Hornet (not bandit) / XT660 / Duke 2 / DRZ

[j.silvs]

So bcf'ers I am weighing up the option of buying either of these bikes as a commuter. They all have the exact same amount to pay to add to my policy. So here are my thoughts:

Hornet - seems like a no brainer however lacks a bit of passion?

XT660 - quite like the styling but is a single so may be snatchy?

Duke 2: love this one. Reviews say it's a great commuter but is it reliable?

DRZ: seems good on paper but might I just as well get a bigger cc?

What are your thoughts? Don't want one that's a bustard to maintain and would like cheap consumables[/b]

[chris-red]

I would not want a Big Single as a commuter, to vibey and high maintenance.

XT's are known to be overweight and underpowered.
Most Duke 2's these days are old enough to have had the buggery thrashed out of them parts ain't cheap either.
DRZ's are nickable and being a Suzuki it will rot.

They also have short range fuel tanks and naff MPG.

Look around and see if you can find any of those bikes with high mileage, chances are no as they don't tend to be reliable enough to make it.

I just wouldn't want a bandit full stop. However it would probably be easiest to live with.

What is your commute like? If you just want a commuter, go so something dull but Solid, Honda Deuville/Cb500 etc. It'll be cheaper to run and easier to live with.
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[RhynoCZ]

You Sir, ought to obtain an in-line four cylinder engine.

Honda hornet 600/919 or CBR600F is what you need - both are cheap (today), reliable, well made and it's Honda so the only thing that can go wrong is reg/rec or stator.

It does depend on your personal taste though. I'd go for a something rather different.

EDIT: If it must be one of your list, the bandit it is, although I do not like what Suzuki does.
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'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[_Iain_]

Assuming we're talking a fair few miles to commute then Bandit - I'd want a 1200 half fairing model.

Engines entertaining, comfy, wind protections good, cheap parts.

What about a Fazer 600 or a Thundercat?
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[Ribenapigeon]

Bandit seems the obvious choice. Then look at others in that IL4 600cc catagory.

[P.]

As gay as it is, SV650 would be an ideal cheap commuter. Can't say I've noticed too many quality issues with Suzukis, only on Bandits.

[MarJay]

Out of those I'd plump for the Duke, but if it's a pure commuter then I'd probably reconsider. They aren't the most reliable of bikes and parts are probably fairly expensive. The Bandit will be best for reliability and parts but is also the heaviest and probably the most boring.
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[j.silvs]

Sorry all I meant Hornet! Thoughts on that?

My commute is around 12-15 miles each way. All through the city. Maybe a mile on an A road. Can easily be done on a 125 but dont fancy it

I would like a bike thats half a commuter and also half something I can use for weekends and not feel I look like a courier lol!

I am swaying towards Duke but not so sure....

[P.]

Hornet would be an alright call for the mix, sure Doovy enjoyed his for YEARS!

[MarJay]

I'd definitely choose a Hornet over a Bandit. Much lighter, smaller, faster. Also more reliable and cheaper to get parts for than a Duke. Only real Hornet downsides are small tank range and fairly expensive tyres (being full sportsbike sizes). It's such a common tyre size these days that it's hardly an issue though.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Andy C]

I have just got a 2001 hornet 600 after 2 years without a bike. Just come back from Wales (400 mile round trip) and bike was great, except need to get a 1 piece rain suit as got very wet.

Owned a SV650s at one point but hated the suspension. I am really getting on with the hornet, only issues are short tank range and seat could be more comfortable. Probably going to get a seat cover to sort seat. I quite like how it has a fairly linear power delivery and way easier to ride for long periods compared to the speed four I had (also IL4 600).

I find the bike really smooth round town and when low in rev range. Put a screen on it which makes such a difference on motorway.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=92785
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Doovy]

[Knacker]

I'd go for the Drz Looks like a hoot to ride
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Current: Gsxr 600 Srad - GS125 - DT125
Previous: K1 GSXR 1000

[Slacker24seve...]

Hornet ticks all your boxes. You might, just might, get 5 each way commutes out of a tank before reserve if it's only 12 miles. To get 120 before reserve takes real granny riding to be fair.

Whilst they're simple bikes they are good fun with a noticeable fun zone after 7k. Easy to wheelie or knee down should you feel the need on your inner city commute. Piece of piss to work on, the spine frame means you've got access to everything, you can even change a chain without a chain riveter as the chassis side panels come off.

Downsides: tank range, brakes are nothing special, suspenders at both ends aren't especially composed when pressing on. Get a 2000-on model with a proper 17" front so you can buy whatever tyres you want.
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[j.silvs]

Thanks for all the replies...

Trying to go with my head and reach for the hornet but I just don't know lol.

Looking at some nice ones with renthal bars on etc. but its just the headlight for some reason that I am not liking.

Anyone done some cool mods on theirs that make it look a bit nicer?

Toss up between that and a DRZ at the moment

[jonbee56]

[j.silvs]

I like the new style Hornet but my budget will be around £2k so no way going to be able to afford one!

[MC]

[j.silvs]

I do like the Duke but so many conflicting reviews.. seems like the LC4 engine can be touch and go depending on which one you get.

I will keep on the look out for a DRZ within my budget but if not I will go for the Hornet

[stevo as b4]

Kind of agree^

For an all round fun bike, distance machine and commuter the Hornet would be cool!

But if your commute is short distances, little motorways etc or down quiet back roads etc the DRZ could be more fun? They are popular and so seem to hold a fair price too, esp the SM version.

Oh and I'd put up with single cyl vibes in a wacky looking bike like the MT03. I think it's just the best looking of all the MT's, just a shame it's 20kg more than it should be, and that XTZ motor lacks a bit of KTM sparkle, but otherwise a Winner!

Shame they can't make an MT03 with either a 2stroke twin fitted or a fizzy 500-600cc IL2 like a GPZ500 engine but more lol!

[Mario_Kempes]

I commute on a Hornet. Get 250 kms out of a tank consistently (about 60% congested motorway and 40% big city). It's a 2005 so the tanks a bit bigger than earlier ones but still.... It only gets thirsty when you're wringing it. Keep it below 7k and it's fine.

[P.]

[c-m]

[1cyl]

I'm still very much in love with a big single. I find "Vibes" and "Jerks" most enjoyable and thrive in a regular dose of some "extremely direct responsiveness" . But then, I ride like a pillock and only for fun, with daily access to 2 bikes and 2 cages, the latter of which sadly sees the most use.

Although, for that shortish commute, the kid in me says go buy a good example of the DRZ or Duke2, and spend your 'to' and 'from' work laughing your tits off. Just ensure you have enough financial backing for any possible maintenance/repairs* otherwise you'll be crying your eyes out instead.

But the adult in me feels inclined to advise you that the hornet is a good solid sensible horse, with a much broader spectrum of usability, that perhaps fits your needs more suitably, and could likely be more dependable in the long run. Plus, a swap of the headlight for a single dominator or Mini HiD or something is easily achieved for some aesthetic satisfaction.

Enjoy whatever you decide.
*always that chance that either could be more reliable than the hornet of course.
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[bikertomm]

I got this for £2450 last March.. 29k miles with full service history, been cherished and looked after ever since

Do it

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