2003 Hornet or new Bandit

[Keeno]

Hi all

Im going to be getting a new bike soon and atm im torn between getting a 2002/2003 hornet with under 10,000 miles on the clock or a new Bandit.

A local dealer is supposed to have a Hornet coming in as a trade in which he thinks is either a late 2002 or an early 2003 for around £3250 (will find out later today). Is there many differences between 2002 and 2003 models? And would I be better holding out for a 2003?

I also have the option of buying a new bandit 650, its not a whole lot more cash and it would be brand new, most dealers are selling them for around £4000. I really like the idea of getting a new bike, although I understand that I will lose a fair bit of money through depreciation.

So what do you all think? and what are the pro / cons of each?


Thanks in advance.

[instigator]

Hornet - Great engine, fun bike to use, cheap spares, higher insurance, lower mpg, crap tank range.

Bandit - Rubbish at keeping value, worse build quality, better tank range and mpg, cheaper insurance and spares.

I'd go for a hornet if tank range doesn't matter to you, but not for that price! Get cheaper. Don't buy from a dealer!

[Keen]

I'd go for the hornet (but I'm biased).

There's not that much in it, the hornet has a more revvy sportier engine and IMO much nicer styling. Its also lighter and I'm pretty sure it handles better.
But the bandit is not a bad bike either. There's not that much in it: get the hornet if you fancy something slightly more sporty, the bandit if you need something slightly more sensible.
But like instigator says 3250 sounds expensive for a 2002/2003 hornet, if you have a look around you should be able to get a better deal. All the more reason to buy a hornet
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"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

[G]

I definitely wouldn't buy from a dealer.

Would have thought you could be paying up to £1k over the odds in this case.

Would go for the hornet out of the two you mentioned.

[Kirmit]

As a Bandit owner I should support Suzuki and plead with you to get the Bandit.

But I won't. Go for the Hornet, better performance.
Issues like tank range isn't an issue, there's petrol stations in every town these days .

As for insurance, If you look... they will come (down)
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When riding fast, think fast. When riding slow.. speed up.
Grey Honda Cityfly 125 || Red Suzuki Bandit 600 & Blue Suzuki SV650SK5|| Red Honda VTR 1000-F2

[Milo]

Where are you based...it just so happens I've got a 2001 Hornet for sale. I'm near Croydon if that's any good to you.

As for advice on one or the other, I've not ridden a bandit but I do simply prefer the look of the Hornets - fairing or no fairing.
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Shaft drives rule.

[byke95]

[Barney]

Id go for the hornet, reviews in all the bike mags make it out to be a great bike.

Anyone been pillion on a hornet? Does the exhaust effect your right leg once it gets hot?
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CG125|CB400SF|CBR600FX|Triumph Daytona T595|CBR929RR

[byke95]

[Milo]

[EllioTT_GiXXeR]

The Bandit is a rip off of the hornet
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[G]

[Keen]

[ISLAND GIRL]

I say the hornet, but then I would wouldnt I
Apparently the bandits are a bit dated now, even the newer ones.
OH came home tonight with brochures from Honda, see the new hornets in there, particularly the 900, looks well meaty
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Live on the Isle of Wight and ride a CBR600F

[Sparks!]

I'd go with the Honda, better bikes all round I think and the hornets are great little toys. Go for it.

[Brava210]

well i will say "bandit" just to even things up,plus i have just bought a new one with abs.mainly because i liked the looks,the colour,and the riding position.....personal choice really,i could have got a hornet,bandit or gsxr600(but i couldn't reach the floor)..
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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

CHARLEY SAYS " ALWAYS TELL YOUR MUMMY BEFORE YOU GO OFF SOMEWHERE"

[jay12329]

the 2003 hornet has a cat and is slightly down on power compared to the 2002 bikes. Be carefull of paying extra for a 03 reg bike that is actually a 02 model.
Hornet all the way for me.
J

[Keeno]

Thanks for all the replies.

Even though its ever so slightly one sided im still swaying towards the bandit, really because for once in my life I would like something new.

Brava u got any pics of your bike? Whats your opinion so far + what price did you pay if you dont mind me asking?

[Keeno]

Im stuck with buying from a dealer im afraid. I had bought a bike from them but have since changed my mind, they have been kind enough to let me wsap for a different bike without charging me anything. This post will explain all :

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=805082&highlight=#805082

I've also been looking at a suzuki sv650, there's a lot of good reviews on this bike.

[Brava210]

[Brava210]

Ps i haggled the price down to 4000,from 4599, but you never know they may have been cheaper else where -but this was the only place that had mettalic blue with ABS....i'm happy..
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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

CHARLEY SAYS " ALWAYS TELL YOUR MUMMY BEFORE YOU GO OFF SOMEWHERE"

[kevingranger]

Go for the Hornet i used to ride pillion on my friends and it was nice and comfortable, had a good solid grabrail at the back and the exhaust didnt affect me because of the shield and even when my mate changed the exhaust i still found no probs. its a great bike go enjoy it!!
kev
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I love my VFR400

[Keeno]

Nice brava, nothing like a new bike. Black engine looks great aswell.

One thing im confused about though, is there different colour tones available for the bandit? In some pictures i've seen there is a darker shade of blue than yours, more like the honda blue.

[ISLAND GIRL]

IMO looks a lot like my hornet. Parked up next to a brand new black hornet the other day and have to say did not think it looked as nice as my blue one, if anything it looked much like my friends black bandit TBH.
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Live on the Isle of Wight and ride a CBR600F

[Brava210]

Keeno,it does look more BLUE in real life...similar to that picture.
I do like the honda blue too (island girl) but as i was buying NEW the price swayed me slightly...but as i say i am pleased
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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

CHARLEY SAYS " ALWAYS TELL YOUR MUMMY BEFORE YOU GO OFF SOMEWHERE"