My last bike was a VTX 1800c with a load of low end torque. Very nice bike, but way too heavy and agility is not even in it's vocabulary. I was looking for a quick ride that could take a corner without grinding the footpegs to a nub.
I test rode the Bandit 1250 and FZ1. I eliminated the Z1000 because of general looks and very small windscreen.
The FZ1 was sluggish on lower rpm's. Granted, it will take off at 6 and 7k rpms and higher, but I just don't want to ride like that most of the time. The changes they made to the FZ1 in '06 were NOT for the better.
The Bandit had some awesome low end torque that seemed to stay very constant up through at least 7k rpm. Above that, you know, I really don't care. If I wanted to win races against other bikes or do wheelies down main street I would not buy any of the bikes I've listed anyway. The handling is awesome, torque is great, power is good. Downsides: My headlight was pointed way too low to begin with, but that was easily adjusted. The emergency lights button stuck on when I first tested it. That was fixed also before riding off the lot. And I'm a little frustrated by the lack of places to attach bungee cords without scratching the bodywork.
Other than a few minor things, I really think this is the next 'Standard' bike to beat. Since the disappearance of the Nighthawk 750 and the changes made to the '05 FZ1, there hasn't been a clear winner in this class of motorcycle. No longer. Enter the Bandit 1250.
More performance - more class - more features - low price.
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