Faults:

Blow-back through the carburettors flooded the engine. Poor fuel, I think, rather than a design fault.

General Comments:

The Bandit 1200 does everything well without being inspiring in any one area.

I have the S version (faired), which makes high speeds and long distances comfortable.

It is fast in a straight line and the brakes are powerful and linear. Two-finger stops are the norm. It has very smooth acceleration (carbs, not injectors).

However, the suspension, both front and rear, is soft: comfortable, but vague in the twisty stuff.

It is totally reliable, easy to handle, cheap to buy, run, insure and maintain.

It is built to a budget and salty roads don't do the fasteners any favours. But, all in all, a truly competent and enjoyable machine.