Any thoughts on the Suzuki GSF 250 bandit?

[little green FXR]

Up until Saturday, I had a Suzuki GSX-R 250, but it has now been stolen. I'm looking for something that looks good, with a bit of go, and extremeel low price (I had only bought the GSX-R a little over a month ago, hadn't insured it, and so am close to broke.
Anyone got any other suggestions on what I can get for under three grand, in good condition that can move faster than a GN?
any experience on the bandits?
I've seen them around, and like the styling, but haven't heard too much about their performance

[Romeo]

Well, if you can find one that's it's pre-93 then it'll have the same engine as the GSXR-250RR SlingShot (as long as it's got the 6-dimple clutch cover). Foobin just bought one the other week and boy does it fly, and he says he hasn't even opened it up past 1/4 throttle! It totally dominates my cage ;s.

I beleive these bikes are totally underated, I mean what difference is there between a $3,500 '90 bandit, and a $6,000 '90 GSXR250RR?

More detailed specs here.

But don't tell anyone about how great they are, because I'm planning on getting one in 6 months time ;].


//EDIT: This would be PERFECT for you, though the KMs are a bit high and it's been repainted. So god knows what the history is - All signs point to it being dropped on both sides ;s?

[PirateJafa]

I would say totally go for it.

They are great little bikes - I wouldn't swap mine for any other 250 out there.

They like to be revved higher than most bikes - not really any power until you get over 7,000RPM, but beyond there they keep up happily with any other 250s around.

[marioc]

awesome bikes,but then I am biased,good if you like to ride your bike hard imo.

[slopster]

Well, if you can find one that's it's pre-93 then it'll have the same engine as the GSXR-250RR SlingShot (as long as it's got the 6-dimple clutch cover). Foobin just bought one the other week and boy does it fly, and he says he hasn't even opened it up past 1/4 throttle! It totally dominates my cage ;s.

I beleive these bikes are totally underated, I mean what difference is there between a $3,500 '90 bandit, and a $6,000 '90 GSXR250RR?

More detailed specs here.

But don't tell anyone about how great they are, because I'm planning on getting one in 6 months time ;].


//EDIT: This would be PERFECT for you, though the KMs are a bit high and it's been repainted. So god knows what the history is - All signs point to it being dropped on both sides ;s?

They do have the same motor as the gsxr 250rr but have milder cams and a lower redline so don't make as much power. Brilliant bikes all the same

[dnos]

Yep they are great bikes.
Compared to a GSXR or CBR (I have ridden both) they have a little less top end. But the difference is pretty small. Biggest difference in speed is once you are over 100k because of the lack of fairing. Bit awesome fun in the twisty stuff.
Mine drinks gas pretty quick, but it's damn fun.
I bought mine for 2grand, its not mint but still going strong. So you should be able to get one for a decent price. Good luck with the bike search.