Bandit 650s vs ER6 N/F

[Gards868]

Currently have a 58 reg Suzuki Bandit S which is ok however I'm looking at something newer. Currently getting 130 miles to a tank out of the Bandit. Commute is mainly motorway and I usually sit at 80-90 mph
Just wondering if the ER6 is anymore economical and better for commuting?

[Matt B]

Vibey twin sitting at 6-7k rpm for the motorway commute, no thanks.

You might get (slightly) better economy but personally I would stick with the Bandit.
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[Beehive Bedlam]

I can't see much point going from a 600 to another 600 (assuming the bandit is a 600) for the sake of it being newer.

If you want economical slow down to 70MPH.

[Matt B]

[Beehive Bedlam]

[Rogerborg]

[kgm]

If you want better economy without going too boring what about a V Strom? Smoother than an ER6, bigger tank and noticeably better on fuel.

ER6 isn't that vibey at motorway speeds, I find mine comfortable enough. Obviously not as smooth as something like a VFR of course. I don't think it's much of a difference compared to the bandit though. The bandit has slightly more HP and will be smoother, the ER6 has a tad more torque and it peaks lower in the rev range. I don't think you'll notice a huge difference performance wise. It is decent on fuel, probably better than the bandit but I concur, something is wrong if you're only getting 130 to a tank.

[stevo as b4]

I'd be forgetting about Bandits in a heartbeat if I had a Hornet. They are a massively fun naked bike, and are a very nice looking naked bike too! I'd say the street triple of the 90's or even better maybe?

Back to the other option, if the Bandit is running ok and in decent condition I'd stick with it, but otherwise I'd rather have a slightly dull twin as a commuter than a dull four cylinder bike. More cylinders does not generally make for a better bike IMO.

I've never ridden a Bandit, but have ridden an ER6, ER5, and CB500. A good twin is more punchy low down than a four cylinder bike of the same cc generally. I wouldn't want to cruise at over 80-90mph on say a CB500, but I can't imagine a Bandit feels massively better or more comfortable at this speed?

[Mudshark]

[Beehive Bedlam]

[Gards868]

Think I may have found the cause of poor fuel consumption. Rear brake is sticking. Got it on the centre stand and span the rear wheel and it's very stiff. So needs a good clean out.
Bike is in poor condition cosmetically loads of winter corrosion on the wheels, engine paint and foot pegs etc.
My plan was to keep it for a year as I'm a new rider then trade it in for a Suzuki GSR 750 or Kawasaki Z800.

[Polarbear]

Wifie went from a 650 watercooled version of the bandit to the ER6-N purely because of the weight. I can't think of any other reason to change from one to the other.

FWIW I've ridden them both and much prefer the bandit.
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