GSF600 Suzuki Bandit...what happened?

Dayao12

Dayao12

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Something about this bike has always intrigued me...especially the naked version!
I've heard they've been discontinued in Canada. But recently stopping by at CycleWorld, I saw a used 2002 on sale there. I'm still deciding whether to get that bike.
Is it a good idea to upgrade to it next year? It's discontinued here...would it be difficult/expensive to get it serviced or get parts? Anyone know anything about this bike?

Thanks =D
 
I have one. Mine's a 2004 'S' model. Have had it since last June - bought it at 19,000 kms and have put on about 8,000 of my own.

It's my first bike. I've demo'd a few bikes, but I still don't have a huge comparison basis. But here's what I'd say...

  • It's pretty big and heavy for what it is, and softly-sprung. It does carry its weight fairly high and is a bit hefty to handle. It can take corners but it's not a sportbike. On the other hand, next to the Ducati 848 I demo'd, it's like riding an easy chair :D
  • It's fairly quick. I tried a V-Strom 650 and my Bandit is faster, although the power delivery is quite peaky and there isn't a lot below 5,000-6,000 rpm. You have to rev it. Still, once it's in the power zone, it has more than enough for passing 2-up with gear.
  • It tours pretty well and has a nice posture for cruising. I've put on 300 kms in a day with the stock seat. I've upgraded the seat, and put on a better windscreen, luggage and a throttle rocker and it's pretty good for touring. (I'm tall, so to be perfectly happy I'm going to look for adjustable pegs.)
  • Fuel mileage is ok. After playing with the carbs a little, I get about 5L/100 km. Stock, it got better mileage but of course I had to tinker and make a little more power.
  • It's not a premium bike - the stock exhaust noise is kinda whiny, there isn't a lot of suspension adjustment, and there's some vibes.
  • It's carbed.
  • I think that for what it is (a budget, do-everything, entry-level bike), it looks fantastic. To a non-rider it looks really sporty and aggressive.

At the time, I debated buying an older SV650 or a YZF600. I think the SV would've been more fun, but I think the Bandit's a little better for long rides and 2-up riding. The YZF is cool too, except my insurer classed it as a super-sport. Bandit 600s are a bit cheaper than the 2004+ SV or FZ6, and I found the right bike at the right price.

If you're thinking Bandit 600, and you're over 30 and this isn't your first bike... I'd get a Bandit 1200. The fuel mileage hit is quite small, the used price difference is small too, and the 1200 is only about 20 lbs. heavier. The 1200 isn't classed as a super-sport. The 600 is a fairly big, hefty bike - I'd be really happy with the overall package if it had a lot more motor! Owning the 600 makes me want a 1200 someday.
 
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Also, to your specific question about parts and maintenance...

It's really good for maintenance. It's air-cooled like your GS500, and it was produced a good long while... and it's just like the Katana 600 which was produced for almost 20 years. Not too much to worry about.

It does need valve adjustments every 6,000 kms, but that's it.
 
If you like the bike - go for it. but don't settle on cycleworld.
One of few hits on kijiji - http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...kes-2002-Suzuki-Bandit-600-W0QQAdIdZ311889616
Local Canadian bike, less mileage and I am sure they will drop the price a bit more (plus can safety and deliver).
Or go to US yourself and get US bike even cheaper - http://www.cycletrader.com/Suzuki%7C2320128-Bandit-600%7C764860967-Motorcycles/search-results?type=356953&make=Suzuki|2320128&model=Bandit+600|764860967&sort=year:desc
 
That year has more available parts than the 2005/2006 650 Bandit. I had my 06 650 carried me and my 2up coast to coast. I love the bike.
Its the best at being a do it all practical bike.
 
You can get any parts you need for it, they're still around in fairly large numbers.

I went from a GS500E to a 2001 Bandit GSF600s and loved it for 54,000 kms before I hit a deer with it.

It's bulletproof, and the comments about suspension are true, I hated the stock setup so dropped in Progressive dual spring rate springs, added some preload with pvc spacers and it's much improved.

It has a heavy front end, and an ST-1300 is more nimble in a parking lot, but it's a great do-everything bike. I've had mine out to the Cabot trail, the Catskill mountains, among other places.

Get one with a windshield if you want to tour on it.

Check out SW-motech quick release luggage racks. Sweet!

You can find many many spares on fleabay for it. Gaskets, brake pads, bar risers etc.

Did we mention the suspension is soft? :P
 
To add to Rotten Ronnie's list:

  • The stock headlight stinks. The root cause seems to be that dust settles in the headlight housing, and the factory headlight wiring causes voltage drops. I cleaned up the housing, put in HID lights and installed a better wiring harness. The cleaning and improved wiring harness alone will help - you can get the harness for $45 + ship and duty from Eastern Beaver Electrical.
  • I found the stock seat so-so, and my upgraded (re-foamed by an auto upholstery dude) seat is a big improvement. Not a must-do but it's recommended - I'm sure the Bandit's seat is similar to your GS500's.
  • Go to http://www.maximum-suzuki.com for an awesome dedicated web forum for the bike.
I enjoy the upgrades done, but I keep finding myself trying to hold off on bigger stuff because I'm thinking of the 1200 model, an FZ1 or a VFR in the future.
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