Hey Dale,
First I'd like to thank you for answering my questions so quickly and courteously via email. Returning the exhaust I'd already bought to order yours was a fairly major leap, but one I'm glad I made! I installed the Vortex slip-on on my B12 last Friday, and noticed immediate improvements. Not only does it no longer sound so anemic (though quite mellow when not "on the throttle"), but my erratic idle has smoothed out dramatically ( a result of being strangled?). Seat-of-the-pants impressions confirm your claims of a 10% power gain. Installation was completely undramatic and took me about 40 minutes. You should have seen my wraparound grin after the first round-the-block test spin! The front end has never been so light before!

Yours in Velocity,
Robert "Scorpio" Schultz
Road Captain, Sober Riders Tucson

Hi Dale,
Here's an update regarding my stage one installation. Thanks again for your personal help/advise while I was "dialing it in". The combination of Vortex slip-on, K&N filter, stage one jet kit, and ignition advancer has produced a B12 that can run with CBR900RR's easily (until the suspension reaches its limits anyway - that's next). Everything went into the carbs without a hitch, and the advancer went on in less than 20 minutes, using all of four tools. Your printed instructions are excellent - I didn't really need the manual (but of course would've if it wasn't handy). It now averages around 32 mpg, only down two from stock, but hopefully a good carb synch will improve that. It warms up much faster than stock, and is smoother than stock once it is, even if it now wants a little choke at first (even on hundred degree days). I love the business-like sound, and the look on the face of the repli-racer crowd when they hear it coming from a Bandit with hardbags! There's more acceleration than I know what to do with - more than a sixth-turn of the throttle in a low gear = wheelie, and even mildly charging off a light and shifting shy of 5k rpm leaves traffic a ? mile behind when I check my mirrors! Anyone who owns, or is considering a bike you make parts for, has gotten an earful from me on where to go, and you'll be hearing from me whenever I get enough $$ to apply to the other bazillion thing I want from Holeshot. You Rock! Sorry this is such a long post, but it's one of those "can't say enough good things" situations.

Robert "Scorpio" Schultz
Road Captain, Sober Riders Tucson

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Dale,
The new Corbin seat I ordered from you arrived yesterday and looked great. I'm installing it this morning (even though it's only about 40 out and rain on the way). The mirrors and shirt arrived previously. I don't know why anyone would want to use the stock mirrors when they could be using Napoleon's. Everything was better than expected. When I get ready to sync the carbs I may be ordering those dials you advertise on the net.
Good luck with the project bike!

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I am having a problem with my '99 B6, it is the coldest engine I have ever owned. Can anyone suggest a starting technique?

My wife's '96 B6 ran worse than yours if you can believe it! When on the choke warming up, ANY throttle input would result in the engine stalling. Even after 15 minutes of "riding", some choke was required. It stalled at traffic signals and stranded my wife in the middle of numerous intersections. You get the picture.

The good news is - I fixed it this past weekend! 4 words for you: Holeshot Stage 1 Kit. Shim the needles with 2 washers, use 100 main jets for all cylinders and 2 1/2 turns out on the mixture screws. Add new K&N filter and you are good to go. My wife can't believe how well it runs. Starts, runs and idles like a champ. I haven't even put on the timing advancer or Vortex pipe yet (can't get her off the bike long enough!). I thought I would be able to use the pipe on my B12, but not so. She told me to get my own.

Seriously, spend the $110. It's the best money I've ever spent on a bike.

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Hey Dale,
I stalled my new SuperBike bars with Bar Snake this weekend. The Bar Snake install was very easy, except it was tricky to get it installed and leave a 1.5" gap for the bar ends to be reinstalled. The weather didn't cooperate much this weekend to allow me to take much of a test ride, but I could feel an immediate difference during the short run I did make. I could feel an instant reduction in vibration and more confident control with the new bar config. My brother is very interested in a Bar Snake for his '81 CB750F-SS with the same bars. He could really use it...

Well, thanks for the help Dale. The Snake was well worth it.

Sincerely,
Doug Magin

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I really don't have words for the way my sale was handled, WOW, I guess is a great start. Thanks Dale for the personal touch, I can hardly wait to get my parts and upgrade my '97 Bandit. I have owned it for three years and have been waiting for this chance to upgrade. I have followed up on all your articles in Cycle World and other mags. I love the website; keep it up, guys.

Thanks,
Matt

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Dale,
I talked to you briefly on the phone about my recent installation of a Yoshimura RS3 Oval Canister with a K&N Let Kit on my Bandit 1200, 2000 model. I have installed several jet kits and pipes throughout the years including factory brand jet kits and Dynojet jet kits. On this particular installation after doing the 2" mod on the airbox I just could not get the K&N Jet Kit to perform. I found your website and ordered you stage one jet kit designed for the 2" mod. I installed the jet kit according to instructions and set the needle at #2 from the top with all the stock spacers. Then I tried in half notch settings utilizing the shim to accomplish this towards the rich side of the needle all the way up to 31/2 from the top. I went out and ran the bike for 20 to 30 minutes at each setting and the bike performed the best at #2 from the top with all the stock spacers. I would like to thank you for a great product with a lot of R&D time put into it.
Note: I had no flat spot off of idle.

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Dale,
It has taken a while, but I've mated your Vortex slip-on to my GSX750X "Inazuma", and it fits. Another model that you can add to the list - even if it's not (yet?) imported into the US. Clearance is tight, but I'd think it was designed to be that way.

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Hi Dale:
The Progressive springs and shock went in without a hitch. It's a significant improvement in handling, especially with my 230 lb. carcass. Seems like I can lean the bike further now.
--Rob

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Hi Dale,
Just wanted to tell you how much I like the fit and finish of your complete exhaust system combined with the stage two kit. It went on so easily and fits like a glove. The weight difference is really noticeable compared to the stock pipe. It really screams above six grand and the front end comes up in second gear a lot easier than before. Thanks again Dale, and also for your phone support at any time I needed it.

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Hi Dale
This past winter I bought a stage II kit, advancer, header, and Vortex exhaust system for my B12 from you. Just wanted to let you know that all is now installed and the bike runs great. No more cold bloodedness in the morning and no more stumbling at low RPM. The bike just rips from 2K to redline.
Thanks again,
Bob

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Dale,
Wow! What a beautiful silver header that matches the finish of the forks. This is what I thought when I received this piece of art. And it is so light. So I took off my old header (all stained and dark brown in color). The installation was not difficult at all, it is handy to have some good hex
(allen) wrenches though. The Vortex slip-on fits so well into this new header too. When I started it up I noticed no additional noise from the thin-walled head pipes. It has a noticeable increase in torque off the bottom that very quickly gets you to that 6k-9k rush at the top! I wasn't sure if it was all in my head so I did what I always do...raced my boss with the Hayabusa. We wanted to take the rider out of the equation so we did roll-ons. In the first through third I remained ahead of him until the upcoming shifts! Pretty amazing considering a bike with the Holeshot stage 2 jet kit and full exhaust system was beating a bike that costs $3,000 more. I can't think of one downside to this header. Well maybe just one, it is so shiney silver all of the time that it forces you to keep the rest of your bike clean to match it. Well done.

The rear sets really help with the ground clearance, but are still comfortable as well.

Brian

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Hello.
Just wanted to drop a line to tell you how my project Bandit turned out. I had the full set of mods done including the complete exhaust system with Vortex header, stage 2 jet, GSXR intake cam, street-strip head port, JE 11-1 pistons, and the ignition advancer. The bike is an absolute rocket now. My first dyno run was 138.7 HP and that was only to 9000 RPMs. After a number of heat cycles and more break-in it hit 146.4 HP. I know there is a margin of error but it sure does not feel like it. A few of my R1 buddies have ridden it and are absolutely flabbergasted. I can't say enough about Dale and his shop. He was extremely helpful when ordering parts and would always answer tech questions when called. The parts were top quality and would always arrive promptly. I also got the extended swingarm to keep the damn thing on the ground. What a piece of art this was. I have had more GSXR riders ask me about it and where they can get one. The work speaks for itself. Once again, thanks, and I am sure I will be calling in the near futurefor many more parts. This Bandit is the most addictive bike I have ever ridden.
Happy riding!

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Thanks for your advise about the bar snake and the long stem mirrors. The bar snake made a difference. I was really impressed with the Napolean long stem mirrors. I thought the mirrors were a little pricey, but well worth the money once you use them.

See ya---Randy

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Dale,
I just wanted to thank you for your commitment to your customers. I must have been one of the first ones to order a Vortex for a '00 B6. Other companies (you know, the big ones) said we don't have anything yet! They left it at that. Not you Dale. You said yeah, I think it will bolt right up. That was not the end of it either. You did over 60 pulls on the dyno, found the best set-up for the carbs and passed that on to me. Try to get that service out of one of those other companies. I also appreciate that you did not try to sell me stuff I didn't need, I only needed to shim my needles and adjust the idle mixture screws.

As far as the Vortex is concerned, the thing fits like a glove. Only cutting off an ugly wire foot guard was necessary. It also has a great finish. It is very attractive and I really like the new nameplate. This is a QUALITY product and it shows. The instructions included were very straight forward and easy to perform. It is easy to see why you have such a good reputation amongst the Bandit community! My bike performs great and sounds even better! This has really added to my riding experience. Thank you for doing business the way that you do. It really is appreciated. I'll be back for more goodies for sure!

Thanks Dale,
Dean
Bugeye Bandit

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2 words: HOT DAMN!!!! Bike was pulling the front up in 2nd gear without effort. The sound...everyone pulls over to the slow lane when they hear the gear down. Not wise, but had it at 150mph with a third more twist left on the throttle. My girlfriend thinks I've lost my mind, and my friends just shake their heads, and all I can think is WOOHOO!!.

Thanks Dale...you da man!

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Hey you power hungry Rascals

I finally got home early enough today to play with my jetting again. I pulled the needles and deleted the washers under the plastic spacer. As you may recall I started with 127.5 mains on the 3rd notch and the engine has responded to each needle adjustment with improved midrange response. So now I'm at the 1st notch (leanest) with only the plastic spacer with 130 mains and 2 3/4 turns out on the screws. It took me 35 minutes to do the needles, (I'm improving).

I only had time for a short test drive of seven miles (upper 70s today) and there is only a hint of a flat spot with a cold engine as the rpm comes up in the midrange. Therefore, I still may be a bit rich on the needles.

How does it run? It pulls smoothly off-idle from a standing stop and almost immediately starts pulling like a bear! With casual throttle openings from a stop sign, the front end gets light almost immediately and comes up at about 3 grand. Awesome torque. I am very impressed and wanted to pass this along to you people.

Am I dialed in yet? Probably not, but I must be close. This combination has great merit and I recommend it highly.

Best wishes,
Bogus Dave

(Dave later made 130.5 hp and 81.4 ft-lbs on a Dyno Jet dyno. His B-12 is equipped with Holeshot jetting, full Vortex stepped header and muffler, and GSX-R intake cam.)

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Dale,
I recently completed installing the Vortex Header, Stage I Jet kit for Modified air box, and 5 degree advancer on my B12. I must say that this pipe is probably the nicest piece of craftsmanship that I have ever purchased for a motorcycle. I have owned numerous brands of headers in the past, but never had anything of the quality, fit, and finish of your Vortex Header. The tuning of the jet kit and pipe was very easy, as it appears you have done your homework with the Bandit 1200. I am very pleased with the products that I have purchased from you and would highly recommend your company to anyone. Thank you very much for your tuning tips and I really appreciate the fact that you talk to your customers to make sure that they are satisfied. By the way, my Bandit runs better and smoother now than it has since the day I bought the bike. It is really going to be a pleasure to ride now.

Thanks again,
Rusty

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Hi all,

The bike before Feb 2000:
B 12
Ohlins front and back
Holeshot slip-on
5 degree advancer
Corbin Gunfighter
Ermax Hugger

Now:
Ermax undertray - Chuff cover (whatever) bad fitting, but it will have to do until the Winter, (And it does fit with the Hugger.)
Bandit Mania rear light/indicator module (arrived after a 6 bloody week wait), even worse fitting, but it will have to do until the Winter.
Vortex Header - very nice
Holeshot stage 1 modified for 2" hole (127.5 mains, 35 pilots, 2nd notch? (Dale's recommended starting point - can't find the instructions now), 16mm float height, 2.5 turns out on screws - And an extra 1" hole (a gamble to compensate for the Corbin).

At last I took the bike for a test run on Sunday, wearing a T shirt and jog pants, I thought I would just check some slow riding with some throttle response checks for a couple of miles, just to check if I had fouled things up.

A grin appeared.................................................
I meant to go home and put on more appropriate clothing and I tried to be subjective - roll on in third at 4000, check for flat spots etc. etc. - that didn't last long.
"We don't need no stinkin' subjective."
I was having fun, checking revs went completely out of the window. Throttle response was AWESOME - the bike just kept pulling.
At an indicated 130, my spectacles started rattling around on my face and I had to slow down (Must sort out the Ohlins). Spent the next few hours just trolling around - until I realized I'd lost my smokes, panicked, and headed for home.

Arrived home still in jog pants and T shirt now with bug bits, with sun burnt arms, had some beer and went to sleep a contented puppy.
Grin still here.................................................

Lessons learnt:
I love my Bandit
Bugs hurt at 110 (thank God I'm not in Florida with the love bugs)
I love my Holeshot Bandit even more
The Vortex Header seems to make the exhaust note a bit more mellow? - surprise or deafness?
I still love my Holeshot Bandit

One day I will take the Bandit to a Dyno to get things just right (I have my suspicions that I may be a little rich - but don't all flame at once I DON'T CARE - the Bandit runs like a train and is so much fun.

Thanks to Dale Walker for the amazing products.
Thanks to Patman for local advice.

Mick W

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I just wanted to fill you in on my results with your stage 2 B6 kit.

I ended up with 3 shims and the screws at 2.5 turns. I am very impressed with the increase in performance. Combined with your complete Vortex system, this bike really halls butt now.

I am not sure these are the optimal settings for my bike, but to be honest, I am not a good judge since this is my first bike. All I know is that it is running way above stock and that's all that matters to me.

The warm up is MUCH faster with no choke in warm conditions.

Thanks for the wonderful products and service. I can't wait for my new suspension components to arrive.

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Dale,
I sent you the Mikuni jets and you sent me the modified jets for my B12. Everything worked excellently. I installed the jet kit along with the K&N filter and 2" air hole in the airbox. When I reassembled the bike it fired up immediately thanks to your great instructions. I rode it for days before I realized it now pulls hard to 11000 RPM instead of 9100 (didn't even hit the rev limiter). It's truly unreal. What's the max safe RPM for the beast (stock motor)? Thanks again!!!!
Scott

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Hi Dale,
Read your B-12 article in C.W. the other day. All I can say is how mine runs (1216 cc)......man does it have balls!!! It has 1400 mi. on it now, and it seems to be getting looser and faster all the time. Have had absolutely no problems or adjustments to the carbs or anything. Response is immediate. 7-9000 rpms is insane! I am 100% happy with what this monster of mine can do.
Later.

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Hi Dale,
I am writing to thank you for the R&D you put into the parts of your stage II jet kit for my 99 1200 Bandit. The instructions were very easy to follow. My brother Jim and I had removed the carburetors, installed the kit and reassembled the bike in a little over two hours.Now came the fun part, See how it works. The first thing I noticed when I hit the starter was the quick easy start. just like you said, my bike was no longer cold blooded. I had also installed your timing advancer while rejetting the carbs. It was time to see how these would perform while riding. The results were literally amazing. My bike used to be sluggish below 3000 rpm, but now it pulled really strong throughout the entire rpm range. The ease of installation and the precise jets to achieve maximum performance with no guessing makes the stage II jet kit a great buy. Thanks again Dale and keep us posted on new products.

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Taking a sammich break in from the garage; just got through installing the cylinder block down over a set of Dale's 1216 pistons.

As with the stock-bore 11:1 set I installed a year-and-a-half ago, the installation went as smoothly as could be imagined. Bores were honed per the JE instructions, and all ring gaps were perfect without filing. I did a little hand-massaging on the domes of the 11:1 set but these needed *nothing*. Deck height is perfect. Wrist pins slip-fit perfectly... snug, but glide freely on the thinnest film of oil.

There are numerous piston kits on the market for this old lump of an engine- take your pick- but after two "complete satisfaction" experiences with Dale's kits they'd be my first choice if I ever build another one.

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Dale,
I set-up my bike with the holeshot can, jetting and timing advance. I can't tell you how happy I am with it!!! It really woke my Bandit up!!! I have the stage I modified (extra 2" hole in airbox) jetting. I want to do the individual filters now. Do I need to or should I re-jet for that?
Your web site and your products are AWESOME!!!! Keep it up!!! I'm looking forward to the Bandit club site to be running full speed.
Thanks

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Dale,
First off, I traded in my B12 for a brand new 98 Valkyrie. I had your can on the B12. Thanks for all your help about jetting the B12 even though I had a factory kit. They don't know what they are doing. Your reco's where spot on for mileage and how the bike ran using their needles.
Are you planning on doing any work on a Valk? If you are planning anything please let me know as I would be one of your first jetting customers.
Thanks again and good luck on your next project what ever it is and it was a pleasure doing business with you.

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