SV Vs Bandit
 

Folks

Quick question for you all. I have a 99 curvey and I am not really comfortable with the low riding position. I have had a look around and I like the bandit faired GSF650SABS.

I have a test ride on Monday. Am i making a huge mistake?

Ch00

yes

Nah, never a mistake to try other bikes. Unless you can't afford them :) Try a Hornet though, and a GSR600. It does come partly down to personal taste of course, but IMO the Hornet just does everything, absolutely everything better than the Bandit. Apart from the insurance price, that is.

Its not a bad bike. Having ridden both I prefer the SV to ride. I find the handling more inspiring.

But I'm not you. If the riding position is putting you off then getting a test ride on a bandit if you like the look of that is a good idea. Dont discount the new GSR though or a Honda Hornet. I think probably both are better at what they do than the bandit.

I am a fairly basic rider. I mainly commute from greater London to inner London about 15 miles each way at all times of the day.

I am no way the fastest thing on two wheels and these days not quite the slowest.

I do like a fairing on a bike and like a screen to hide behind.

As for pots of gold, I don't have a tremendous amount to spend, it was Suzuki's 3 years free credit that brought matters to my mind.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Ch00

Definately try the faired Hornet then- they tend to be ludicrously cheap too. I'm biased, I really like them ;)

One of the guys at the bike shop I got the raptor from had a bandit, then changed to a GSR or whatever they are and said it's an ace bike and was much better than the bandit. Not that there's anything wrong with bandits; I'd get another one tomorrow if one came up cheap enough. I'd give both a test ride and see which one I prefer :D Let us know how you get on! There's plenty of choice out there so you can have loads of fun test riding everything :twisted: :lol:

I had a Bandit 600, and i loved it, totaly differnt from the sv, much comfier seat, more relaxed riding position, and the power delivery is of course differnt being an IL4. I wouldnt change my sv back to my bandit, but i do miss her.

Have you thought about a Naked SV with a fly screen, thats a bit more relaxed

Having owned an SV, Bandit and currently a Hornet I would say.....................the bandit is about 40kg's heavier than the Hornet with about 20 -30 less bhp. It does make it's peak torque a little sooner but the Hornet's handling is sublime. The Bandit is a good all rounder and very comfy but you will soon be bored of it. The Hornet is very comfy (so much more than the SV650 S variant) handles like a dream and above 7k rpm just takes off (literally). Tried the GSR which was also good but I still prefer the Hornet overall. Just my 2 cents.

Dan

Insurance for my Hornet is half the price of the SV (for me). I'm 28 been riding 3 years. I'm on 1 year's NCB and garaged paying just over £300 fully comp. The SV set me back £650 quid (that's £1 per cc funnily enough!).

If you're happy with the SV, except for the riding position, why not put on N-type handlebars, or clip-on risers like the Helibars? I'm planning to do that next year to my 05 SV650S.
Rode a Bandit 600N a few years ago, and the engine felt pretty gutless at low revs. Should be interesting to ride it back-to-back with my SV.