N00b: How about a Bandit 600?

[grendal]

Hi guys,

Some of you may have responded to one of my previous posts in regards to the Katana 600 as a first-bike. However, it looks like I may have found a clean '96 Bandit 600S to buy as my first bike. I hear it has the same (with minor changes) engine as a Katana 600. The seating position is nice.... and the "S" model has a sporty upper fairing.... Kind of a good compromise, eh? Good for a first bike? Keep in mind, I'm a big fella. 6'1" tall and 320 pounds. An older 600 like this is gonna be like a regular size person on a 500. Maybe still slower than that. I think the specs I found have the '96 Bandit 600 at 71hp. A far cry from the Yamaha ZF1 that one of the sales people tried to put me on 140hp?! 1000cc?! Dood! Heh. No, I think the Bandit 600 may be for me.

Are the bandits good bikes?...

Thanks!

-Michael

[Gixxerdale]

Several forum members have them and love them. Rowdy would be a good source for some input on them.

[inspiron]

Your friendly neighborhood moderator, themeatmanlandry, should be back on Monday - he's got a Bandit, IIRC.

[themeatmanlandry]

I love mine!

I can't really say anything bad about it myself. Some complain that is anemic (79 hp), but the lack of power has saved my hide more than once while learning to ride. If you're a bigger person (say 190 lbs +), you may find the suspension to be too soft, front and back.

Easy fix: New springs and oil in the forks and a new shock in the rear.

Give it a ride and see what you think.

[Clint]

It's a great first bike for a larger rider. The second gen models had some good suspension upgrades, if you can swing it.

Check here for all the Bandit info you can swallow.

[NWEng]

My bandit 600 is my first bike and although I'm not a big guy, it's everything I need it to be right now. It's got plenty of power, probably more than necessary, for a first time rider and maybe then some. The only thing negative I can say about it is that it's pretty freaking heavy compared to a sport bike.

[rmcelroy]

I loved my Bandit 600, it too was my first. I just sold it recently though for bigger and better things. (01 GSXR 1K)

but I am a pretty big guy myself (well, im a pretty takk guy at least) I'm 6'5" at 180lbs and it was able to get me where I needed to go (pretty quickly most of the time) I had it up to 135mph.

[Buzter]

I have a bandit 02' 600s. I've been riding for 10 yrs. and this is my 5th of 6 bikes. Adequate power, roomy, and comfortable. I ride it every year to the honda hoot(about 6hrs.). If you don't want a ride that puts your A$$ in the air and all your weight on your wrists it's a good bike. I also have a yzf600r which I also really like. Not quite as good for long distance but an excellent motorcycle as well. The bandit 600 is definitely beginner friendly and also good for a sport tourer. I ride it in town and on long trips. It's very versatile.

[leebruk]

i just got a 99 600s w/ 2k miles. im 6' 210 lbs. its a great bike but heres what i would change/ comments:

COLD BLOODED !!! im talking bout 15 minutes before u can have the choke off.
stock suspension is weak/too soft.

heres what i plan on changing so i can tour mine to my relatives (240 miles)

corbin seat
aftermarket windscreen (the stock one does very little, beats nothing i guess)
handlebar risers

but all in all im happy with my bike, i do wish i could have found an sv650 though, i think the vtwin powerband would fit me better---the bandit does nothing under 4k rpm's maybe this is normal /shrug

[Jammer]

I personally like the Bandit..fun bike to ride.