Well, I've been tootling around on the 250 Bandit for a wee bit over 2800km, not nearly enough.
I thought I should write a review for anyone looking at lower priced LAMS legal bikes, or 250cc bikes in general.
Having stepped from my ZX6 and the mighty Geoff the GN, this has been an interesting wee machine to own and ride.
I though I would be pissed off with it being a small four cylinder, but am pleasantly surprised with the power delivery, it's seamless from 2000rpm up to the 15,000 red line. No flat spots or surging, which is very strange for one of these. I may have the only one without leaking floats, worn emulsion tubes and intake boots that aren't ruined? Either way, it's piss easy to ride and doesn't require the revs and throttle inputs I expected.
Power wise it's impressive for such a tiny wee machine, decent amount of torque for a 250 and more top end power than my mighty Spada had.
Brakes, it stops nicely with the HH pads I pinched from my ZX6 rear end (who the hell needs pads like that on the rear? and the Bandit has the same caliper on the front) but nothing special. Rear brakes? Who cares, it works but I don't know if I have actually bothered to use it.
Suspension, adequate for commuting and a wee bit of back road fun. Ride quality is rather average, but the rear shock is not too flash. The front end doesn't seem to twist much over faster mid corner bumps, expected as it has 41mm forks with a brace. But it's pretty low tech, happy go lucky. Certainly enough for most riding and what not. Wouldn't bother upgrading that aspect
It's well laid out and roomy for me (I'm 5ft6.5 and sub 60kg, so even a scooter feels like a Rolls to me), but the seat is lacking in comfort if you ride more than 100km at a time.
On the first weekend I got the bike I did a 900km trip and my arse felt positively abused, as if Honda riders got me drunk?
I chucked another set of slightly lower bars on it that were a little better set up to kill vibrations, that sorted it out at the speed limit.
If you're a taller fulla, you may not like how high the pegs are. They give plenty enough ground clearance with the spongy suspension and my small weight, but I expect much dragging is imminent with a more generously proportioned pilot
Sport Demons are pretty nice too
I have no real complaints about it (surprisingly) other than the seat, which I shall sort.
No, this is not getting modified like the other two
Obligatory image I spose
I would recommend one as a sub $3000 bike.
Originally Posted by Paul in NZ
Reply With Quote
His reply would be something like - that's what sheep in the catching pen are for - 
and the build is never ending 
and you forget the GNDR600/Geoff, which is making tiny steps of prgress
but the Bandit would be worth more and that means a happier Kawasaki...
Bookmarks