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A Suzuki Bandit 1250S for RTW? A Suzuki Bandit 1250S for RTW?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 28 Apr 2011
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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.
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  #2  
Old 28 Apr 2011
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Given your other options, I'd take the Bandit.

Sorry, can't help with tires.
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Old 28 Apr 2011
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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.
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Old 28 Apr 2011
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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
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  #5  
Old 29 Apr 2011
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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.
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Old 29 Apr 2011
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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.
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Old 29 Apr 2011
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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.
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Old 29 Apr 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DLbiten View Post
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)
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Old 4 May 2011
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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.
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