Faults:

Uneven acceleration or delayed response (like turbo lag).

Dirt in the carburetors, worn needles, or torn diaphragms cause stalling or unstable idling.

The voltage regulator/rectifier tends to overheat and fail, causing the battery not to charge or the fuses to blow.

The clutch slave cylinder tends to get fouled with old fluid, causing the lever to feel spongy or the clutch to not operate correctly.

General Comments:

Although a Bandit 1200 might seem somewhat dated today compared to a modern super-naked, it still holds great charm, and its air/oil-cooled engine delivers tremendous power.

It must be admitted that, in stock form, the Bandit 1200 feels somewhat dated. With conventional forks and a soft shock absorber, the Bandit was a bit unstable in corners even back in its day, and on a used bike, the situation can be even worse due to various factors.

The stock shock is of poor quality, so I replaced it with a better one. The forks benefit from stiffer springs and heavier-weight oil.

As for the brakes, with their four-piston calipers, the Bandit performs well but not exceptionally. Like the rest of the bike, they can be improved with braided lines, a complete overhaul, and high-friction pads.

One of the Bandit's greatest advantages is that it is an ideal bike for carrying a passenger, as the engine handles the extra weight with ease and the seat is very comfortable for both the rider and the passenger. As a two-up cruiser, the Bandit 1200 is unbeatable.

The Bandit 1200’s engine, an air/oil-cooled, carbureted unit, was not the most sophisticated. However, if you are looking for power, the Bandit delivers, boasting a substantial 68 lb-ft of torque and 100 hp. Offering smooth, simple handling and exceptional durability, the Bandit is very easy to work on; many owners, myself included, handle all the maintenance ourselves.

Speaking of the transmission, a popular modification is to lower the gear ratio on a Bandit to gain more power; this isn't a bad idea, and it doesn't cause the engine to rev excessively at highway speeds. Since the engine is an older design, there are a few things to keep in mind: the gearbox can feel a bit clunky and the clutch isn't as smooth as on some modern bikes, but harnessing the power at low to mid-range RPMs makes for a truly enjoyable riding experience.

Bandits have a pretty good finish, and (aside from some corrosion here and there and the well-known rust on the exhaust) the main issue with the early models stems from the wiring, which can chafe and wear through, leading to electrical problems.

The steel frame can develop rust in small areas if the paint chips. The engine finish could be better, though.

Overall, the Bandit is a reliable motorcycle with a very robust engine; at this stage, the main issues stem from wear and tear and the need to replace components such as bearings.

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.