Suzuki Bandit 600

[struan80]

Has anyone owned a Suzuki Bandit 600? I'm thinking of getting myself a cheap 400/600 and this seems to fit the bill. I also like the Honda Hornet but they seem a bit pricey'

If you had a grand for a 400/600 what would you go for and why?

Thanks guys.

[MarJay]

Bandits are heavy and underpowered. I'd rather have an SV personally because although you lose 10bhp, you also lose about 30kg which is not to be sniffed at.

Out of the four cylinder 600's from that era, the Hornet is pretty decent value, although it does have quite a short range. Out of the three, the Hornet is the best bike, but the SV can be had for pennies and so is possibly better value.

I used to want a Bandit when I was 18, but nowadays I realise they are big heavy bikes that are under powered, and they do suffer from rust. However, they are the most tuneable of the three by a small margin, and can fit GSXR1100 motors and things. The SV can be bored out safely to about 800cc if you feel inclined, but the suspension and brakes would need upgrading. The SV has the most handling potential IMO, but is hamstrung by cheap damper rod forks.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Kentol750]

+1 for hornet. Sv has much more of a 'sporty' riding position than bandit or hornet.
If I had a grand I would wait until I found the best condition anything rather than pinning my hopes on 1 model.
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Some bikes.

[redeem ouzzer]

I wouldn’t have an SV for free. Bandit 600 with a 750M or 1100 powerscreen lump shoehorned in. Cheap speed and BHP is always king.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[MarJay]

[struan80]

I've spotted an XT660R that's just about in the price range and only 7 miles away. I was never going to keep to my budget, no point trying to kid myself.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-xt-660r/1325874747?fbclid=IwAR1pkzgcm1nsLQ42XJiGhIcYBvNJ4AEXwkihvwRokAeJsqyGxep1gpkF6CA

[M.C]

[Bhud]

[Jewlio Rides Again LLB]

I did have a Mk1 B6, did what I needed it to, was ok. But I've had one, wouldn't have another unless it was cheap or special.
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Mpd72: I can categorically say i’m Brighter than that, no matter how I come across on here.
HAHAHA HAHAHA Blew Chilly MyCrowSystems

[MarJay]

[inline4]

[MarJay]

[inline4]

[nowhere.elysium]

I've owned a Bandit 6 and still own an SV650.

The Bandit 6 is heavy; hilariously so. The suspension and brakes are rudimentary at best. The SV has similar failing with regards to suspension and brakes, abut the chassis is signifcantly lighter and is much more responsive. The bandit engine is a nice lump though: there's a lot that can be done to them without danger of it grenading.

I know that it's traditional to rag on SVs here, but I like mine - with a GSXR shock and properly maintained brakes, it's not a bad bike at all. I still need to put the funds together for a proper suspension upgrade at some point, but in the here and now, it does what I want, and can still be fun.

I don't buy into the whole 'moar BHP' mantra that others do, and am usually quite happy with ~70bhp. I've ridden significatly more powerful bikes, and while the initial 'holy shit' moment of cracking the throttle open is always fun, it generally feels wasted if it's on the road.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Tdibs]

For commuting or just for enjoyment?

I'd be looking at a mk1 bandit 12 rather than the 6. Otherwise SV/Fazer/thundercat/Zx6r.

For a grand though, condition over model 100%. Whatever was in the best nick, with the least amount of work doing for the price.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[garth]

I've got an sv you can have for under a grand

Faired one, new fork seals and overhauled brakes, new pads etc, 25k

Got a set of scrubs for it too
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[Confusion]

[chickenstrip]

Hey struan80, buy any bike, you can't go wrong - you're coming from a cruiser
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Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

[M.C]

[struan80]

I don't like to hang about so have narrowed it down to two bikes, the XT660R that I posted before and a clean looking BMW F650GS. Going to see both tomorrow and it's most likely that I'll be coming home with one of them. I think I prefer the XT but only if my feet can touch the ground.

https://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy224/struan80/_86_zps048tewic.jpg
Or
https://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy224/struan80/58899a0a1ca6462cb6e5170799c98397_zps5ndg6zxw.jpg

[Ste]

Decisions decisions!!!

Which one are you seeing first?

[M.C]

If you get the BMW you can be fwends with Rogerborg

[struan80]

I'm going to see the BMW first, it's got a low seat so maybe better for me.

[MarJay]

Ugh, singles. No. Not as an only bike.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[rhys99]