Greg Jerome(Draper UT)
Hi Dale
Just wanted to let you know how satisfied I was with the products I just purchased from you for my 2001 Bandit 1200s. Everything went onto the bike great, instructions were easy to understand & the rack & backrest look great. I especially liked the install tips - - \"be careful not to cross thread the bolts\" was a good catch & helped me with the install. Thanks for selling great products that are exactly as described on your website.
Kim (Wisconsin)
Hi Dale
I'm a little belated with this email, but I still wanted to let you
know that the Holeshot slip-on and stage 1/timing advancer installed GREAT on my 03 Bandit 600.
I haven't balanced the carbs yet but it really pulls.
Thanks for
everyting, you have a fan.
Steve Boon wrote
Two or three years ago I purchased a stage one modified kit from Dale and never got around to putting it on the bike. A few weeks ago, I discovered that I had lost the instructions and tore the house apart looking for them. I sent an email to Dale and got both an email from him and a phone call from Liza. They took great care of me and got me the instructions I needed. Liza even put two stamps on the envelope to make certain it got to me.
Dale, you have got a customer for life with me.
I'll post back in a day or two and let you know how the bike is running.
THANKS A BUNCH!
Simon Konda, SLOVENIA
Dear Dale,
So yesterday was the "D" day for the 05 1200 Bandit Stage 1 jet kit installation. The process took us around 5 hours to finish. My friend and I, did things slowly one step at a time. We did everything accordingly to your recommendations in the instructions manual.
I also remove the PAIR system and put in a new SUZUKI air filter.
After that, I took the bike for a ride.
My first words are:
DAMMIT DALE, YOU ROCK !!!!!
I cannot believe the improvement on the bike. The middle range has improved unbelievably, also at the lover end it delivers the power in a better way. I also like the improved throttle response, its way better than it used to be. To me it feels like a completely new bike, its perfect now.
And yes, you were also right about the decel popping, it is virtually gone now.
I've added a couple of pics in the attach.
Dale, once again THANK YOU, you've just gotten another satisfied customer!!!
Job well done!!!!
Larry, Toronto
Hi Dale,
Hi got my stage 2 kit installed ok, and I also put on a hindle pipe since Im up in toronto canada. I got the carbs dialed in right and the bike runs so much better. more power every where. I had a dyno tested before and after and picked up a 18 hp gain from 103 to 121. The engine runs cooler and gets better fuel milage. I have recomended this same kit to two friends with bandit 1200 with the same results. we are all very happy
Thank you
Greg wrote:
Hi Dale,
I got in a hurry yesterday when I got off the phone with you, but I wanted to take the time today to thank you again for your help. You can probably count on one hand the business' out there where the owner will take the time to not only answer your questions, but to not sound as if he/she is in a hurry to end the conversation. Every time I've called with questions about my bike you've always gotten on the phone right away and not only answered my questiones, but you took the time to carry on a conversation as if you really cared.
Thank you again Dale, and when I get ready to order anything for my bike I'll call you first for advice, and then order it from you!
Take care & Ride safe,
Todd Makenzie, NY:
Hi Dale
I Just installed the Holeshot 17" slip-on , with stage 1 jet kit and lowering link struts on my 2003 Bandit 1200, Everything went well, even though I have a tendency to have to do things twice sometimes, Sounds great and what's that pull that comes on around 6500-7000, that could be a problem if I'm not careful :) The butt dyno says, giddy up go.
Thanks
Don Nicholas (Product Manager Pirelli):
Hi Dale,
Finally I can get back to you after a very hectic start to 2010 for us here at Link International.
I have had my Holeshot Performance slip-on and stage 1 jet kit, with five degree advancer fitted to my 2006 Suzuki GSF1200S, and the results have been incredible. It’s like a different bike, but in a very good way. I call it the “gentleman’s hoon bike” now, as it still looks pretty standard but wow does it pack a punch!
As you can see from the Dyno Charts, we have seen a big jump in horsepower from standard, but it is very user friendly and accessible in the mid range just where I like it. It has also taken out a considerable flat spot that the bike had at lower to middle revs, with serious and immediate levels of grunt on tap just by winding on the throttle. No more waiting, the power is there to be used.
The volume of the pipe is just right with the 17”comp 2 can. I bought the DB killer just in case, but really don’t need it. It has a great deep tone at low revs that builds into an impressive howl at higher revs. On the freeway it has a nice tone and importantly not overly loud note.
The powder satin finish looks a treat, and is something a little different to most exhausts I looked at. The actual size of the exhaust suits the bike well and it went on very easily with the instructions provided.
I work as a Product Manager at a leading motorcycle accessories company and so I see a lot of different aftermarket products come through our doors for assessment. The Holeshot Performance muffler, ignition advancer and jet kit quality was superb, and I’m proud to run your product on my bike. I can highly recommend Dale and his products to any prospective customer looking for quality and performance for their motorcycle. I look forward to adding some more Holeshot Parts in the future.
Thanks Dale and best Regards
Russell Stephan (North Carolina):
Our Holeshot customer Russell Stephan having some sport touring
fun, at deals gap in North Carolina on his Bandit 600s.
James Harrison (Mesa, AZ):
Hi Dale
Pipe arrived quicker than I thought for my 05 Bandit 1200s, very well packaged. Installation instructions are idiot proof, thus my success in a clean installation. Fit and finish in my book, 10 out of 10. Great product! Can't wait for more!
John Gray, FL:
Hi Dale
Thank you very much for talking with me the other day about my 2001
Bandit 1200. We just finished putting in the jet kit and modifying
the carbs, removing the K&N and cutting the airbox hole. All I can
say is WOW, eliminated the cold start issue, removed the flat spot
in the midrange and even off idle is pulling like a freight train. Thanks again, will be ordering more stuff soon - suspension is next.
Robert
wrote:
Dale
Installed your stage 1 modified jet kit and 14" comp 2 slip on on
my 2000 bandit 600. The little bike will wheelie in first gear now
without the clutch. I have been in the automotive repair business for twenty years and have never had instructions as good as yours. Every thing installed flawlessly and with the jet kit installed to your reccommendations it required no further tuning. Thanks for making my bike fun to ride.
Seth wrote:
Hi Dale,
I wanted to thank you for your help prior to my purchase of the 17"
Street Core slip on for my 98 Bandit 1200S. I installed the
exhaust, and then left (bike in tow) on a trip to Vermont with some
friends. Got to give the new exhaust a good test on the back roads
in upstate Vermont.
The bike sounds great, and the riding was a blast. I just wish I
had gotten in more, but Mother Nature had other plans.
Thanks for a great product, and some personal attention to help me
decide which product was right for me!
Dean Reardon, Charleston, West Virginia :
Dear Holeshot
For Dale and the crew - Bought the 17" satin black slip-on and advancer for my 96' 600 bandit two weeks ago. Just wanted to say the slip-on is beautiful and has a terrific sound.
Advancer and slip-on were very easy to install and my bike has some really nice power now. I'd like to thank Dale for talking with me personally and giving me suggestions. I'll certainly recommend my other biker friends go to Holeshot for their performance needs.
Thanks again!
Alberto Z wrote:
Hi Dale
Finally, after got in my hands a workshop manual i've mounted the stage 2 kit in my B12
The bike goes now not like a bike, but like a rocket !!!
The final result is absolutely surprising, the engine has completely changed.
Thank you very much for the job !!!
Jim Ferguson Tigard, Oregon :
Thanks Dale for taking the time to call me back and talk about my
order. I have a 1997 B6. I had all the components installed yesterday, Holeshot slip-on, stage one jet kit and timing
advancer, and WOW!! Now it sounds like a bike with some muscle. It is not cold blooded anymore, it starts pulling at a lot lower rpm
and the sound is great, not to loud and not to soft. I haven't had
the chance yet to open her all the way up yet but I hope to soon. I
look forward to buying more products from you. I would recommend
Holeshot to anybody asking.
Take care and thanks
Ron Patla (Burlington, WI):
Hi Dale,
I bought one of your early stepped headers for my 1999 Bandit and had it retrofitted� a couple years ago for the comp2 divider. My Bandit has served me well over 39,000 trouble free miles. I loved the performance of my bike even though there are plenty of faster Bandits. It was comfortable enough for sport touring and that's mainly what I used it for. I've switched to an ST1300 and I'm selling the Bandit.
What I wanted to mention was how much I enjoyed the appearance of your products. Whenever I changed the oil on my bike, I dropped the exhaust system so the oil wouldn't run all over the pipes when I changed the filter. While it was off I'd clean it up and hit it with the Magic Mix Metal Polish. Your header never turned that yellowish color like most of the Bandits do. The mid pipe would get a little of it but the Magic Mix took it right out.
Richard, Massachusetts :
I just wanted to share my great experience with you. I was ready to trade in my 2000 B1200 because of my frustration with it being so
cold blooded, conplete with flat spots off idle. After much hesitation, I ordered your stage 1 kit W/air filter, and new Autolite plugs plus the ign. advance kit. Everything installed like a breeze. The rest is "I love my bike now!" Thanks for the great products.
John Gray,FL :
Hi Dale
Thank you very much for talking with me the other day about my 2001
Bandit 1200. We just finished putting in the jet kit and modifying
the carbs, removing the K&N and cutting the airbox hole. All I can
say is WOW, eliminated the cold start issue, removed the flat spot
in the midrange and even off idle is pulling like a freight train.
Thanks again, will be ordering more stuff soon - suspension is
next.
Dean Reardon wrote:
Dale,
For Dale and the crew - Bought the 17" satin black slip-on and
advancer for my 96' 600 bandit two weeks ago. Just wanted to say
the slip-on is beautiful and has a terrific sound.
Advancer and slip-on were very easy to install and my bike has some
really nice power now. I'd like to thank Dale for talking with me
personally and giving me suggestions. I'll certainly recommend my
other biker friends go to Holeshot for their performance needs
Thanks again!
Scott Leach:
Dale,
I can not put into words how pleased I am with your products,
particulary the stage 2 jet kits and exhaust components. I just
completed my third install of these items on my friends 2003 ZRX
1200, and to say he was more than satisfied is an understatement. I also installed these items on my 1998 1200 bandit (which I sold to
a close friend and he loves it) and my 2005 Yamaha FZ1 with
excellent results (may need a 50 shot of nos to keep up to that ZRX
in a roll on though!!)
Keep up the good work,
A truely satisfyed customer
Mark A. Lawrence wrote:
Dale,
Check her out!
Thanks for the great parts.
Bill Kurns , Modesto Ca:
Just a note to say thanks Dale. The new high pipe looks and sound unbelievable on my B-12 !!!
Just what I was looking for. As usual, you provide an excellent product. Good doing business with you again. Take care.
Ray, Scarboro Ontario Canada:
Hi Dale,
I installed the stage 2 kit in my suzuki 1200 bandit ,i love it lots of power and not cold blooded, it warms up fast,like you said thanks.
Seth:
Dear Dale,
I wanted to tell what a great experience I had with your company and thank you for recommending the perfect pipe for my Bandit 600. After placing an order with your receptionist, you called me back the next day to make sure that I was getting the right pipe for my riding style. Now that’s service! As a result of our conversation I ended up getting the street core rather than the comp 1. I’m sure that I would have been happy with the comp 1, but as you suggested the street core is the exact pipe that I was looking for. At idle, the bike has a deep growl. Very nice! When I open the throttle, instead of hearing the whine that accompanied the stock muffler, the bike roars to life. Although it’s louder than stock, it’s by no means offensive. It’s pretty amazing. Cruising on the freeway or around town, the pipe is incredibly well behaved. It doesn’t really roar unless you want it to. I have no idea what effect the pipe might have had on horsepower but it does improve overall performance. I swear the bike revs up quicker. With the stock pipe the bike felt really congesting. The new pipe seems to make the bike’s throttle response much better. I can’t wait to get your stage 1 kit installed. Anyone thinking about getting a slip-on for their bike should get it from Holeshot. Not only is it a great product, Dale is very conscientious and he’s committed to making sure that you get exactly what you want. If all businesses were run the way Dale runs his, life would be a lot easier for all of us!
Thanks again,
Brent Bourne, Servitech, Victoria BC Canada:
Finally got the can, jets, advancer, mirrors, fenda extenda for the
97 B6. Simple install for all parts. The B6 was for sale, but now it's my current ride. Your tuning made it all work right. As I have ridden and wrenched for a long time, I now see why the Baby Bandit is such a big deal in Europe. Will be ordering the springs to make it handle. Thanks for the professional research and quality infomation..
Mike Shipley:
Hi Dale,
Just a short note to say thanks for the great service and
products. My 1200 bandit has never gone better.I will be recommending your services to all my friends here in Australia keep up the great work. Thanks again to You your Staff And Family. Bandits Rule.
Rich asked:
I've been thinking of ordering Holeshot's stage 2 jet kit and timing advancer
for my B12. Also lots of other goodies look tempting. Have they been good
as far as shipping on time, quality, etc?
Rick, (Tokyo, Japan) replied:
Holeshot is the best. A small company that keeps a personal touch with its
customers, where you call them up and can talk to Dale The Man himself,
very friendly business. I've ordered more than $1,000 worth of parts from
Holeshot for my Bandit 1200, everything always arrived on time.
Dale is also a regular poster to the Bandit mailing list, nice to hear
frequent tuning tips from maestro himself.
But Holeshot ain't just one guy in a shack, it's a serious high-performance
company...that's why you see Holeshot products listed in Yoshimura's catalog
too.
And you're right, "lots of other goodies" DO look tempting, heh.
More power is never enough.
Iceman:
Dale, I recently received my Vortex S/O for my B-12, I took my bike to my
local bike shop for a stock dyno run and a run after the S/O was installed.
WOW, what an improvement. The best stock run was 94 hp 68 tq, then came
the test, the best run after installing my Vortex S/O was 112 hp and 78 tq,
and it made that on 2 back to back runs. This is just a bolt-on with
no jetting, the tech at the shop said he had never seen such big improvements
on a bike without jetting work done along with a S/O. The runs were done on a
Dynojet md. 150 on a 80 degree day. Well a few weeks later a few of the local drag
racing guys talked me into going with them on the run-what-u-brung night.
I made 4 passes and improved each time for a best 1/8th mile time .501 reaction,
7.578 e.t., at 95.355 mph. Some of the guys thought with the right rider,
and no other mods it might run 7.3 e.t. and close to 100mph, but this is my
everyday transportation so I'm not going to make a habit of drag racing.
I am pretty happy with it just the way it is. Well thanks again for a
GREAT product in your Vortex S/O and I am proud to promote to anyone looking
for an exhaust, your Vortex system. Sorry this was so long but I am a
satisfied customer. Thanks again and you can look for me to be a repeat
customer.
Gary K. Blomgren:
I recently bought your slip-on for my 1999 Bandit 1200, the stage 2 carb kit
and timing advancer. I installed everything in about 12 hours (I took my time
and double-checked everything at least twice). The bike is running just like
you said it would and I'm totally satisfied. This past weekend I rode it to
Davenport, IA for some classic bike races (I have a 1967 Bonneville built
like a flat tracker), went over 300 miles round trip and averaged over
45mph (riding between 55 to 75mph). That's the same as it was getting stock.
Thanks for providing great products. Cycle Specialties in Burlington, IA
suggested your equipment and I'm glad I listened to their advice on the phone.
I've seen and read about you and the various bike tests, etc. you've done in
the past and I consider it an honor and a privilege to have spoken directly
to you.
Dale recently sent Ed Henderson, a loyal Bandit Customer, his one of a kind
B-12 prototyped stepped header for testing. It is always nice for new Bandit
customers to hear results from other Bandit owners.
One Internet user asked:
Ed, the question is how does it perform? Did you go from just the slip-on
to the header, or the whole system??
Ed replied:
Normally I run a complete V&H SS2-R 4:1 system on my B12; I ditched the stock
SS2-R internals for a low-restriction V&H "Gunport" baffle which
I run without the fiberglass packing. The rest of my setup consists of Dale's
11:1 stock-bore pistons, Stage 2 carb kit, and Gixxer intake cam/stock exhaust
cam installed at 104i/106e. With some home-brewed port work this combination
has pulled just under 135 rwhp on a local DJ 150 dyno.
After installing the Vortex header it was immediately apparent that the bike
had quite a bit more snap in the range of 4500 revs to 6500 revs than with the
V&H...the SS2-R is decidedly lazy in that range with the GSXR intake cam,
while the Vortex felt crisp and wide awake. Compared to the stock system
(which gets pretty wheezy in the upper rev range) the Holeshot unit pulls
very hard right up to the rev limiter.
As an added benefit to someone replacing the stock system, the Vortex is very
similar in weight to the V&H, which is right at 15 lbs. lighter than stock.
From a purely aesthetic point of view, Dale's system is beautifully made and
adds a very racy look to the bike. The Vortex pipe has a great exhaust note-mild
while you're just cogging around, yet 100% muscle bike when you're on the
gas-while my V&H makes a helluva racket without a corresponding increase
in useable performance.
Everything Dale sells works extremely well on the Bandit, and the Vortex
header/muffler combination is no exception. Sorry if this sounds too much
like a sales pitch, but if you're looking to add some extra steam to your B12
Dale's header is definitely worth consideration.
Dick Brewster wrote:
It is refreshing to be able to talk to a person (not a damn run-around
recording) when you call a company with a question. Dale and his folks go
the extra mile for the customer.
I went over to Dale's shop to pick up my kit. I stood around waiting quite
awhile while he explained V-Max options to a potential customer on the phone.
It was worth the wait. Dale gladly answered all my questions and then gave me
some information I hadn't thought about asking for. I don't know how he gets
any work done. Or maybe he has some strange idea that taking care of his
customers is the job. He's doing some more changes to his B1200 an expects
quite a bit more power. I'll let him describe them if he wants to.
Bandit 600 owner replied:
Suzuki (& others) should hire Dale Walker for a few seminars on how to
treat customers & attract new ones. Dale seems to make a good living at
doing what he loves to do & make thousands of new friends in the process.
He does this by producing good products, standing behind his work &
personally taking responsibility for customer support. He's certainly earned
my respect & I haven't even used any of his products yet.
Pay attention Suzuki!
Talk list user asked:
Re: Holeshot Performance 1200 Bandit Jet Kit
I'd love to hear your comments on installation and performance of this equipment.
Chris replied:
Well, I just got my shop set up as a Holeshot dealer yesterday and ordered
the pipe and jet kit yesterday as well. Their shipping it out today...so I
should have it soon. I want to give Dale a plug here - even before getting
parts, Dale has been extremely helpful. He faxed the dyno charts, and even
called me back with some tips about installing the pipe and setting up jets.
Try getting that from Yoshimura or any other pipe manufacturer. I think the
pipe and jet kits price is well offset by this kind of support alone.
THANKS DALE!!
Anders Brink - Holeshot Performance sponsored drag racer:
Dale, thanks for a wonderful piece of art. The PS-3 shifter hasn't failed a
single time since I installed it. I've got 261 passes with it now.
With the old air shifter I had to drain the air kill at least once a month
from moisture coming from the onboard compressor; I lost a couple of races
when the air kill wouldn't work. That's why I like the PS-3 shifter so much,
absolutely no maintenance between rounds!
The mechanical installation was a no-brainer and the electronics even easier
with the easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams. Anyone considering buying
an air shifter should at least take a look at the PS-3 shifter, there's
nothing like it on the market today (and nothing better for that matter).
Here's the result of my second year (ever) at the drag strip:
Eastside Speedway, Waynesboro VA, Motorcycle Champion 1999
New London Drag Strip, Lynchburg VA, Motorcycle Champion 1999
Natural Bridge Drag Strip, Natural Bridge VA, Motorcycle Runner-up 1999
SBRA Motorcycle Champion of Champions Runner-up 1999
The SBRA finals (Southern Bracket Racing Association) was held between
eight different tracks from around WV and VA. Runner-up in the Champions
Race with a 0.004 red light. Close, but next year!
What can I say! It's been a wonderful year of racing, some luck but mostly
hard work at the tree and improved top end tactics. Launching your 1216 kit
with your 5.5" extension is about what the Bandit can take without
being too nervous in 1st gear and the stock carbs with your stage 2 kit has
survived more nitrous backfires than I can count. I tried the Mikuni RS40's
at one race but blew the individual pods into pieces and broke one throttle
needle so I went back home and installed the stock carbs with your Stage 2
again. Seems that the dual -pod filters can cope with the backfires better
than the individual filters and...they're better on the street than the
flatslides. More power? Just dial up the Schnitz progressive controller!
I'm proud of racing with Holeshot products on my bike!
Many thanks from "The Swede"
Congratulations Anders. You really did a great job!
"Dale Walker"
Brian Herndon - (Albuquerque, NM):
Dale,
You get what you pay for. I tried a "Factory Pro" Jet Kit,
and my bike ran worse than stock! I was ready to sell my bike and get a
different one after over $1,000 dollars for four different mechanics to
keep making my bike run terrible. I heard about Holeshot Performance
through the Suzuki Bandit e-mail list server. Everyone said that the
Holeshot products worked. First I installed the Vortex exhaust and
immediately my bike started wheeling easily. Then I put in the Holeshot
Stage 2 kit and my gas mileage is now 32mpg in the city and 38mpg on the
highway. I'm so happy. Now it is time to work on the handling with Holeshot's
Performance suspension components. Not only does my bike run excellent, but I
learned how to tune the carbs.
Todd - B6:
I was able to test out the top-end capabilities of my new Vortex on the B6
yesterday evening. At an indicated 135mph, it was still pulling. Previously,
that was my highest speed. Seat-of-pants dyno conclusion: Vortex beats both
the Yoshimura Zyclone and Sopertrapp internal-disk slip-ons. And it looks
and sounds great doin' it.
I can't wait to ride somewhere besides to-and-from work.
Scott:
I've got a Holeshot Vortex on my B12 and really like it. The kit is not just
a slip-on, but includes an elbow that replaces the first muffler stage.
Installation was seamless, the fit is impeccable, it looks great and sounds
throaty - but not too loud. I went with the forerunner of Dale's Stage 1 kit,
retaining the airbox.
Yes, rejetting is very necessary. My bike ran way too lean with just the pipe.
I had just started getting the jetting dialed in, but finishing it will have
to wait until Spring. I'll probably bore a second 2" hole in the airbox
and go to a larger main jet.
I highly recommend the Vortex. You're not just buying an exhaust system,
you're buying into an operation that is uniquely dedicated to the Bandit 1200.
Hell, Walker is so excited about the bike, it's infectious! I found Dale to
be most interested and helpful, and certainly more personal than other mod
outfits I've dealt with in the past. I suspect he'll be tricking out the B12
for some time.
Doug wrote:
Andy, going with individual filters vs. the air box will create a lot of
intake noise you may find objectionable if you do a lot of long distance
riding.
B1200 owner replied:
I have the Holeshot Stage 2 kit and highly recommend it. At interstate speeds
the intake noise is nonexistent if you ride with your knees next to the tank
like you should, at slower speeds it sounds cool. Also I have never had a
problem with rain and I ride year round.
Jim Butler wrote:
I recently purchased the Holeshot slip-on and the stage 1 jet kit. I installed
the slip-on last weekend - with no difficulty. I'm hoping to install the jet
kit this weekend.
I took my B12 out for a short (~10 mile) ride after installing the slip-on
and was very surprised. Others here have stated that adding a slip-on was
like getting another bike and this is certainly what it felt like.
The Holeshot slip-on is much louder than stock, but then, what isn't louder
than the stock unit? At first, I was concerned it would be too loud, but
after a bit of freeway cruising, I think I can happily live with it.
At "cruising" speed, there was a mild growl, but opening the
throttle a bit resulted in a louder, more "authoritative" sound,
(this is all very subjective, I know). One thing that surprised me was how
heavy the stock muffler and pipe is - compared to the Holeshot. I didn't
weigh either, but I do believe the weight-saving figures quoted on the
Holeshot site.
All in all - I'm very pleased so far and would recommend dealing with
Holeshot and Dale Walker to anyone, (and no, I don't work there either).
Stephen Gay wrote:
You know we all talk a lot about Dale on the list. What amazes me though is
not only is he willing to spend time after the sale with even a 4 year old
like me, but that he is so nails on in every area of these bikes. I always
overly research areas I'm interested in, especially if I'm spending money.
Every time, after sorting it all out I come back to Holeshot as the best
solution. For all you new guys on the list, Dale really has a
"one stop" shop. You really need to look no further because the
guys on the list have already done the research for you and most always it
comes up Holeshot.
Talk list user asked:
Is this guy Dale Walker for real? Can you really get twenty extra HP
with his equipment?
B1200 owner replied:
Yes, Dale Walker is VERY for real. After being into motorcycles for 20 plus
years, it is refreshing for a manufacturer to deliver exactly what his ad says
he sells. I have done several mods to my 1200 including many of his, and I
have before and after dyno runs during each step. I think you would be very
happy with his products.
Bill Boyd - (Summit, MS):
Installed Dale Walker's Holeshot Exhaust and Stage 1 Kit yesterday.
Went for a 200 mile ride today. What a difference! Now the bike wants to
cruise at 100+. Grab a handful of throttle at 100 and the forks extend.
Actually felt the clutch momentarily slip when I rolled off the throttle
and then back on. Don't know if the bike will pull redline now or not,
I grew feathers when the speedo climbed to 140.
Installation was simple and straight forward. Don't let the thought of
drilling out those little plugs in the carb scare you.
It is also refreshing to be able to talk to a person (not a damn run-around
recording) when you call a company with a question. Dale and his folks go
the extra mile for the customer.
Gary asked:
Rejetting is needed for ANY aftermarket performance exhaust to get the most
out of it. But I, too, am interested in how loud the Walker exhaust is.
Anyone heard one? Is it as loud as, say, a Kerker? Overly obnoxious?
Chris from New Mexico replied:
I have a Holeshot pipe and jet kit. The pipe, when I first put it on, seemed
much louder. But that of course was in comparison to the stock pipe. But after
a couple of months it really is not that loud, say as compared to a D&D or
a Kerker, its actually a mellow sound...it seems louder at low engine speeds
than it does at high rpm's. It was also really easy to install, it fit
perfectly the first time around and the finish is great as is the way Dale
set up the centerstand support. As far as power out put, I haven't had it
dyno'd but seat of the pants says significant increase. So briefly: not
obnoxious!...pleasant bark and growl...plus its not a huge can like a
Yosh (dime a dozen) or the K45 Kerkers (passé)...plus you have the confidence
in knowing that you don't own a run-of-the-mill can.
Craig Schultz - (McKean, PA):
Dale,
I ordered your Stage 2 Jet Kit and Vortex pipe for my Bandit 1200 a couple of
weeks ago. I must say it is absolutely awesome! I can't believe the power!
It's like an entire new bike now. Thanks for having such a reputable product
that really works and worth every penny! I made a web page as a small tribute
to the Holeshot Bandit. I will certainly recommend this kit to all Bandit
owners I come across.
Thanks again and great work!
Bob Romeyn - (Terra Linda, CA):
I've ordered so many of Dale's products, and since I'm recovering from my
shoulder injury, and can't ride yet I bought this "Cycle South"
video he's selling. What a blast! It's a film of a real bike trip these 3 guys
took in the late 60's from Denver, Colorado to South America. This film was
done before "On Any Sunday" which is the best motorcycle movie ever
made. Well, this one is darn close, plus it's a lot different. There is so
much in the movie that is not politically correct, and these guys were
talented riders, skiers, surfers, but they were also kind of nuts, no helmets
while they are doing jumps in the dirt, the crazy women they hooked up with,
and lots more. Anyway, with Winter on its way I'd recommend it.
Jim Wilroy - (Navato, CA):
Where to begin about Dale Walker and Holeshot Performance? First, the obvious:
the parts are of the highest quality, they are reasonably priced and they work
exactly as advertised. My Bandit 1200 with the Vortex can, Stage II jetting
& air filters and ignition advancer is totally transformed. The thing
pulls like a freight train down low and revs and breathes like never before
on the top end. An increase of twenty horsepower and 11 foot pounds of torque
is a bunch and it feels like more. Progressive suspension front and rear
comes next for me. Because Dale has sorted out all this stuff specifically
for this bike, I have complete confidence that I can make the upgrades and
it will all work just right. If there's a hitch, he'll be there to get me
unstuck, which leads to the next point, which is the BIG difference: The man
himself, Dale Walker.
Dale will spend a ton of time with you to make the parts work on your bike.
He's totally accessible on the phone when you call for help or advice. He'll
even offer tuning tips and pointers on issues about your bike that don't even
relate to his stuff. The guy is patient with any type of question or help you
might need, whether you are a hot shoe competition rider or an over-the-hill
Walter Mitty street rider like me. He frequently asks his customers what
they'd like to see in upcoming products, sometimes even while they are still
in development.
The intangible benefit beyond all this is that I'm enjoying my bike and
motorcycling in general so much more because I happened upon Dale Walker and
Holeshot Performance Products. What more could ask?
Beverly McGouey wrote:
Dale,
Just a short note to let you know how pleased I am with your B12
"jet kit" I purchased. It's apparent time was spent making it
perfect, because installation was easy, instructions were clear, and by God
my Bandit 12 flat hauls ass at all rpms, not a hiccup one and throttle
response now is unbelievable. Your 20 yrs experience shows, thanks again.
Tony Blumentritt - (Winona, MN):
Hi Dale.
I have put 6000 miles on my modified B12 this year (Holeshot jet kit,
head porting, ignition advancer, 11:1 pistons). What a blast! I have had no
mechanical malfunctions at all. Thanks for all of your assistance while I was
putting it together. I took one short trip with the bike, (about 1500 miles).
It was as street-worthy as the stock bike was.
Best Regards, Tony
Dennis Barnett - (Ft. Lauderdale, FL):
Dale,
This is a copy of the letter I sent to Cycle World and Motorcyclist Magazine.
Thanks again for the great service.
I live in South Florida where attitudes are, "let me do you a favor and
sell you something" is the norm. So when I receive exceptional service,
I feel the need to let other people know about it. I am talking about the
good people at Holeshot Performance in Calif. Especially, Dale Walker.
I recently purchased a stage two jet kit and exhaust elbow for my 2000 Suzuki
1200 Bandit. It has been 20 years since I worked on a motorcycle. Dale's
instructions for his parts were very easy to follow. I had to call him 3
times for advice on fine tuning the bike. Every time I called, I was put
through to Dale Walker, the owner of the company. He took time out of his
busy schedule o answer all my questions in great detail. The result is a
faster, smoother, crisper running 1200. The way this man runs his business
proves that he is concerned not just with making the sale, but having a
satisfied customer. With this kind of service, he has made me a customer
for life. It's very refreshing in this fast paced, "just give me your
money and go away" world we live in to find a company like Holeshot and
people like Dale Walker, who really do care. Kudos to Dale and Holeshot.
Everett Dryden wrote:
I was looking for a new bike last year, and after checking into everything
offered I decided on a Bandit 1200. It looked to be a very reliable, simple
to work on bike that was roomy enough for some traveling, and with Suzuki's
brochure touting "tremendous mid-range punch and roll-on acceleration
that you've got to feel to believe" and "GSX-R based engine
produces awesome mid-range power and acceleration" I thought this sounds
like the perfect bike. After riding it for a bit though, the huge flat spots
in the mid-range (right where it was advertised as awesome) and hesitant
throttle response started to bother me, to make matters worse it just didn't
make the kind of top-end power I was expecting from a 1200. I started to read
about Bandits on the Internet to see what could be done and everything pointed
to Dale Walker as having the solution. I got the Holeshot slip-on exhaust,
Stage 1 jetting kit, and the ignition advancer. I installed them without too
much trouble having never done any work like this at all and after a couple
of calls to the man himself, I had it all dialed-in perfectly. Talk about a
change, the bike now has instant throttle response, a great sound (I rev it
just to hear it), and all the gears feel one lower on a roll-on, it flat
smokes the stock bike and is easier to ride as a bonus. WHAT SUZUKI PROMISES,
DALE DELIVERS!!!
Joppe Van Hoof - (Belgium):
Dale,
Yesterday I picked up the Vortex slip-on exhaust Stuart Page ordered for me.
It looks smashing, sleek, slick, ... simply wonderful! In fact, I've wandered
over the Brussels Motor Salon, looking at scores of exhausts, and not finding
one that comes close to your Vortex. I can't wait to hear it!
Charles wrote:
I have the Vortex header, elbow pipe and can, the Stage two jet kit, 5 degree
ignition advancer, and GSXR1100 Intake cam, all supplied by Dale @ Holeshot.
The difference is amazing. I just wish the weather was better to really have
some fun. As soon as I can, I will dyno the bike an post the before/after
results. Talk to Dale, it's worth it.