Another Hornet Bandit thread

[mynemesis]

So I managed to sell my Hyo today. Leaving me with a half built vfr400 project in the garage and nothing to ride. What a day for riding it was too!

I've been going round in circles trying to decide what to get next and after all the deliberating, I've landed (at least for now) back between the Hornet 919 or a Bandit 1200. Whatever one comes up first at the right price, year, mileage, etc.

Having not ridden either before, I am wondering if anyone out there can advise me on any common faults, weaknesses to look out for when inspecting one and also if you think I should trust my gut (or Butt when riding one) or if I should pay for at least a compression check before committing to one?



Also, if anyone in Auckland maybe feels charitable enough to give me a go on their Hornet or bandit to give me some reference point.......

Unfortunately I can't go blag any test rides yet from a bike shop as my full licence cbta doesn't kick in until December :-(

[AllanB]

I chose the Hornet. Never regretted it. Can't go wrong with either though.

[nzspokes]

Had a Hornet. Was ok. Got a 1200 Bandit, much better. Handles better.

[Ender EnZed]

I've ridden both but owned neither. For a bike for city commuting, including lanesplitting and especially parking in dodgy places, I'd go with the Hornet. It really is impressively small and easy to handle for a 100 hp bike with no big downside.

For recreational riding or an easy commute I'd rather have the Bandit. It's not much better at it, but it is better.

[mynemesis]

Thanks guys. Yeah I'm likely to go with the first good deal I find on either at this stage tbh. Couple cheap Bandits on TM right now down the line, but too far for me to take a punt on.

I only got about 4k to spend right now as I have other frivolous 2 wheeled things pulling at my pockets too.

No commuting here so will just be a bit of fun weekend / sunny day bike. But my wrist is too buggered to lean forward for long and ride a sports bike.

[nzspokes]

My Bandit was 2k. Just got to wait for the right bike.

[mynemesis]

My Bandit was 2k. Just got to wait for the right bike.

2k!? for a 1200cc?

Wow I guess I better wait a bit then if thats the case.

[nzspokes]

2k!? for a 1200cc?

Wow I guess I better wait a bit then if thats the case.

Yup. 1200. Gen 2. Put a hayabusa shock in the back and it goes great. Sold my Hornet for 3k.

[AllanB]

All relative to the bike and seller.

Year, condition and kms on it.

[mynemesis]

Sweet! so you recommend upgrading the rear shocks generally or was that done due to the factory unit being stuffed?

[nzspokes]

Sweet! so you recommend upgrading the rear shocks generally or was that done due to the factory unit being stuffed?

Stock shock when 2 up is not up to it. Got a Busa shock for $60.

[Gremlin]

Done about 106k on a CB919 in the last 8.5 years. I consider them as very under-rated bikes and don't seem to be popular now (which makes them a bargain). Reliability wise I think they have to be one of the very best. Top CB919 I know of, ex courier has done 250k+ (with some work on gears now). A mates has done about 160k, mine is at 132k, another mate has one with 90k ish. No major problems with any of them.

Stock suspension is crap, straight out of the bargain bin - I've got an Ohlins rear shock and Racetech internals in the front. Stock handlebars are a horrible angle - I've got wide MX bars, which while they make splitting harder, give much better leverage over the bike. Givi luggage racks as well, always have a top box for gear.

Detuned Fireblade motor is almost bulletproof. Enough power to do about 200kph, but enough grunt to take off from lights in 2nd, pulls in pretty much any gear, and you can even get it into 6th without using the throttle...

As for issues, sometimes the OEM rear wheel bearings don't last too long. I think I recall front or rear wheel bearings are an odd size as well (shop sorts it, not me). First clutch cable lasted 60k, second got 70k... but mine is probably one of the hardest working hornets.

Love it for commuting, but not really for the country. Got my BMW for that.

[mynemesis]

Thanks Gremlin. It does seem like most people that have both rate the bandit just a touch higher than the 919 in the fun / grinning stakes. Must be that old 1100 engine revving away I guess!?

If I knew more about what they're meant to be like, I'd be tempted to shoot down the line to one of the cheap ones on TM.

Both seem strong and fairly good at all things. So just waiting now for the summer rush of bike sales to start online.

[Gremlin]

Thanks Gremlin. It does seem like most people that have both rate the bandit just a touch higher than the 919 in the fun / grinning stakes. Must be that old 1100 engine revving away I guess!?
CB919 is typical Honda. Brilliant at nothing, good at everything, which you come to appreciate as being brilliant in itself.

However, if you're looking for fun... then it's probably more likely to suck your soul. For commuting, it's fantastic! :laugh: Wanna have fun? It can do it. Sick/feeling like crap and want to trundle home? It can do that too...

[AllanB]

Honda is physically more attractive than the Bandit and finish is superior as well IMO. Typical budget Suzuki stuff. Suzuki engine is also a well proven workhorse. Watch out of some 2004's - there was a oil burning batch due to the oil ring holes in the pistons being too large.

GS1200ss is worth a look - owned one and it was a blast. Cheap as chips now. run the 1200 engine.

[nzspokes]

Honda is physically more attractive than the Bandit and finish is superior as well IMO. Typical budget Suzuki stuff. Suzuki engine is also a well proven workhorse. Watch out of some 2004's - there was a oil burning batch due to the oil ring holes in the pistons being too large.

GS1200ss is worth a look - owned one and it was a blast. Cheap as chips now. run the 1200 engine.

That was the first of the Gen2s K1 models. K4s are fine.

[CRM]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet. :yes:

[haydes55]

Kawasaki Z1000
As it so happens I know of a good one for sale ;)

[mynemesis]

Kawasaki Z1000
As it so happens I know of a good one for sale ;)

You saw my budget is $4k right.......!?

[haydes55]

You saw my budget is $4k right.......!?
It's called barter. What can you offer? I don't accept children or animals as part trade.

[Maha]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet. :yes:

I sold my near new 1250FA for $10K last year, complete with panniers and top box. Right time etc and there are bargains to be had.

[mynemesis]

It's called barter. What can you offer? I don't accept children or animals as part trade.

Thanks Hayden. It's nice to consider, but to be honest I am sticking with the Bandit / Hornet option for now.

If I could afford a near new, low km one I might consider a z1000. But I can't. Cheers though.

Any mechanics in Levin wanna do a pre purchase on a bandit for me......?

[The End]

I'm bias towards the Hornet since I have never ridden a Bandit :sweatdrop

For me it does everything I need and more. I've (long and short distance) commuted on it, taken it to the track, ridden it hard on the weekend and used for two up trips a few times too.

Yes people will claim it has its faults (as any bike does) - especially with the suspension - but for me since I don't have anything to compare it to, I don't really know what I am missing out on.

And also.... dat exhaust sound :scooter: :scooter: :scooter:

[nzspokes]

I've ridden a couple of Bandit 1200's and just didn't connect with them for some reason - then rode a 1250 and that was incredible - just so smooth - a near new one but in the end decided too much money.

Just sold my Hornet 900 as need the money for another project, but it was a great bike - superb all-rounder. As someone said they are a bit smaller so at 5'9 was just perfect size for me. Easy to wheel around the garage, or park in town, but massive performance when you want it. I'd vote for the Hornet. :yes:

1200s are way lean from the factory. Drill a 1.5" hole in the airbox, go to 110 mains and one clip on the needles and they fly.

Mind you a few small mods and the 1250s make 140hp.

[schrodingers cat]

When I had my bike stolen earlier this year, after sulking for a couple months, I started looking at what to buy.
I kept coming back to Bandits but just couldn't bring myself to buy one. They're just sooooooooooooo vanilla.
Nothing wrong in that I suppose but I do like to walk into the garage, looks at my toys and be a bit 'fuck yeah'

[rua]

I bought a hornet new as a step up from a 250, found it unintimidating but entertaining enough for a few years and 60+kms.
No issues at all, found it comfortable (5'9", tubby) and a great daily commute, weekend hooner and light tourer.
Basic maintenance was simple, even for me.
Never really used it 2 up, maybe that matters to you.

when I returned after a short break from bikes I was looking for another as an all rounder, bought a cb1300 on condition/price in the end but would happily have another.

[mynemesis]

Thanks for all the feedback / opinions guys.

Interesting about the bandit intake mods. I don't think it's enough to sway me completely, but definitely means it'll be interesting no matter which one I end up with. How much of an improvment do you think "flys" equals? Seriously interested and not being flippant as it sounds :-)


Yeah I get the "Fuck yeah!" Factor. Just budget and carpal tunnel dictating the current situation being a bandit / Hornet compromise.

Maybe the bobber project will give me a bit of that.....?

[AllanB]

Bars are easy to change on either ride. Stock Honda ones are kind of weird - high and narrow. I ran Renthal ultra lows - wider, lower and gave you a nice tilt forwards.

[nzspokes]

Thanks for all the feedback / opinions guys.

Interesting about the bandit intake mods. I don't think it's enough to sway me completely, but definitely means it'll be interesting no matter which one I end up with. How much of an improvment do you think "flys" equals? Seriously interested and not being flippant as it sounds :-)


Yeah I get the "Fuck yeah!" Factor. Just budget and carpal tunnel dictating the current situation being a bandit / Hornet compromise.

Maybe the bobber project will give me a bit of that.....?

With a slip on pipe about 20hp and a chunk of torque.

Carpel tunnel, just get the op and be done with it.

[mynemesis]

Wasn't given the option to have it fixed. Seems that only going numb while riding my bike doesn't qualify as needing surgery. Guess that's fair I suppose.

So slip on, airbox and carb jets / tuning should give it a good kick!?

Cheers

[nzspokes]

Wasn't given the option to have it fixed. Seems that only going numb while riding my bike doesn't qualify as needing surgery. Guess that's fair I suppose.

So slip on, airbox and carb jets / tuning should give it a good kick!?

Cheers

You can get it done privately cheaply. If you have it riding it will get worse and become a problem.

[mynemesis]

You can get it done privately cheaply. If you have it riding it will get worse and become a problem.

Ill have to look into it. guessing "cheap" is a relative term. I got compacted wisdom tooth surgery booked for end of the month. That aint cheap!:shit:

[nzspokes]

Ill have to look into it. guessing "cheap" is a relative term. I got compacted wisdom tooth surgery booked for end of the month. That aint cheap!:shit:

$1600 I think. Or its on heaps of Youtube vids so you can DIY. :crazy:

[The End]

If you are serious enough about getting the Hornet, you're more than welcome to have a look (and maybe give it a test ride if I like you + you sign a waiver or somethin') at mine.

Its not for sale at the moment, but if it helps you either way let me know.

please don't make me regret blindly trusting another biker

[Big Dog]

Only getting carpal tunnel when on a bike also often relates to lever position.

I used to get it occasionally on the hayabusa because I was to vain to go to heli bars and I couldn't get the straight line between elbows wrists and levers without encountering the fairing. 6'4" 140kg has its challenges.

Got the same on the Dr and cb1300 as well but this vanished with flat bars and proper lever angles.

Sent via tapatalk.

[nzspokes]

Only getting carpal tunnel when on a bike also often relates to lever position.

I used to get it occasionally on the hayabusa because I was to vain to go to heli bars and I couldn't get the straight line between elbows wrists and levers without encountering the fairing. 6'4" 140kg has its challenges.

Got the same on the Dr and cb1300 as well but this vanished with flat bars and proper lever angles.

Sent via tapatalk.

Then its not Carpel Tunnel issues. They dont just go away.

[Maha]

Seems that only going numb while riding my bike doesn't qualify as needing surgery.
Cheers

Most riders at some point must have had carpel tunnel :confused:

There are threads a plenty on the numb feeling whilst riding, and THAT can be fixed without surgery :niceone:

[mynemesis]

If you are serious enough about getting the Hornet, you're more than welcome to have a look (and maybe give it a test ride if I like you + you sign a waiver or somethin') at mine.

Its not for sale at the moment, but if it helps you either way let me know.

please don't make me regret blindly trusting another biker

Thanks for the offer mate. Yeah I may well be interested in checking yours out at a convenient time for you. Would be awesome to get a feel for one without the pressure of sale environment too. Yeah any waiver or bond even if that makes you feel a little better?. I know how vulnerable it feels letting someone else ride your bike. Probably part of the reason I accepted the first offer I got on my Hyo. I hate the whole process of selling and of buying a bike, car or anything semi expensive.


Thank you. I'll PM you later if thats cool?

Interesting feedback regarding the lever placement causing the numbness. I can see how that could add pressure having the fingers / wrist bending up more. I'll experiment once I get a new bike. Cheers for raising it.


And just fyi, according to my doctor, it can just come and go fairly quickly when not very severe. As is the nature of any nerve inflammation, or so I was told at least is all. In addition to my riding numbness, I also get a few other weird symptoms that are caused by the carpal nerve being pressured. But none are painful, so I don't get any medical sympathy :weep:

Either way I think I'll avoid any dyi surgical cures for now and maybe look at private treatment in the future if it gets any worse. Hopefully that lever positioning will help.

[nzspokes]

Either way I think I'll avoid any dyi surgical cures for now and maybe look at private treatment in the future if it gets any worse. Hopefully that lever positioning will help.

Easy bro, few whiskeys and a mate with steady hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVPe5WTl5yg

[mynemesis]

Easy bro, few whiskeys and a mate with steady hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVPe5WTl5yg

I got to 3:29 and then straight away.......:motu:

[Big Dog]

Then its not Carpel Tunnel issues. They dont just go away.
I am aware it is not true carpal tunnel.
It is consistent symptoms. op specified when riding.
Ie the localised numbness of just 2 and a half fingers.

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[Big Dog]

Doc and physio both told be to treat this as a warning of what was to come.
Their combined wisdom?
Stretch my fingers and roll my wrists with my arms extended in front of me.
Look for ways to spend less time holding my hands and wrists in unnatural positions, go to a split keyboard, move mouse to the left of the keyboard, change my bars. Etc.

8 years on from following that advice I get the occasional numbness when I type fast for a long time. So seems to work.

Sent via tapatalk.

[mynemesis]

Doc and physio both told be to treat this as a warning of what was to come.
Their combined wisdom?
Stretch my fingers and roll my wrists with my arms extended in front of me.
Look for ways to spend less time holding my hands and wrists in unnatural positions, go to a split keyboard, move mouse to the left of the keyboard, change my bars. Etc.

8 years on from following that advice I get the occasional numbness when I type fast for a long time. So seems to work.

Sent via tapatalk.

What's the thinking behind moving the mouse to the left side of the keyboard?

Or is that just because your symptoms are primarily in the right hand too?

PS - urhm just wondering? Any Hayabusa experts around North Palmy on here??

[Big Dog]

The development life cycle of the keyboard has resulted in each new development being added to the side most people have their dominant hand on.
The mouse on the other hand was originally intended to give disabled people computer access. As such does not require much in the way of fine motor skills.

Try it with your left. Awkward at first but should be pretty natural after an hour or two.

By moving the mouse to the left your keyboard can be more central.
Left to their own devices most people either lean to the mouse or bend their wrists to accommodate their left offset keyboard. With the keyboard central and the mouse to the left the wrist and back are much straighter.

Sent via tapatalk.

[mynemesis]

Ok, that makes sense. I'll give that a go.

This place if full of good stuff!

[Big Dog]

Took me a week of working like that to be able to say it was the same speed but data entry gets quicker because you can use the mouse and number pad almost simultaneously.

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[PrincessBandit]

Love the Bandit (never ridden a Hornet though) but el bandito is a much heavier bike (dry weight of 236 kg vs 194 kg). I guess if you're a muscly man, which I'm not, it probably makes little difference. The other thing I love about the bandit is that it doesn't have a "humpy" tank; but then neither does the Hornet.
Toss a coin.... :msn-wink:

[mynemesis]

Made an offer on a bandit today, even though I'd swung towards a Hornet after meeting up with The End and talking to him about his.

Just can't pass over a bandit with only 3000km. Even if it is $2k over my budget.

Just waiting to see if he'll accept my offer now.....


Trying out the left hand mouse past 2 days and it feels really weird. Will give it a week and see how it goes.

[AllanB]

Good stuff. I hope you haven't left the poor bugger needing to wear panty pads in his undies.

[Banditbandit]

Made an offer on a bandit today, even though I'd swung towards a Hornet after meeting up with The End and talking to him about his.

Just can't pass over a bandit with only 3000km. Even if it is $2k over my budget.

Just waiting to see if he'll accept my offer now.....



Good choice ... Bandits are a little better ...

[Maha]

Good choice ... Bandits are a little better ...

And so say all Bandit owners. :rolleyes:

[mynemesis]

And so say all Bandit owners. :rolleyes:

ahhh Secularism at it's best....

....Jesus would be proud (because he rode a bandit too ya know).

[Big Dog]

ahhh Secularism at it's best....

....Jesus would be proud (because he rode a bandit too ya know).
You have that wrong. He was a bandit according to the law of man. For this he was crucified.

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[mynemesis]

You have that wrong. He was a bandit according to the law of man. For this he was crucified.

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haha yes this is true. I would carry this conversation line on, except I fear an extremist christian sect may attack me for doing so.....

.....so instead heres a picture of Jesus:facepalm:

[Virago]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlBiLNN1NhQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

. .

[Banditbandit]

And so say all Bandit owners. :rolleyes:

See post 3 .. owned both - prefered the bandit (and it wasn't me ...)