Author Topic: What about the new Bandit 650? (Read 2508 times)

GooseMan · « **on:** June 02, 2007, 11:29:10 AM »

As usual, I'm already planning ahead to when I'm going to get a new bike (my B4 is my first bike, only had it a month!). Something I'd like to do next year, as I'd like to start touring, and I'd want something a little bigger, a little more reliable and something I can add hard cases to.

I love the 1250, but that will probably be TOO much bike for me, and I think the new 650 would suit me fine.

Has anyone ridden it yet? Actually, I see on the US Suzuki site that you guys dont seem to be getting it down there...is that true?

Well...how is the old B6? Is it too quick for someone with a year of riding experience (well, next year, I'll have a season behind me)?

Anyone know of any reviews of the new 650 online anywhere?

THANKS!

leedogg · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2007, 03:29:26 PM »

mY 1250 is my first motorcycle(that I own- got to ride some of my friends from time to time)- I find it very easy to ride...don't be intimidated- it is fast- but very smooth and predictable. Maybe the fact that I have been driving a 400 rwhp car for years makes me used to the speed- but I still say the 1250 is a great first bike.

And no- we(the US) are not getting the 650 from what I here...I think it'd be hard to top the SV 650 naked anyway- rode one once- extremely agile.

pmackie · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2007, 11:25:45 PM »

Based on comments here and from comments from others that have ridden my 2 gen 600, both the 1&2 G 600's make great bikes for newer riders.

One of the 600's greatest strength is its wide, flexible power characteristics. They do NOT make gobs of power, but are very much like an electric motor. Turn the throttle more, go faster. No big hit anywhere in the power curve, but it is a little soft from 4500-6000 rpm. From 7000+ is where it starts to accelerate. Mine pulls smoothly from 2500 rpm to redline.

At 100 kmph, you can choose to ride in 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6th gear depending on what you want from the engine. So...easy to ride power, with enough head room to keep you interested for years to come.

I expected to get rid of mine after a couple of years. We are on its fifth season now and I still haven't found anything I really want more. (Maybe a pipe, jet kit and cams?). You can modify them forever.

Great starter bike (even for an old dog like me).

GooseMan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2007, 11:36:00 PM »

Cool..thanks for the tips! Although I've only had my B4 for a month now, I'm starting to find it to be a little too small for me...in terms of size (not power). I'm not a big guy at all, maybe 5'9, 165lbs, but I feel a bit scrunched up on the baby Bandit. Still love the fact that its nice and light, and I do like the low seat height.

But I'd prefer something slightly bigger, with a bit more power on the highway, something I can get hard cases for and something with ABS...and the new 650 seems to fit the bill!

Well, I'm still learning...so I'll be patient.

Cheers!

smooth operator · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2007, 05:53:34 AM »

In Motor Cyclist mag. there is a good read on Todd Hennings son Aria that goes on tour across the country."Rite of passage" the bike he rode for a few months through all types of weather is a 600 Bandit. ( I think it is a 600 vs the 650,looks like a 2nd gen.)
But it is cool to see the little brother Bandit pics in the article. Dan

Raphy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2007, 09:36:01 AM »

I jumped to the 650 for my 2nd bike. I came off a 750 cruiser (but with only 36HP) that i rode for just over 2 seasons. I must say I couldn't be happier with the 650. I love the overall feel of the bike, the performance and of course the styling (now i don't want to start a war with the G2 owners, but the G3 owns!!! LOL

)

THe 650 has power in almost every RPM range and in any gear. IT's nimble, the seating position is perfect (i'm about 5'9, 185 lbs). Overall its an amazing bike...

I did a full day of 2-up with my faince... no issues whatsoever... bike had the power everytime i asked for it.

Overall, not much to complain about...

THe only downside that I see is that it has the Bandit Buzz (ie, some vibrations)... I came off a fairly smooth cruiser, so it's just a matter of getting used to it.. there are remedies for it (like barsnake, heavy bar,ends, carb synch, etc) but i haven't tried those yet.... I DID tighten all the bolts and after installing engine guards, the footpeg vibrations got less noticable...

All in all, an awsome bike... you won't be disappointed...

Additionally, if you but a 2007 model, you'll have fuel injection and water cooling

Bossk · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2007, 02:04:19 AM »

I got a 07 650 as my first bike, and aside from a seat that reminds me of riding on a 2x4 for an extended period of time (only on long trips, working to remedy) I love it.

I went from the course to picking the bike up in 4C weather with drizzle all day, after getting use to the throttle and brakes and a day or 2 of riding I haven't looked back since.

It's been a pure joy to ride, and will have a lot of room to grow with.