Which Bandit?

[Tomzo47]

Ok guys, I'm looking into getting a 650 bandit by the end of the month, and I've pretty much decided on getting the faired model as I'll be covering a fair amount of motorway miles next year. But whats the major difference between the carb and the FI models? And is the 2009 model with the new facelift worth an extra £600 or so? Will have to be financed unfortunately so I'm looking at £2800-4000 at a push. Thanks
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Ybr 125 > Bandit 650SA > GSXR 600 > Triumph Sprint St1050 > CB1300 > Z1000SX + FJ1200 (written off) > VFR750 >FJ1200

[Ericck]

Can't really say too much about the newer bandits as not ridden one. Rode to and back from the Ace Cafe last Friday with a bloke on 2009 650 and he really liked his, think his was both FI and water cooled.

Had my 04 600 (carbs and air cooled) for 3 years and I think its a great bike, does everything I want, toured it with luggage, commuted it and its no slouch when you rag it through the twisties. It is also easy to maintain and I am no mechanic, had a fair few other bikes but the bandit is beginning to be my favourite.

One thing I will say is there are literally hundreds of bandits for sale, so hunt around for a good deal, finance or not.

If you want bandit advice go to
https://www.banditforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=forum

Not much they don't know about bandits on there.
You have to register to get complete access to the forum but its free
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Current Bike: 2004 Suzuki Bandit 600S
Previous Bikes: Yamaha FS1E, Mobylette Moped Thingy, Suzuki GS125, Kawasaki Zephyr 550, Kawasaki Zephyr 750, Kawasaki ER500, Suzuki Bandit 600, Honda CBR600F, Triumph Street Triple 675, Suzuki V Strom 650, Suzuki Bandit 1200, Suzuki SV650N, Honda CB500F.

[Paulington]

I had a Bandit 650S as a courtesy bike for ages, admittedly it was 33bhp, but it was pretty uncomfy, wind protection wasn't all that good and it vibrated like mad, especially through the pegs of both rider and a pillion.

Also, it was just uninspiring, didn't handle very well and the engine was just boring. I've ridden an unrestricted Bandit too and it seems to be a trend, the engines are just yawn inducing.

If you want it for just plodding along commuting, then go ahead, but there are much better bikes you can get for that amount of money.
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"Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."
Current Vehicles: '89 Kawasaki KDX200, '99 Yamaha XV535, '00 Honda ST1100 Pan-European, '08 Suzuki GSX-R1000, '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 2.0 TDCi, '15 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport Turbo.
CBT: 27/08/08. Theory: 04/09/09. Module 1: 16/09/09. Module 2: 01/10/09.

[dragstaar]

[temeluchus]

Get a tidy earlier 1200.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Polarbear]

If you can run to it, get the watercooled 2007/8 model. My missus had one and it was ok.

Well, It was to me, but she thought it was hugely heavy and now has an ER6
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Tomzo47]

thanks guys I'm not exactly small and of all the bikes I've looked at (Er6f, Fazer, SV etc) the bandit is the most comfortable, going to look at a 2010 model later, out of my price range by about £500 but I'll see if I can haggle a bit
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Ybr 125 > Bandit 650SA > GSXR 600 > Triumph Sprint St1050 > CB1300 > Z1000SX + FJ1200 (written off) > VFR750 >FJ1200

[junglejim]

They're known as the clit bike, because every c**t's got one.

[Maruchino]

I have a 1250 (in GSX form) having come from sports bikes.

Heavy and slower turning, but great for long distance rides and it does overtaking effortlessly (torque).

As mentioned previously, if you can go to the 1200 or 1250, do it!