Looking for some advice

[erok408]

I'm new here, so new in fact that I don't even own a bandit. I've been using this site for research and I've decided that a bandit is the perfect bike for me. I am currently living out of my car up in Humboldt County, CA so I can work up here and afford my first motorcycle. We're talking the whole 9 yards here (pb&j breakfast lunch and dinner) haha. I am a college student and I'm hoping to purchase a bandit as soon as I move back home at the end of this week. That is where you guys come in:

This will be my first motorcycle, I have a couple months of experience on a 01 cbr 600 that a friend let me borrow.
I'm hoping to get some advice from all of you about what to look out for, what gear to invest in, etc. I am on a budget, therefore I'm looking for a 1st or 2nd gen bandit. But any advice that you can give to a pretty new rider would be extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to hanging out on here, and I'm already learning things about the bike I don't own yet haha

[Red01]

Pretty much the normal stuff you'd look for in any used vehicle.  IMHO, the 2nd Gens are better as there are numerous upgrades.  The 2001 and early 2002's did have a number of engines that had oil consumption issues due to a new piston design.  Not all bikes turned out to be oil burners though. For instance, my '01 has never had an oil issue.  Those that were bad should have been fixed by Suzuki under warantee.  In mid-2002, Suzuki went back to the older style pistons and the issue went away.  Some folks do complain about the 2G S model's headlights being weak, but there are mods listed here that will cure that.

I would always recommend buying the lowest mile one you can find that's in your budget, but don't be too scared about mileage on these bikes as they will easily go over 100,000 miles with normal scheduled maintenance and several have gone >200,000 miles and are still serving their owners well.

Clutches typically get weak in the 50-60,000 mile range, so if you are looking at one with that many miles and it still has the original clutch, you can figure a replacement will be in the not too distant future.

[Sven]

Coming up on 59K on my 2003 B1200S, and still loving it.  Reading between the lines, it sounds like you haven't done much riding, and if you are looking for an inexpensive commuter, you might do well with the smaller 600cc series.  All those new rider articles suggests you start with a smaller engine and then trade up if/when you need to.  If you're not going to be riding at freeway speeds or on the open road trying to keep up with crotch rocket riders, I *think* the smaller bike will serve you well.  And since your in CA, there's a chance you can find one, unlike in my neck of the woods.  Let us know what you do.

[Guido_Brasletti]

You have to calculate the money to buy at least a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. These can be pretty expensive and is something you NEED when riding a motorcycle. Make your research of the market to calculate your budget.

[smooth operator]

You have to calculate the money to buy at least a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. These can be pretty expensive and is something you NEED when riding a motorcycle. Make your research of the market to calculate your budget.

#1 ! You don't have to have spasific motorcycle boots, a pair of work boots that come up over the ankle will do.Leather work gloves, and a dot approved helmet. I also agree with starting out on the 600 or 650 cc,or maybe a 400. All of these options will save you some $ and maybe your hide. I also suggest taking a motorcycle saftey school. Here in Pa., you can use their small displcment motorcycles and when you complete the corse they give you your motorcycle endorcement your drivers lisence.

[Sven]

You have to calculate the money to buy at least a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. These can be pretty expensive and is something you NEED when riding a motorcycle.

If money is limited, cheap gear is better than no gear.  Most riders don't wear armored gloves, so inexpensive exercise gloves from the sports department will be cheaper than MC-specific gloved.  A good helmet with all the bells and whistles is a good long-term investment, but a cheap helmet will still offer basic protection.  A good three-season mesh jacket (with liner) will run about $150, and that's one place I wouldn't skimp...a demin trucker jacket won't give you much protection.  You don't have to have boots, and you see a lot of people wearing sneakers, but a pair of inexpensive non-MC boots won't be very expensive.

Check out Cycle Gear..they have a lot of inexpensive house-brand products.  Check out your local MC consignment shop...wear/damage will be visible on everything other than a helmet, which might not be scratched but could have internal damage from being dropped. 

[erok408]

Thanks for the advice. My thought for now is to start out with basic gear, and then to replace it with better gear as I get more money. As for deciding on a bike, I'm stuck between a 1st or 2nd gen Bandit 600, or a sv650. Both look like awesome bikes but I've yet to test ride either. Has anyone ridden the sv650? I've been reading that they are great for beginners, but have enough power to not get boring very fast. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal and they're in the 2200-2500 price range.

[smooth operator]

 The SV650 is a supurb bike to start out on. Its lighter than the 600 Bandit and handling is better too. I have a SV1000s besides my 1200 Bandit. Although the SV1K a great bike with more torque and hp, the 650 is the qickest handling.( although both can use suspension upgrades from stock,but you can do that later) The 1st time I through a leg over a SV650(n), I was really impressed on how easy it was to ride.

[orionburn]

You have to calculate the money to buy at least a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. These can be pretty expensive and is something you NEED when riding a motorcycle. Make your research of the market to calculate your budget.

And tools as well if you plan on doing basic maintenance yourself. Bikes tend to take some really big sockets when it comes to changing a tire, chain, etc. You'll also want to invest in a good torque wrench. 

Speaking of chains, check where the marks are on the swingarm. If the axle is moved pretty far back you can expect to have to do a chain replacement in the near future.

[stormi]

 #1 ! You don't have to have spasific motorcycle boots, a pair of work boots that come up over the ankle will do.

r_outsider used to ride with military boots.  $100 Cdn for a set of "forced entry" boots.  Better protection by far than my actual motorcycle boots.
Just don't do what I did when I went in to get them for him and ask for the "fourth century" boots.   I swear that's what it sounded like he said on the phone!! 

[stormi]

A good helmet with all the bells and whistles is a good long-term investment, but a cheap helmet will still offer basic protection. 

We're riding with Zox helmets.  I'm on my third one (because I like to play volleyball with mine for some reason).   I have one of their "high end" helmets, at $135 Cdn, that's probably about $0.35 USD if the last time we were in the states is any indication.

[speedwaymaniac]

I can only recommend the Bandit 600! It is a very capable bike, not particularly big which is good if your a shorty like me  Has plenty of power and certainly doesnt hold back. If your not confident with having loads of power immediately Suzuki even have an official restriction kit available for the 600 to knock the power down to 33BHP.
As others have already mentioned the best things to check for are the obvious but one that i feel is important especially with the bandit, is wheel bearings and head bearings. Make sure those are checked as Bandits (here in the UK at least) have a habit to end up a bit abused.

Hope you get yourself sorted soon, and one on the road have a great time! 

[02blue]

First of all, most any motorcycle is a money pit.  Plan on spending more money/mile for maint, but less for fuel than you would with a car.  Also plan on many more smiles/mile and more girls that want a ride.  I also think the SV 650 is a great bike and if you are into the plastic stuff, it's a perfect fit.  As for picking out a specific bike, do you have any friends where you are with motorcycle/mechanical knowledge?  Most bike types are eager to share their knowledge and test ride a cycle for you.
I'm also a big supporter of the MSF classes.  The few bucks you will spend now on the class will support good riding habits for the rest of your life.  Finally, check craigslist for second hand gear.  Enjoy!