Bandit vs Hornet?

[Trudes]

Hi all, Thinking of up-grading my GN and have been considering a Bandit 600 or maybe a Hornet 600 or possibly even a 900. Anyone out there ridden either one or both and can help with their opinions. I am kindda short and feel safer with something I can put both feet on the ground on when I pull up and also have some back issues, so need something that I don't have to lean over all day on. Cheers.

[Jantar]

Both are good choices. Go to your local bikes shops and take each for a test ride then se which suits you best.

Happy riding.

[Biff]

Hi all, Thinking of up-grading my GN and have been considering a Bandit 600 or maybe a Hornet 600 or possibly even a 900. Anyone out there ridden either one or both and can help with their opinions. I am kindda short and feel safer with something I can put both feet on the ground on when I pull up and also have some back issues, so need something that I don't have to lean over all day on. Cheers.

Hi and welcome

My first 'proper' road bike was a Hornet FS, and I can't speak highly enough of them. The only difference between an FS and a standard Hornet is that the FS is half faired, as per the attached photo. Great handling, smooth sprightly engine and very forgiving. It's engine is basically a de-tuned CBR600, designed to give progressive power throughout the range. Its seat height is great for the shorter person, although I'm not that short at 5'10". I even took mine touring across Europe once, complete with camping gear etc.

I rode the Bandit while testing several 600's, and while I found it to be a good bike, it didn't instil the confidence in my riding that the Hornet did.

I vote Hornet. But it's very important to ride as different bikes as possible to make sure they suit what you're looking for.

Good luck and happy shopping.

[et al]

Best you check both Bandit & Hornet out, at least have sit on each if not a test ride. I have owned both Bandit (600) and Hornet (900) - both good bikes which serve their purpose well. If you are looking to buy new then I recommend the Hornet 900, currently $10995 - got to be the bargain of the century (so far) I reckon.

[James Deuce]

Warning! The following statement completely disagres with Biff: If you are looking at the Hornet 600 and Bandit 600, the Bandit is the better bike. The better buy is et al's suggestion: get a Hornet 900. It is actually easier to ride in day to day usage than the 600, and the 900's suspension is streets ahead of the 600's.

If you really must have a 600, the Bandit is the better bike. It's my opinion of course, but I rode a large number of 600s and 750s from December to January, and the 2 Hornet 600s I tried were a bit let down by rudimentary suspension. The Bandit didn't have the top end of the Hornet, but it was better at every thing else. I also didn't like the way the Hornet locked me in one position on the seat and then proceeded to kick the crap out of my lower back every time I rode over something less than billiard table smooth.

You can also still get the GSX600F brand new for $9995 - heaps better than both the Hornet or the Bandit, again in my opinion, but I have at least owned one.

[Trudes]

Thanks for info, will probably look at either the Bandit 600 or Hornet 900 depending on the price (and if I can touch the ground)

[Zed]

Thanks for info, will probably look at either the Bandit 600 or Hornet 900 depending on the price (and if I can touch the ground)

A guy I work with, in his late 50's, rides a Suzooki Bandit 600 to work every day. He loves it!

Both 600cc bikes look the part and would be the right choice for your first upgrade from a 250cc motor! Best advice is to go test ride (decent 40+ min ride) both of them and base your decision on the experience!

[JohnBoy]

have a good look around when buying, a good mate of mine brought a hornet 900 on HP through Honda at a really cheap rate, somethin like 5 or 6%.
i haven't ridden the bandit but the 900 hornet has got my seal of approval, can be a really easy bike to ride and as your confidence grows the hornet can certinally go quick.

good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[Beemer]

How short is "kinda short"? I'm only 5'1" and as such my choice of bike has been a bit limited - I found the Bandit and the Hornet too tall for me, as was the SV650. It all depends on the length of your legs - mine are pretty short but I have seen others about the same height as me ride these bikes because their legs were longer compared to mine. You can have the bikes lowered and there are a few things that can be done to suit shorties; the best thing is to sit on them and see how comfortable you feel.

[Zapf]

the CB400 has a nice and low seat hight... but its more of a city bike. welcome to have a seat on mine

[Odin]

I'll also surgest you try out a few bikes. Get one that you are comftable with. you could look at cruiser style if you can't find any that suits in hight.
There is a site in the uk for biking girls that has a few tips and idears. It's a bit pink but might be wourth a browse : http://www.bikegirl.co.uk/resources/...idingtips.html

...oh, and welcome ;-)

[stevedee]

If you are keen on naked bikes, take a look at the Z750. Have never regretted buying one. Donno if there are many second hand ones out there. It fits right in between the 600 and 900 and you get the best of both worlds.

[Trudes]

the CB400 has a nice and low seat hight... but its more of a city bike. welcome to have a seat on mine

haha, umm, thanks, I think.
As for the bike looking, going to sit on a 900 Hornet tomorrow and hoping they have a bandit down the shop to hop on too. Leaning towards the Hornet, at the mo, just on looks that is. Will keep you posted on progress, but thanks all.

[Trudes]

Just looking on Trademe and someone in Auckland has a '03 Hornet 900 for sale, which I'm drooling over at the moment, pity I live in Wellington!