I've had my 2001 600S for 5 months now. Was given a loan of a 1200 for 3 days about 3 years ago and decided than that a Bandit was the bike for me ... but that a 600 would be heaps big enough. Toured the West Coast two up with gear for a week with no problems (except chewing out the sports rear tyre that came with the bike). Totally satisfied with the bike.
Had my 2004 K4 1200 since Feb this year. Moved up from a Honda NTV Revere 600. Just a HUGE lift in power and joy. Went for a great ride up to Taranaki last weekend mainly trailing my mates Ninja 12. That thing is a rocket ship. I'm happy with the Bandit. I commute every day all weather. Totally reliable and easy to ride but has the grunt and handling beyond my capability out on a trip. I am one of those boomers who used to commute 30+ years ago then got promoted into a company car and went soft for decades. Fortunately, sanity has prevailed. No more company cars, the bike is the only option and the best at that.
Cool you guys are enjoying your bandits,I only have a baby 250,as I'm on my learners. But it's still a fun bike!
Yep. When I had that loaner 1200 three years ago I was surprised how well it handled the daily commute. The 600 is just as good. Enough power, enough presence, good economy (19km/l) and a nice comfortable ride.
My 2005 K5 SZ is my second 1200. Stubby Scorpion can and holes in the airbox lid has given it 108 rear wheel horsepower.Ohlins Traxxion and Racetech allows me to eliminate chicken strips without scaring myself. I have a Kerker can to fit a '96 to '01 Bandit 1200 or 600 (3 bolt flange mount) if anyone is looking for a can.
Looking for the best place in Wellington or Lower Hutt to take my 1200 K4 for a tune up, carb balance etc. Cheers
I've owned my 650 since April 2007. I bought it as a cheap commuter bike to replace a Honda that got old and died. It was cheap as it was a 2005 model still unsold in 2007 ... zero ks, not even oil and a battery in it ... I love it so much last year (2009) I sold my BMW weekend and long-distance bike and replaced it with the 1250 Bandit. I love them. Great fun bikes without being a totally aggressive sports bike ... and I'll try on most sports bikes on them as sports bike riders aren't always as good as they think ... and if they are ... well that's fine too ... I'm not going to break me or the bike trying to catch them .
