Will Keyworth, Annapolis, Maryland:
Dear Dale,
I have a 2001 Bandit 1200 and just purchased your stage one jet kit and
Holeshot vortex slip on. I had them installed by my local mech. as I am all
thumbs when it comes to mechanical stuff. I have ridden the bike stock for
3800 miles and after installing the pipe and jet I can only say WOW!!!!!!!
The bike is so different, so powerful and smooth, I am totally impressed.
The pipe sounds and looks great and what it and the jet kit did to the bike's
performance is magnificent. Thank you, they are all and more than you claim in
not only performance but looks as well.
Great product and great service.
Kind Regards,
Will Keyworth
Kevin Graber (Toledo, Ohio):
Hi Dale,
I have had the slip on installed for a few weeks now. Just received the stage
1 kit and took my bike to the dyno. 111.6 hp and 78.4 ft. lbs. I was very
impressed with just the slip on, the stage one really smoothed things out and
the bike is everything I ever wanted! I can only imagine what it would breathe
like with the stage 2 kit. Thank you for being a genuine person that I can
contact with concerns regarding my Bandit. I have always said, service makes
or breaks any business, and you my friend deserve 5 stars. It is refreshing
to deal with somene who is enthusiastic about the motorsport and has the
knowledge to back it up. Keep up the good work, I know that I won't put
anything but Holeshot equipment on my bike.
Regards,
Kevin Graber
Bill:
Hey Dale,
How are you doing? Well, I got to take the Bandit out for a short 30 mile run
this morning up in the mountains to see what the difference was between my old
setup and the new one. Man, I don't know what to tell you. Besides the fact,
WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
My Bandit felt a lot more sure footed in the corners and very little dive when
braking. The fork brace and springs worked very well. Thanks for the heads up
on the springs and help.
Have a great rest of the week end and keep the rubber side down my friend.
Bill
Fondon Wooten:
Got the jet kit (2" mod) installed on the 2000 bandit 1200, dynoed at
119.6 hp, runs great at any rpm, no stumbles, or stutters, just wanted to say
thanks, turns the bandit into a new beast. Thanks.
Alan Kinder (Fredericksburg, VA):
Dale:
I just finished riding my 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200S with your Holeshot slip-on
installed! What a dream; the sound is awesome, and yes, even with just the
slip-on, the performance change is very noticeable. Fit and finish are
extremely nice, it just looks totally awesome! Installation was easier than
I thought it would be once I got into it. I can't wait to get the money saved
up for your Stage I (or Stage II, I haven't totally decided yet) kit and
ignition advancer. The performance enhancements from just these is tremendous.
Thanks for making a great product!
Gary (Christchurch, New Zealand):
Dale,
I've received my superbike bars, bar clamp and carbon look levers. Great
stuff. The bars have greatly reduced the vibration which is probably due to
the very nice billet clamp. The levers look great too. Thanks for a great
product. Next time I modify my bikes I'll try to get all I can from Holeshot.
Chris Bolton (Walnut Creek, CA):
Headers, Slipon, Stage 2 Jet Kit, Timing advance
I purchased my Bandit as a commuter and long trip bike. I have a very strong
(125+ hp) 1997 TL1000S so I am use to a bike with lots of torque. After buying
the Bandit I was happy with the bike but it, like most others I compare to the
TL, was lacking in torque. I talked to Dale and he convinced me that a Stage 2
Jet kit, full exhaust and timing advance were the right way to go.
I am a pretty good mechanic but had never worked on motorcycle carbs before.
Dale explained exactly what was required to re-jet and tune the carbs and his
advice was spot on! The jet kit was easier than I thought it would be to tune
as well. After installing the headers and slipon I notice substantially more power.
I also noticed a BIG flat spot in the mid range. After I finished the install
of the jet kit and timing advance I was shocked. The Bandit now felt like it
had a lot of torque, even when compared to the TL. Dale gave me some advice
which was dead on. I have now put on some 5,000 miles since making these
upgrades. The pipes still looks brand new and the carbs have not needed to be
touched since I tuned them originally. In fact the performance and build
quality are better than factory. The bike gets 42 mpg and is the talk of my
Sunday group. Everyone is shocked at just how quick this "commuter" is.
Thanks you Dale for great parts and great advice!
Ferodo Brake Pads
Suzuki brake pads are not the stickiest around. After switching to Galfers on
my TL I knew I wanted better pads for the Bandit. Since my Bandit is doing
commute duty as well as weekend fun rides on occasion I wanted a pad that
stopped better than stock but would not require heat to work at their max.
Dale recommended his Ferodos. I got one of the first sets he received. I
installed them just before my trip to Laguna Seca for the WSBK races. The pads
worked FAR better than stock. The best way to describe them is that they feel
like stock pads with a whole lot more bite. In fact recently I had been
thinking they may have lost some of their bite. Then I jumped on a friends
stock Bandit, boy was I wrong! His bike just plain does not stop. When friends
ride my bike or feel the brake lever they all look for braided stainless lines.
There are none (yet), these pads make that much of a difference at the lever.
The pads are wearing very well, do not make much dust at all, are dead quiet
and stop VERY well. Thanks again to Dale!
Personal Advice and touch
I chose to go meet the man since I live within an hour of Dale's shop. When I
arrived he was VERY gracious with his time. He got all my parts together and
then proceeded to give me lots of details about installing them all. Some of
his pearls of wisdom would come in handy when I was tuning my carbs. After the
business deal was done he introduced me to his son, walked me around his
property, showed me his toys and treated me like an old friend. When I
returned home and installed my header I put them in wrong and burned a hole in
my oil line. Laguna Seca was coming up and I was in a bind. Dale bent over
backwards to help me. Even though it was my fault he wanted to 'make good' on
the situation. He went WAY above the call of duty. This kind of personal touch
has made me a Dale Walker customer for life! How strongly would I recommend
Dale? He is on my helmet!
Mike Schlosser:
Dale,
I rarely write anyone notes but I must say your website is excellent. I
purchased a B12, 2000 and from the ride home I didn't like the suspension,
caburation, and seat height (hangin by my balls at traffic lights).
I went to the internet and stumbled upon your website. I purchased numerous
items and they all arrived on time, complete and were a snap to install.
I can honestly tell you that your motivation and commitment to go fast parts
have changed my Bandit into a bike I really enjoy. Thanks for everything and
I will tell all about your quality parts!
Butch Craft (Chattanooga, TN):
Dale,
Thanks for the reply. Problem turned out to be split in vaccuum line to
petcock, probably from many removals during stage 1 and stage 2 jetting.
Got that repaired and started over. Reccommended settings turned out to be too
rich for Chattanooga area, probably too high humidity. Went to 147.5 mains,
35 pilots, clip in second notch from top, air screws out 4 and 1/4 turns.
Runs like stink !!! Can't believe the difference between this set-up and
stage 1. Tach blasts past red line in 1st and 2nd quicker than I can react to
shift. Took it by local shop and let 2 mechanic friends try it out. Consensus
is that this bike is so much fun it ought to be illegal, and definitely not
for inexperienced riders. Thanks for this fantastic set-up (vortex slip-on,
stepped pipe header, and stage 2 jetting). Other modifications include your
fork brace, auxillary motor mounts, and stainless brake lines. Next step will
be brake pad upgrade and progressive fork springs!
P.S. I also run a 520 racing chain conversion with light weight sprockets.
This makes a noticable difference in rolling friction.
Cliff (United Kingdom):
hi dale,i ordered a stage 2 jet kit for my streetfighter with a
1200 '01 engine in it,its all in and running fine i will start
leaning it up when i get time,would just like to thank you for
making such an superb kit with good information included,plus
from california to lancashire uk took only 5 days i cant get
something from most places in the uk in that time,good product
good service,i will definetly use your products in the
future, keep up the good work, cliff....
Jim Schnurr (Powder Springs, GA):
Dale Walker,
not many company products live up to the claims they profess. I received
your Holeshot slip on and pipe for my new Suzuki Bandit 1200S. Reading
then instructions did leave me apprehensive since I did not want to cut or
modify my new bike. However the pipe installed quickly in about 20 minutes.
The bike now sounds better and really runs stronger, much stronger. It is
now beyond my capabilities and will take some getting used to. It has a very
small hesitation just above idle but is of no bother when riding. I love it.
I may rejet later but not to gain any horsepower just smooth out things.
Thanks,
Jim Schnurr-Powder Springs,ga.
Stephen Champagne:
Dale,
I received the new shims, the other day. I removed the brass shims and
installed the new silver ones. What a difference it made. The bike runs so
smooth. It is much more responsive and has a huge powerband. At any speed,
I can twist the throttle and it instantly pulls. It keeps pulling and
pulling and pulling, like it doesn't want to top out. It's funny how those
little tiny jets and shims can make such a huge difference in the
performance. Before I put the jet kit in, the bike would gargle and such
when I decelerate. That started after I installed a Yoshimera slip on pipe.
Now that the jet kit is in, the gargling stopped. I am incredibly pleased
with you products, and more importantly your service. The *ssholes at the
dealership, won't give you the time of day to talk about improvements that
can be made to your bike. Also, thank you for the instructions on how to
enhance the appearance of the tail end, by cutting out the plastic fender.
I cut it out and it looks so much better. I will email you some pictures.
I can't think of anything that I want to immediately buy. I already changed
the windshield and all the turn signals to flush mounts. I was thinking
about getting a hugger fender for the rear. If I do, you will be the first
person I call. Thank you so much for all your help!
Stephen Champagne
Anonymous:
Hello, I just wanted to write you guys and let you know I received your
muffler and polish I recently ordered from you. Needless to say, I am very
upset. I've installed it without even the smallest problem. It sounds
GREAT, looks even BETTER!!! My problem with the whole thing is that it's
snowing and I can't ride it. :)
Thank you once again. I will be contacting you soon to order the jet kit and
ignition advancer. CYA!!!!!
Rod White:
Hey Dale,
Just wanted to say thanks for the Stage 2 Kit and timing advancer for my B12.
My friend bought the bits back for me and I finally got them last Sunday night
about 9:30. I got to work straight away and the bike was ready to roll at 2am
so I took my time and got it all perfect.
The weather has been crap here over the last few days like snow, sleet, rain,
high winds you name it. Anyways I got a break in the weather on Tuesday night
ran the bike for 37 miles. Pulled great but too rich and was drinking gas so
I dropped the needles 1 position and went out again tonight. 50 miles of
hard-core throttle abuse looking for some dry patches and everything is great.
The mix is good ... probably will do some fine tuning but the bike rips like
a wild thing in every gear with no noticable flat spots and fuel economy is good.
I am a member of SUKBOG (Suzuki UK Bandit Owners Group) and I had bought a
Dynojet Stg 3 kit and was talked out of it and persuaded to go for the
Holeshot kit instead by a group of your old customers. I'm glad they did that,
the results were exactly as they said they would be with minimal fuss and
expense. Your product came highly recommended and I'm sure others will follow
in my footsteps as all these things have a way of getting around.
Thanks again,
Rod White
Kelly Tripp:
Just got your Holeshot slip-on yesterday and installed it the same day.
The craftsmanship was gorgeous and the snug fit is second to none. The
increase in power that I felt was unbelievable, and the sound was even better.
I will display your product proudly and will continue to do business with your
company. Thanks for your dedication.
Otto Mares:
Dale,
I just received my slip on & jet kit for my 2001 Bandit 1200. I installed the
slip on last night. I was impressed by the fit & finish & then I took it for
a ride. All I can say is WOW. I havent even jetted it yet & the front wheel
comes up in 2nd gear. I t never did that before! The sound is awesome also.
Thanks for a great product.
Otto Mares
P.S. I love the bar risers I ordered also.
Kim McFarland:
WOW, Yesterday I ordered your stage 1+ jet kit this afternoon it shows up on
my door step. I could not have done any better by going down and picking up
the parts!!!
Thanks a lot
Kim McFarland
Dan Sartwell-2002 B6S:
Got the pipe and jet kit installed. Just took it for a ride. Wow! Your settings were right on the money. Feels like a whole new machine. Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work testing your kit. Really worth the price. Thanks again. Thanks again.
Martin Carney:
Dale,
I have meant to write this to you for sometime, but just have been busy. I have never written a letter like this, so please excuse any rambling. I am the one that recently purchased your Stage 1 Jet Kit and had the problems. No problems with your product, but (as I warned you up front) I am mechanically incompetent. Give me an electrical problem or a circuit board, and I will runs circles around most.
Anyway, the support you gave me during my headache was beyond ANYTHING I expected. It was /is outstanding. You now have a customer for life! The Bandit 1200 (03) jet kit is WORTH EVERY PENNY. In fact, you probably do not charge enough. The bike runs better, warms up much faster, I hardly choke the bike. And man does it pull hard. The bike was fun before, but now wow! Why would anyone buy a crotch rocket? My bike hangs with all my friends that have GSXRs and Hyas, in fact, they upset because when cruising through the city, they can't keep up with the low end grunt and mid range pull the Bandit puts out; and better yet, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I left them in the dust this week, all the twisties made the mid range power awesome. Granted, they might smoke me on a race track or all out top end, but I am 36 and really don't have the desire or need to go all out anymore. Low end and mid range is where the FUN is.
THANKS! You have a great company, and only wish I new about you 20 years ago when I purchased my first bike (Honda VF750 Sabre). I purchased a Kerker pipe, and received no support.
As I told you in a previous message Uncle Sam is collecting a large some of money from me on April 15, otherwise, there are plenty of other toys I would buy from you today. So if you are feeling like you want to use me as a ginny pig on your comp 2 exhaust, let me know, I WANT REALLY BAD! L. I just have to save my pennies for the time being. Or if you ever have a customer return, sell it to me!
Your honestly, great customer service, low prices, friendly receptionist, knowledge and more makes Holeshot the best company I have ever dealt with. And as I said before, you hooked me for life. (So if I ever purchase a new bike, you are going to have to help me out with a great parts for that bike too. I am actually considering a Ducati Monster 1000 S4R for my next bike.)
I can't say thank you enough, and if you ever want a reference, I will be happy to your spokesman.
Regards,
Martin A Carney
Tuscola Bandit:
Dale I have a 2001 1200S Bandit. I have your full exhaust 14 comp, stage ll kit and pair removal. Installed everything per your directions moved needles down one notch and have to say your products are the best. They fit and they preform. I recommend them to everyone I can. Thanks for the service and products you provide.
John R. Choat
Sam:
I have a 1996 bandit 600. I recently ordered a 5 deg timing advancer from Holeshot. The peeps at Holeshot are great to do business with. It took 6 business days for my order to come. After adding the advancer the cold start problem familiar with many bandit 6 owners is gone. It added a great deal of drivability and seat of the pants power, I haven't dyno'ed the bike yet but im going to soon. While you're ordering get a set of the gel grips too, they are awesome.
Thanks to the peeps at Holeshot I'll be ordering again.
Anon:
Dale, I ordered your stage II kit and slip on for my 2000 Bandit 1200S, and what an easy project. I can feel and hear such a difference. Thanks for the great deal and great product.
Yves Jadouille (Belgium):
Here comes my comment about the holeshot parts I've bought for my B12 and about the man who makes and sells the parts: JUST BOTH GREAT !!!!!
This is my story: I live in Europe (Belgium) and I wanted to bring some mods to my bandit. I first bought a dynojet jet kit (stage 3) and a high baffle muffler by my local store. They can sell parts very well but that's all! When you need a tuning tip, it's an other story. Then I saw the holeshot website of Dale and I knew it was the man I needed. Dale is not a showman, he doesn't sell dreams but parts that make true gains for your bike. I began with a stage 2 jet kit and a time advancer. I was so pleasantly surprised that I bought a big bore kit and a GSXR intake cam. I have sent a lot of e-mails to Dale with my questions and the maximum I had to wait for answer was 1 day!! Now I'm the proud owner of a beautiful holeshot full exhaust system.
My bike runs like a bullet but is still very reliable. No fragile dragbike just good for 100 miles but a arm stretching stuff good for a very long time!! Don't think I'm the Dale's European PR-man. I'm just a very happy customer.
Message to all European bandit owners:if you want to bring mods to your bike, don't waist your time and money with so called miracle parts. Look at the holeshot website and make your choice. You won't be disappointed!
Click image to enlarge
Marty:
Dale,
Just wanted to let you know the risers worked great. Now I can slide my rear back into my Corbin seat and still reach the bars without pulling my shoulders out of the sockets.
Thanks.
Jason (Portland, OR):
(Installed stage 2 air box jet kit, timing advancer and 14" Comp 2 slip-on on a late model Bandit 1200)
I just wanted to say that I am very happy with my purchase. Man what a difference!! I will recommend you guys to all my friends!
Thanks.
Cliff Solylo (Burkburnett, TX):
I found a way to warm up the tires, check it out.
Click image to enlarge
John:
Installed my jet kit and timing advance,great parts and instructions. 2002 Bandit 1200s with less than 2000 miles. 70 mph hit it and she pulls hard this was weak before your kit. Low rpm's much improved to. Hard to keep the wheel on the ground, up again in second. Very happy. Has buzz about 4000 rpm in 5th but that was there before kit was installed.
Thanks.