Suggestions for PB

**PrincessBandit** · 3rd February 2009, 12:14

I have been wondering lately if the bandit is really the right bike for me since it is so heavy to manhandle (well, it is for me). Riding is no problem and I LOVE riding it but have had a few instances where I've had to do slow maneuvering on either gravel or rough surfaces like those parking tiles which are meant to allow for water drainage. I don't mind riding on gravel but with short legs you don't have quite the same contact or leverage that longer legged folk have!

I'm trying to decide whether to stick with my beloved bandit or go for something else such as the SV650. Have had a few suggestions but thought I'd open it up to see what else people might come up with.

Cheers.

**Gubb** · 3rd February 2009, 12:16

GSX650F

Lovely bike, puts the SV to shame. (It did for me anyway)

**DarkLord** · 3rd February 2009, 12:17

Gixxer Thou.

**Mikkel** · 3rd February 2009, 12:32

Voted for the SV650 - from all I've heard it should be a good bike indeed.

Otherwise, buy a motard!

**Hitcher** · 3rd February 2009, 13:04

Take your Bandit to Tauranga for a visit to McDonalds Motor Trimmers and get the seat modified. The SV650 is too tall and won't help your low-speed issues, and the GSR600 is too vibey and has crap mirrors.

**bungbung** · 3rd February 2009, 14:10

ER6 f or n. Light and low

**slofox** · 3rd February 2009, 14:17

Agree with Hitcher re the SV - they are tallish....

**PrincessBandit** · 3rd February 2009, 14:46

Can get a custom seat for the SV which lowers it to about what I am currently with the bandit. But there is still quite a big weight difference between the two bikes. My thinking is along the lines that if I could get the SVs seat height to pretty much what the bandit's is then I'd still have the "advantage" of a much lighter bike. Make sense?

**Cajun** · 3rd February 2009, 14:50

taken from suzuki.co.nz
SV650 (full fairing)
Seat Height 800mm
Curb Mass 198kg

sv650 (half fairing)
Seat Height 800mm
Dry Weight 172kg

GSX650f
Seat Height 770mm
Curb Mass 241kg

Bandit 650
Seat Height Low/High : 770/790 mm
Dry Weight 218 kg

GSR600
Seat Height 785mm
Dry Weight 183 kg

GSXR600
Seat Height 810mm
Dry Weight 166kg

GSXR750
Seat Height 810mm
Dry Weight 167kg

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personally i would go for the gsxr 600/750 if was you, works out 51kgs lighter than your current bandit.
THe seat height might say 810, but its seat is narrower than the bandit i think from memory, and easy to take some out of seat, and suspension to get it touch more lower.
Really gotta decide if you want a light sports bike(gsxr/zxr/cbr), or a sports tourer(sv, bandit etc)

**Devil** · 3rd February 2009, 15:23

218kg dry for the bandit 650??? No way. that's as much as a blackbird.
20 more than a hornet 900.

**98tls** · 3rd February 2009, 15:29

Personally princess i think anyone elses opinion of what bike you should ride is as useful as a third ball on a Greyhound,make a list then go ride each one of them,ride them through town/tricky bits then head out to open road.

**The Stranger:Me** · 3rd February 2009, 15:40

Originally Posted by Cajun

taken from suzuki.co.nz
SV650 (full fairing)
Seat Height 800mm
Curb Mass 198kg

sv650 (half fairing)
Seat Height 800mm
Dry Weight 172kg

GSX650f
Seat Height 770mm
Curb Mass 241kg

Bandit 650
Seat Height Low/High : 770/790 mm
Dry Weight 218 kg

GSR600
Seat Height 785mm
Dry Weight 183 kg

GSXR600
Seat Height 810mm
Dry Weight 166kg

GSXR750
Seat Height 810mm
Dry Weight 167kg

Cagiva Raptor 650
Dry Weight=180kg
Seat Height=775mm

Personally, were I a short arse, I'd go for the Cagiva and get decent brakes and suspension with your SV650 (engine)

**HenryDorsetCase** · 3rd February 2009, 15:48

Originally Posted by The Stranger

Cagiva Raptor 650
Dry Weight=180kg
Seat Height=775mm

Personally, were I a short arse, I'd go for the Cagiva and get decent brakes and suspension with your SV650 (engine)

buy my Hornet 900!

**limbimtimwim** · 3rd February 2009, 15:52

Despite the numbers saying GSXR600, it's lower handle bars may actually make it harder to manoeuvre for you.

However, they are extremely good bikes.

May I also suggest the Aprilia Shiver and Ducati Monster 696? If you are going to spend brand new GSXR600 money they are not too far from that. And both in my opinion are vastly superior to the SV650. If only because their suspension actually works. They both have wide high bars that make them easier to move around.

Or randomly: New or slightly used 2008 GSXR1000s can also be had for stupid money because there is a new model on the way.

Also out there is the new Honda Hornet 600, no idea what this is like though.

And of course, what everyone should say at this point: Ride them all.