KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

car5car
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KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 06:02

#719163

It seems like 80 KZ1000(some models) and Bandit 1200 have about the same value.
Somebody here has or rode both.
I would like to know your opinion.

96 Yamaha Royal Star
82 Yamaha Virago 920

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Mcdroid
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 08:47

#719196

Given a choice, I'd pick the Bandit over most 1980 Kawasaki's...unless it was a Z1R or A4 model.

Michael
Victoria, Texas

1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A

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SWest
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 09:00

#719198

'Apples and oranges.'
Steve

Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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davido
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 09:09

#719199

I have a '95 Bandit 600. Its a great bike. Goes,stops,does everything it says on the tin.Its my daily ride all year round and hasnt failed me in the 3 or 4 years Ive owned it. To be honest though I find it pretty soulless.
So to answer your question. If you want something thats going to get you from here to there with no fuss,Id go for the 1200 but if you want something with a bit of character,Id go for the Z.

www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/594313-csr1000-project-build
CB550 (1978)
CB500/4 (1972)*
KZ1000CSR (1981)
XT 600E (1999)
TDM900 (2003)

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SWest
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 09:21

#719207

Bossie is a head turner for sure. Sometimes I don't like all the attention though. :dry:
Steve

Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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car5car
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 15:36 - 04 Apr 2016 15:36

#719262

I think Bandit has shorter wheel base. That is the only thing I don't like about it.

96 Yamaha Royal Star
82 Yamaha Virago 920

Last edit: 04 Apr 2016 15:36 by car5car.

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80B4
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 17:36

#719280

A stock KZ1000 makes around 70 hp at the rear wheel. A dead stock Bandit 1200 makes 100hp at the rear wheel. The Bandit has much better handling and braeks, and parts are still easy to get. Do you want to ride, or do you want a project?

1980B4 1000
1978 Z1R
1978 B3 750

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650ed
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 19:36

#719303

Depending on what year Bandit we're talking about there's up to a 26 year difference in age between that and a 1980 KZ1000. The 1200 Bandits were still being made in 2006, so comparing the performance of bikes that are so far apart in age and technology does seem a bit like apples and oranges. On the other hand, when it comes down to comparing appearance I prefer the Kawasaki because I like the flowing lines rather than the angular look. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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missionkz
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

04 Apr 2016 19:48

#719307

I'm with 650ed.... with respect to modern vs vintage, and technologically speaking.... I'm sure the Bandit is an all around better machine.
But I just don't like they way they look....
But if the price was right, I'd sure learn to! LOL

Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado

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zed1015
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

05 Apr 2016 01:39

#719325

1015 cc - air cooled , 8 valve , roller bearing crank with a 1100 rpm max safe rev limit.
v/s
1157cc - oil cooled , 16 valve , plain crank with a spin it as fast as you can rev limit.
A pointless comparison.
I've had both bikes and Bandit went a long time ago before I got bored to death .
I still have five Zeds and a big smile.

AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/23-for-sale/611992-air-c...lide-mikunis?start=0

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loudhvx
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

05 Apr 2016 08:15 - 05 Apr 2016 08:19

#719363

In 1990, would you rather have a 1965 Corvette (with some condition/age issues) or a 1988 Corvette? Easy to answer that now. Hind sight is 20/20.

Many years from now I think you'd rather have the Kz in the garage without any questions, and you'll wonder why you even thought about it.

1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

Last edit: 05 Apr 2016 08:19 by loudhvx.

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zed1015
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Re: KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

05 Apr 2016 16:39

#719418

davido wrote: So to answer your question. If you want something thats going to get you from here to there with no fuss,Id go for the 1200 but if you want something with a bit of character,Id go for the Z.

My Z1R has been getting me from here to there and much further for over 20 years with plenty of character and no fuss at all.
It's my only daily transport all year round.
If anyone's Zed is unreliable i'd look at the owner/builder for fault, not the bike.

AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/23-for-sale/611992-air-c...lide-mikunis?start=0

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