Hey all, I am new to your forum. I am an ex Bandit 1200 owner and an old school ('86) gsxr 750 owner. I sold my 04 Bandit about 2 years ago when I relocated to Denver from Phoenix. I was looking into going with another Bandit when I started seeing many Superhawks for sale. I've had time in the saddle of small Ninjas to big Ninjas, FZRs and GSXRs, Buells and Road Kings. And of course most recently the Bandit. At this point, I am looking for a fun but tame ride. Those that know, how would you compare the power, comfort, and reliabilty of the VTR and the Bandit. I have been partial to I4s (and Suzuki) for a long time, is a Honda V-twin right for me?

 

Well having never ridden a Bandit 1200 I can't directly compare.

But I have ridden lots of other bikes, and do really like my VTR.. It's a very easy bike to ride, and plenty capable for the street. I would expect that compared to a steel framed bandit it will feel light and it should be quicker (but probably not faster). That is the VTR accelerates nicely(0-60 in 2.5), but tops out at only 150-155ish.

Power wise, the VTR is only ~110hp but loads of torque from down low. Comfort wise, I did a 400 mile day on mine prior to getting a better seat and while sore it wasn't horrible. (now I could do that much easier) And when it comes to reliability, if the CCTs and R/R are looked after, people have done over 150,000 miles without problems. (I have over 60k on mine)

I'd say give it a test ride if the seller will let you and make up your own mind.

 

I use to have a naked 2002 Bandit 1200 as well... and let me tell you, that bike was fun on a bun! Like the VTR the Bandit 1200 has tons of personality, espcially for an inline 4, no offense. I think you'll find the VTR lacking up top but the low end will be comparable.

 

i've rode the banit 1250 and i found that the seating position is a little more relaxed and the power is a little more smooth. but in saying that i would pick the vtr over the banit only because i love the vtwin, the sound and the bikes personality.

 

I spent a fair amount of time astride a Bandit 1250S test bike (used to be a bike mag editor) and loved the bike, especially the engine. Smooth, and user-friendly with what is quite posibly the widest powerband in motorcycling (lugged it down to below 20 mph in 6th two-up and rolled on it and the big Zook pulled away with authority and complete smoothness, VERY impressed). The Bandit is smoother and more comfortable, but also bigger and heavier. It would make a better touring platform but the VTR is lighter, more manoeuvrable and has the V-twin feel. IMO you can`t go wrong with either one, it just boils down to getting the one that best suits your needs.

 

Never been on a bandit, but i do own an 86 Gixxer 750 with a solo Corbin seat.
As you can imagine, totally different animals but comfort level i would say is the same (primarily due to Corbin) i used to take the 750 up to Elkhart lake for Superbike from chicago and no issues, last year did the same on the Hawk and also stress free. comfy and not tiring at all.
Power feel is as you'd expect completely different, but Gixxer does provide more excitement once spools up above 6K. The hawk, all torque all the time which i like as well but no surge of power feel - ever.

 

I own both bikes,a 99 superhawk and a 2003 1200 bandit.if i had to sell one,it would be the bandit.both have about the same power,the hawk is lighter,the bandit has a little better sitting position for the highway.what i don`t like about the bandit is it vibrates like a chainsaw at 70mph and i`m always looking for a 6th gear.my hawk is way more relaxed at 70-80mph with it`s 6th gear.the suspension on both bikes in stock form is not real good.hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the responses so far. Good to know the two bikes are comparable in power. I am almost 40 now, and have no desire to be the fastest on the road anymore, but can't say I am ready to drive a slow machine yet. I also thought the Bandit needed that six gear it doesn't have. This next bike will be my daily commuter to work, when the Colorado weather permits, so some comfort comes into play. I am only 5' 7" so I am not cramped on sport type bikes though. I guess it comes down to test riding several bikes.