Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


another newbie cbr600 or bandit

Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> New Bikers Goto page 1, 2  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 08:55 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: another newbie cbr600 or bandit Reply with quote

Hi Guys, just joined and love the forum

Im 32, doing my DAS next month and when i pass was thinking of getting something a bit older, fairly well priced and most importantly manageable for a new rider

Looking at spending 1500 - 2000 notes

was thinking either cb500, cbf/cbr600 or a gsf bandit

any thoughts?????

Cheers
Alan
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

gray84
World Chat Champion



Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:53 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

well welcome and all that. good luck with the das and all that too..
the bikes are all fairly different. its about what kind of riding and comfort your after. dont worry about engine size as you will just adjust to that. bandit it easy going and comfortably,cbrf is nice for distance,quick and a bit more comfortable than just the cbr.
have a think of where you will ride and imagine being in that riding position...
____________________
Road bike - 2002 YAMAHA R6(SOLD) 2008 YAMAHA R1(SOLD) 2007 APRILIA SXV 550(SOLD) 2007 SUZUKI GSXR 600
Dirt bike - 1989 HONDA CR80sw(SOLD) 1996 YAMAHA YZ125(SOLD) 2006 yamaha yz250(SOLD)
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Benson_JV
World Chat Champion



Joined: 04 May 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 10:36 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Go to a dealer and sit on some, you may find you like one more than the other. CBR600F is my suggestion though...as it always is.
____________________
Willson - "If you go out on that CBR600 in the winter, you're going to do more miles on your side than on your wheels."
Riding: CBR600FW Driving: Audi A6
Previous Bikes: '96 Bandit 600, '96 GPz305
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

Villers
World Chat Champion



Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:17 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

If I was to pick one out of that list to have for more than a few months I would have to go for the CBRF.

It depends on what you want in a bike really though. If you are just wanting to commute to work or potter about town then one of the naked bikes might be a safe bet. If you are looking for good solid performance with comfort than I would expect the CBRF to be a better prospect.

Before settling on a bandit, look at the honda hornet too. If you are after value you may find that for your budget you will get a younger SV650 for your money which will cope with commuting, town riding and the odd 'thrash' but as a bike for hooning around on I wouldn't recommend one.

CBR vs Bandit in terms of looks, performance, reliability, fun and longevity isn't really a good compromise. Ive never liked bandits but they do serve a purpose.

Think about what you want from your riding before you decide!
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Slacker24seve...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 10 May 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:02 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Hornet, SV650 and Fazer are all a fair bit more bike for your money, look much better and in the case of the Fazer and Hornet are usefully quicker too.

The CBR would be an excellent choice but you'll be looking at an older model, comparatively, for that money.

Try as many bikes as you can and go with the one you like the feel of best, they are all fairly comparable. For example the Hornet and Fazer are fairly well matched in terms of power, the Fazer has the edge for motorway miles, tank range and braking but its hideously ugly and possibly not quite as good to hoon about on as a Hornet.
____________________
Triumph Daytona 675 track bike + girlfriend's Honda Hornet 600
Selling a hack/winter bike for less than a grand? PM me.
Banger rallies are ace
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:56 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks for all the great replies, so soon. Im not getting the bike for commute or work, it will be for going out on a blast round the borders at weekends etc, My pal is going through the DAS with me, Just got back from the bike show at ingleston so had opportunity to sit on a few bikes, all be it brand new ones.

Cant wait now to get the test done and get out and about
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Paxovasa
World Chat Champion



Joined: 25 Apr 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:00 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

The bandit is more of a commuter bike (although they do take to been thrown around). Out of the options of bikes that you posted (and for what you want) I would go for a CBR600F Thumbs Up
____________________
Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).


Last edited by Paxovasa on 18:11 - 12 Mar 2011; edited 1 time in total
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Slacker24seve...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 10 May 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:02 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
thanks for all the great replies, so soon. Im not getting the bike for commute or work, it will be for going out on a blast round the borders at weekends etc, My pal is going through the DAS with me, Just got back from the bike show at ingleston so had opportunity to sit on a few bikes, all be it brand new ones.

Cant wait now to get the test done and get out and about


In that case for pure hooning and B road scratching pick a Hornet or SV650. It'll then depend whether you want the thumpy V-Twin drive out of corners or more power and the need to rev the tits off it. My Hornet starts getting useful at 7k and really shifts above 10k. Horace is a pussycat below that.
____________________
Triumph Daytona 675 track bike + girlfriend's Honda Hornet 600
Selling a hack/winter bike for less than a grand? PM me.
Banger rallies are ace
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:30 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

cheers everyone

any other options you think I may have missed

read alot of stuff on internet where folk say a 600 is a bad idea for a newbie, My reckoning is at 32 ive grown out of that thrash the tits off it to impress the boys phase

I figure regardless what i get as long as i take care and respect what im on and learn to handle it I should be as ok as the next guy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Paxovasa
World Chat Champion



Joined: 25 Apr 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:32 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
cheers everyone

any other options you think I may have missed

read alot of stuff on internet where folk say a 600 is a bad idea for a newbie, My reckoning is at 32 ive grown out of that thrash the tits off it to impress the boys phase

I figure regardless what i get as long as i take care and respect what im on and learn to handle it I should be as ok as the next guy


Each to their own. I don't think a super sport 600 is a good idea, but some people can jump straight onto one and they live to tell the tale Wink
____________________
Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:41 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

yeah fair point,

Im not really looking for something too sporty

im quite big ( 6'1) and 16st so want to find something fairly comfortable
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Villers
World Chat Champion



Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:44 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Contrary to one of the posts above, since Ive had the mispleasure of the SV650 and Ive also owned a hornet for a few months, I would say that if you are out for the hoon only it would make much more sense to go for the CBR.

The SV seems like a good bike on the surface, quite cheap, nice touches like a digital dash, nice ish gear box, good sound etc. In reality its a budget bike, built and finished to a budget and thus at times it can produce a very budget ride! Mine was nice for pottering about but its shortcomings were apparent within a couple of weeks. I had crashed a CBR6 quite badly and needed some confidence back so intentionally took a backward step hoping that I could gain confidence. I was led to believe that the SV could 'punch above its weight' but the reality was far removed. What I ended up with was a bike that hated to be pushed and would often border on dangerous if given any rough treatment at speed. It had a very cheapo bouncy suspension, coupled with poor brakes that made keeping up with bikes of a similar class very uninspiring. The power is pathetic at anything over 60 and to be fair is pretty breathless most of the time. This isnt to say the Hornet is a fire breathing track monster by comparison but it certainly had more punch and waved the white flag a lot later when shown a set of challenging bends. I would personally put the Bandit somewhere in between the two but would prefer the hornet if I was given the choice. You could always get an SV and throw GSXR parts at it so that you had an awesome suspension set up, but you would be left with the underpowered ditchpump underneath anyway.

The only reasons to go for one of the softer options (Bandit, Hornet, SV) is the budget you are on and the state of your back. Although the CBR is very comfortable when compared with modern 600's its still not exactly an arm chair, especially if you have any pre existing bother. The budget aspect is that for £2k you would get a much younger, lower mileage SV than you would a CBRF or hornet.

As far as the 600 being too big a jump, thats entirely up to yourself, your won confidence, your own control and your own choice!

Good luck Wink
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Paxovasa
World Chat Champion



Joined: 25 Apr 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:44 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
yeah fair point,

Im not really looking for something too sporty

im quite big ( 6'1) and 16st so want to find something fairly comfortable


Bandit, fazer, hornet, CBR600F, SV650 too name a few.
____________________
Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

bacon
World Chat Champion



Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:50 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
cheers everyone

any other options you think I may have missed

read alot of stuff on internet where folk say a 600 is a bad idea for a newbie, My reckoning is at 32 ive grown out of that thrash the tits off it to impress the boys phase

I figure regardless what i get as long as i take care and respect what im on and learn to handle it I should be as ok as the next guy


Go for it mate, my first bike was a cbr600f sport, few rides to get used to the slightly different position compared to the gs500 DAS bike, but after that all good. The power of a 600 for your first bike will pit a grin from ear to ear the first time you open it up Cool

The alternatives as always are zx6r, R6, gsxr 600 etc.

Look at them all, decide which makes your nob twitch the most and get it

easy really Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:21 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

whats the general view on a cb500 as a starter for maybe first year or 2
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Villers
World Chat Champion



Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:57 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Depends on the rider, you may be happy with it if you can settle for a commuter, some can't last a few months without wanting something sporty.

Me personally I enjoyed my 125 and would have one as a second bike now for a laugh but given the chance of something with 100+ bhp theres no difficult decisions to be made!
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Benson_JV
World Chat Champion



Joined: 04 May 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:57 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:

read alot of stuff on internet where folk say a 600 is a bad idea for a newbie, My reckoning is at 32 ive grown out of that thrash the tits off it to impress the boys phase


I went from having lessons on a YBR125 (not owning a bike)
to riding a CBR600F. I'm still alive a month & half later.

Granted, it's 33bhp. Still.
____________________
Willson - "If you go out on that CBR600 in the winter, you're going to do more miles on your side than on your wheels."
Riding: CBR600FW Driving: Audi A6
Previous Bikes: '96 Bandit 600, '96 GPz305
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

alan2012
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:04 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

cheers for all the great replies

Been looking at a cbf600, pick one up with half decent mileage for about 1700

I like the look of a slightly more upright riding position whilst still being able to have a bit of a thrash
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

swampy
World Chat Champion



Joined: 04 Aug 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:49 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
whats the general view on a cb500 as a starter for maybe first year or 2


I had one for about 7-8 months after my DAS.

Was a good intro to getting practice on a bigger bike, and the power is plenty for a beginner. I'd probably have kept it, but I found that I wanted something with a bit more poke, and more importantly more comfortable to carry the missus on the back of so now have a VFR 750. Thumbs Up
____________________
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Howling Terror
Super Spammer



Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:50 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

*Had a go on this today.

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/IMG_0036.jpg

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/IMG_0037.jpg

Upright position, light, good steering lock (can trap your thumbs tho). Suspension was soft, but didn't get out of shapes when i pushed it through some corners over crappy tarmac.

Brakes were quite good...rear brake was on/off so didn't bother with it.
The engine...smooth and quite bland until 10K then you get a nice little rush. Had enough grunt to laze about town in 4th. Gearbox was nice, same with the clutch.

Some kind of race can has been fitted and it sounded like i was going 100 when i was doing 40....which was nice. (may get wearing after a while)

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/IMG_0038.jpg

I prefer the Fazer 600 to the SV650 and the Bandit(heavy).

*Not owned these bikes, only short test rides.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

GSF Jamie 600
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 17 Oct 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 23:42 - 12 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

I was in the exact same position as you when i passed my test at 17.
I was stuck between the cbr 600 or the bandit 600.
And i went for.........the bandito Smile

Undoubtedly the cbr will be a bit quicker, but i love the looks of the bandit and how it can do anything you can ask of it in comfort Thumbs Up

Plus one of the good points of a bandit is they are so customisable, and you can quite quickly have a personalised bike if your into that stuff Thumbs Up

If i was to say anything negative though it would be it is quite revvy on the mway, i am always looking for a 7th gear. Sits at 6k at 70mph

Weight is not an issue at all as once you are moving you do not notice it and if anything makes it more stable. And when not moving a chap of your size should be fine Thumbs Up I am very similar to you in size and throw it around easily enough

If you go for the bandit i would recommend jacking it up, i jacked mine up last week and it feels so much more agile Mr. Green
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

bacon
World Chat Champion



Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:45 - 13 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
whats the general view on a cb500 as a starter for maybe first year or 2


When you do your DAS the bike you will train on will likely be a cb500, or a gs500, er-5 etc

They are all very similar, so after your DAS you will know better whether a cb500 will be fun enough or not.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Straker
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:25 - 14 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

CBR 600 FY

Manageable, comnfortable, powerful when called upon, good looking, bullet proof engine.

That would be my choice.
____________________
Current: CBR 900 RR3 (954 Blade)
Previous: CBR 600 FY (01),
09 Triumph Street Triple R (nicked), R6 (04), CBR 600 FX (00), GPZ 305 (lol)
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

YZFR1IAN
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 21 Mar 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:42 - 14 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

alan2012 wrote:
whats the general view on a cb500 as a starter for maybe first year or 2


I regretted getting a cb500, I should have got myself a hornet instead of the 500 but I got the Hornet after the 500. The Hornet is soo much more fun compared to the cb500 which you will be bored with in no time. Try a hornet if you can, you'll love it.
____________________
05 Yamaha YBR125 > 94 Honda CB500 > 98 Honda Hornet 600 > 02 Yamaha R6 > 2000 Yamaha R1 > 2000 Yamaha XJR1300SP > 2000 Honda CBR929RR Fireblade
MY BIKES Past & Present
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

dogbot
World Chat Champion



Joined: 03 Mar 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:50 - 14 Mar 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've always been put off the Fazer by the fact it seems to be the bike of choice for middle aged, greying, born again bikers.

Sort of like what Alan Partridge would ride if he took his DA...
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 14 years, 91 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> New Bikers All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 

Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.08 Sec - Server Load: 0.46 - MySQL Queries: 14 - Page Size: 130.58 Kb