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Manufacturer: Suzuki………..TOP Model: GSF600S, GSF600ST Bandit Years Made: 1996 – 2004 Style: Standard Sport
599cc Inline-Four
800mm/31.5inWeight: 430 HP: 80 Torque: 38 Top Speed: 135mph MPG: 50 New Cost: $9,100 (1996) – $9,199 (1998) – $8,199 (2000)
Average Used Costs: Low $3,195 Medium $3,964 High $5,245
Description:
GSF600 Bandit: Say you want an Evolution
Combining edgy styling with an exemplary package of quality components and equipment, the original Suzuki Bandit established a class of its own in 1994. Riders quickly bonded with the clean line of the exposed frame and the proud display of the Bandit’s 4-cylinder engine. They valued the no-nonsense performance, comfortable riding position, and reliability. And they made it one of the best-selling Motorcycles in many markets around the world.
But there comes a time when every relationship has to evolve.
For the year 2000, the Suzuki design team took on the challenge of developing a new Bandit that would preserve the same great styling of the original, yet offer even greater satisfaction.
You’ll still recognize the Bandit’s breeding at a glance. Yet subtle changes give the exposed double-cradle frame a straighter line that looks leaner and sharper as it passes under the fuel tank, through the new seat rail, to the tip of its tail.
But the truly telling features of the new Bandit are found in the developments made beneath its skin to improve performance, riding ease and practicality.
The new Bandit represents evolution as it should be. Better performance. Improved features. The same outstanding value.
Slicker Getaways
The evolution of the Bandit goes right to the bone. A longer wheelbase, extended from 1439mm to 1433mm, offers straight-line stability and allowed us to reduce the rake angle from 25.6° to 25.4° and the tail from 103.6mm to 100mm to make steering light and responsive. The new geometry places more of the wheelbase length behind the engine to bring the balance point forward for good control.
We increased the front brake piston diameter from 25.4mm to 30.23mm to offer superb control during braking. And the 2000 Bandit is fitted with wider, lower-profile 120/60Zr17 rear radial tires to offer a firm grip on the road and ride stability.
Completing the evolution of the handling package is the improved performance and durability of the suspension. A separator in our newly design rear suspension prevents the mixing of air and oil in the shock for consistent response under load. In addition, we added a dust cover to the front forks for durability.
Better Low-end Response
The Bandit’s 600cc, air-cooled with SACS (Suzuki Advanced Cooling System) engine continues to offer solid performance and a distinguished look. Yet we improved low-end throttle response and low-to mid-range power by introducing newly developed Keihin CVR32 carburetors with a throttle position sensor (TPS). The addition of TPS and independent ignition mapping ensures finer control over ignition spark timing for even better response and fuel efficiency.
A new generator raises supplied current to deliver a stable supply of electrical power. And a maintenance-free 12V 8Ah battery keeps the power available.
Looking Cool in a Cowl
The original Bandit was born naked. Later we decided a Bandit with a cowl could be just as beautiful. Now comes the evolution. For the year 2000, our design team produced a new fairing design that offers greater comfort, enhances performance, and improves the Bandit 600S’s sharp looks.
The new windscreen measures 40mm wider and 16mnm taller. It also features a new scoop at the bottom that introduces a small amount of air to create, a venturi effect in front of the rider, which reduces turbulence behind the windscreen for ride stability and increased comfort at high speed. In addition, the mirrors and instrument cluster are now mounted on the cowl for good operation and visibility when cornering.
Both the naked and half-faired models adopt new headlamps for 2000. The naked Bandit uses a bright multi-reflector headlamp with a transparent lens while the half-faired model is fitted with gorgeous dual projector headlamps mounted in a chrome extension plate. The left lamp functions as the low beam; both lamps are lit when the high beam is turned on. The rear combination lamp on all Bandits was also revised to use twin tail and brake bulbs mounted on a sparkling cut back panel. Not only does it look sharp, but the design also includes a third license plate bulb that makes the built-in rear reflector glow slightly for greater visibility.
Comfort & Practicality
One characteristic that has always distinguished the Bandit is the setting of its comfortable riding position, and here too the 2000 model has evolved to reach a higher level. The seat height was lowered 10 mm to achieve even greater ride comfort. Better still, the leather used to cover the seat has received a new non-slip treatment, which makes for more comfortable riding. The design of the seat itself was refined. There is a more pronounced notch at the rear of the rider’s portion to add better support while this sharp single-seat design continues to comfortably accommodate a passenger. Beautiful bolt-on mounting brackets are now used for the passenger footpegs. And all models are equipped with an improved single-piece grab bar for passenger comfort.
The new electric step-motor tachometer and speedometer with odometer and twin trip-meters form a lighter, slimmer and more precise instrument cluster that is more responsive and durable. Backlit LED illumination for the instruments requires no bulbs and is maintenance-free. The cluster is enclosed in twin bullet-shaped chrome housings.
Fuel tank capacity is increased to 20 litres to extend riding fun between stops to refuel. And for when you do stop, the new centre stand employs a new cantilever design that reduces the amount of strength needed to put the bike up on the stand by 18%.
Attention to detail also includes storage space for small items and an l-shaped lock under the seat. And four new bungee hooks make it easier to carry luggage.
The evolution is complete. Break free and run with the Bandit. -SuzukiNotes:
MBG Says: (Rating 9/10) The bandit 600’s success on foreign markets is such that Suzuki was careful to keep the essence of the original model before adding miror; but well chosen, modifications. If the appearance was changed so drasticlly, it is due to the strong competition abroad. Here, it remains without direct competitors. The new modek, like the old one, should be sporty, reliable, and offer reasonable performances.
MR says: Once in a while a bargain bike hits the market that is such a combination of performance and value that the public finds it hard to resist. The Bandit 600 sold more bikes in England than any other model for two years running. The engine is based around the unit used in the Katana 600 and the GSXR600. Compared with the primary competition provided by the Yamaha Seca II, the Bandit was a clear winner in most departments, including power and handling. For 2000, the Bandit was given a makeover that included a very stylish nose fairing, wider wheels and tires, a slightly longer wheelbase, and many detail improvements. Power in 1996 was 73bhp, with torque of 39.9ft/lb’s. wet weight was 492lb’s.UMG Says: Naked sportster with interesting line in style, handling and performance but rather heavy for this genre. Engine’s tough and long lasting, chassis can go off after 20k, especially brakes and forks’ seals. Some DR’s (Delivery Riders) have done 100k!
IGM Says (Best buy, Best first bike): A smaller version of the 1200 Bandit, this bike still offers all the performance any sane person can use on a public road. Mechanically similar to the 600 Katana, the Bandit gives up a bit of handling to the Katana, along with a dab of weather protection, but it costs less.
