Hornet or Bandit?

[ROB_NSR]

Ok, I haven't passed my test yet (dont even know when I'll be taking it yet either!) but for my first big bike I've been looking at Hornets and Bandits, but which would be best to go for? (from someone with experience of both preferably!) or would I be better off with a different 600?

If it makes any difference I'm 6'1"

Thanks
Rob
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CBT: PASSED!! THEORY: PASSED!! PRACTICAL: PASSED!!

[pwntifex]

Fazer is better than both, imo.; doesn't have the shite fuel range of the hornet (or the 16" front wheel of earlier models) and isn't as boring/slow as the bandit.
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the warped one: This is a follow up from the thread 'my willy hurts'

[extreme3d]

[kestrel]

Never had a Hornet but have owned a couple of 600 Bandits and a 1200 Bandit. The 600 Bandit is a good all round bike, comfortable enough for long rides and pokey enough to have a bit of fun on.

[McJamweasel]

At 6'1 I would of thought that you would be better on the Bandit - you will probably be too scrunched up on a Hornet.
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BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[Villers]

I curerently own an SV, I used to have a CBR, I had a hornet for 2 months and I have a limited experience of bandits.

With bandits being the way they are everyone knows someone who has one. The opinion Ive formed of the old bandits is that they suffer from typical suzuki quality, they rust/rot, and are budget. The ride was also very bouncy and I didnt prefer the 'relaxed' experience they offered.

The hornet was pretty good. Well knocked together and was quick enough. Biggest criticism is that they peg out really early and can catch you off guard. Having sad that they feel sturdy although they tend to be like the bandit if pushed - it feels like going round a bend on a pogo stick. The bandit if Im being hnest took this to a new level and feeled like a space hopper.

As far as a fazer goes, I cant comment. I just never fancied a Yamaha!!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[ColdInsomnia]

I have basically the same problem as the OP.

I've been advised to get a bandit by a friend as I've been told they are good "all round" bikes.

Someone else suggested to me an SV650 but apparently they're small, slow, and are generally suited to women (just what I've been told! )

I don't really know anything about the hornets so can't comment.

And whilst I would like a Fazer, seeing as my previous two bikes are Yamaha's, I don't really know enough about them.


Does anyone have any opinions on the GSXF?
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Yamaha YB100 | Yamaha TZR125 | Yamaha XJ600S | Suzuki GSF600
"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."
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[Pte1643]

I've got an '06 Hornet.

Pro's...

140mph
90bhp
Super Sticky Rubber (Fireblade Wheels you see)
More handling than you'll get anywhere near if you just passed your test (if you get a later model, with the 17" front).
Second gear "off the throttle" wheelies.
They're NOT "ten-a-penny", like Bandits.
They're NOT ugly, like Fazers.

Con's...

Yeah they got small tanks and the front brake could be better, but what the Fook.

Buy one...

[instigator]

[Keen]

Given the fact I'm slightly biased....

I'd still say the hornet is best of the bunch (thats why I settled on it). All the practicality of the bandit but with a bit more power, bit more style and better handling, just go for a later model with the 17 front. I've never had problems with the pegs frequently decking out personally, despite riding it pretty much to the edge of the tyres.
Later models also have a slightly bigger tank, so even though everyone knocks the range, I get about 100-110 miles between fill-ups and thats thrashing it a bit, ride economically and you can get more. Its never been a problem for me.

The sv is supposed to be a nice bike, but if you're using the bike everyday I think you'll appreciate the space and the more upright riding position on the hornet or bandit. Its also down on power compared to the inline 4 bikes, by about 15bhp.
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"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

[JonB]

[instigator]

[JonB]

But why? It does fuck all. Except cost more money.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[instigator]

It's hardly a lot more money. It's just for aesthetics. The hornet 250 has a 180 section tyre too as standard. Somehting about a surplus of fireblade wheels when the hornets were being designed is rumoured to be the reason why and they've jsut stuck with it.

[Keen]

[MarkJ]

Agreed on the tyre, and all of Pte1643's points Job B is just jealous cos he's got a Bandit

My 99 Hornet doesn't wheelie off 2nd gear either Goes light, but no wheelie.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Hornet, my dad had the same thought pattern, but I managed to persuade him to get a Hornet.

There's a one make race series to loads of trick bits, the Bandit is just a slower, cheaper, poorer immitation.

16 litre fuel tank is abit rubbish though, just find a petrol station with a fit girl behind the counter

Get the Hornet (PS. Yellow ones go at least 10 mph faster )
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[Jack_Cheese]

[Mark_petty]

I have a bandit 600 as my first big bike and I'm very pleased with the decision.
It was cheap to buy, very very reliable, parts are cheap, does 0-60 in just over 4 seconds with a top speed of about 130mph
Insurance is very cheap, handles great what more do you want in a first bike. You can get a bandit for a lot cheaper with less miles on it than a hornet
The only downside is that there are quite a few bandits around but that means parts are easy to get hold of.

I've never regretted my decision and would seriously consider a Bandit 1200

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[Rides: Suzuki GSF600sx]
[CBT: Passed] [Theory: Passed] [DAS: Passed]

[mrtEE]

[instigator]

[Brava210]

I think they are all Good bikes........................Especially the Bandit
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Honda Novio, Puch Grand Prix, Suzuki AP50, CZ 125, Wassell 125, Montesa 348,Honda 125TDC, Suzuki 100ER, Suzuki GSF650 Bandit, Aprillia Pegaso, Honda PCX125, Honda Forza300, BMW G310 GS, Suzuki SFV650, Honda CB500X

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[extreme3d]

[Pte1643]

[Jack_Cheese]