Honda CB500 or Bandit 600N??????

HandyManPhill · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Karma :

Hi people, im quite new to the bike scene and was wondering if people could give me advice on whats best for me after iv passed my test, a Honda CB500 or Bandit 600N. Apart from the obvious BHP difference I need convincing on whats best. I have good and bad points for both but wanted peoples opinion too. Also should I go faired or naked?

Many thanks people
Phill
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HandyManPhill

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I'd go with the bandit as it should be a little better at everything, though does weigh a bit more. So, it will allow you to progress more before deciding you want something new. Also consider an SV650.

Mooncatt · Brolly Dolly Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Karma :

yeah i would take the bandit too, same reasons as above.
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Kal · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Karma :

CB500 is another of Hondas competitors for most underrated bike on the planet.

They are solid, reliable, are good up to the neighbourhood of 110, cilit-bang* off of the lights and inspire more personal confidence than having your bed full of strippers.

Not to mention most parts, with the exception of the radiator, are cheap and relatively easy to get hold of. I had a lot of fun and did a lot of serious riding on Dukans CB500. If I had to replace the GB and someone gave me a fistful of cash with which to do it I'd be shopping for a CB500S.

Besides unlike certain manufacturers I could mention, you can leave a Honda out in the rain... Smile

* Bang! and the bike is gone.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

carlmalibu · Spanner Monkey Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Karma :

as a proud owner of a 10 year old CB500 I can say that its probably been left out overnight for the last 10 years and nothings rotted (the downpipes are starting to go but nothing serious yet)

My choice was largely due to insurance and consideration of 33bhp restriction.

Top notch build quality (with the exception possibly of the twin rear shocks), and a comfortable ride, with a bit of fun in high revs. Ideal for me at 18 to get confident on.
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Marci · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Karma :

TheDonUK · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Karma :

I have owned a GS500, suzukies poor brother of the CB500, and now have a Badit 600N.

I would advise you to go for the bandit, as said it will do everything that much better, and if you really ride it you will keep up with most bikes in everything other than a plain out and out drag race.

The Bandit is far heavier than the CB500, which is a consideration,

On the flipside the CB500 is a very capable machine and if you are just commuting and generally learning might be a more sensible option.

I think the parts point is slightly moot as Bandits and CB's are easy to source parts for. Bandits have two discs up front so double up the cost at brake pad change time, but they will also run on BT-45 Crossply's very nicely (prolly the best tires for a CB500).

Either way you wont go far wrong with either choice... Both will prolly leave you wanting an upgrade after a year... But both are equally capable of bringing a smile to your face Smile

dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

I was considering a Bandit or a CB500 a few months back before I passed my DAS. Quite a few people suggested I go for the Hornet 600 instead. Part of the reason they suggested that over the other two is that I would get bored of them pretty quickly. I was told not to get the Bandit, as everyone would tell me I have an arse Bandit! Laughing

I'm 110% happy I went for the Hornet, now. It's got a nice amount of power, and a good step up from the ER-5's I was learning on.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

I haven't heard that one!

Kara · Crazy Courier Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Karma :

I'd go for a Hornet. I have a bandit but the hornet just seems to be erm more fun? bit more power?

Having said that, my crash rescued bandit has never failed me and I've done a few track days on it. I'm not bored of it after 3 years of ownership and I probably won't ever get rid of it until it dies. As a 26 year old with poor wrists, it's comfortable and pretty nippy.

As far as getting bored, they do have a lot to offer, should be good for a few years, if you ride it properly!

I'd still get a hornet over a bandit . . . .
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JGY6000 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 25 Sep 2005 Karma :

the bandit is a great all rounder, i have had mine for just over a year now and am still enjoying it, havent got bored yet, cheap as chips in all areas and has a bullet proof engine, theres plenty about so parts are plentifull! cant really go wrong,

Ride magazine said "This is the bike that saved biking"

TheDonUK · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Karma :

Had a bit of a blast with a guy on a newish hornet, my bog standard bandit 600 n came out on top.... Razz

Blau Zedong · Banned Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Karma :

Huambo81a · Brolly Dolly Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Karma :

Bandit 600N every time.

Although if your considering a Hornet too, then the Hornet wins hands down.

Which reminds me

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=113941
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Past: 97 Bandit 600 / 05 Bandit 1200 / 03 ZX6-R / 2006 Tuono R / 2001 VFR 800 / 2010 Street Triple R / 2013 Speed Triple S / 2017 S1000XR