Hi, my names matt, 23 and 6'2. (makes it sound like a dating programme :S).
Hi, my names matt, 23 and 6'2. (makes it sound like a dating programme :S).
Member since:14.05.2005
Reviews:2
The Bandit has been about for some years, and there's a good reason for this. The bike does what it says on the tin, it rides and rides and rides. I've owned one for around a year now. I bought a 1998 Bandit 600SW, this was my first bike, passed my test a week and went out hunting.
The bandit first started in the early nineties, which has led some people to say they are a bit long in the tooth. If this were true why would they after 15 years keep producing the 600cc and 1200cc bandits?
The bandit competes with bikes like the Yamaha 600 Fazer and the Honda 600 Hornet. The three bikes all sit closely in their range of stats, but they all are very different. Now what things would you be looking for when choosing a bike if your new to it all, hopefully the following will help.
****Performance**** The 600 Bandit boasts around 75bhp, now for a first bike this is plenty enough. It will get
you to between 115mph and 125mph depending if you've opted for the nose cone. The delivery of the power is smooth and constant and you don't feel any stutters through the range. It weighs in at around 210kg (dry) that is slightly heavier than the others, but you only really notice this when manoeuvring at very low speed. The weight is all at the top of the bike, so it makes it difficult for shorter people to handle. Now it is written the Bandit can do a standing ¼ mile in 12.6seconds @ 106mph. Now for the average rider this means nothing, as it's not often someone at the lights gives you the nod to go all out. So what it means is there is enough power at your wrist to get you out or into trouble.
The only down fall is, the hornet and fazer are both five speed bikes while the bandit has a 6 speed box. Now more gears sounds good, but if your tonking along, you find yourself putting your foot through a lot of exercise for a short distance and your revving higher.
****Handling**** This is where the bike does well. Its long wheelbase a short rake angle help no end to the bikes handling capabilities. The response of the telescopic forks is really forgiving for first time riders. If feels comfortable as you start to lean the bike, it doesn't try and take you away, you are in control.
Now for a heavy bike that could sound strange, but the bike is well balanced and set up for touring, so for trying to get your knee down through town, this isn't for you. But Sunday rides and long distance you'll feel right at home bending and swerving your way.
****Ride**** Now this is where the bike shines. The bandit has a high riding position, which gives confidence. It has a padded steardy seat, mine is now 7 years old with no signs of real wear. People looking to buy bikes like to know how it feels to ride, all I can say is try it. The upright ride and comfortable reach suits me fine (I'm 6'2). You can adjust the bars and also buy a jack up kit for the rear wheel if you want to customise the feel. The peg position is comfortable, slightly behind you when you've got the balls of your feet down.
From a passenger point of view, I've taken friends on the back and they all say they feel really comfortable sitting there behind me. The seat has a lot of room to get comfy and grab handles either side.
****Cost**** The 600cc ranges of touring bikes have always had a good price range. They are pretty cheap to run and easily looked after. The cost of a new 600cc bandit is around £4,000 on the road depending where you buy. Second hand is where the price drops, it's easy to get hold of a nice bandit, the biggest thing is getting hold of one that has been regularly serviced and looked after. To run a tank of fuel (20litres) will get me a range of about 140-150 miles even if your enthusiastic with the throttle/.
****Reliability**** It's a Suzuki! This means if it breaks fix it. I've had no problems with mine, and I don't know of anyone having any problems with theirs.
The electrics are simple; they haven't over complicated any circuits. The engine is a robust all rounder. With the inline 4 going in. Wear is good, I've just put a new chain and sprocket on and tyres, which hasn't been done in years. Rides like a dream. It's only really wear and tear.
****Enjoyment**** The Bandit is a lovely bike to enjoy, it's so forgiving and full of itself you get of with a smile on your face.
****Looks**** The classic look of the unfaired bike really appeals to me. I think it's all round looks are good. From the single spot light on the unfaired to the twin shaped lights mounted in the faired version. The frame has a sleek design where it runs under the panels at the seat. The chassis design hasn't really had many modifications from new. In 99 they made some minor mods, but chose not to bring it in line with some bike modelling the cutting shapes and sharp detail.
There are endless modifications you can do to bandits; they still remain one of the most played with bikes when it comes to accessories. The Bandit has street fighter appeal, which seems to be coming in more and more.
****Recommendation**** Who would I recommend too? Commuters 1st time buyers Weekend riders
Hope this helps….
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Friend of mine has one of these....it doesn't like the winter much! Gone rusty in less than a year..cheers, DD
scottmeister 22.09.2005 23:34
Thankyou for taking the time to write such a detailed review. You answered all my questions in very competent way, you know your stuff, thanks for passing it on to those of us who don't. Cheers mate!
missixty 17.05.2005 11:04
Brilliant op including detail on everything I would want to know!! I've never been on a motorbike but bet it's brilliant! x
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