Suzuki Bandit 600 or 1200???

[VermilionX]

The bigger bikes are impressive, but no one is impressed by someone who can't ride it well.

i am, if the rider is a pretty girl.

[smitty225]

I own a 96' Bandit 600. I was/am a new rider. This is my second season, and yes the bandit is my first bike. I bought is for the following reasons:

1. It’s not a rice rocket.
2. It’s not a cruiser
3. Its got 600cc, so doing 70mph is easy.
4. It’s got a great mechanical reputation.
5. It's an undercover beast = low cost.

Is this a good bike for a new rider? I think it depends on the rider. Everyone is different. I'm 45 years old. I've got 20+ years of clutch experience, took the MSF course, and a deceased cousin (due to a motorcycle accident). I'd consider myself cautious.

Having said all of that...the bandit has a ton of torque. Enough to get a new rider in lots of trouble, real quick. Feathering the clutch is a technique taught by the MSF, and in my opinion one that should be practiced above all else. Every experience riding my bike, gives me a chance to better my skill set. One of the things I’ve noticed most recently is that, braking has more to do with downshifting, clutch and throttle control then the brakes themselves.

Also, one of the things that I notice about my ability now -vs.- last season is I have a greater sense of anticipation in regards to what my bike can do. Last year, pulling back on the throttle, I always felt like I was about to be blown off the back of the bike. Now, I ride like I'm "one with the bike." Bending my wrist only makes the bike go fast. Strange enough, I'm going fast too. With all that take off power, a new rider can be easily thrown off. Nothing is worse then kissing asphalt and watching your 2k+ toy slamming to the ground. Ask me how I know.

[Kal]

The Bandit is well known over here as a hooligans bike because of how easy it is to make the front wheel come up in the powerband.



Yes I want one, but not as a first bike.


The GS has a long legacy as a well mannered and controlable learning tool with a lot of potential.

[Mintbread]

The Bandit is well known over here as a hooligans bike because of how easy it is to make the front wheel come up in the powerband.



Yes I want one, but not as a first bike.

Not necessarily.
They are popular because they are relatively cheap, easy to modify and are bullet-proof.
Stock, they are fat and slow but if you trim the weight and do a few engine mods they are a real screamer.