sv or a bandit6 for a newbie?

[timwilky]

I like your optimism, "my cusion is going to pass his test soon".

I hope he pays more attention to his riding, than you obviously do to your English


As you know. Both bikes are excellent starter bikes for newbies and very capable in the hands of an experienced rider. However, their characteristics are as different as chalk and cheese. I cannot speak for the newer Bandit 650, but did own an older 600s and currently own the far superior curvy model of SV in go fastest blue.

It is my personal opinion that the Bandit has a more responsive engine than the SVs twin. I am always conscious of what appears to be a lag between opening the throttle and getting the kick from the rear end, when compared to the same hooligan manouvre on the Bandit. However, the bandit had a tendancy to buck under these circumstances which could possibly put a smile on the face of somebody not expecting their front end to raise. On the SV, you have to make more of an effort to lift the front.

The SVs engine braking is a delight, the ability to drop back the revs and then open the throttle on the apex of a bend gives the SV a superior handling characteristic than many IL4s when pushing it it the twisties. The inexperienced rider quickly learns not to drop too many gears as the back end will lock.

Your cousins heavier frame than the 8.5 stone typical Japaneese rider, requires that work needs to be done to the suspension of the SV. Typically heavier springs and a higher viscosity fork oil.

Please note that this is my personal opion and does not meet BASAT requirements. I therefore suggest your cousin tries both bikes and makes his own decision. Advise him not to waste his time with Fazers , Hairnets or that ugly looking ER6 thing.

Originally Posted by timwilky

I like your optimism, "my cusion is going to pass his test soon".

I hope he pays more attention to his riding, than you obviously do to your English

manouvre on the Bandit.

Japaneese

It's always best to proof read many times when you make comments on others' poor use of English.

thanks timwilky but i didnt think this was an english lesson
but i must thank mpaton for putting u right!

On the size front, i`m 6` 6" and 16 stone and the SV is ok for me

!!

this is getting interlesping<< sorry intresting

[northwind]

Did you do that on purpose?

I reckon the Bandit's a better bike for the total beginner- cheaper and easier to ride to a basic level IMO. But the SV's better for everyone else from near-beginner up. Since the SV's still pretty good for the total beginner I think that makes it the winner.

Certainly I don't think it makes any sense to buy a new Bandit, they're just too expensive for what you get compared with a new SV, or a slightly used Hornet or Fazer. Or even an older Bandit.

Originally Posted by northwind

Did you do that on purpose?

I reckon the Bandit's a better bike for the total beginner- cheaper and easier to ride to a basic level IMO. But the SV's better for everyone else from near-beginner up. Since the SV's still pretty good for the total beginner I think that makes it the winner.

Certainly I don't think it makes any sense to buy a new Bandit, they're just too expensive for what you get compared with a new SV, or a slightly used Hornet or Fazer. Or even an older Bandit.

Coming from a position of owning a new Bandit from when I passed DAS, I would say the SV is a better beginners bike and will take you a lot further. Certainly makes you a 'cleaner' rider - especially learning to cope with the engine braking round tight slow corners.

I've found myself "backing it in" to roundabouts, whether thats because ive come from a 2 stroke 125 with 0 engine braking (actually you're not supposed to shut the throttle as the crank doesnt get enough oil, honest officer), or my general ham-fistedness. When ifirst got it, a mate followed me and asked why i was going straight on at the rounadbout, i said i wasnt, the bike was trying to!