What the f@*#$ to buy?

[mitch.ww]

I've been round and round in circles for the last 3 or so months, looking at everything from ZZR's to ZXR's to CBR's to RG150s to RGV250s to Honda VTRs to Honda Hornets and also Suzuki Bandits.. Initially I really wanted a naked bike but didnt think I could afford a decent one and then I really wanted a 2 smoker, and to be honest the RGV would still be my first choice, only thing is the running costs and maintenance thats letting it down as its my first bike and I will be using it a lot to commute as well as do small tours, so the 2 smokers probably not ideal.. My next favourite would have to be a naked bike, and after riding the Hornet and the Bandit I really really liked both of them.. So it's come down to those two.. The hornet i'm looking at is $1000 more than the Bandit and has also done more kms albeit newer..

What are some of your thoughts?? Snatch the Bandit up or try and stretch another grand for the Hornet??

Please help :confused:

[Choco]

Hornet for sure! :D

Not just saying that because i'm selling mine, ask some of the swarmers what they think about the bike :yes:

Swarm thread here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=85963&page=116)

[PirateJafa]

Bandits are nice bikes.

So are Hornets (although IMO not worth the extra money they tend to go for - and dont' forget that due to the stupid wheel sizes tyres are a pain to get, and expensive to boot).

Other than that, they're essentially the same.

Same power, same handling.

My 2c. :niceone:

[dogsnbikes]

good to have the choice as long as you feel relaxed and at one with the bike thats all that matters best to take them test riding like for a good couple of hours

[Dave Lobster]

What's your budget?

[Crisis management]

Bugger these sensible replies, buy my 990 Adventure...think of it as a slightly bigger KDX200....go on, you know you want to!

[boman]

Gsf 250 bandit. 17" wheels, plenty of tyres. I bought a good one, with rough ish paint, for $4000.00. Never missed a beat. Only money I spent was fork seals because one leaked, and tyres and new chain and sprokets. Because I wanted too, not because I had too.

[mitch.ww]

What's your budget?

Budget is 4, and chocco wants just over 4 for his Hornet.. I could probably hit up the parentals for the top up but i'm a tight ass and would kinda rather the extra money haha as dare i say it, my project car needs finishing ASAP :mellow:

They were both very nice bikes to ride which is why i'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.. I'm trying to think about resale in 2 years at the moment to really make up my mind

[mitch.ww]

Bugger these sensible replies, buy my 990 Adventure...think of it as a slightly bigger KDX200....go on, you know you want to!

You know what, I'd love to haha but as you can see by my previous post I have a limited budget.. I need to sell some of my wheels!! 3 cars and 2 bikes is a bit excessive :laugh: and come hopefully this weekend there will be another bike!!

[fatzx10r]

there is a 04 zx10r for sale on here only $7500, great we bike':devil2:s

[mitch.ww]

Gsf 250 bandit. 17" wheels, plenty of tyres. I bought a good one, with rough ish paint, for $4000.00. Never missed a beat. Only money I spent was fork seals because one leaked, and tyres and new chain and sprokets. Because I wanted too, not because I had too.

Very valid point, a 280 rear tyre is gonna be a bitch to replace, and pricey too!! How many kms had yours done?? This is a 1992, 12000 kms, overall very tidy condition.. looking at it for $3300.. Fair price you think??

[smoky]

The bandit has a better choice of tyre size

but not knowing what year the bikes are; are any of them fuel injected?
If the Hornet is and bandit isn't then it's probably worth the extra, if not then go for the bandit

[PirateJafa]

The bandit has a better choice of tyre size

but not knowing what year the bikes are; are any of them fuel injected?
If the Hornet is and bandit isn't then it's probably worth the extra, if not then go for the bandit
Both are carb'd IL4's.

[Drew]

Get a PERM.

[mitch.ww]

Both are carb'd IL4's.

indeed....

[piston broke]

one word...Ducati

[smoky]

Both are carb'd IL4's.

In that case I'd go for the Bandit
Tyres are a better size, the torque of the Suzuki is wider across the rev range, Torquer at lower revs means more fun without having to ring it's neck
The Hornet gets it's torque up higher in the rev range and you have to really ride it in the higher revs to get the same fun value - but if you like riding in the higher revs then you'll probably have more fun on the Hornet

The other thing to think about is cost to run and to upgrade

The Suzuki will be cheaper to upgrade suspension, brakes or the can than the Hornet, Suzuki parts are cheaper if you drop it.

[mitch.ww]

Thanks for all the thoughts, from those of you that are half serious haha

Looks like the bandit it is for me :)

PS: Sorry Chocco haha

[PirateJafa]

and you have to really ride it in the higher revs to get the same fun value

The Bandit has VTEC bro!

<img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c43/Mad_Aussie/f1a71225.jpg">

[Insanity_rules]

one word...Ducati

Three words "buy a Ducati"

[Choco]

PS: Sorry Chocco haha

No worries man! hope you find your dream bike soon!!!

[marioc]

I can report my Bandit has given me 2 years of trouble free running.

[Bend-it]

started on a bandit and it did its magic, i.e. got me a full license.

Don't try and go "dream bike" for your 250, 'coz you'll just sell it and upgrade when you get your full.

Get an okay bike that is selling for less than what you think you can sell it for, then use the extra cash for your proper bike!

I bought my bandit for $4200, did no work, got my full, sold for $4600, then bought an RF900 for $5000, replaced front brake disk, sold for $5100 2.5 years later! :)

[boman]

Very valid point, a 280 rear tyre is gonna be a bitch to replace, and pricey too!! How many kms had yours done?? This is a 1992, 12000 kms, overall very tidy condition.. looking at it for $3300.. Fair price you think??

Mine was a 1995, with VVT, had done 25000kms. Alot of fun. Changed the front sproket to give it better fuel economy. Revs at 8000 rpm at 100km instead of 9000 rpm at 100km. Does about 160ish kms to a tank, although I ran it to reserve at 180km the last time I rode it any great distance. Took me to Taupo with no dramas. Never had any dramas finding tyres for it. Running Pirelli Diablos on it. They handle well on it I thought.

[mitch.ww]

Thanks for all the info and advice guys.. I am now the proud owner of a Suzuki Bandit :chase:

[PirateJafa]

Ah.

A man of distinction and taste. :niceone:

[quickbuck]

Very valid point, a 280 rear tyre is gonna be a bitch to replace, and pricey too!! How many kms had yours done?? This is a 1992, 12000 kms, overall very tidy condition.. looking at it for $3300.. Fair price you think??

280 rear? Don't think so.
Closer to 180. Anyhow, very easy to replace. 3300 for a 12000k bike is a pretty fair price.

[mitch.ww]

280 rear? Don't think so.
Closer to 180. Anyhow, very easy to replace. 3300 for a 12000k bike is a pretty fair price.

haha shit sorry :confused: I did mean 180.. 280 is massive!!