Riding position SV vs Bandit

[AndyW]

Just took my SV in for its first service, and been lent a bandit 650S for the day. I seriously can't beleive the difference swapping between the two.
On the SV I feel like part of the machine, the bandit I'm just sat on top of it as it cruises. SV I move my feet on the pegs, ball on the peg, move to put heel on for changes/slower riding, ball back on the peg. Tried with bandit lost where the gear change lever was, in fact found it comfier to not move feet at all. Easy to see over cars etc. on bandit, much more difficult on SV. No mirror extenders on bandit so rear view worse, but better than SV without. Bandit much better for nice view of countryside.
Vinbration (through handlebars) on bandit is much faster although lighter. Engine noise seems a _lot_ quieter on bandit (I have standard everythings), and while it accelerates just as fast as I do on the SV (I don't push it anywhere near the limit), it doesn't sound or feel like it.

Just feels so strange, but then, that could be because I just spent 3 weeks getting used to SV.

[skint]

But then they are quite different bikes so riding positions are intended to be different.

I had the Bandit 600s which I found quite nice, comfortable, decent handling and quite quick - engine sounded harsh around the 4 -5000 revs but otherwise smooth. Ridden SV a few times - yes it felt quicker and probably was (as you might expect - its a sports bike) but to be fair I didn't ride it enough to complain/comment about comfort, never got used to the engine braking though.

Only need to put feet back on pegs on SV if really dropping into corners, the bandit is higher so less need to do so although I did catch my toe on the tarmac a couple of times

I don't think they are directly comparable both are good at what they do and for the price you pay IMO

[skint]

But then they are quite different bikes so riding positions are intended to be different.

I had the Bandit 600s which I found quite nice, comfortable, decent handling and quite quick - engine sounded harsh around the 4 -5000 revs but otherwise smooth. Ridden SV a few times - yes it felt quicker and probably was (as you might expect - its a sports bike) but to be fair I didn't ride it enough to complain/comment about comfort, never got used to the engine braking though.

Only need to put feet back on pegs on SV if really dropping into corners, the bandit is higher so less need to do so although I did catch my toe on the tarmac a couple of times

I don't think they are directly comparable both are good at what they do and for the price you pay IMO

Edit - don't know this has appeared twice?

[Daimo]

On the SV I feel like part of the machine, the bandit I'm just sat on top of it as it cruises. SV I move my feet on the pegs, ball on the peg, move to put heel on for changes/slower riding, ball back on the peg. Tried with bandit lost where the gear change lever was, in fact found it comfier to not move feet at all. Easy to see over cars etc. on bandit, much more difficult on SV. No mirror extenders on bandit so rear view worse, but better than SV without. Bandit much better for nice view of countryside.
Vinbration (through handlebars) on bandit is much faster although lighter. Engine noise seems a _lot_ quieter on bandit (I have standard everythings), and while it accelerates just as fast as I do on the SV (I don't push it anywhere near the limit), it doesn't sound or feel like it.

Just feels so strange, but then, that could be because I just spent 3 weeks getting used to SV.

I had a SV650S, and now I have a Bandit 650S

The Bandit isn't compared to an S, is compared to a non faired SV650 model. Otherwise totally different bikes.

Mirrors on the Bandit are FAR superior to the SV, i never have any problems looking in the mirrors, AND i've got a top box.

Gear levers and such are fine, same stuff as on the SV, i've got small feet (7) as well.

My friend has an SV650S (pointy) and the bikes are very similar on performance up to about 90-100 (leptons per hour), at which point, the bandit carries on pulling where-as the SV starts to fade.

Have to say, after owning the SV for 2 years, my initial thoughts on the Bandit were that it wasn't as enjoyable to ride. It is a 210kg bike though compared to the SV's 170kg odd. They are totally different bikes.

The only few things i miss about the SV were the instant power delivery of the twin engine, and the riding position for fast riding. For comfy chill out cruising round, the Bandit is superior to the SV in every way. Oh, the SV ran a little better on fuel. That why it doesn't feel as fast to you I think, because it needs to be revved to get going, but once your in the right revs, it does pick up speed quicker than the SV does. Its about 80bhp, only slightly up on the SV, but it weighs a lot more.

I got on my Friends SV after not riding one since Feb this year, and tbh, realised that my Bandit really isn't a bad bike at all. I can't comment on the older 600cc models, but my 650 is a good bike. Just miss the low rev power that the twin creates.

As for it being quiet, i'd say the SV was much louder up to about 9000rpm, but after that, even with the concrete block of a rear can the Bandit has, it really screems above 9k.

Missis prefers the Bandit as well for comfort. And as a daily hack, its a good bike.

I got on my own SV the other day (still got it) and took it round the block, couldn't believe how light it was. :lol:

[DanAbnormal]

Having owned a Bandit and an SV I feel that the SV-S had a much sportier feel. Which was fine if you wanted that sort of thing, at the time I needed a commuter so it was no good. Too much weight on the wrists but it was bearable at speed. The Bandit is a big ol' mile crunching machine and it lets you do it in comfort. Very easy going, yet surprisingly nippy and chuckable for the weight as well. I say, but a Hornet, you then get almost Bandit comfort with SV weight, better handling and quicker too. :smt045 You know it makes sense really.:smt077

[Daimo]

Aye, I think the Hornets about 100bhp, but the problem with the Hornet is the small tank and quite thirsty engine.

Think its a de-tuned R6 lump in the Hornet?

[kwak zzr]

my bandit used to top out at 115 which got very boring very quickly.

[the_lone_wolf]

Think its a de-tuned R6 lump in the Hornet?
Unless Yamaha have started selling their engines to Honda i doubt it;)

[independentphoto]

Think its a de-tuned R6 lump in the Hornet?

You can tell our man's a tuning buff can't you?

I take it you mean a CBR600r lump?

Garry:cool:

[AndyW]

Did another 40 miles motorway back to garage with Bandit yesterday, straight back on SV and home, and I much prefer the SV even with it being wrist heavy. If I can just manage to get that sorted out...

[the_lone_wolf]

Did another 40 miles motorway back to garage with Bandit yesterday, straight back on SV and home, and I much prefer the SV even with it being wrist heavy. If I can just manage to get that sorted out...grip with your knees, your back will strengthen up and take the strain...

[Daimo]

You can tell our man's a tuning buff can't you?

I take it you mean a CBR600r lump?

Garry:cool:

:lol: ha ha god knows why an R6 entered my head :lol: Ummm :oops: Aye i meant the CBR600 lump.

Im a rodney #-o

[DanAbnormal]

:lol: ha ha god knows why an R6 entered my head :lol: Ummm :oops: Aye i meant the CBR600 lump.

Im a rodney #-o

LOL! Nice one. Yeah it pushes out about 100bhp which is not bad. I've never found the Hornet that thirsty to bo honest no more so than the SV at least. I get at least 160 miles (mainly motorways) from a tank and always have 2 litres left in there. The fuel light seems to come on at about 125 miles which was the same as my SV as well. Even after buying a new ZX-6R I have to say the Hornet is so much fun and much easier to get your knee down on too! :smt045:smt077 Bandits are a good bike but the Hornet is in a league of it's own.

Dan