Faults:

Have completed 10000 klms in 14 days on this bike - crossed the Nullarbor twice, and only issue was the flatspotting of the rear tyre due to the excessive distance traveled on straight roads.

General Comments:

I decided on purchasing the Bandit 1200 four touring after reading many reviews on sports/tourer motorcycles. I wanted to get away from water cooled engines, and back to basic suspension etc for ease of repair and service if needed while traveling in remote and often hot/harsh conditions.

I crossed Australia from Brisbane to Perth and back again (10000 klms in 14 days) without any breakdowns or issues on a 205 model starting with 80000 klms on the clock. The bike never missed a beat mechanically, and I got around 280 to 300 klms a tank fully loaded.

Seat comfort can be an issue on long distance rides like this.

I fully recommend the reliability of the bike, and the engine is just simply bulletproof and pulls like nothing I have ever ridden in 25 years of riding.

Faults:

Dead battery.

Laid down, what little fairings on it exploded.

General Comments:

Valve adjustment is tedious and too short of intervals.

Torque monster.

Can be hopped up to be as fast as the superbikes.

Lacks suspension of the super bikes.

Comfy seat.

Nimble and easy to use.

Likes to be on one wheel.

Faults:

Carbs are balky when cold.

General Comments:

Bargain priced bruiser. Bought new in '05.

Found the bike to be a little top heavy (6'0", 30" inseam). Semi comfortable riding position, still too much forward weight on wrists.

Plenty of power through the entire RPM range. Should have waited for the FI version, cold blooded carbs, sometimes take several miles before engine runs smoothly.

Overall, a bargain for $6500.

Faults:

Water in electrics under seat, not used in rain.

Standard handle bars poor bend.

Corrosion on rear footrest hangers already.

General Comments:

Very rapid when unrestricted and jetted.

Replacement bars cures the original bend.

Takes some holding on at full bore.