KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

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04 Apr 2016 06:02 #719163 by car5car
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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04 Apr 2016 08:47 #719196 by Mcdroid
Replied by Mcdroid on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?
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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04 Apr 2016 09:00 #719198 by SWest

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04 Apr 2016 09:09 #719199 by davido
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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04 Apr 2016 09:21 #719207 by SWest
Bossie is a head turner for sure. Sometimes I don't like all the attention though. :dry:
Steve

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04 Apr 2016 15:36 - 04 Apr 2016 15:36 #719262 by car5car
Replied by car5car on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?
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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04 Apr 2016 17:36 #719280 by 80B4
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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04 Apr 2016 19:36 #719303 by 650ed
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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04 Apr 2016 19:48 #719307 by missionkz
Replied by missionkz on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?
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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05 Apr 2016 01:39 #719325 by zed1015
Replied by zed1015 on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?
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.

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05 Apr 2016 08:15 - 05 Apr 2016 08:19 #719363 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?
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.
Last edit: 05 Apr 2016 08:19 by loudhvx.

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05 Apr 2016 16:39 #719418 by zed1015
Replied by zed1015 on topic KZ1000 vs. Suzuki Bandit 1200. Your opinion?

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
kzrider.com/forum/23-for-sale/611992-air-corrector-jets-





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