Suzuki Bandit 600 reviews

This bike is my lifetime 20th motorcycle..About 14 dirt and 6 street. Third street suz. I got her after a 3 month search.. Wasn't looking for any specifics , just one that fit me....like an old shoe.Lucked out it was a suz which is my fav for the street... She was already 30 yrs old when I got her. All original. 2 owners. Garaged w/24k on her. 2nd owner had her 12 yrs. I asked how she rode on the fwy. He says,"I've never had it on the fwy.". Wow. Gave it a good up close examination. Just stared at it inch by inch. Took one slow lap around the block listening to every noise it made. Got back,paid the guy full asking price(1500) and we've been in love ever since. Can not wait to get home and ride everyday. I also live in Ventura Ca. where you can ride 360 days a year. Ok....I lucked out. Finally. Almost any bike cared for like mine will be awesome. Find one that fits YOU.Dont just get what your buddy has.. But you could. I've crashed around 300 times, all in the dirt when I was younger. Not once in the street,almost a couple times though. This gixxer has plenty of acceleration braking, handling and reliability than I'll ever need. Actually going to take her to the track to see what she can really do. 1.make sure it fits you 2-take a riding course, or 2 if not much experience . 3Haul butt...for very brief moments when in street if is clear. Very brief. 4 .To the track if you need more. 5.200 mph you'll need a bigger bike. 150 is plenty for me..Have fun Show less

I always had a passion for riding however, it wasn't until recently I was financially able to start enjoying the hobby. I started out on a Honda CBR500R and quickly upgraded to my 2019 GSXR600. I have always had "a thing" for white vehicles with black trim and when I saw Suzuki came out with this color option, I instantly fell in love. Not to mention, the way it feels when on it. Easy to flat foot the ground and very light which makes it a breeze to zip into curves with. In my opinion it is as comfortable of a riding position as a super sport can be. Quite honestly, it's hard for me to part with my first "real bike" however, I recently bought a 2022 ZX10R and don't have the space, or need for two bikes! If I was able to, I would keep both.. But unfortunately, I just can't. I know the next person who owns this bike will be thrilled and enjoy every minute of it - as I did. Show less

It is May, 2016. I just picked up a used Bandit 1200S. 7K miles for $2,900 at a Yamaha dealer. Completely gone through and stock but for a slip-on. I'm loving it. Real presence. Big, light and powerful. I'm just getting back to metrics from Harleys. Why spend more? Show less

I have had my 2003 since 2004. I bought it with 3,000 miles on it. It was my first "real" motorcycle and I couldn't be happier with it. It has been extremely reliable! Mine has 65,000 miles on it and the only problem I had was a gasket on the left side of the transmission that started leaking oil. I replaced it in about five minutes and it's been great since. It has had the tires replaced once a season due to the miles I put on it. I am replacing the chain and sprockets for the first time this winter. Admittedly, I am fanatical about maintenance so I'm sure that's why the C&S have never worn out. I have done a few upgrades to it just to get a little more power out of it. The brakes are still original too! So put quite simply, I have thought about replacing my Bandit 600 with something a little more modern but it has been so good to me that I can't justify getting rid of it. I highly recommended this bike! Show less

Power: Oh yes....it's there! Engine: It's very flexible with good down-ow torque, very linear vs. pull-your-arms-out-of-the-sockets power. Not buzzy IMO, however VERY cold-blooded. Handling: Keep in mind this is not a sport-bike but a sporty standard; that said it's very predictable and stable. Go R-6 chasing as required. Ergonomics: Controls fall readily to hand and the seating position/foot-to-peg relationship is sane enough to make 1.5/2hr sorties reasonable. Comfort: See above. Down-sides: Mirrors provide a great view of the elbows; mirrors vibrate too much in the upper rpm. range; seat could be better (nitpicky). Would I buy another one? IN A HEARTBEAT!!!! Show less

Well I've been looking at the Bandit for some time now and finally bought one. What a machine. I've had many bikes and I seem to circle back to the inline 4s. The riding comfort is not bad as far as the stock seat is concerned but the windshield needs to be replaced. I ordered the OEM touring screen which should improve things a little. I heard that the stock screen was terrible but I didn't think it was that bad as others have said. I think just a slightly taller screen would suit me well. I changed the oil when I got home. I like to change the oil right away (36 miles) not at 600 like the book says to. There is way too much fine metal in the oil that the filter misses in that short period of time. Read the "Motorman" site to see what I mean. I don't break in the motor like he suggests but I do see his point regarding the oil. Anyway I'm glad to get the bike and if you are thinking of getting one, don't hesitate. It's a fine machine. Show less

I bought this Bandit with 4,100 miles on it. It had all the upgrades listed as bought. It's the first bike in 35 years for me and I'm loving it. It has tons of torque and power. I drive it to work and back. The only problem I had was a stripped oil drain. At least it has a timesert now instead of those horrible aluminum threads. It's a great bike. I get 37 mpg. around town. Show less

I have had dozens of bikes and am coming off of a BMW R1200GS. This Bandit is smoother and pulls harder in every gear at any speed than the Beemer. It is not as sophisticated or complicated as the Beemer and the quality of components aren't as fine. What I truly believe is that it is a better street vehicle for on-road riding of any kind then the Beemer. It is uncomplicated, easy to use and service and that's what makes it the bargain of the century, not to mention the wonderful torque curve and engine. Show less

I have read a lot on this bike before I got it, so I will write on what I know. The bike will rock. It has bottom to top anywhere in the rpm. range. Open it up but have it pointed in the right direction. It is on the heavy side but still handles very well and, yes, the tires go fast. There are faster, lighter, more powerful bikes out there, but you will ching ching $$ much more. For the money you will not touch it. I wish it had a little bit more style but it's still smooth, fast and confortable. The motor in this thing has to be the strong point of this bike - again smooth, powerful. It pulls like crazy - a fun bike! Show less

After 20,000 miles, I decided to sell it to pay off a motorcycle I just had to buy earlier this year. It was a regrettable thing. This motorcycle has wrapped my head around what perfect handling and engineering can do for a riding experience. If I were not a die-hard cruiser compatriot, it would be my forever ride. The ABS delivers and the smooth torque and confidence of the seating position and hook up of the suspension got me thru emergency encounters with wild animals, ice, mud and thunderstorms. For less than $9k you can have your BMW and afford to take trips on it too, this is how. Love life and ride what you love, but know that sometimes choosing passion may mean leaving perfection behind, such as the case with this flawless flogger of hill and freeway. I never prematurely shredded my Road Pilot 2's I ran on front and back, but they do make harder rear tires if you have a heavy right hand that will give you lots of wear. Ride safe! Show less