Suzuki Bandit 600 or 1200???

Message

VermilionX · Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:32 am

i didn't start it.

i was just answering the guy's questions then minty attacks me as always.

svi40 · #32 Unread post by **svi40** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 5:16 am

OK,... Now that the squabble is dying down.....

I bought an 01 Bandit 600s for a first bike about a month ago and it has been fantastic. It is heavy but it seems that it has a pretty low seat height and COG so its not too bad. For me, and I've said this before, the power level seems juuuuust right. Any more and I wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable on the bike.

The only thing that I would say could be a real danger are the brakes which are IMO very good. I don't have much to compare to but I know this bike stops very quickly.

I also find that the Bandit, compared to the other bikes I've ridden/sat on, is very comfortable. It has a standard seating position so you arent crouched over like some of other sport(y) bikes out there.

Insurance ain't bad on em either.

So yea,...I'd say go with the 600.

Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:11 pm

kabob983 wrote:The GS500 is a V-Twin

It is a parallel twin.

kabob983 · Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:29 pm

fireguzzi wrote:
kabob983 wrote:The GS500 is a V-Twin
It is a parallel twin.

Seems like I'm always 45 degrees off...

jmillheiser · Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:19 pm

I own a bandit 600S and I have ridden the SV650 before. They are comparable in power, the bandit is a little heavier but the weight is pretty low so its not bad. the main difference in the power is the SV650 has more power at low rpms, and the bandit has more power at upper rpms.

I would consider both gray area bikes for a brand new beginner, a hamfisted moment with the clutch can loop either of these bikes.

Both bikes have VERY good brakes and are more than capable of picking the back tire up off the ground.

If you want to learn on either of these you better be able to control your right hand as they are both very fast compared to a 500cc bike.

On the upside both bikes are a breeze to manuver at low speed and are well balanced.

I would advise against a bandit 1200 for a first bike. it may ONLY have the hp of a 600 super sport, BUT it has a LOT more torque at much lower rpms. Bandit 1200s are known for not wanting to keep their front wheel on the ground.

Plus many bandit 1200s have been modified quite a bit, simple intake/exhaust, timing upgrades on a bandit 1200 can push that power output north of 140hp which is in literbike territory.

kabob983 · #36 Unread post by **kabob983** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:27 pm

jmillheiser wrote:I own a bandit 600S and I have ridden the SV650 before. They are comparable in power, the bandit is a little heavier but the weight is pretty low so its not bad. the main difference in the power is the SV650 has more power at low rpms, and the bandit has more power at upper rpms.

I would consider both gray area bikes for a brand new beginner, a hamfisted moment with the clutch can loop either of these bikes.

Both bikes have VERY good brakes and are more than capable of picking the back tire up off the ground.

If you want to learn on either of these you better be able to control your right hand as they are both very fast compared to a 500cc bike.

On the upside both bikes are a breeze to manuver at low speed and are well balanced.

I would advise against a bandit 1200 for a first bike. it may ONLY have the hp of a 600 super sport, BUT it has a LOT more torque at much lower rpms. Bandit 1200s are known for not wanting to keep their front wheel on the ground.

Plus many bandit 1200s have been modified quite a bit, simple intake/exhaust, timing upgrades on a bandit 1200 can push that power output north of 140hp which is in literbike territory.

True, but if he's been riding years and years in the dirt, the power/brakes might not be too foreign. But for a total newbie I'd not recommend either bike.

jmillheiser · Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:35 pm

if hes coming into this with a few years of dirt riding experience then I think a bandit 600 or SV650 would be fine.

Highboost · Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:44 am

I am a total beginner. No other motorcycle experience. Quads but not motorcycles.

#39 Unread post by **bok** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:59 am

quads or dirt bikes only really help with shifting, balance and braking (if braking was taught correctly) where they miss out is all the road dangers.

a friend of mine has the 1200 and uses it as a drag bike (at the track) and does ride it around town, but he has been riding for a while.

i'd suggest the 600 if you like the bandits, or if you really liked the GS500, go for that, you'll get a lot of positive feedback here for that as a starter bike and they have plenty of power for at least a couple years.

CNF2002 · #40 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 5:20 am

High, I do not recommend either of those bikes. Try an older model bike with around 50hp. Lots of folks talk and talk, but a 400 pound bike with 50hp soars like the wind!

In any case...you are new to MCs and only have 2 years of total driving under your belt. If you really want to get into motorcycles, it is best to take your time and learn to ride one...they are very different from a car, and the consequences of mistakes are much higher.

The recommendation of smaller bikes is simple; its just easier to learn on a smaller bike. Outgrowing it is not a problem...here's a tip. If you buy a small bike, learn to ride with a bike that is forgiving of your mistakes, you can very quickly learn to ride it to its limits...and when you want to get a bigger bike, you will have the skills to get on it and learn to ride IT to its limits. Get a big bike first, and you will spend all your time just trying to control the bike without getting into trouble, not learning how to ride it effectively...nor learning to reach its limits. It will take you a long time to become a good rider.

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