Talk me out of buying a Bandit

[jimmy_wheels]

I'm 40 & 6'2". I want something I can use as a daily for commuting to work (60 miles a day) and for fun/cruising. I've been watching Craigslist for months trying to find something for less than 4g. I found one today, but the story the people gave me sounds fishy as heck.

The bike is a 2002 600ci bandit with 600 miles. They are asking 2g for it. That's pretty cheap compared to what I've seen. They claim that they are selling it for a friend that who lost her husband and they can't locate the title. I'd share the link but I don't want to loose my chances if the title does show up


That lead me to looking at the GSX1250FA. That seems like a nice bike, but twice what I wanted to spend.

Does anyone have any experience with either and what's your thoughts on these two bikes compared to their competition?

[matoo]

no title = no buy
Bandits are good all around bikes though.

[BeaArthur]

no title = no buy
Bandits are good all around bikes though.

yep

[nhbubba]

I agree, no title, no deal. If it is truly lost, they can get a replacement title.

That said, Bandits aren't that expensive because they started life cheap as hell. In my area at least, they did not sell that well and most dealers had to push them out the door with incentives. They were never Suzuki's volume leader like the GSXR or anything. This means they should most definitely be available cheap on the used market. Especially for a 10 year old bike.

I know a guy locally who picked up a Bandit 600 for that kind of money. I know some that have picked up 1200's for that that kind of money too. Not minty, perfectly running ones, but maybe something that needed a carb tune or a new battery. (But all had titles!!)

I had a Bandit 1200. Mine was the naked, non -S model.

I have a ~120 mile/day commute, mostly interstate.

The ergos on the bandit are more relaxed than full on sport bikes, but they are still too aggressive for me, personally. Also stay away from the nakeds if you want to go on the highway. Once you get something with a windscreen (even a little one) you will never go back. I traded for something far better on the 'slab.

I can speak from experience that all of the aftermarket windscreens for the naked bikes are garbage. Start with something with a factory windscreen.

Other than that, the Bandit is a fine motorcycle. Easily one of the best values out there. The engine is solid. My 1200 obviously had gobs and gobs of (freakishly scary) power. I have no doubt the 600 is solid fun too.

My 1200 also ate tires. Mostly rear tires.

[PlatinumGLS]

Bandit 600S was the first street bike I rode - I would recommend. At worst, you could sell it after a year or two for what you paid for it.

For the title, if you are really interested, you and the seller can complete the purchase at the DMV / Secretary of State - if they are the registered owner, will not be an issue at all.

[jimmy_wheels]

The Bandit deal fell through. Now I am looking at a 2009 Yamaha FZS6Y that's for sale locally. Has anyone had any experience with a FZS6Y?

[Enderwaves]

The best argument against buying a bandit is the yamaha FZ's. I'd aim for the big brother though. The fz6 is a bit too buzzy for the commute you're planning. You can find clean examples of the 1000 in your price range pretty readily. I love the big bandit and fz both, but I feel like the Yamaha is better quality.
The 600 class ones lose a lot in the translation.

Fz1 goes for slightly more money than a bandit. Both are great all-rounders though.

[nhbubba]

There is a 600cc Bandit too. I'd expect it to be proportionately cheaper than the FZ6.

[Markg813]

I've owned a 600cc Bandit (96) and i currently own a 07 Yamaha FZ6. You can't really compare the two, The FZ6 is a great commuter bike! If you commute that 60miles daily on highways, I'd recommend going with a 1tooth larger sprocket and you'll be set! you'll get better RPM's in a higher gear and save gas...

[nhbubba]

I've owned a 600cc Bandit (96) and i currently own a 07 Yamaha FZ6. You can't really compare the two...

Why not? Outside of the fact that one is 11 years newer than the other.

[URSledgehammer]

Here is a reason not to buy a Bandit, its sibling and perhaps one of the best commuters out their...


VStrom 650

check out www.advrider.com lots of good info. I am kinda in your same situation although I have narrowed my search to the FJR1300, ST1300, R1150RT/GS,Rockster, DL1000, and maybe the ST1100 Pan America.

[nhbubba]

About 2 months after I sold my Bandit 1200, I bought one of those; a 2011 V-Strom DL650.



I wouldn't call it a 'sibling'. The two are very different bikes. But I do really like my 'strom. Only very occasionally do I miss the power of the 1200.

[URSledgehammer]

About 2 months after I sold my Bandit 1200, I bought one of those; a 2011 V-Strom DL650.



I wouldn't call it a 'sibling'. The two are very different bikes. But I do really like my 'strom. Only very occasionally do I miss the power of the 1200.

How about distant cousins. Any regrets about the DL650?

[nhbubba]

How about distant cousins. Any regrets about the DL650?

'Cousin' I would agree with.

Regrets? Not really. I've posted a lot in your other thread too.

Occasionally I want for more powah. But the truth is this thing is plenty fast enough. I can break any speed limit we have around here, most quite easily.

I love the ergos, although the seat sucks. (DL1000's is better.)
I love the torque.
I love the reliability.
I love the fact that you sit up high. In traffic I can see in/through/around SUVs.
Wind protection at speed is pretty good. Right balance IMO. I like some wind.
I regret to confess that ABS has been handy.

Handles crappy, weathered New England pavement like it was born to do it. My sport bike friends bitch about pavement I think is pretty good.

Oh, and the thing has epic range. I have a couple tanks over 300 miles. Stopping every ~150 miles and pumping a half tank when riding with sport-bikes is good for a chuckle or two.

[jimmy_wheels]

Update - I bought a 2011 FZ8 -


I need to tag it and put insurance on it so right now it's in the garage. I'm looking forward to my first voyage though

[Knock Sensor]

Nice looking bike.


From what I've read, that bike is a few suspension upgrades away from being a sweet middleweight do it all bike.