jaysonste
Member
I'm looking into a new seat and bigger rear pegs for my wife. I'm having Issues with tank and tail bags as well as deciding what kind of frame protection to get. Any and all advice will help.Thanks
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04 Bandit Upgrades? Any Ideas on how to make it more Touring and less Sport
- Thread starter jaysonste
- Start date
Get a Corbin "Gunfighter and Lady" with the backrest if you don't have a topbox.
Have a look at the SW Motech quick release luggage system on Twisted Throttle, I had it on my 2001 GSF600s Bandit and loved how I could go from "touring" to "posing" with a screwdriver and four minutes.
I used an Oxford tank bag on it, similar to this one: http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=174&pid=542&p=
Put on a good set of Pro Grip Gel grips, get some really heavy bar ends to cut down on the vibration such as Throttlemeister or manic salamander, and think about filling the bars with lead shot or similar. It all cuts down on vibration.
Bar risers that lift the bars even by ten mm or more will change your seating position. Don't go too high until you check to see if you need to replace the brake lines and control cables if you go beyond their reach.
The pasenger pegs? I'm not sure what you could do there, but worst case you could take the existing pegs and have a welder fabricate something that would give her wider or longer stance. Is she putting a lot of weight on the pegs? Perhaps her sitting position needs some refinement, such as using her thighs to squeeze the bike and bracing with her torso for stops? Perhaps look at other Suzuki bikes and see if a better peg will bolt right on?
You might ask here:
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=06cd8jomoitmqor4erudr4dmu3&action=forum
Have a look at the SW Motech quick release luggage system on Twisted Throttle, I had it on my 2001 GSF600s Bandit and loved how I could go from "touring" to "posing" with a screwdriver and four minutes.
I used an Oxford tank bag on it, similar to this one: http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=174&pid=542&p=
Put on a good set of Pro Grip Gel grips, get some really heavy bar ends to cut down on the vibration such as Throttlemeister or manic salamander, and think about filling the bars with lead shot or similar. It all cuts down on vibration.
Bar risers that lift the bars even by ten mm or more will change your seating position. Don't go too high until you check to see if you need to replace the brake lines and control cables if you go beyond their reach.
The pasenger pegs? I'm not sure what you could do there, but worst case you could take the existing pegs and have a welder fabricate something that would give her wider or longer stance. Is she putting a lot of weight on the pegs? Perhaps her sitting position needs some refinement, such as using her thighs to squeeze the bike and bracing with her torso for stops? Perhaps look at other Suzuki bikes and see if a better peg will bolt right on?
You might ask here:
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=06cd8jomoitmqor4erudr4dmu3&action=forum
l84toff
Well-known member
Good ideas above. I had a Bandit 1250SEA, which came with a lot of touring goodies. Top and side cases are a must, along with a tank bag. A more comfy seat also a must, I had a Gel seat but didn't like it for all day riding. If you want all day comfort I've read high reviews of a RussellDayLong seats, that's what I'm currently contemplating getting. A little pricey espectially if you go with a heated version.
You can also look at heated gear, fairly straightforward setting up the wiring for it and then you can get what ever gear you want. A better (bigger) windshield, my current ride (Honda ST1300) has a very large windshield and coming from a Bandit, the difference on the highway is massive. I get almost no wind noise with the windscreen up (it adjusts) and 12 hrs into your day, I would not want to ride without it. There are many variations for the Bandit out there. I've also seen some Bandits out there with hwy pegs, something I didn't add to my 08 when I had it but being able to adjust your legs and change the pressure points on your butt while going LD is almost another must.
You can also look at heated gear, fairly straightforward setting up the wiring for it and then you can get what ever gear you want. A better (bigger) windshield, my current ride (Honda ST1300) has a very large windshield and coming from a Bandit, the difference on the highway is massive. I get almost no wind noise with the windscreen up (it adjusts) and 12 hrs into your day, I would not want to ride without it. There are many variations for the Bandit out there. I've also seen some Bandits out there with hwy pegs, something I didn't add to my 08 when I had it but being able to adjust your legs and change the pressure points on your butt while going LD is almost another must.
Nice ride! I have one too, an '04 600S.
I like the mix of sport and touring, but am thinking about some touring upgrades too.
http://www.maximum-suzuki.com is a great site I highly recommend. The guys on there are great and there's a huge body of knowledge.
Stuff I've done to mine:
-Brighter, generic HID headlight (I know people hate me for it, but it throws a lot more light);
-Eastern Beaver headlight harness (necessary for HID's, a big improvement even with standard headlamps);
-Took apart and cleaned the headlight cluster;
-MRA VarioTouring windscreen (big improvement);
-Failed custom seat project that I had finished by an auto upholstery specialist (also a big improvement - but for the amount of trouble, I would've bought and aftermarket seat).
I'm looking at doing hard luggage to it too - probably a top case and rack. Not sure I need side cases since I also have a tail bag. Maybe heated grips in the future too.
If you want to do headlight mods the right way, some guys have done a headlight mod by opening the headlight housing and replacing the lens assy with a Hella H-9 headlamp bulb. You should google 'bandit hella mod' for good instructions. I just did greasy HID's
I don't have engine guards. There's a source in the UK to get round bumper-style guards for $50+ship, or Givi sells a nicer set for about twice that.
A guy on Maximum-Suzuki bent thin bar stock with a press to relocate the passenger pegs farther down and forward. This apparently really helped comfort for the passenger. I might look at this, but my girlfriend is already happier with the better seat and has done 400 km days on the back in decent comfort.
I like the mix of sport and touring, but am thinking about some touring upgrades too.
http://www.maximum-suzuki.com is a great site I highly recommend. The guys on there are great and there's a huge body of knowledge.
Stuff I've done to mine:
-Brighter, generic HID headlight (I know people hate me for it, but it throws a lot more light);
-Eastern Beaver headlight harness (necessary for HID's, a big improvement even with standard headlamps);
-Took apart and cleaned the headlight cluster;
-MRA VarioTouring windscreen (big improvement);
-Failed custom seat project that I had finished by an auto upholstery specialist (also a big improvement - but for the amount of trouble, I would've bought and aftermarket seat).
I'm looking at doing hard luggage to it too - probably a top case and rack. Not sure I need side cases since I also have a tail bag. Maybe heated grips in the future too.
If you want to do headlight mods the right way, some guys have done a headlight mod by opening the headlight housing and replacing the lens assy with a Hella H-9 headlamp bulb. You should google 'bandit hella mod' for good instructions. I just did greasy HID's
I don't have engine guards. There's a source in the UK to get round bumper-style guards for $50+ship, or Givi sells a nicer set for about twice that.
A guy on Maximum-Suzuki bent thin bar stock with a press to relocate the passenger pegs farther down and forward. This apparently really helped comfort for the passenger. I might look at this, but my girlfriend is already happier with the better seat and has done 400 km days on the back in decent comfort.
jaysonste
Member
Thanks for the advice. as far as passenger pegs go... I think I'm going to the bike grave yard and pull some rear pegs off an old crusier. the rubber clad crusier pegs seem to offer more comfort. there is a Givi top rack that came on the bike but I'm selling it. Even though Top bags are handy I'm not a fan. I am curious if the back rest comes off the gunfighter seat. This is my toy after all and I dont want the back rest all the time. As for HID's, I love'em and hate'em. they are fantastic at night and make you stand out in day light. thanks again and keep the ideas commin'Jay
The backrest does indeed come off with a screwdriver and access to the bottom of the seat. It's an option for that Corbin seat combo.
You might want to rethink the topbox for touring. In my experience the wife gets two boxes to your one and tankbag.
Have a look for the sw motech alu top rack.
www.twistedthrottle.com
Aviciouscycle.ca is a cdn distributor for corbin and twisted throttle.
You might want to rethink the topbox for touring. In my experience the wife gets two boxes to your one and tankbag.
Have a look for the sw motech alu top rack.
www.twistedthrottle.com
Aviciouscycle.ca is a cdn distributor for corbin and twisted throttle.
Amen, brother.
I was thinking of selling my KLR until I totted up the cost of the aftermarket farkles that I installed, and it came out to more than the bike was worth, so I rebuilt the engine so I'd have another season or two on it instead of a newer bike.
You know what you really need? A throttle rocker and a visa card, both of which are waterproof. Let out the clutch and enjoy the ride!
djez
Well-known member
Also add heated grips and/ or hand guards (vstrom guards + riser works)- it makes riding in the cold/rain easy.
As for headlight you can just add Denali light
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5224/104/
Don't Forget the Stebel Horn for pesky drivers on their cellphones.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/104/
I have the Givi engine guards on mine and attached to it are highway pegs.
As for headlight you can just add Denali light
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5224/104/
Don't Forget the Stebel Horn for pesky drivers on their cellphones.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/104/
I have the Givi engine guards on mine and attached to it are highway pegs.
Morrissey
Well-known member
I ride a 2001 Bandit and all my add ons have been for comfort and touring. I purchased a Givi Windscreen http://www.givi.ca/en/dbdhds_detail.php which provides more wind protection less buffeting. I also have a Givi V46 top case and Givi E41 side cases. Tons of space, great fit/finish and they look nice too! I also added a set of bar risers which made a huge difference in the comfort of the bike http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4935/104/ They come in 0.8 inch to 2 inch sizes. I put a set of 1 inch risers on and love them. Would have liked to go with a set of 1up and 1 backs, but it would have caused clearance issues with the tank when the bars were all the way to one side or the other.
Here is a link to Twisted Throttle. It lists everything they sell that fits a '00 to '04 Bandit. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/104/ Lots of fun bits to bolt on. Also, where is a link for Bandit body work if you're interested in huggers or lower fairings or belly pans. http://www.whaccessories.com/Suzuki Bandit.htm
Here is a link to Twisted Throttle. It lists everything they sell that fits a '00 to '04 Bandit. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/104/ Lots of fun bits to bolt on. Also, where is a link for Bandit body work if you're interested in huggers or lower fairings or belly pans. http://www.whaccessories.com/Suzuki Bandit.htm
Here are my recommended upgrades, in no particular order:
- Heated grips. I have heating elements under gel grips, DIY wiring.
- Handlebar risers, depending on your height and desired riding position. I have 1" up and 1" back.
- Handlebars. Eliminate the Bandit's stock awkward backward bend. Plenty of choice, from Daytona to Superbike to dirt bike bars. Most are cheap and some will eliminate the need for risers. You can fill them with BBs or lead shot to quell the vibration. No need to replace the stock bar ends unless you are going for throttle lock ones - aftermarket are all lighter. In both cases you will need longer brake line, so budget for steel braided.
- Throttle lock or throttle rocker as mentioned. I use the poor man's throttle lock - a Caterpillar o ring on the bar end. Rarely use it.
- More comfortable seat (from gel to Corbin to Sargent to DIY)
- Touring windscreen, laminar lip or similar. Highly individual choice as well as most other comfort upgrades. I have Zero Gravity Double Bubble.
- Luggage rack and cases. Givi is very high quality and durable but expensive. It looks like there are decent knock-offs out there and you may be lucky like me to find a set second hand on the cheap.
- GPS. I don't ride without it. Get a waterproof one, everything else is a PITA. Be careful how you mount it. Bandit will vibrate any electronics to death eventually, unless they are in a tank bag pocket or somewhere loose like that. I'm on my third Garmin eTrex - previous ones lasted 2-3 seasons on a double jointed RAM handlebar mount.
- Auxiliary lights. If you ride at night at all you'll realize how pathetic 2G Bandit headlights are. I have a fork mounted pair of 55W, but will be moving them to mirror mount for easier adjustment and further throw.
- Upgraded headlights. There's not much you can do about the infamous black dust but clean it every 20-30,000Km (a royal PITA). Upgrade to HID may help a little. Mine are stock, but totally refurbished, hopefully banishing the black dust forever this time, but I'm not holding my breath.
- Upgraded wiring harness with relays and connectors and power supplies for head lights, GPS/phone, heated gear, etc. Stock harness is pathetic, especially the headlight part.
- Engine guards or, better, NRC covers. You'll be very glad you spent money on them the first time you lay it down, even at parking lot speeds.
- Highway pegs. I prefer ones installed on the lower engine mount, not engine guard.
That's it, from the back of my head. I hope I didn't miss anything important. Check maximum-suzuki.com and banditalley.net for a lot more.
- Heated grips. I have heating elements under gel grips, DIY wiring.
- Handlebar risers, depending on your height and desired riding position. I have 1" up and 1" back.
- Handlebars. Eliminate the Bandit's stock awkward backward bend. Plenty of choice, from Daytona to Superbike to dirt bike bars. Most are cheap and some will eliminate the need for risers. You can fill them with BBs or lead shot to quell the vibration. No need to replace the stock bar ends unless you are going for throttle lock ones - aftermarket are all lighter. In both cases you will need longer brake line, so budget for steel braided.
- Throttle lock or throttle rocker as mentioned. I use the poor man's throttle lock - a Caterpillar o ring on the bar end. Rarely use it.
- More comfortable seat (from gel to Corbin to Sargent to DIY)
- Touring windscreen, laminar lip or similar. Highly individual choice as well as most other comfort upgrades. I have Zero Gravity Double Bubble.
- Luggage rack and cases. Givi is very high quality and durable but expensive. It looks like there are decent knock-offs out there and you may be lucky like me to find a set second hand on the cheap.
- GPS. I don't ride without it. Get a waterproof one, everything else is a PITA. Be careful how you mount it. Bandit will vibrate any electronics to death eventually, unless they are in a tank bag pocket or somewhere loose like that. I'm on my third Garmin eTrex - previous ones lasted 2-3 seasons on a double jointed RAM handlebar mount.
- Auxiliary lights. If you ride at night at all you'll realize how pathetic 2G Bandit headlights are. I have a fork mounted pair of 55W, but will be moving them to mirror mount for easier adjustment and further throw.
- Upgraded headlights. There's not much you can do about the infamous black dust but clean it every 20-30,000Km (a royal PITA). Upgrade to HID may help a little. Mine are stock, but totally refurbished, hopefully banishing the black dust forever this time, but I'm not holding my breath.
- Upgraded wiring harness with relays and connectors and power supplies for head lights, GPS/phone, heated gear, etc. Stock harness is pathetic, especially the headlight part.
- Engine guards or, better, NRC covers. You'll be very glad you spent money on them the first time you lay it down, even at parking lot speeds.
- Highway pegs. I prefer ones installed on the lower engine mount, not engine guard.
That's it, from the back of my head. I hope I didn't miss anything important. Check maximum-suzuki.com and banditalley.net for a lot more.
- GPS. I don't ride without it. Get a waterproof one, everything else is a PITA. Be careful how you mount it. Bandit will vibrate any electronics to death eventually, unless they are in a tank bag pocket or somewhere loose like that. I'm on my third Garmin eTrex - previous ones lasted 2-3 seasons on a double jointed RAM handlebar mount.
Hey Vlad, the ETrex uses a PCB that connects with the batteries with contacts vice hardwired to the pcb. One user suggests taking it apart and soldering wires in place of the contacts to fix it. I have a similar problem with mine on the KLR, and just replaced it with a 60Cx. Fingers crossed.
That last picture, is it from a James Bay run?
Sweet stuff. I see a lot of familiar guys from Max Suzuki on this thread.
If you want Twisted Throttle stuff, the guy at A Vicious Cycle (http://www.aviciouscycle.ca) is their Canadian rep. He has a retail store in New Dundee (by Kitchener or New Hamburg) and also does mail order. I think he's also the Corbin Canada rep.
I have no affiliation but he's cut me a deal or two.
To the OP - if you don't want the top box and rack, PM me and I might be interested.
If you want Twisted Throttle stuff, the guy at A Vicious Cycle (http://www.aviciouscycle.ca) is their Canadian rep. He has a retail store in New Dundee (by Kitchener or New Hamburg) and also does mail order. I think he's also the Corbin Canada rep.
I have no affiliation but he's cut me a deal or two.
To the OP - if you don't want the top box and rack, PM me and I might be interested.
I took the old one apart and you are right, the contact between the battery/USB plug and PCB is one of the things that go first due to vibration. It's easy enough to fix, but putting the rubber band back on the assembled unit while keeping it waterproof is a challenge I wasn't able to solve. It's a bad design, IMO. Also, my previous eTrex eventually died due to some other failure, likely a break in the multi-layer PCB, that proved impossible for me to locate, let alone solve. I still have that GPS in a drawer somewhere and may revisit it at a later time, but checking all the solder points and re-soldering some that looked like they may be loose did not yield any results so far.
Yes. About Km290 when I ran out of gas and pulled over to refill from the jerry can. Yes, the full tank lasted only 290Km up there. My fuel economy is normally under 5.5L/100Km, even fully loaded, but on James Bay road it jumped to around 7L/100Km due to high speeds sustained for hours. Mostly in fourth gear too, for better control and more fun
.I'm thinking about an IBA "SaddleSore 1000 / Bun Burner 1500" to Chisasibi this summer. Gotta train for it first though...
the problem i kept having with my bandit 1200 is the rear tail light tends to burn itself out more frequently than other bikes. Aside from that it's a solid bike. What upgrades I did to my '04 before i sold her were..
Givi Engine Guards
Givi Touring Windscreen
Givi Luggage (E52 etc.)
Pro Gel Grips
NEP Throttle Lock + THrottle Rocker
Twisted Throttle Hwy Pegs
6000k HID Kit
I don't know what other people were mentioning about regarding vibrations...it's a 1200, not some 600 whining on secondary vibes. Rode with the stock seat also for 15000km to California and back in 24 days, no issues. Fuel mileage was ~ 290-300km before i'm out. I got the light @ 250ish at times, but i was loaded down with saddlebags, tail bag + top box, not to mention when i'm stretched out on my hwy pegs it's pretty non aero lol.
GPS is definitely a must if you're doing touring. Look into RAM for good GPS mounts. Didn't make any adjustments to the handlebar lengths etc. But hey to each his own, my ergo happened to work.
As for the luggage...can't really go wrong with Givi...if you want alternatives, i went with givi top box on my tour but softs for my saddles + tail. I think i had an oxford tank bag to boot too. It was perfect cuz the tank bag was big enough for me ti lay on when i was riding the superslab (highway).
Givi Engine Guards
Givi Touring Windscreen
Givi Luggage (E52 etc.)
Pro Gel Grips
NEP Throttle Lock + THrottle Rocker
Twisted Throttle Hwy Pegs
6000k HID Kit
I don't know what other people were mentioning about regarding vibrations...it's a 1200, not some 600 whining on secondary vibes. Rode with the stock seat also for 15000km to California and back in 24 days, no issues. Fuel mileage was ~ 290-300km before i'm out. I got the light @ 250ish at times, but i was loaded down with saddlebags, tail bag + top box, not to mention when i'm stretched out on my hwy pegs it's pretty non aero lol.
GPS is definitely a must if you're doing touring. Look into RAM for good GPS mounts. Didn't make any adjustments to the handlebar lengths etc. But hey to each his own, my ergo happened to work.
As for the luggage...can't really go wrong with Givi...if you want alternatives, i went with givi top box on my tour but softs for my saddles + tail. I think i had an oxford tank bag to boot too. It was perfect cuz the tank bag was big enough for me ti lay on when i was riding the superslab (highway).
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jaysonste
Member
So to recap... Heated hand grips, crash bars, Throttle lock (came with my bike), Givi top bag (the monokey rack came on the bike but no bag), Tank bag, saddle bags, Wind Sheild, Seat (I'm having a hard time finding a Seat for an '04 600. It stops at 03 and Restarts at 05), HID's, Highway pegs and a bigger wallet...Thank you, you've pointed me in the rite direction
Two things:
-Headlight wiring harness (needed, or at least strongly needed for HID's);
-The '04 Bandit should be the same as the '00-03 - at least my '04 is. Look at the photo on the Corbin site to confirm.
Good luck!
-Headlight wiring harness (needed, or at least strongly needed for HID's);
-The '04 Bandit should be the same as the '00-03 - at least my '04 is. Look at the photo on the Corbin site to confirm.
Good luck!
jaysonste
Member
Ok the bike is almost perfect. looking to add H.I.D head lights and Integrated mirror/turn signals. has anyone put either of these on their bike and is it overly convoluted and complicated?
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