First Bike: Sv650 vs Bandit 400

[Springbok_Rider]

Hi all,

I have been browsing this forum for a while now and have enjoyed a lot of the threads/discussions. I often use the search feature here instead of Google to find anything bike related out.

Anyway, I am not an experienced rider and after initially deciding to get a bike at 17 (passed my theory and had CBT), I went the practical route and got a car instead. Now 11 years later I got bitten by the bug again while riding dirt bikes here in Australia.

Long story short, I have booked my test in the UK and will be getting a bike soon after. I have narrowed the list of bikes down to a CB1 (ideally), but due to them being rare particularly in Norway where the fiancee is from and where we might live, the likely options are a Bandit 400 and SV650.

I hear both are good choices for first bikes, although there seems to be a lot of information regarding the Bandit's dubious mechanical reliability? Naturally any of the SV650's will be newer and have a good rep, but as a first bike I do feel that a smaller 400 would be great to cut my teeth.

I have read threads on this forum for information on each, but would be interested at hearing a comparison between the two as a first bike.

Antony.

[AlexW]

A SV is so easy to ride, and hasn't got enough power to do anything stupid, so you have no worry about it being a hard first bike, thousands of people have had them as first big bikes.

You will get a comment about 400cc's not being worth much when the new laws come in, However I assume this won't be a problem for you, living outside of the UK.

[G]

Why do you think the 400 is 'smaller'?
It makes a little bit less power, but only a little bit.
It is a bit lower I believe, but also wider.
It may weigh more, or about the same.

Neither are massively inspiring bikes.
The SV is extra boring, but that also makes it good for a new rider.
The SV suspension and brakes are a bit lacking, but I've never really pushed a Bandit 400 to critique it. However, again that may not be an issue for a new rider and in some cases may be better as you're not going silly-fast when you reach the bike's limits, as well as everything not being ultra-sharp.

[BigGeeking]

Hi
I have had a bandit 400 (50 -56 BHP) and sold it to get a sv650s(about 70-76BHP)

The bandit well I loved it. It was my first bike from a Honda CG 125 you can throw it around like it’s a bmx almost but I had problem after problem with it, when I fixed one issue another came up but all bikes are different, I would still get another one.

I then got a SV650s 2000 it is another good bike I used this one and the bandit for commuting to and from all year round but its not as fun as the bandit it is a good bike and I will keep if for a good few years (touch wood)

What are you going to be using it for as there is not many 400 around and the ones that are have been ragged to shit because it’s a 400 and it loves to rev. God I do miss it.

Gsf 400 parts - You can still get parts for it but you do have to pay a bit more some times.

Its easy to work on no fu**ing around with plastics

Going to and from work all year round I would go for a SV

To have a blast at the weekend B4

Thanks
John
____________________
Bendy "Flip front. I can filter down the M4 while shoving a Twix in my face."
honda CG 125 2001 SOLD-- current Bandit 400--SOLD. current SV650s 2000
MOD 1 ON 20/7/2011**passed** MOD 2 ON 17/10/2011***passed***,,

[G]

[craigs23]

Go for the SV, better bike in my opinion offering more for your money, plus would be easier to sell thereafter (well, in the UK anyway).

If you found a CB1 or CB400SF though, I'd easier rather spend my money on one of those. Even though their spec is comparible, they felt like completely different machines in comparison to my Bandit 4 (unless I had a dog of an example when I owned one).

[Blau Zedong]

The Bandit 400 is cack but then again so is the SV. Spend your dollars elsewhere.
____________________
18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth

[Springbok_Rider]

Thanks for the responses.

Alex: What new laws affecting the 400's?

In any event, if I had my way we'd be staying here in Oz where the weather is great all year round for riding, but alas it'll likely be Norway. In this case i'll only get to ride it 5 months of the year with the extra long winters there.

I work for myself at home, so would mostly use the bike to go to the gym, do random errands and of course go for a ride when the sun's shining. I will likely be doing a few tours around Europe as well.

G: In terms of size, I have briefly ridden a CBR400 and always wanted one of them, but they don't have them in Norway which is a shame. I guess I was thinking of the bandit in terms of comparable size and nimbleness!

Power doesn't bother me too much, I know any of these choices will have enough go to keep me happy - although perhaps any long distance riding would be more comfortable with a 600.

In regards to the last comment i'm sure it comes down to opinion. The only other starter(ish) bike I would like is a Monster but they are expensive (don't fancy spending £4k in Norway for a bike I may be clumsy on). I don't like the look of a lot of the 500's.

[Polarbear]

Why a 400 bandit rather than a 600. The 600's are probably as cheap, spares are plentiful and you get more bike for your buck.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Springbok_Rider]

Hi,

That could be an idea, but what are they like as a first bike?

Keep in mind that in Norway I would be looking at £2800 to £4000 for a 1996-1999 model - f*n depressing looking at vehicles there!

[Shinigami]

[Quornholio]

[stonesie]

I had a SV so am biased but I did have a go on a friends bandit 600. I much preferred the SV mainly because it just seamed sharper, I don't know the weight of the bandit 400 but the SV is about 35-40 Kg lighter than the 600 which probably had a lot to do with it.

I was happy with my choice for a while, my friend still has the bandit although it's been nothing but trouble recently and has been condemned for a gaping hole in the underside of the frame So look out for rust.

[AlexW]

My SV is my first big bike, and its been awesome.

Can make you look like a hero able to do knee downs and be fairly quick down a twisty road.

Best thing to do is get a test ride on both and pick whatever suits you best.

[Quornholio]

[Springbok_Rider]