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Mike Cowton
April 25, 2019

A last-minute purchase changes the fortunes of Project GSX-R10/11/12, shortly before its big test. Former stunt rider and tester Martin ‘Wild’ Child tells all.

The more you see, the more you find. And then buy. That’s a pretty good adage for anyone building their own project bike. What starts out as a slight interest in a particular model quickly turns into desire, and then borders on obsession as you realise that all your saved searches have the model name of your project in them.

So there I am, casually scrolling through the free ads that have popped up on my phone, when another Bandit 1200 looks like it needs a new home. Those that have been following my build (it kicked off in the July 2018 issue) will know that I’d already ‘re-housed’ a 1996 Bandit 12. Maybe they’re like dogs, in that they play better when there are two of them…

It’s cheap and not too nasty, my ‘new’ 2003 Bandit – yup, of course I bought it. Deal done at $400 (£220). I’ve had more expensive nights out than that.

To read more of Martin’s article, check out the May issue of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, available NOW!

About the Author

Mike Cowton

Mike is a production editor and long-time biker. Even though he is old, moderately overweight, sports long, grey, flowing locks and a beard, he can still climb into his leathers and loves riding sports bikes, not that his family approves. 01507 529326 | MCowton@Mortons.co.uk

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