View Full Version : Hate the Bandit!
gfewster
09-12-09, 11:52 AM
Since my recent off, the people appointed to deal with it by my insurers have given me a hire bike.
It' a 2008 GSF 650S Bandit.
I hate it.
Everything about it: too top-heavy, unwieldy in traffic, unstable at speed, you have to work the gearbox constantly, gutless low down, can't lean it over with any confidence at all.....
What does anyone else think of the Bandit compared to the SV?
DanAbnormal
09-12-09, 12:12 PM
It's not that bad but the SV does seem to handle itself a little better.
STRAMASHER
09-12-09, 12:25 PM
More character in my Zanussi in the kitchen.
Both sound the same tho.
Blandit right enough.
gfewster
09-12-09, 12:34 PM
Hit the nail on the head there. I was trying to work out what it was that the Bandit's incessant whine sounded like - and it's a washing machine!
Since my recent off, the people appointed to deal with it by my insurers have given me a hire bike.
It' a 2008 GSF 650S Bandit.
I hate it.
Everything about it: too top-heavy, unwieldy in traffic, unstable at speed, you have to work the gearbox constantly, gutless low down, can't lean it over with any confidence at all.....
What does anyone else think of the Bandit compared to the SV?
Well I swapped my SV for a bandit, and its a great choice.
Top heavy? Not really? Ever tried an MV Augusta???!!!!!
Unwield in traffic? Sorry thats rubbish. Far superior to the SV due to the more upright positioning. More stable, and ABS rocks.
Unstable at speeds? Mine is absolutly spot on. Feels far smoother and stable than the SV ever did. Only unstable with the top box on the rear which makes the front end light and fluffy and scarey!!! (but we're talking top end here!).
Gearbox constently? Sure it is a very close box i'll admit, but you don't need to fully open the throttle every time you move forwards. I get into 6th, and mostly leave it there. Using the box between corners makes life more fun, more involving. But its quite happy to sit in 5th/6th and do the same thing. Has got FAR more poke in 6th from 90 upwards. Pulls quite well for a de-tuned engine. The box is very close though.
Gutless low down? Well its not a twin, its a 4, so its going to have less power bottom end. But again, you don't just pile on the throttle. It has more pull top end.
As for not leaning it over, thats total rubbish!!!! It cranks over very well!! I'd say its more your riding style and confidence on a different bike thats the issue. I've got absolutly no chicken stripes on my rear tyre thats for sure.
Its a heavier bike than an SV, its also a far better commuter. OK so it doesn't hustle as quickly through the bends, but then if your comparing items, most sports bikes will be better in every way than the SV is. SV is a sports tourer, bandit its a commuter tourer. Different bikes, they are just both budget.
I love my Bandit, its reliable, comfy, good on fuel, cheap on servicable items, takes lots of luggage, transported me 780+ miles in 1 day, has a better top end than the SV, better wind protection, more comfy riding position. Worst part i'd say it has a bit of a wallowy suspension that could do with upgrading if you really want to ride it hard, but hellllloooooooo thats exactly the same issue as the SV has :lol: The only other gripe I have is that due to the box and powerband, its a high revving engine. Where-as other Sports Suzuki IL4's also rev similar, the Bandit only revs to 12k odd and not 15k odd, so it does feel like its revving high when doing 80+, but thats where the power is so it pulls nicely. You just think your caining it when on a motorway. But as I say, mines up to 28,000 miles now, including sitting at 9000rpm+ for nearly an entire day (see above mileage) and it still hasn't missed a beat. Oh, i've also had over 220 miles out the tank, which again is a godsend for a commute/road trip.
Would rather ride my bandit every day for work over the SV, like the way i'd rather ride my Tornado over the SV at the weekends.
Everything about it: too top-heavy, unwieldy in traffic, unstable at speed, you have to work the gearbox constantly, gutless low down, can't lean it over with any confidence at all.....
This just says - you're not used to it. You're used to your SV. That's pretty normal.
My SV has just got through its MOT and is back on the road. I've been riding my gfs cruiser for the last several months. The SV now feels like riding a needle - doesn't handle right, bum feels like its in orbit, the bike feels tiny and light and i've just finished pulling my feet out of my armpits. And it feels gutless low down...
gfewster
09-12-09, 01:44 PM
Yes perhaps it's just me. But the high handlebars and mirrors are nightmare in London traffic - I can't get through half the gaps that I could get through on the SV. And because I'm short - I like being low down rather than upright.
And I'm sorry, but the engine sound.....
I WANT MY SV BACK!!!!!!!
So much so that I am considering paying for the repairs (or at least, those necessary for roadworthiness) out of my own pocket and then waiting on the settlement, just so I can have it back.
DanAbnormal
09-12-09, 02:04 PM
It's funny. My bandit was the loudest bike I've ever had. Mind you I had a Beowulf can on it. Made my ears bleed.
Alpinestarhero
09-12-09, 02:05 PM
I too had a bandit as a hire bike. I had to alter the way I ride to get the best out of it - it required more "steering with the rear", like it wanted more weight over the rear tyre. The fueling of the FI was crap, I slipped the clutch everywhere in first gear but it was better behaved in 2nd gear. The engine worked best above 6000 rpm; anything below 4500 rpm and it was gutless, completly gutless.
Above 8500 rpm on a wide open throttle, the volume and the sound was just brilliant!
Front brakes were great, rear brake was ****. When I got the bike it had 5000 miles on it and felt very tight...so I gave it a good thrashing and it loosened up and felt alot better in 500 miles. The vibrations left my hands and feet numb...not too bad when i was only doing 20 miles around london with frequent breaks at traffic lights, but a 2 hour blat to brighton was uncomfortable.
In all, I didn't mind the bandit, but I would have liked the fueling to be better and the rear brake to be as good as my SV rear brake at least, if not better. I liked the upright riding position for riding through traffic; slow speed handling was brilliant and easy and I could really sling the bike around. The extra steering lock saw me have a bit of slow-speed fun in car parks aswell, seeing how tight I could turn :D
Miss Alpinestarhero came pillion a couple of times on it; she complained about getting numb hands and feet, and also didnt like that she could hang on around me and push against the tank. As a bike for taking pillions, I found it easier than the SV.
tbh I think its quite quiet. I've got a Beowulf with removed baffle, and apart from a lot more volume on idle, and a more deeper tone at mid revs, at top revs its not really much louder than the standard missile launcher.
Mines not jerkey in 1st, maybe just your FI, but mine seems to be ok.
Agreed about pillion numb ****. My missis says the Benelli is more comfy as its sloped to her bumcheeks, where as the bandits is flat and hurts her ass bones that stick out.
My rears brakes ok though, I generally just use that at slower speeds as its really good, far superior to my Benellis Brembo rear brake :lol: Its the same brakes as the SV, and I found my SV rear to be really good. They need to be kept clean though really. Front brakes, they are ok, but 222kg of weight takes their toll if used hard and I've found fade a few times during some summer runs :lol:
I love my bandit though, I don't think i'll find a more reliable bike (that said, I need some new gear selector rubbers as mines getting a little floppy now and I like everything to feel nice and tight (no pun intended ;) ))
I could be very tempted to a Bandit....
New Bandit S looks right up my street ....
ArtyLady
09-12-09, 05:10 PM
...
What does anyone else think of the Bandit compared to the SV?
Exactly the same as you - hated mine!
If you can get the bike fixed, why are you "hiring" anyway? The idea of credit hire is that you signed a statement saying you are "inpecunious" and require hire on credit until the third party pays for your bike to be fixed.
Its basically legitimsed insurance fraud, and your taking part in it. If you've had the bike 10 days, thats added £700+ to the total cost of the claim, without actually moving it forward or achieving very much.
But then I don't like these hire companies very much. They "pretend" in advertising to be "your friend" but really they ar just claims vultures.
I could be very tempted to a Bandit....
New Bandit S looks right up my street ....
S is the one I have.
Also the new one has handy little compartments in the side panels to put change and mobile, and sweets :D
I like my 650, but would prefer a 1250 for the long haul trips.
fizzwheel
09-12-09, 08:34 PM
What does anyone else think of the Bandit compared to the SV?
I like it. I've ridden 3 now as courtesy bikes.
If you ride it like an SV i.e. you don't rev it, you'll never get the best out of it.
Creamy smooth power delivery, peachy gearbox, good commanding riding position. Big comfy seat and the screen on the "S" is really good and keeping the weather off.
I used to get it up into 6th and then leave it there most of the time. Then knock it down a cog or two if I wanted to get a shift on and in the right gear I found it picked up faster than the SV did. Yes compared to the SV its a bit heavier, yes its slower to turn and needs muscling to get it to turn in. Yes it does feel wallowy when pressing on. But its a different style of bike than the SV so it requires a different mindset to ride.
If I wanted a motorway commuter, or I wanted something to do big touring miles on I'd have one. But I'd have its bigger brother the 1250 instead.
Got an 07 carbed 650....... think its superior to the new injected one.
Seems to have more grunt.
I thought the later injected version was too buzzy.Ok it went well enough but I got to admit that I am glad I didnt trade up ;)
Alpinestarhero
10-12-09, 08:30 AM
If you can get the bike fixed, why are you "hiring" anyway? The idea of credit hire is that you signed a statement saying you are "inpecunious" and require hire on credit until the third party pays for your bike to be fixed.
Its basically legitimsed insurance fraud, and your taking part in it. If you've had the bike 10 days, thats added £700+ to the total cost of the claim, without actually moving it forward or achieving very much.
But then I don't like these hire companies very much. They "pretend" in advertising to be "your friend" but really they ar just claims vultures.
You say that, but the other party, so long as they are to blame, foots the bill (or their insurers do anyway). So for me it was a win...I needed to have a bike to get around (far cheaper than using public transport) and the bandit carol nash gave me fitted the bill exactly. The first day I had it, I cleaned it and drenched the chain in parrafin and lubed it up niceley...made it feel like my own bike and treated it as such.
Fizz, I hear what you say about the bandit having smooth power delivery...but the one I did seemed to be snatchy off a closed thottle, it sometimes wasnt very nice! I also got terrible fuel economy. I wonder how badly the FI was set up :confused: but I also think that I was riding it completly wrong for the 7 out of the 8 weeks I had it. I could not really get into my head that I needed to thrash the engine, although when I did overcome my "god thats revving too hiiiigh" paranoia, I quickly found the engine to be more comfortable
gfewster
10-12-09, 10:48 AM
If you can get the bike fixed, why are you "hiring" anyway? The idea of credit hire is that you signed a statement saying you are "inpecunious" and require hire on credit until the third party pays for your bike to be fixed.
Its basically legitimsed insurance fraud, and your taking part in it. If you've had the bike 10 days, thats added £700+ to the total cost of the claim, without actually moving it forward or achieving very much.
But then I don't like these hire companies very much. They "pretend" in advertising to be "your friend" but really they ar just claims vultures.
Perhaps. But they are the people my insurance company passed the matter to - how my insurers choose to handle it is their decision.
There is also the argument that since I was not at fault, the third party must pay whatever costs are necessary such that I am not, as far as possible, inconvenienced by their actions. I should not have to fork out £1,700 and wait for them to pay me later.
Anyhow, as I've said on another thread, I'm thinking of returning it because (a) I don't like it, (b) I'm getting the train a fair bit due to various xmas drinks sessions, and (c) I'm worried they may try to make me pay for it if the third party never takes liability (although I never signed anything about charges, only ordinary hire paperwork about the condition of the bike).
(c) I'm worried they may try to make me pay for it if the third party never takes liability (although I never signed anything about charges, only ordinary hire paperwork about the condition of the bike).
Yeah I had the same dilemma and decided to refuse the hire bike. My insurance didn't cover a hire bike so I'd be liable for the fees if the other driver somehow wheedled out of it. His insurance eventually paid up in full, but I didn't know that at the time so it was an unnecessary risk. If I didn't have access to another vehicle it'd be a different matter though.
right, I wanted to check my power delivery below 4k....
Sorry, but its absolutly fine. 2nd/3rd gear, full open throttle, the digital speedo certainly missed quite a few numbers catching up..
It bogs down at 1500rpm, but it is a bike, so should never be that low. hell thats just above idle :lol:
I've got a digi camera on order for xmas, so i'll even prove it in the new year ;)
I think the above FI must have been shot, as I say im getting over 200 miles per tank regulary, on a caining session im getting about 170-180, and on boring economy motorway, 220+....
Alpinestarhero
10-12-09, 01:19 PM
right, I wanted to check my power delivery below 4k....
Sorry, but its absolutly fine. 2nd/3rd gear, full open throttle, the digital speedo certainly missed quite a few numbers catching up..
It bogs down at 1500rpm, but it is a bike, so should never be that low. hell thats just above idle :lol:
I've got a digi camera on order for xmas, so i'll even prove it in the new year ;)
I think the above FI must have been shot, as I say im getting over 200 miles per tank regulary, on a caining session im getting about 170-180, and on boring economy motorway, 220+....
I think so too. I also remember at idle the engine would "hunt" a little. I would love to ride a good sorted one (i.e. one with well balanced FI throttle bodies) to see what they are like. I did try running shell V-power to see if it made a differance (like it does in my SV) but it didnt
I'd like a 1250 bandit GT
Nahhh mine doesn't run any better no matter what fuel I put in it.
1250 with ample torque and lower revs would be a a great economical mile muncher for sure.
I dislike IL4 600s around town. No bottom end grunt. Much prefer a single or twin for town use. Good fun when you have the space to stretch their legs a bit though.
I've not managed to own a 1200 Bandit yet despite one being on the bikes to own list for some time now....
trumpet
10-12-09, 04:33 PM
Tried 650 bandit not keen on the buzzy engine as i'd just got off a tripple.bought 1200 ,brilliant for all day 500 mile rides 50+ mpg.if i was 70 again i'd go for the 1250.
i used to be a bandit rep..and have owned quite a few inc both 6/12 and old/new shapes......the 6's was great...the 12's are excellant...arm ripping torque and easy wheelies:D..the new 1250 gt might be my next bike;)
Alpinestarhero
10-12-09, 05:20 PM
want a 1250 now
:smt009
want a 1250 now
:smt009
me too. Or a busa. Plenty of time to make my mind up whilst saving up :-s
I had an old 98 model 600 Bandit for about 2 years, and loved it. At the same time I owned a GSXR1000 and then a Triumph Daytona 955, but the Bandit was always dragged out for long distance stuff because it was so competent at it. I took it on a trackday and embarrassed most of the intermediate group round Mallory, the only one I didn't pass was my housemate on his old ZX7R. All I'd done to it was swopped the rear shock for a nearly new 650 Bandit one and put three 2p bits on top of each fork spring as spacers and changed the fork oil for something slightly heavier.
While I owned that bike I was seeing a girl with an 05 regd Bandit 650S. I rode that a few times and really liked the chassis but prefered my 75,000 mile old engine..
Learn to ride it properly and you'll change your mind.
Alpinestarhero
10-12-09, 05:38 PM
I had an old 98 model 600 Bandit for about 2 years, and loved it. At the same time I owned a GSXR1000 and then a Triumph Daytona 955, but the Bandit was always dragged out for long distance stuff because it was so competent at it. I took it on a trackday and embarrassed most of the intermediate group round Mallory, the only one I didn't pass was my housemate on his old ZX7R. All I'd done to it was swopped the rear shock for a nearly new 650 Bandit one and put three 2p bits on top of each fork spring as spacers and changed the fork oil for something slightly heavier.
While I owned that bike I was seeing a girl with an 05 regd Bandit 650S. I rode that a few times and really liked the chassis but prefered my 75,000 mile old engine..
Learn to ride it properly and you'll change your mind.
I liked how the 650 bandit i used handled, the rear end felt really planted, it was fun slinging around roundabouts!
Ophic, I want a 1250 GT. super comfy mile munching uber brilliance :smt041
Ophic, I want a 1250 GT. super comfy mile munching uber brilliance :smt041
Thats the one I want too. Stomp and topbox - can't go wrong. But the silver 'busa wins on sex appeal, but loses on practicality.
Still if I start saving now, they'll all be electric by the time I can afford either :rolleyes:
I want a 1250 GT now too !!!
:-)
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