bandits

ive had one too my impression was it did everything good but nothing great.

Good bikes, will do anything at a good standard just like the the 2000 era Honda CBR600F. To be honest the 1250 is the better model to go for, the 650 feels a little gutless and needs rev'in more. Problem is the 1250 costs more outright and with insurance.

I have the 1250GT (the one with all the hard luggage that unlocks from the bike in less than 5 mins). The engine is very smooth, riding position just prone of upright so you don't get any pain in the lower back like some custom or trail styles and is all day comfortable for me (500 miles in a day and I'm about done though).

OK there is a lot more torque than the 650 as you would expect but having ridden both the 650 is also a cracking engine. Handling? considering the weight it can be hustled though the twisties no problem should you wish to remove those pesky chicken strips. In an out and out race it'll be beat by a well ridden sports bike but will keep up with 90% of the bikes on the UK roads 95% of the time. In a nut shell it is a jack of all trades but master of none but there are very few bikes out there near the price point that are so versatile.

Pros:
It'll commute with ease
It'll scratch on the twisties
Lots more comfortable than my old SV or Gixer was
An easy bike to ride fast or taking it easy
The water cooled versions allegedly have better suspension wich certainly helps the planted feeling of the bike.
Better finish than earlier models

Cons:
It's all round feel can make it seem a tad dull
Weight

Try one and see how you get on.

[Ch00]

I have ridden my mates Y plate 1200 with 87k on the clock and the engine was running very smoothly as was the gearbox. It just felt so small compaired to my Vstrom (as with most bikes).