I am a trainee couch potato and a post-grad at Coventry University. The picture above shows me doing...
I am a trainee couch potato and a post-grad at Coventry University. The picture above shows me doing my duty for academia in Poland.
Member since:11.06.2001
Reviews:17
Members who trust:8
I bought my Suzuki Bandit 600S (i.e. with a fairing) when it was just over a year old. I was very impressed: for the price of a year old Honda CB500 (boring but reliable commuter) I picked up a 600 Bandit (drummingbunny's dream bike!).
I can heartily recommend this bike to anyone except the hardcore power junkies. It pulls smoothly from just above tickover in any gear: it will comfortably cruise at 30 mph in top gear. The engine goes slightly off tune when it is nearing the end of a service interval but otherwise it has surprisingly clearly defined powerbands (it's like having two turbos, brilliant!). Tickover to 4000 rpm has a nice soft response suitable for town riding, 4000 to 8000 rpm is sharper (just what you need for out of town riding) and 8000 to 12000 rpm is gung ho territory. It took a little time before I was confident to use this area of the rev range but, once I had acclimitised to it, it was very useful for overtaking. And making me steam my visor up by laughing!
The handling can be transformed by altering the rear 'preload'. I would recommend that novices set it fairly soft to allow the bike to settle on its suspension through corners, which builds confidence. For the more experienced there are handling advantages to stiffening it up.
Perhaps the best thing about the Bandit is its handling. It is benign enough to flatter a novice, but grab it by the scruff of the neck and it becomes an accomplished A-road machine. The 1200 has a reputation for pulling wheelies and the 600 can also do this when you don't want it to do so. It is never a problem, just something to be aware of when pulling out of a T-junction.
The only downside to owning a Bandit is Suzuki dealers: there are good ones and there are bad ones. B&Bmotorcycles in Lincoln were excellent, but others have left me feeling that I'd rather not give them money for their lack of service. One couldn't tell me what shade of green my bike was, because they couldn't find the colour code: Dealer: Its under the seat, mate Me: S'not Dealer: It is, I promise you Me: Fine, you have a look Dealer: Blimey, its not there! Me: Goodbye
Update: ------
Au revoir, Suzy, you've gone to be with somebody else. Was it because I didn't give enough attention? Or just because I haven't got a garage anymore so I can't get insurance?
I guess I'll just become one of those bike bores who doesn't actually have a bike at the minute, but I'm just getting some money together, then I'll buy a ...
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Interesting - a biker living in Coventry - let me guess the pubs you frequent!! The Uni used to have quite a strong biking fraternity as does the city itself.
Sue
leahslad 12.06.2001 11:31
A good op, if a little technical at times :) Steve
very helpful by (77%):
helpful by (23%):
