Suzuki Bandit 600s

[speediva]

Anyone ever ridden one? Even though I rode dirtbikes as a kid, and my dad would drive me around on his Yamaha streetbike as a kid I'm still quite a beginner. I might be getting my M-class liscense (motorcycle/bike) in the next year, and I think I could handle this little number...

Any personal likes/dislikes?

[JE123]

I don't know much about bikes. Never even ridden one. Could you post a pic though?

[speediva]

I couldn't post an actual image, but here's a link to a pic of the 2000 Bandit 600S:

http://www.cycle-city.com/suzuki2000...bandit600s.jpg

[Steel]

nice bike, tangie. What size egnien dirtbike did you ride, and was it two or four stroke?

You gotta be careful with the bikes who are 500cc's and up, because if you're used to two strokes, these powerful 4 stroke beotches will bite you in the ass. My suzi dr650 did taht to me...sucks to flip the bike in the school parking lot, i tell you. And when driving a bike, pretend that everyone around you is a complete moron, because ove come close a couple of times. otherwise, they're fun (and fast, hehe). If you get one, tell us aobut it, cause then we can talk about bikes, and you'll be a biker babe too.

[speediva]

Last I rode was a LONG time ago, and it was a little fat-wheeled 75... before that a itty bitty Honda 50!!!

It'd take a while for me to even find a bike to practice on once I got my M-class permit. And after I flipped myself over the handlebars of the 50, I've been really scared of using the front brake at all... :o

[Steel]

Naw, shouldn't be afraid. Just always be on the lookout, so you dont HAVE to slam the front brake. Always use it in conjuction with the rear brake (suprisingly, a lot of people either don't use the rear brake, or overuse it). And get used to the idea of a front wheel skid. They aren't pretty, but they happen. Im sure you learn how to control the bike in a front wheel skid. I dont reccomend it, if the front wheel starts skidding (you'll know, trsut me) you know, turn your hand into an abs system. And never lock up your rear wheel, or you WILL dump that bike.

I learned how to threshhold brake from my motorcycle, that is, how to brake hard to the point just before the wheels lock up. Now i can use my skills in my ABS-less truck.

But anyhoo, bikes are great tangie. They have motorcycle driving schools around, you should take one of those if you're really afraid of mr. front brake. Cause he's really your best friend.

[Kennedy200]

The Bandit is a good bike. My buddy learned on one.

You have to be careful. Even though it is a 'little' 600, it will put you on the ground if your not ready. The wheelie real easy, and flip even easier if your not prepared. They will even flip themselves forward if you are too hard on the brakes. Look at the front brakes on that bad boy!!!!

Don't let me scare you. I'm just telling you what the bike is capable of under extreme conditions. It is a great bike for cruising, distance riding, hitting the twisties, even going to the drag strip.


Have you looked at the SV650. This has become quite a popular bike. Its a blast to ride, ample power, affordable.... I'm thinking of adding one to my garage. (Currently I have GSXR100, and a Superglide)

[spnx]

I know someone who subscribes to a Bandit mailing list (and he's an SR20DE owner, too!). If you're interested, I'll get info on that list for you.

[jjbig]

I just picked up a bandit 600s. It's a great bike for all around riding. It's not a sport bike, but don't tell that to the Bandit. It's got great sport features for the money. I bought the bike to commute with because of the gas mileage and insurance cost. I have a lovely commute over the Richmond Bridge and the Golden Gate Brige in the Bay Area to get to work so the 600s works well for me. Depending on your size the 600s can be a great starter bike. It is heavy...460lbs for the California Version. If you are serious about the Bandit take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved riders training course. Your Bandit will love you for it.

[speediva]

Wow, I nearly forgot about this thread!

My dad went for a single cylinder BMW F650GS Dakar. I've been learning on it. So far so good. Infact, I'm allowed to go out by myself w/o supervision! I just took it for a little ride today before the rain clouds came.

I'm enrolled in a safety course that begins on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. I am actually rather excited. If I do well for the next 2 weeks we'll have a bonafide biker chick in here!

[Gonthrax]

Originally posted by saturntangerine
Wow, I nearly forgot about this thread!

My dad went for a single cylinder BMW F650GS Dakar. I've been learning on it. So far so good. Infact, I'm allowed to go out by myself w/o supervision! I just took it for a little ride today before the rain clouds came.

I'm enrolled in a safety course that begins on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. I am actually rather excited. If I do well for the next 2 weeks we'll have a bonafide biker chick in here!

Ah yes, the MSF is your best friend

So have ya power wheelied on accident yet Tangie ?

[speediva]

Nothing that fun, but I did already drop Daddy's bike!!!

The best part is that I wasn't even moving when it fell!!!!!!!

That was quite a while ago, and I've done much better since.