raptor, sv, or bandit 650

**eliot-ness** · 2nd April 2006, 13:20

Apart from the dubious pleasure of spending an extra few $Ks what, if any, are the advantages of the Raptor 650 over the SV 650 which uses the same motor. Does anyone here have experience of both or either? Also on the list is the Bandit 650, still an unknown quantity but on paper fills the required needs, seat height, weight, torque and power output. Not interested in high performance but prefer quick handling and reasonable acceleration. Any comments on these or other similar bikes much appreciated. Seat height is the main consideration. Up to 790mm prefered.

**moko** · 2nd April 2006, 13:41

Dont touch the Cagiva for god`s sake as the factory just lurches from one disaster to the next and even in the U.k. the spares situation is chronic,as you say it shares the SV motor but if you`re un-lucky enough to damage a Cagiva bit then be prepared for a long wait.
Latest SV seat height is 800mm but it`s also narrow which might make a slight difference.650 Bandit seat adjusts from 770-790mm(Brit market spec but I doubt there`s a difference in N.Z.)It`s a bit soggy and you`ll find the SV`s handling a lot sportier,neither are hot-shots speed-wise while being perfectly good bikes for everyday use.Road tests show the new Bandit to be torquier than the older bike but not up with Fazers,Hornets e.t.c. but from what you say that`s not an issue and plenty quick enough for most on the road,I`d have one.New SV`s with the little headlight cowl and black frames look really neat,nice handling machine,loads of fun and again plenty quick enough on the road.

**stevedee** · 2nd April 2006, 13:53

Mate I know I am a bit one eyed but why not test ride a Kawasaki Z750 or Z750S? you may get the best of both worlds, reasonably fast and flickable, nice torque. Can leave it in 6th at 50 Km/h no probs. The seat height is not to bad, I'm only 5'4" but the bike is so well balanced it may suit you as well? Most people are taller than me. Another good thing about the Z is that it is about the same price as 600/650.

spd:-)

**moko** · 2nd April 2006, 13:57

ER6 might be worth a look as well

**pritch** · 2nd April 2006, 13:59

BIKE magazine recently tested four 600s.
In order they rated them:

Honda Hornet "unquestioned winner"
kawasaki ER6N and Ducati S2R second equal
The Kawasaki, small with an urgent engine
The Ducati, big bike feel, lazy engine
and last and also least Yamaha FZ6, "so much less than the sum of its parts".

In case seat height are critical:
CB600 - 790
ER-6N - 785
S2R - 800
FZ6 - 795

**moko** · 2nd April 2006, 14:12

Hornet has diabolical fuel-consumption,main reason I didn`t buy one.I expect the test also mentioned the old Fazer was better than the FZ6.Either of the Suzukis will fit Eliot-ness`s needs.

**FROSTY:Me** · 2nd April 2006, 14:22

I wish Id bought a raptor when I bought my SV. Why??
Factory Upside downers.Brembo brakes and a Very low seat height.
Im pretty sure the raptor also puts out a tadd more at the rear wheel

**eliot-ness** · 2nd April 2006, 20:16

Thanks for the feedback guys. Seems I'll have to widen my list a tad more and include the Z750, Hornet, Er6, etc. The K5 Bandit I have now is my ideal bike, Loads of power and torque, handles well, but it's just a couple of inches too high for comfort, so what I'm looking for now are the same characteristics in a lower frame. Noticed the USD forks on the Raptor Frosty but wondered whether they'd be any advantage at the speeds I ride at.
BTW. Looked at the Triumph 675 at the weekend. Awesome,The missus loved it on sight and believe it or not, tried to talk me into buying it but the bloody thing is even higher than the Bandit. Anyone know of a leg transplant expert in NZ????

**ducatilover** · 2nd April 2006, 21:07

Originally Posted by FROSTY

I wish Id bought a raptor when I bought my SV. Why??
Factory Upside downers.Brembo brakes and a Very low seat height.
Im pretty sure the raptor also puts out a tadd more at the rear wheel

ive heard they handle better, but i wouldnt know. they certainly look the part but they are a bit heavier than the sv. i personaly would take an sv over a bandit without secont thought

especially if you want quick handling and useable torque and a good sound

**Ixion** · 2nd April 2006, 21:12

Originally Posted by eliot-ness

... Anyone know of a leg transplant expert in NZ????

Trademe has everything.

This --

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-52329162.htm , only $20, and a bit of assistance from me and my trusty hacksaw, and your troubles are over.

**marty** · 2nd April 2006, 21:21

the kwaka might be ok, or.....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...726#post563726

**eliot-ness** · 2nd April 2006, 21:33

Originally Posted by Ixion

Trademe has everything.

This --

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-52329162.htm , only $20, and a bit of assistance from me and my trusty hacksaw, and your troubles are over.

Thanks Ixion, knew you'd find the anwer. Unfortunately the wife reckons the Triumph deserves better than a secondhand leg and besides, there's no way she'll allow a strange leg in the marital bed. Bloody women, always get their priorities wrong.

**moko** · 3rd April 2006, 04:47

Originally Posted by eliot-ness

......but it's just a couple of inches too high for comfort,..........

Any reason why you cant just get your seat re-modelled? Mines got about 3 inches taken out of it,pro job and you`ll only see the difference if it`s against the standard bike,was like it when I bought the bike but advantages over standard are that I can cruise at 120(that`s m.p.h.,not k.p.h.)without having to tuck in behind the fairing and can reach the floor with both feet flat on the ground.Either that or firms like Corbin offer all kinds of shapes,colours and sizes.Worth paying for a decent job because it`ll sure as hell be cheaper than chopping your bike in.

**Bonez** · 3rd April 2006, 06:10

Originally Posted by eliot-ness

Thanks for the feedback guys. Seems I'll have to widen my list a tad more and include the Z750, Hornet, Er6, etc. The K5 Bandit I have now is my ideal bike, Loads of power and torque, handles well, but it's just a couple of inches too high for comfort,

Can't you just have the seat cut down a bit?