NOTE: The headlight problem is solved. In late 2020 I cleaned the reflectors and installed LED headlamps. The bike is still running great and I'm enjoying it on the regular. Cheers.

I have several bikes, including an R1. The bandit is the Swiss Army knife compared to the other bikes. It’ll do almost anything I want it to, comfortably! I bough it for a good deal to flip it (At least that’s what I told my wife when we went to pick it up) but no one wants to buy it for the outrageous price I’m selling it for 🤣

Tim, welcome to da Bandito Brotherhood! I too have an '05 GS1200s, named "Ellie", & I LOVE her to death. I found mine after deciding to get back up on 2 after a decade-long hiatus from the saddle (read: the missus said, "OK"). 1) Headlight - black "soot" collects/coats the inside of the lens, weakening beam output. Cleaning that & Premium, Hi-output halos (replaced 1x/yr) brightened up the tarmac ahead. 2) I installed Hi-output, 4 "bulb", LED road lamps on the lower forks to cure the invisibility problem. Keep the bars up & the donuts down & enjoy the ride! -EdBud

I'd been looking at Bandits for a while when I came across your video. It gave me the inspiration to continue my search, and last fall I picked up a beautiful '97 with under 20k miles. Didn't get it out until this spring, and wow, is it fun! So smooth and torquey. Everything is just so effortless. If I had my druthers, I'd get a little higher bars on it so longer rides would be more comfortable. Also, it could use a 6th gear for the highway, it has so much torque it wouldn't even notice. What a great bike. Thanks for the push, Tim!

I just came here to say that I did indeed read the description. I'm weird like that. I do love the Bandits. I'm definitely a sucker for a Suzuki and am looking forward to seeing your adventures on it.

Damn that is clean! Congrats on the score! Will be interesting to hear your Bandit vs. ZRX comparison in the future.

What description... ;-) That's a beauty of a bike Tim, congrats and may you have many happy times with it. A stealth street-fighter, hmmm... yeah I had to get brighter bulbs for my Honda, stock ones were candles! I've always fancied a Bandit or a Hornet if I went for a 4Cyl. Looking forward to seeing a few TKAs on it Tim.

My guilty pleasure... >:D that is one beautiful example of a Bandit you have!!! The upgraded brake lines are a must, and with that exhaust, there is no RPM range that doesn't sound like a sweet symphony. They truly are bullet proof, easily tuned, just so much power for the money. Have fun and enjoy!

I'll watch all your videos as I have for years! Good job Tim!

I can't wait to see vlogs on it! Looks awesome Tim! 🤘

Rode with a guy that had one of these in the early 00's. Dude would ride around with side cases on carrying all of our lunches. We all have/had track experience so everyone was fast, but it was always cool to see the Bandit doing its thing. Awesome bike.

I have the 1998 Bandit 1200S, same color as your friend Roger's bike. I just brought it down to Houston from Missouri, where my buddy stored it for me for 10 years. It's just now legal and back on the road. I agree with you about the visibility issues after dark. The low beams don't seem bright enough. Subbed.

My dad has this bike and gave it to me on my 18th birthday. I did not have much riding experience I'm 5'5 150 and was barley able to hold the bike up. Looking back he probably was trying to erase me from the earth. Glad I'm still alive and this bike is fucked dope

That is a clean looking Bandit ! I have a 1st generation (98) that I've had since new. I've done a lot of improvements over the years, both suspension and minor motor upgrades. I do my own wrenching and just went over 52000 miles without any problems. I've done many track days both as a student and later a teacher. I seen a clean 2nd generation yesterday while doing a ride in the Allegheny mountains with a buddy on his BMW. I call it my Timex, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' .

Man that thing really is pristine!! I had the same thoughts on the mirrors with being ugly but highly functional. Great video!

That bike brings memories...good to see you back making videos!

Hi Tim ,First time here,Been watching some of your videos,Very good ! Hope to see more , Take care!

I have an 600s second generation, and i am very impress how much eye catching this bike is.

My brother in-law had a red one and he loved that bike. But the bike outlasted him unfortunately. But you have made a good investment for certain...I like it! Can't wait to see the moto vlogs from this bike.

I know it's not the same but I bought a Bandit 250 as my learner bike (fits the Australian criteria) for $1800 with 9350km's on it (5809 miles) and other than a new set of tyres - it still had the 19yr old factory tyres on it - and a new voltage regulator it is hard to fault it. I absolutely love the sound and provided you keep it high on the revs it'll take on anything you want and still ask for more. I can upgrade in November this year and am seriously considering a larger capacity version of the same bike. Yours looks exceptional, a fantastic example of Suzuki engineering and a clear indication of what proper maintenance/servicing can give you.

I own a Bandit and they never say die .....Has over 126000km and still going strong.....Nit thr fastest but reliable and a joy to ride....Love a Bandit

looks like a fun bike. I look forward to more of your vids as always!

I have an 02 Bandit 1200 and it’s awesome!! I absolutely love it!!

Congrats on the clean addition to your garage. My V-Strom has taught me you don't have to have huge CCs and Power. And, Yes, I read your description.

Great video! A comment on the lights, I have the same model year bandit and they're definitely a problem. The masks behind the projector lenses tend to rattle around in the housing and coat the lenses with black dust. Cracking open the housing and cleaning the dust out helps a lot! I secured the masks with a thin layer of black RTV and haven't had a problem since.

saw that online last week. congrats on the good purchase... looks great

Nice find you got there, Tim. Looks great and sounds mean! I like the way you think.....I DO deserve a new toy after this f***ed up year! On top of all the crap going on in this country, people we've lost, and everything else, I lost my dad back in Feb . Worst year ever. Have fun and stay safe on that beast!

Just did a track day with a guy I know who has taken one of these and rebuilt it to be a track bike. The platform is a great one, enjoy it.

Sounds great and looks like a fun ride. Be safe, brother.

i just bought 2 today. it was an estate deal so i got a 01 1200 and 02 600, they need some cleaning but theyre in good shape, i cant wait to get rippin

i own a 2001, it's a great all-around bike. Mine has Dale Walker stage 1 with pipe/tune etc. & a GSXR1000 K8 rear shock. I use adjustable Helibars with bar end mirrors. This is my old school naked that keeps pace with the young guns.

Love this video, going to buy my first bandit soon!

Damn, that looks brand new! :-) Nice buy, can't wait to see your explores on it! :-)

Sweet bike. You're going to like it. I had a 2001 R. It got T-Boned by a Monte Carlo leaving a pizza joint. I street fightered it. Bought a bunch of Dale Walker walker stuff. It was a beast. I rode it a bunch for a couple years. Someone bought from the stealership I traded it in at. Then he totaled it on the way home.

Great looking bike clean as hell. I love the bandits hence the name haha. 600s 1200s both great bikes was to work. Never had any problems with them. Except for previous owners hehe.. that's my 1200 99 bandit in my avatar picture.. enjoy the ride..

Great condition for its age and the 1200 is the one to get and yes I read the description and yes I have frickin subscribed already :)

Regarding the dim lights, i own a 650 bandit, the best thing to gain visibility is to buy engine protection bars then attached side light kit, its an expensive endeavour but it helps so much especially riding at night or early mornings, god bless from the uk 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 you have a immaculate example ride safe brothet ❤

Oh yes!!!!!! Glad to see this one Tim

congrats TIM...beautiful machine ..i got my self a new bike as well but i dont even have time to make a vid ..

I owned the 1200's baby bro (600 Bandit) from new in 1997 & I loved its smooth power & comfortable ride. As others have said, it's pretty good at many things so why did I part with it recently? 🙄 I'm now on the lookout for a later 650 Bandit. Wish me luck folks!

I had this bike and loved it. Sold it because of money issues 15 years ago. Got a 01 ZRX now.

Looks clean and sounds great!

I love my 97 1200s. It only has 24,000 miles. It's naked no wind screen or fairing. Timing advice kit. Modified air intake box. Keker racing pipe. It's difficult to keep the front end on the ground. Wheelies are It's favorite thing to do

Sweet! Can't go wrong with that motor, bulletproof for sure. And yes, read the description. Never was a fan of the single-beam low beam headlamps on a dual-lamp bike, just looks odd to me. BTW, not sure what the setup is on your model Bonnie, but mine ('02 T100) has a front brake that is, shall we say, less than impressive; I recently mounted some Spiegler steel-braided brake lines and Galfer wave rotors (using EBC HH sintered pads, which I've used for a while, an improvement in itself), the difference is amazing!

I just went out and got a 03 bandit 1200, had a 02 but had to sell it, these bikes are true road burners👍👍🏿

I think the music in the background does it for me the most. But i like the bandit to.

I have a 2002 that I picked up for $1k that looks like it's new. Completely stock, but plenty power and fun. Have had a multitude of bikes , but this one seems to check the most boxes for me

RE: People not seeing the bike: I put reflective tape all over my Bandito, that changes colors at different angles.

Nice video and beautiful looking, super clean B12 Tim. Out of interest, what's the mileage for it to be looking as tidy as this? Regards from the UK.

Got my K3 few months back, previous owner has led bulbs installed in headlights. They are way brighter than halogens.

Love my Bandit 1200s bought mine new 2003 still strong after 30000 miles

I always have liked them and knew some guys that had them when they were new but never rode one, that is also my favorite paint scheme! Get a headlight modulator because it gets peoples attention and has really cut down on people pulling out on me.

Nice one, i think i likethe older style headlight but ya can't go wrong with suzuki bandit. Smiles for miles. Cheers

I almost got a 06 Bandit but ended up going with a 02 Corbin Fz1 . Best headlights of any bike I've ever owned.

Your bike is insanely clean

Great bike! I have GSF 1200S Final Edition 2006, from Russia with love!

I have a 2001 1200s which I bought new, only issue I have had is the low beam diffuser came loose, the whole headlight is a sealed unit, so had to buy a new one, I also put led headlights in, as well as spot lights, the bike pulls strongly from just 1500rpm in top gear, great reliable, torquee bike

Cool that’s one sweet sounding bike 🎶🎶🎶

My 2005 650 Bandit is the best, one very careful, cautious owner who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles and it pulls, fly's up steep, steep hills like its falling off a cliff, could never want or need to accelerate faster than my 650 Bandit, don't care about top end speed, done that in the 80's, Kawasakis, people say 'take care', can't it's a Bandit. My '84 GPZ750TURBO, first production bike any size to do standing quarter mile 10 seconds, Bandit 1200 S, 3 attempts, best 12.35, which means in the 80's, my 750 turbo, was about 2 seconds quicker standing quarter mile than a 1200 BANDIT S. Compared to my 650 Bandit, the 750 Turbo was more like a 400 SUPER DREAM, CX 500 at best. The turbo was spectacular for sitting at 140mph all day if poss. safe, planted

Owned my '98 1200 since 2007 and I love it. An ART can makes it howl and it's real world fast......oh, and the grunt!

One of my all time favorite Suzukis. When is the turbo kit getting installed?

I use my highbeams at all times on my 2001 bandit 1200s! It helps to be noticed. I also give a little wiggle reverse steer when I see a car or truck ahead attempting to turn onto the road infront of me. Please be safe riding, the bike and rider always loose in a collision!!!

The wiring harness on the 2nd Gen Bandit does not provide the voltage needed. You can just replace that and brighten things up very well. I believe the Eastern Beaver Kit is the one most of the guys on Maximum Suzuki were recommending. Maximum Suzuki is also a Very good source of upgrade and modifications for these bikes.

Nice... yes, new shiny things make us feel better! 100%

I did not know there were people out there who say an individual should not own more than 6 bikes, I certainly hope I never meet any of them. I am considering buying an Indian FTR. I hope you enjoy the Bandit, that bike's generation was an iconic era for sport bikes.

had a 97 for 2 years before i crashed it. just got the engine up and running but dash is mangled. I do love it though. thing rips!!

Love My bandit 1250 slip on air box peeled ECU flash bars 6 pot hyubusa calipers smooth power almost electric real sports tourer not alot of Tech but its so rideable luv it

I have the same bike same exzust 16k miles i thought the same thing about mirrors but got use to them my last bike was a ZRX 1200 R also but like the bandit juat a little more even thou i have owned so many old 900 Z1 Good bike about to take it on a 10 K trip this summer will see..😎

Nice purchase. I want one of these bikes, not sure what year.

LOLZ, of course they're wrong! That looks a lovely machine 👍 You need a huge flashing light on your helmet for visibility 🤣 It sounds great too. Cheers Tim!🐕

I'm trying to get into motorcycles and have been looking at bandits, do you think they'd be found for around $1500?

uff !!! love me some bandit.

Beautiful machine

I own 11 and have no regrets

Bullet proof motors on the Bandit, Maybe you need some LED marker lights on the front to make you more visible, Sounds nice too. RSM8

Great bike!

Get yellow tint for your lights it makes car drivers notice a difference in their observations and they will focus on it because it's different.

Gday mate just come across your video don't feel bad owning 6 motorcycles a old fella here in town last count has 25 and all ready to ride and a mate of mine has 14 Kia Kaha

That's a beautiful bike man, sounds sweet too. Wishing you many happy safe travels together, Mr K. "Subscribe to the frickin' channel already!!" Hahaha! If only it were that easy! >_

Hello! You own many motorcycles. Bandit. Captor model. The mileage is short. A motorcycle in good condition. It is kept beautiful. It's a great bike. Nice review! !! Surely you will replace the headlights. : D Thank you my friend (^^) /

Only 6? Love my 2000 Bandit 1200S. I put 2001 6 pot brakes on it and I can channel my inner Toprak. They are amazing. Bike does everything except hard core sport riding but even then its manageable and still fun, just not the fastest.

Oh, Tim, I am feeling like a naked ride all of the sudden! "King" needs to get out again.

I wish I could have more motorcycle can never have to many. Hey might could adjust head light up

niceeeeee

Z édition... +1 i have one too

Is it same engine with GSXR 1100 ?

Hmmm so more bikes = more happiness and better quality of life... Gotcha, gonna hit the wife with this philosophy.

my only complaint was fuel mileage, but i was sure it wasnt tuned correctly

If I had enough garage space, I'd own 26 bikes.

Id swap the headlights

i Bought led bulbs ebay they have the fans on the back they are very bright are legal.

4:33 my tip so they know your comming. Get rid of demper.

Put some HID's or LED bulbs and that's it.

I have a 2000 Bandit 1200

me just watching this bc I want to learn about my dads bike and I'm 13:)

💥 I’m Sure Glad ✅ I Have Seven💥

Change to LEDs

Dude run LED bulbs