Pro's and con's of a suzuki bandit?

[woojay]

I'm going to be moving up from my 125 in the next month or so and I have decided to go for a suzuki bandit. I'm just wondering about the good points and bad points with the bike. I'm looking for tech specs and problems ect.

I just want to be ready for any hidden suprises that may be waiting for me.

[-Savage-]

i was looking into a bandit at one time myself, but was reccomended a hornet due to the better honda build quality.
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My Bikes - - - Royal Enfield 500 with sidecar, VFR800, CBR600FX,
Peugeot Speedfight 100, Kymco Hipster 125, GSXR750K5, Jawa TS 350

[Groove]

Specifications

Not bad bikes, mate has just bought/buying the S version.

He was looking at a Hornet but insurance was a lot more from sounds of it, having about 20BHP more he couldnt get insured within budget.
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|| Past: 1991 Kawasaki ZXR 250 ~ 2003 Honda CBR 600 F Sport ~ 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R B1H 636 ~ 1999 Yamaha R1 ~ 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R J ~ 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R B1H 636 ~ 1998 Honda VTR1000F Firestorm ~ K1 GSXR 600 Track bike ~ K6 GSXR 1000 ~ 2006 Speed Triple 1050 || Current: 2005 R1 https://www.adrucore.co.uk

[woojay]

That's what put me off buying the hornet. I can get a bandit in good condition for about 6-800 quid. A decent hornet will cost me £2000+ and I really cant afford that.

[ISLAND GIRL]

[Zimbo]

Nothing wrong with the bandit, you could do much much worse! It's a sensible step up from the 125, more than fast enough for you, reasonably reliable and looks good, cheap to buy and run, and to insure.

[Mark_petty]

I went from a 125 to a bandit s and I'm really happy with my choice.
I got a bargain as well mines a 1999 reg with only 3k on the clock all documents to prove mileage £1200
Its had a service which cost me £70 in parts and its running lovely.
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[Rides: Suzuki GSF600sx]
[CBT: Passed] [Theory: Passed] [DAS: Passed]

[woojay]

What sort of top speed can I expect out of a bandit once it is restricted?

Also, how much do you think I could sell my Suzuki marauder 125 for?

It's a 2005 plate with about 12k miles on the clock and full service history. At the momemt It has rusty mirror bars and some minor damage from being knocked over while it was parked up.( Tiny scratch in exhaust, front mudguard and brake pedal. Plus bar-end bent.) Im going to sort out the mirrors and bar end but the rest is too minor to worry about really. I was thinking that I would probably be able to get around £1200-£1500. What do you guys think?

[stinkwheel]

Suzuki bandit:

Pros: Every bugger has one. This means there are loads of spares and aftermarket parts out there.

Cons: Every bugger has one. This means they will look round and go 'Oh, another bandit.'.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[syris]

[woojay]

Well, that's a bonus. How much will my restricted access test cost me?(minus the theory) My skills are pretty sound, I just need to use my mirrors a little more often while on a straight road, plus I tend to forget my lifesaver look occasionally but i'm working on those. I think i'm going to need no more than two lessons plus the test.

[Scorpius]

Cons? Corners.
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Cagiva Mito 125 (sold)
Honda CBR400RR NC23 (sold)
Currently riding: Honda CBR600F

[dink]

naff standard collector boxes that disintegrate

[Brava210]

I love mine to bits,i know there are better bikes but for the money it is a very good bike ....I paid £3995 for mine brand new 650 faired ABS in January with 2 years free servicing which i am more than happy with

ps nothing wrong with the paint finish........well mine is good anyway
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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"

[woojay]

How about insurance cost? I've got a year's no claims and a clean licence. What should I be paying?

[ISLAND GIRL]

All depends on how old you are, your bike is, the CC and where abouts you live as some areas are classed as higher risk than others, how many NCB you have, how long you been riding
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Live on the Isle of Wight and ride a CBR600F

[Mark_petty]

I'm 24, I have a 1999 Bandit 600 s, live in a good area, I have nearly 2 years ncb and its £210 tpft
Get some online quotes. I got mine through www.directchoice.co.uk
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[Rides: Suzuki GSF600sx]
[CBT: Passed] [Theory: Passed] [DAS: Passed]

[woojay]

Thanks M8 I guess it'll be about £500 or so for me then. I can afford that. I'll just change my policy when I get rid of the marauder.

[garth]

drop a tooth off the front sprocket and they're more fun.

it's obligatory to have a loud pipe.

even better to have a shorty loud pipe. and renthals.

i like mine, does the job.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[Villers]

Ive had the priveledge of riding both the blandit and the hornet. I didnt actually own the bandit but my best mate did and it was like an asprin, constantly dissolving underneath him. Having said that it was an older bike. The hornet handles far better but has nothing on a sportsbike handling. The bandit was very bouncy in the bends, as was the hornet but the hornet had more feel and was a bit better planted. I would consider both bikes to be 'predictable' if I was honest.

The big plus of the bandit is the cost of ownership, even considering repairs. On the otherhand thehornet that I had for 2 months managed to break out of the blue too.

As for insurance £210 for a 24 year old with 2yrs no claims sounds good. Although Im 24 with zero no claims and an accident against me and paid £320 for a fully faired 600cc sportsbike

I think as a short term gap between your 125 and a sportier bike the bandit works well if you can pick an older one up for under a grand. I can't speak for the new models however as Ive no experience!

Good luck, you'll enjoy your step up no matter what anyway!


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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[greatmoorred]

you could try a 400 bandit, ive just bought one and am pretty happy with it. Its a smaller frame, so it weighs next to nothing, which means you can throw it about a bit. Ive not been left standing either, it can keep up with bigger bikes on rideouts. Just dont take on a hornet on the straight .
Good first bike though.

[DucatiEVO]

If you get bored with the Bandit look they make great streetfighters (when done properly), you can chop and change as you see fit!
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aKa: Ducky