Hey all,

Nubian1 · 06-12-2007, 2:33 PM

Hey all,

I'm looking to upgrade my 97 Suzuki Bandit 1200's to a Blackbird. My friends ride ZX9's CBR 1000 and 600's and Gixxers of all cc's. Needless to say when we are on the open Highway I often get left in their exhaust. I'm not a speed freak but.... occasionally I like to open it up on the Highway. The bandit fits my rididng style, I like a more upright seating position, reliability and low maintenance. Before anyone says do a search I will but I just wanted to get quick input on how the Blackbird matches the Bandit in the areas that I mentioned. I can get the Bandit up to speed so to speak with mods but that can get into thousands of dollars. I also like the Blackbird because I like to be different than those around me. My questions are is based on the Bandit and my brief description of my expectations from a bike how does the Blackbird stack up? Are there any reliability issues or recalls?

flblackbird · 06-12-2007, 2:33 PM

Taetor · 06-12-2007, 2:39 PM

I'm not very familiar with Bandits, but I would think they sit more upright than the XX. As far as reliability... they can hardly be beat. Some on this site have over 100K miles on theirs with no issues. I'm at 50K and no issues, I've had to replace the votage regulator and other than that just oil & tires, etc. Great bikes.

lyrixxx · 06-12-2007, 3:05 PM

The Blackbird is a BIG upgrade from the Bandit, in every way! Except upright riding position. But that can be changed witha pair of taller bars! I have some on my bike That put me in the same riding position as the Bandit. But the power, design and quality of the XX puts it in a class all by it's self! Oh yeah...

Aurora · 06-12-2007, 11:48 PM

Are you going to ride highways or twisties?

Nubian1 · 06-13-2007, 8:48 AM

Highways mostly, I'm not that great in the twisites yet. I think the Blackbird is the next bike for me, I just wanna do some more research. How long was the Blackbird produced?

Taetor · 06-13-2007, 9:37 AM

1997-2003 in the USA, 2007 is the last year abroad. '97 & '98's had carbs, rest were EFI.

Nubian1 · 06-13-2007, 12:13 PM

I think I'm leaning more towards getting a 99 due to the Ram-Air. Also a buddy of mine had a ZX-11 and he complained of the heat from the engine being unbearable for more than an half hour ride, have there been any issues like that with the Blackbird?

I'm finding alot of great info on this site.

r2t2 · 06-13-2007, 1:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nubian1

I think I'm leaning more towards getting a 99 due to the Ram-Air. Also a buddy of mine had a ZX-11 and he complained of the heat from the engine being unbearable for more than an half hour ride, have there been any issues like that with the Blackbird?

I'm finding alot of great info on this site.

Well then you'll be following (kind of) in my steps. I went from a '00 Bandit to my '99 Bird. Night and day difference. Stock, the Bird has a more aggressive riding position, but it is by no means the "Rickey Racer" crouch. The Bandit's sit up and beg position was putting too much weight on my L5 vertebrae. With a pair of Buell footpegs and some VFR clipons, the Bird's position is more relaxed and comfortable and allows me to do high mileage days without any pain or discomfort.

The Bird is truly an excellent road burner and is designed to eat up miles, whereas the Bandit is a great all-rounder standard. After spending time on the Bird, the Bandit will feel crude in comparison.