The size/weight of a Suzuki GS500 compared to a Bandit 600

apple tango · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Karma :

For my DAS i was on a GS500. Being a reasonably skinny little bastard i was just about ok on it. Didn't drop it or anything and could wheel it around on foot.

For my first big bike i am looking at either a GS500 or Bandit 600 (i'd love a hornet but can't seem to find a affordable one)

The size and weight of a Bandit really does worry me, but they sound oh so much better.

Does anyone know if theres much difference between the two in terms of weight etc?

Cheers
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CBR125 -> Bandit GSF600 '99 -> SV650 02

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

The bandit's a lot more 'unweildy'.

It's managable, but if you have issues touching the floor, or you're not particularly strong then you might have problems.

It is a fair bit heavier, and physically bigger. But then again, the GS500 is quite small and light.
So bigger, and heavier, doesn't really mean it's big and heavy.

Gaz

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

173kg for the GS
203kg for the Bandit S
196kg for the naked

All weights are claimed dry.

You'll to feel the weight of the extra 20 odd kg, but you'd soon get used to it. The same goes for the extra width.
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shonajoy · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Karma :

Depends- go and sit of them. I peronsally found the Bandit really wide, and heavy. Also, I'm 5'8" and couldn't reach the floor too well.
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krebsy · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Karma :

I thought the GS500e was large when riding it on the DAS, then parked my ZZR up next to it (and the ZZR is smaller than the Divvy I was riding prior to that) and it dwarfed the GS.

Try the bikes on for size. I think the GS will probably feel too small and under powered pretty quickly, and everyone needs to have a go on a Bandit once in a while.. Smile

K.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Bandits are VERY top heavy, which makes them feel alot heavier.
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apple tango · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Karma :

I decided to end all this deliberation i had by popping down to a local dealership a few hours ago.

They had a naked Bandit 600 and let me sit my ass on it. I dont know what i was worrying about as it didnt feel much different than the GS500 i'm currently used to. Although, i didn't take it for a spin or anything.

My feet could easily touch the ground, and it felt comfortable and a good riding position.

Bandit all the way baby!
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Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

I personally recommend the faired version. I think they look better, and the fairing is good at what it does.

This is a pre-2000 faired model. After that the fairings are fugly.

Gaz

butterob · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 May 2006 Karma :

good choice on the bandit! im looking forward to getting one in the near future around christmas time! Cool

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