Suzuki Bandit 600

Minibiker · 22 Jul 2018 at 17:36

Hi all

Im saving up to get a reliable bike to get me to and from work, Ive been looking at Suzuki Bandit's around 1997-2000 models, They seem to go for around £1000,

Does anyone on here have experience with these bikes?

Is there anything else you'd consider around that price range?

Not looking to do finance on a expensive bike as my current situation with 2 little kids is tight enough... Don't want to spend over £1000 and I want something with a bit of poke to it as ive had 600cc+ bikes for years now and love them

Cheers

tom_e · 22 Jul 2018 at 17:57

You can pick up a decent SV for around a grand if you fancy a twin.

Minibiker · 22 Jul 2018 at 18:13

tom_e said:
You can pick up a decent SV for around a grand if you fancy a twin.

I used to have an SV didnt think they'd be that sort of price, i will have a search for one swe what pops up, cheers bud

tom_e · 22 Jul 2018 at 18:16

The 1st gen curvy models are around that as long as you don't get a dreamer trying to sell it.

Minibiker · 22 Jul 2018 at 18:21

tom_e said:
The 1st gen curvy models are around that as long as you don't get a dreamer trying to sell it.

Yeah i like the curved model but without the front fairing... Just checked and theres a few local to Bristol selling them :cool:

CGrieves · 3 Aug 2018 at 21:35

Minibiker said:
Is there anything else you'd consider around that price range?

Yeah, Bandit 1200! Have got plenty of experience of them. Stock you'll get 100bhp albeit with a bunch of torque. Simple and cheap-ish mods can easily bump that up to 120bhp when you're ready.

Ant480 · 25 Aug 2018 at 10:57

The early Bandits are excellent value for money, and renowned for reliability as they are based on proven parts in a relatively mild state of tune. They still look good, and although sometimes the victim of too much tinkering by owners, they are easily reverted to stock if that's your preference.

I very nearly bought one in 2011, but ended up with a Kawasaki Z750S (half-faired Z750) which is a less common bike, but very much apes the Bandit in terms of philosophy - old, slightly de-tuned engine in no-frills chassis. I only went for this is it had the heated grips, fuel gauge and extended screen I wanted at the time, plus I've always liked Kawasakis.

If I'm honest I've always regretted not buying the Bandit as the variety of parts for them seems to be better than for my bike, and I think the Suzuki is better-looking. Let us know what you decide on!

Diddums · 25 Aug 2018 at 11:13

Bandits go for pennies nowadays, grab one anyway

MowyTone · 13 Sep 2018 at 13:08

Always something to consider when getting a bike around the 1K mark.... they nearly always need fixing to some degree. Bought by CBR for £1200 from a dealer and I've had to replace the stator, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, wiring loom - replacement was standard which pointed out a previous owner for some reason put a different connector for the indicator relay so had to order a new relay to fix standard plug.

It's just the chance you take. That said a friend of mine bought a bandit 600 for £1000 and he has not had to touch a single thing on it