From a 125 to a Bandit 600

[BlackStallion]

I'm 17 and have been riding around on my 125 for about 6 months now, and have enjoyed every minute of it.

I'm saving up for my big bike test, been looking at quite a fair bunch of bikes, but the Bandit 600 appeals to me the most.

It's a cheap bike, which i've seen on ebay for less than i bought my 125 for.

I'm quite a long way away yet from doing my test and getting the bike, but if anyone with this bike could tell me what it's like that would be brilliant.

Is it a good choice of bike after a 125?

Thanks in advance

[That_Hornet]

Naked 6's are awesome.

But in hindsight, i might be pushed to look for a 400. Just my opinion. But i bought my Hornet after riding my 125 from september to march, I was fine on a 600.

Hornets FTW

[BlackStallion]

Yeah, appearance wise they are nice beasty bikes.

I looked at the Bandit 400 and for some reason i prefer the 600.

I no there will be one hell of a power shock stepping down from a 125 and hopping on a 600, but what does it feel like being on such a bigger engined bike?

Do you suggest a 400 is best?

My mate took his A(restricted) test when he was 17, he went from a little Aprilia RS50 to a Honda CBR600RR. He has had it for almost a year now.

Just say i had a maximum of £1000 to spend on a bigger bike, what would you recommend?

I will probably stick to the Bandit, but it will just give me some ideas

Cheers

[deanoet]

Yeah, decent starter bikes the Bandit

Bandit, Hornet, ER6
Cant really go wrong

SV650 is worth looking at as will take restriction better with it being a V-Twin
Comes in naked, faired and semi faired i think as well

If you can find one the 250 Hornet would be perfect. 100mph flat out and will be 33bhp now. Think they were high 30s when new
Rev to 15k RPM, and sound like a sewing machine Awesome high pitched scream from them.


Edit
400s are getting on a bit now, so you may be getting to the mileage / age that required expensive replacements. Suspension / bearings etc etc
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[BlackStallion]

Cheers deanoet

I've heard the Hyosung GT650R has more power than the Suzuki SV650, yet the GT costs a bomb compared to the SV.

What do you think a Bandit 600 could top being restricted?

The Hornet & Bandit share the same resemblance in a way, but i prefer the Bandit

I think a 250 would be a bit too low, as i'd just want more power again

Atleast if i had a 600 i could keep it for years, until the restriction is gone and then i can have full bhp

Cheers for the help mate

[deanoet]

Restricted they will prob top out at 100mph ish

Bike choice is entirely up to you really. Whichever you like the look of most that you can afford.

Stick to the big manufacturers and you cant really go wrong.

IL4s are happiest in high revs. V Twins make power lower down so take restriction better


Any restricted will still be quick though compared to a 125.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[BlackStallion]

100mph is fine, it's not like your aloud to do that on the roads today anyway

Anything will beat the power of a 125. Saying, it sounds weird that i could get a 600 and compared to my 125 it would only be 30mph faster

Thanks for the help though mate, i'm happily sticking to the Bandit 600. I love the looks and it's incredibly cheap.

It's all down to me saving up the £ now.... Good things come to those who wait

Thanks again deanoet

[Mr Hammers]

Even though you've already decided, I'd also recommend a Bandit.

The extra power feels like it's never going to end at first, but you get used to it after a while. Just to try and remember you can go a lot faster and get up to speed much quicker, so adjust your braking distances to suit. Basically, all I'm saying is take it easy at first

Anyway, good choice. (And a lot better looking in the flesh than a Hornet )
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A Guide To Powerbands

[BlackStallion]

Cheers Mr Hammers

Yeah i'm pleased that people think i'm making the right decision

I've seen Hornets ride past me before, but never had a proper look.

When i went into a local bike shop to clean out my carb, they had a Bandit for sale, it looked stunning

It was £1195 i think, 2002 and had only done about 7000 miles. I have to say, i like the older models as they seem to have that tourer look, which is taken over by a more sports look in the newer models.

I'm really looking forward to the power, and i promise you i won't be over excited and hop on the Bandit and kill myself I don't like jumping in at the deep end, seen mates do that on there 50's and 125's, not the best of ideas.

I sat on the Bandit at the shop (ha, i sat on it, i sound like a little child again ) it felt so big and so beasty, i just wanted to start her up, open the throttle and just hear it let alone ride the thing!

I have a long way to go before i even take my A2, but it's something that really is worth waiting for

Do you think it's best to get the bike first, especially if you see a bargain, and take the test afterwards? Then i don't need to go out hunting after i pass (if i pass )

Cheers for the help and advice guys, BCF is just awesome

[Noxious89123]

A bandit would be a nice sensible choice.

Unlike most...

"I've just got an RS wun-too-fiyv but im gunna get an arr-six next year!"
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'06 Honda CBR125RW-6 ~ '00 Honda CBR600F-Y ~ '07 Honda CBR600RR-7 ~ Bikeless
'53 Ford Ka 1.3 ~ '03 Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.8 ~ '52 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.2 ~ '53 Vauxhall Astra GSi

[BlackStallion]

[deanoet]

Equally with acceleration the brakes will be bigger and better

Grab a handful on the bandit and it will very likely lock the front wheel
Or throw you head first into what you are trying to miss

Yes, it will stop quicker than your 125, but it also has more weight being thrown forwards so reacts more to violent inputs


Buy the bike whenever you want
Just be aware that if it isnt covered under your house insurance you probably wont be able to get covered on it till you pass
So if it gets nicked you foot the bill

Most (decent) house policies cover items in garages / sheds up to £xxxx
Some do not include motor vehicles though. If you are buying in advance check you are covered.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[imanupstart]

I moved up from a R125 to a restricted bandit, fooking love it Seen 104mph up hill but been told restricted they max about 115. More than enough

[deanoet]

You wont really notice the restriction unless you ride a bike without really

A restricted 600 isnt slow by any means
But if you go from unrestricted to restricted it will be a noticable drop

My unrestricted hornet will only do 135mph flat out. LOL "Only"
It will get there a fair bit quicker though, especially when into the higher gears
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[Bubbs]

Hey Milkster,

You taken a look at the Fazer FZS 600? That looks like a great bike, and all reviews I have read about it seem brilliant. It's the bike I'm going for when I do my direct access.

Mate of mine rides a Bandit 600 and he says its a great first bike. Can't wait till I get past the 125 bracket onto something a bit more powerful. My little YBR is frustratingly slow at the best of times.

Where are you at the moment in terms of your bike education? I'm booking my theory today!!
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[Digitalize]

Im planning to go from my 50 to a Bandit 600/650, and im pretty sure its gonna be fine.

Its not a hugely fast bike, just reliable, comfy etc.

[BlackStallion]

Hey Daffyd

Yeah you mentioned that to me a while ago in a message

I have looked at the Fazer, it's a very nice bike, would be perfect as a first bike.

The thing is, it just seems fairly expensive when you can pick up a good condition Bandit for under £1000.

I guess i haven't looked properly, but secondhand, Bandits seem to be at the top of my list

In terms of bike education, i'd say i have a fair wait to go yet. I start college next month and getting a job in between will be hard, and it will take me some time to get the money i need. But waiting doesn't really matter, because for a proper license, i'd wait as long as it takes...

You keep your eyes on the Fazer though mate, it's a highly rated bike which i saw reviewed in MCN a while ago.

Although i'm younger than you mate, and you will definitely have your 600 before me, if we lived closer, i'd say a meet up and ride out would be in order

I am only about half a year into biking on my 125, so i've got ages yet, but i do no what you mean about being slow. It's always when you want that power boost, on a 125, it's just not there

I'm still enjoying it a lot though... Since you will have booked your theory already, i'm gonna say give it your best shot

You'll do well mate, all the best

[MaybeGuy]

ive got a luurvely R6 for sale.

yours for £650
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[BlackStallion]

[Bubbs]

R6 for £650.... Is that the one I read in a different thread that you stacked it on? Or is that a different person?

And milkster im well up for a ride out when you get the proper first bike!!!!

Mattspratt if that r6 is in good running order then i'll happily snap that up.

send me the details !!
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[MaybeGuy]

oh its a beautiful specimen.

full service history
starts and runs fine
bent frame and forks
20k on the clocks
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[BlackStallion]

[Mount_Man]

[Bubbs]

[kate t]

Hi, I'll let you know! I passed my test 4 weeks ago on a 125 and have just bought a bandit 600. Have had a go up and down a private track, very exciting!!!!! felt fine, just got to MOT her - can't wait to get out on the road!

ps. you've probably passed by now! How did you find the module 1?! !! got your bandit yet?