Thursday 13th August – Bandit Fun, and Bigger Bikes on the Horizon

Garage:

Suzuki GSF650S - Streetbike

So after the rain returned on Wednesday, at least the sun is out today!!

So having been on the Bandit for almost a week, I must say it has pleasantly surprised me! Okay it’s not uber quick, and doesn't have the looks or sounds that other bikes can stake a claim to, but you know what…….it’s a good bike!

I have found myself riding around on it like a hooligan though, as you really can given the fact that its not race tuned, yet revs up to 12,500 rpm, its light and you can chuck it around, and thanks to the ABS stops on a dime!

Okay its not going to win best looking bike of the year, and maybe the reason I’m riding it so hard is to make up for its lack of big bike power, but its also refreshingly easy to jump on and ride. Apart from my big blast the other night, it has mostly been a case of commuting on the Bandit, what is was obviously designed for,and man this thing makes trips around town easy.

I really like the display as well, with an analogue rev counter, and digital Speedo and readouts, it just seems tidy, and the huge wing mirror stalks mean it gives great all round vision for those not so confident about what might be coming up behind them.

If you have owned a big sports bike or cruiser and jump straight on one of these of course it will feel underpowered, slow, and not as responsive, but for what it is, and that's the key thing to remember, I mean its not in the same price bracket as any full on sports bike so of course its not going to be as good as them on a track, I reckon you might find this thing easier to jump on everyday, especially when its raining, and have some fun!

The interesting thing is the price, it comes in at an OTR of £5600 for the new ‘09 model I am riding, so its not going to break the bank, and is significantly cheaper than the GSXR600 at £7,600, and don’t forget the Suzuki GSX650F, the sportier sister of this, of which you can now pick up an 08 version for about £5,500, with 0% finance over 3 years at Streetbike. They also do a 1,200 cc version of the Bandit, at only £700 more, so if your confident enough for more power, maybe give that one a try!

I cannot really fault the Bandit 650 S, its fun, reliable, practical and good value, but I might be tempted to go for an 08 model on the 0% finance deal as you can snap those up for about £4,500, although they will not have some of the newer features. Hell if you have just passed your test, or are looking for a bike in this range – there are so many options, and the only really limiting factor is the depth of your wallet!

Talking of which I will get some insurance quotes for the bike when the lovely Emma from Express Insurance returns from holiday next week…….but as you can probably guess its blooming cheap!

I have one more day of riding around on the Bandit before heading to Streetbike after my show tomorrow to pick up the beast that is the B King, and exciting news, I will also be picking up a brand new Blade on Saturday from Brindley Honda!!!

Oh and next week, well I get to play with a Harley Rocker C…..bring it!

I’ll blog back shortly to say my final piece on the Bandit, and also to let you know what the B King is like!!

Until then Amigo’s, ride safe!