Bike choices? [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

awa355

17th June 2012, 16:12

Am looking at a 1999 Gsf600 bandit, 40,000ks. $4000, and a 2000 Honda Hornet 600. 51,000ks, $4300. I'm not into hard riding, just want a bike that is comfortable, doesn't need a new set of tyres every weekend, and priced about the 4g mark.

I'm currently looking at my options of roadbikes. ( 250-600) Have gone away from the idea of a trail bike.

Has anyone had any experiences with either the 600 Bandit or Hornet? Thanks.

240

17th June 2012, 16:17

Both would be fine, I had a hornet 600 and loved it.
I would Bing them both and check out how many ks till any major work needed on each model,but both are japanese and from major manufacturers so really i would not expect any probs with either.
See which one fits you best then enjoy!

Oakie

17th June 2012, 16:49

Still plenty of life left in the Bandit at 40000k. They were upgraded after the 1999 model but the older ones are still great for what you describe. So impressed am I that when mine eventually needs replacing I'll probably just get another Bandit. Oh, nothing wrong with the Honda either so don't stress over the choice. Just go with whatever feels better under you.

SMOKEU

17th June 2012, 17:27

Personally I'd go for the Honda due to the better build quality. I own 2 Suzuki bikes as well.

blackdog

17th June 2012, 17:37

Personally I'd go for the Honda due to the better build quality.

What a load of horseshit.

SMOKEU

17th June 2012, 17:48

What a load of horseshit.

That's all you seem to be capable of.

Fast Eddie

17th June 2012, 17:55

:corn:

.....

blackdog

17th June 2012, 17:56

That's all you seem to be capable of.

We are talking about machines more than ten years old. The way each bike has been treated is going to be exponentially more important than your assumption that a Honda was somehow built better than a Suzuki.

SMOKEU

17th June 2012, 18:01

We are talking about machines more than ten years old. The way each bike has been treated is going to be exponentially more important than your assumption that a Honda was somehow built better than a Suzuki.

Funny that considering how just about every second nut and bolt on my GSXR has been rounded off, whereas on the Honda I used to have I would use adjustable spanners on the nuts and bolts and they would never round off. Even the seat on the Suzuki took about 20 minutes to remove the first time because the bolts were so badly rounded off. Bits and pieces like nuts, bolts, assorted fastners, switches etc are all of a far poorer quality on the Suzuki than on the Honda I had.

awa355

17th June 2012, 18:18

Funny that considering how just about every second nut and bolt on my GSXR has been rounded off, whereas on the Honda I used to have I would use adjustable spanners on the nuts and bolts and they would never round off. Even the seat on the Suzuki took about 20 minutes to remove the first time because the bolts were so badly rounded off. Bits and pieces like nuts, bolts, assorted fastners, switches etc are all of a far poorer quality on the Suzuki than on the Honda I had.

Rounded off bolt heads are a sign of ignorant usage of tools, not build quality. I refuse pointblank to go near my bikes with a cresent, unless there is no other options. I would imagine, that all Jap manufacturers buy all their nuts and bolts from the same Tokyo Warehouse.

SMOKEU

17th June 2012, 18:27

Rounded off bolt heads are a sign of ignorant usage of tools, not build quality. I refuse pointblank to go near my bikes with a cresent, unless there is no other options. I would imagine, that all Jap manufacturers buy all their nuts and bolts from the same Tokyo Warehouse.

The metal for the nuts and bolts is just far too soft on the Suzuki. It's no big deal though, and I replace them with stainless steel ones when I need to which are very cheap and hard metal. The switches also feel cheaply made on the Suzuki, and don't have that solid feel that the Honda had. Again, not a big deal as it's just minor details and nothing major.

nzspokes

17th June 2012, 18:43

Well I just gots me a K1 Bandit 1200. What an epic bike, love it. I think the 600 has similar ergonomics. Stacks of parts for them to.

Take a look at the JustBandits site for lots of bling for em.

akkadian

17th June 2012, 18:47

Just about get a 900 Hornet for that money. Any reason you want a 600?

awa355

17th June 2012, 19:11

Just about get a 900 Hornet for that money. Any reason you want a 600?

I prefer the lighter bikes. A 600 will go as quick as I will ever want to go. Figured a 600 would be easier on tyres, brakes etc. I dont ride hard and happy to cruise at 100kph. Have just sold a 246kg cruiser, Too big and heavy at low speeds and tight corners.

I took a little GPX250 for a blat this afternoon and had a ball winging it through the corners.

nzspokes

17th June 2012, 19:11

Rounded off bolt heads are a sign of ignorant usage of tools, not build quality. I refuse pointblank to go near my bikes with a cresent, unless there is no other options. I would imagine, that all Jap manufacturers buy all their nuts and bolts from the same Tokyo Warehouse.

Agreed. When I did my apprenticeship the head mechanic had a crescent mounted on the wall with grease on it.

If any mechanic used one they would get his 15" crescent rammed where the sun dont shine. :shit::shutup:

Needless to say, we didnt use crescents.

awa355

17th June 2012, 19:48

Agreed. When I did my apprenticeship the head mechanic had a crescent mounted on the wall with grease on it.

If any mechanic used one they would get his 15" crescent rammed where the sun dont shine. :shit::shutup:

Needless to say, we didnt use crescents.

Our metalwork teacher at high school wouldn't have a cresent in the workshop. "The correct size spanner for the nut" we were taught.

Actually, the most abused tool in any toolbox would be the screwdriver.

SILVER SUZI

18th June 2012, 13:34

Gremlin

18th June 2012, 13:42

Just about get a 900 Hornet for that money. Any reason you want a 600?
I'd take a 900 over the 600, there are heaps of 900s around, the 600 is quite thin on the ground. The 900 is also one of the most bulletproof bikes around... courier did over 200,000km on one, mate has done 130,000km and I've done 104,000km, but pretty much all commuting for about 80,000km (which is hard on bikes). Nothing goes wrong.... just service every 6k.

Botany Honda mechs have never had an engine apart yet, and think they might have had one with a little issue... bearing in mind they've seen a lot of them...

ducatilover

18th June 2012, 14:01

The Hornet6 is a brilliant bike, but it'll be chaper/easier to get Bandit6 parts.
The Hornet will perform better for a spirited rider, but both will perform perfectly for what you're wanting.
Have you looked at any other similar bikes? Yamaha FZ6 (early ones may be a bit peaky in the motor, but then again, hard core people said that)
Suzuki GS500.
Things with fairings?
Kawasaki ZZR600E onwards
GSX600F etc etc.
You're spoiled for choice :niceone:

SVboy

18th June 2012, 14:50

Both good bikes-a bit dear for the years and Kms? Ignore Smokeshits dribble. She wouldnt know her arse from her elbow-maintainence history is more important than any percieved honda v suzuki thing.

SHELRACING

18th June 2012, 14:55

You would do well to consider an SV650. An awesome bike. Extremely popular and well rated, and for good reason, I had a SV650 and SV1000. Of all the bikes I have had over the years, these two would rank as two of my favourites. I'd buy either of these again.

The early 650's are starting to come into your price range. eg
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-482911695.htm

DR650gary

18th June 2012, 15:01

Give Des a call, 06 3680771 (after tomorrow). May be too far away for you but I think he has a 200? Hornet tucked away for less than your budget.

awa355

18th June 2012, 16:11

You've not been on this site long have you. Otherwise you would already know............................ If you're GAY buy a Honda, if not, buy the Suzuki.:psst:

Next question?

Actually, I've owned several Hondas, And I'm not gay.

Ask ya mother:bleh::bleh:

BuzzardNZ

19th June 2012, 12:12

I owned a hornet 600 and hated it, worst bike I've ever owned.

Ender EnZed

19th June 2012, 12:45

awa355

19th June 2012, 13:00

Here's another '99 Bandit 600 for $4k (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484229024.htm) at a dealer with slightly lower kms. This (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-483518876.htm) might be worth a look as well.

I appreciate your time to help.

Thats the one I had on my list. Got some info on it from the shop. It had Michelin Pilots fitted in Jan and chain and sprockets in March. I'm going to go up next days off and have a look. The local Hornet 600 I also found has been sold.

Am also looking at the Hamilton shops. My trouble is, I took my money from my bike sale into the bank and had a choice of another bike straight away or settling some debt. Paid off two cards in full so may have to sell the wifes wedding ring to go bike buying. or else wait a couple of months.

DR650gary

19th June 2012, 17:28

I appreciate your time to help.

Thats the one I had on my list. Got some info on it from the shop. It had Michelin Pilots fitted in Jan and chain and sprockets in March. I'm going to go up next days off and have a look. The local Hornet 600 I also found has been sold.

Am also looking at the Hamilton shops. My trouble is, I took my money from my bike sale into the bank and had a choice of another bike straight away or settling some debt. Paid off two cards in full so may have to sell the wifes wedding ring to go bike buying. or else wait a couple of months.

As I said

Give Des a call, 06 3680771 He has a 200? Hornet tucked away for less than your budget.