on a 49cc Puch Maxi the Bandit's a fine choice.
I'd certainly rate the Bandit above a Royal Enfield Bullet for RTW. Not only is the Bandit a more modern bike, it's powerful, torquey, comfortable, reliable and has a bulletproof engine. Spares are easy to source too.
RE Bullet's have their followers but personally I think they are way too delicate, unreliable and underpowered.
The Bandit has the raw power to get you and your kit almost anywhere - just stay off any hard core trails and try to stick to metalled roads (tarmac).
RTW has even been completed on an Yamaha R1 sports bike (probably the last on my list of bike choices).
Enjoy and above all - Stay Safe.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Last edited by kentfallen; 29 Apr 2011 at 19:41.
|
29 Apr 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by HendiKaf
I had one and I loved it , great bike very reliable and very fast , the clearance is as good as a Vstrom
|
I´d say the clearance is as BAD... 
And that brings up a good point: You´re gonna need to figure out some sort of a bashplate to it, otherwise you´re sooner or later gonna destroy something very expensive near the oil sump.
Bashplates are widely available for Vstroms and similar bikes, but I think you might struggle to find one ready to fit a Bandit, which is a streetbike. But its probably not a tough job to modify or even make one, if youre handy.
For example, on the roads between Turkey and India, there are lots and lots of big speed humps especially when entering towns, and they aren´t necessarily marked properly. Very hard to spot them in time sometimes. I also managed to drop the front wheel into an open sewer hole with no lid in Pakistan! A tough bashplate really saved the day back then!
|
29 Apr 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
|
|
|
1200
you maybe able to build some skid plar that will be connected to the bottom of the frame but they will also lower the bike clearance a bit. ,if you do raise the back you should gain some clearance , smaller dog bone will help to do so.
Hey Pecha what do you mean by bad clearance on Vstroom  they only scratch the speed bump and anything higher than 5 inches 
|
29 Apr 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLbiten
1) Bandit will do just fine. The bullet has done it have not seen a hero do it but do not see why it can not. On a side note the 1250 is much more bike than you will need in most parts of the world.
2) Metzeler Marathon be my pick for a longer lasting. Drop the psi a good bit off road, pump them back off for higher speeds.
|
Mate I have the Bandit 1250 too, my main suggestion is Ensure your coolant is correct & I have a rad cover, on her just to stop the chances of any sharp/big stones puncture the radiator, not common but never know.
I agree with the DLbiten re tiers I use Metzeler's anyway, someone asked what size you need they are
Front 120/702R17 Rear 180/552r17 both 36psi solo 42 pillion
I pers also added a power socket ciggie lighter type under my seat, so if a power sorse is needed got it (mobile etc)
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
4 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
|
BTW I just did a round trip of 330 miles on 2 tanks of fuel.
I did 165 Miles u to the resevour marker on the clocks flashing, then topped it up this was carrying 2 up & enough stuff for the week end. probably get 170 out of both as not a true reading with a 2nd person on the back.
these where mostly Motorway (70 to 80 mph) then some B (30 to 50mph) roads in East Sussex, and about 30 min of town work.
hope that might be of use.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
5 May 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72
I´d say the clearance is as BAD...
And that brings up a good point: You´re gonna need to figure out some sort of a bashplate to it, otherwise you´re sooner or later gonna destroy something very expensive near the oil sump! |
I really don't understand the need for a bike to have good ground clearance. I travel on a Suzuki Burgman 650 - probably a bike with the least ground clearance - and I ride in all sorts of conditions including across the Australian deserts where people tell me I'm crazy.
Yes, the bodywork gets hung up on occasion but it isn't really that big a deal - you can always push it out with maybe a few scratches to the bottom of the bike, that's all. As for bashplates, I've yet to own a bike with one. 
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
|
5 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
|
Not sure how a Burgman is covered from beneath (your experiences suggest it´s not too bad!!)... but a V-Strom, or a Bandit, or more or less any streetbike, has a lot of things to break against the ground in that region. So I definitely wouldn´t go on a long trip without a bashplate. Much easier to get one, than fix what you can break without it.
|
5 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
|
|
Yesterday I had a very quick blast down the A249 on my mates old P reg Bandit 1200. I was astonished with the way it pulled all the way upto 120mph. I was genuinely surprised to find it so torquey. I found the replacement seat very comfortable and when sat on the thing it didn't feel like it was a big bike at all. Well impressed. 
The bike I rode had 23,000 miles on the clock and was aqcuired for only £400! My mate's spent a further £300 or so and the bike is now a trusted winter hack come stand-by tourer. My mate loves the thing and rides it more often than his other trusty steeds (a lovely low milage and mint Triumph Tiger 955, Honda XR650, Honda CBR900 Fireblade and a CMR250 Green laner).
I presume the more recent 1250 Bandit is even more sorted & powerful?
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
