Basically stock 96 Bandit, purchased used from Deer Horn Motors of CA. Beautiful red with bandit stickers removed... so Ducati like, yet cheaper and thus more cool. :) lol
Cold blooded starter, pulls strongly from 7000rpm and up. Once hot, the Bandit is actually very easy to ride in the city. Pretty quick and definitely a blast to carve hill country at moderate speeds.
Brakes are great on the Bandit. It reminds me of my old 89' FZR 600. Im sure it will not impress anyone who has ridden a CBR 600f2
Fidgety at very slow speeds and not as solid at high speeds like say, a CBR 600, even of same vintage. Rake is for cruising and city riding. Dont race anyone in stock form.. Handles like a charm on moderate and semi-moderate sweeping turns. Confident everywhere but a race track in real world riding.
I love this bike! I will buy a Ducati 900ss next. I will probably take this Bandit and refine it into a street fighter. Wild Hair accessories will be getting my paychecks for a few months. If you want a starter bike thats too cool for school-this is it! Rad Euro styling that Chicks freakin love more than most fared sport bikes. This is the perfect bike to take to the lake! It will not cause you sleepless nights, less your getting laid :) ..peace
tinted windsheild
The bike has good power will out pull all cars on the road. This is a great starter bike, but dont expcet to keep up with gsx-r's and BMW's you are riding with.
Brakes are average
The bandit really glues to the corners, especially with the new ching shen tires I put on it.
This is my friends bike that i have been working on for him and I had fun testing it, but i wouldnt buy one myself. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get into sportbikes.
Corbin seats, hi-flow air filters, cool blue headlight
little delay on trottle response below 6k rpm, but above that, it kicks a**. Book lists top end at 130 mph but I've seen higher (not much
Very responsive brakes. The front are double rotor-drilled, while the rear is single rotor (also drilled). Living out in the country and traveling over 45 miles to work roundtrip, I've had to brake for stupid drivers, deer, and even a 500# pig. These brakes are awesome. good feel
handles real well on dry pavement. I try not to ride in the rain, but, alas, sometimes that can't be avoided; I don't like the handling on wet surfaces due to the ruts filled with water, the oil slicks, etc. Haven't tried it in snow yet, but it is a possibility; I've had the bike for ~15 month and put 11,000 miles on it.
A great all-around vehicle. Nice power for its size (75hp -> 600 cc = 2hp/ci). Decent fuel mileage (42-48 mpg) depending on driving conditions and rider
No mods, which sucks.
Kinda of shakey when at idle. Wish it had abit more power all around.
strong brakes, really smooth.
This bike has great handleing capability. It allows you to get real low to the ground and you have to put no effort in bringing back up, it almost does it for you. Very comfortable rideing position allows you too ride all day with no back problems. Seat can be abit harsh though after a few hours or hard bumpson the road of course.
The bandit is a very over looked bike with some real potential. It is heavy at 458 pounds for just a 600 and I can't fool around as much as I would like. Just got into sport bikes just this year and it has inspire me to stick with sport bikes. Great all around bike even though its quite hard to pull a wheelie on this bike without hurting it, that sucks. Other than that, its a blast to ride.
No mods, which sucks.
Kinda of shakey when at idle. Wish it had abit more power all around.
strong brakes, really smooth.
This bike has great handleing capability. It allows you to get real low to the ground and you have to put no effort in bringing back up, it almost does it for you. Very comfortable rideing position allows you too ride all day with no back problems. Seat can be abit harsh though after a few hours or hard bumpson the road of course.
The bandit is a very over looked bike with some real potential. It is heavy at 458 pounds for just a 600 and I can't fool around as much as I would like. Be nice if they made a 750 bandit with a less weight. Just got into sport bikes just this year and it has inspire me to stick with sport bikes. Great all around bike even though its quite hard to pull a wheelie on this bike without hurting it, that sucks. Other than that, its a blast to ride.
No modifications
The Bike takes forever to warm up. It literally takes 30 minutes to really get going. Once its warm it takes off well.
The brakes are adequate. As a new rider, they don't make you uncomfortable.
The bike handles very well. If you don't panic it will take you through twisties at a decent speed.
Overall this is a good beginner bike for someone who is not sure if they want a true spotbike. the riding position is very comfortable. The bike will really rip in the high rev range. It has influenced me to seek a true sportbike next time around because of how leaning forward allows you to ride much faster and with more confidence.
Dynojet Stage 3. K&N filter. Sports can. Rear suspension jack-up link bars. LSL Rearsets. Blue anodised chain guard, handle bars, pegs and headlight brackets. Twin Headlights. Mini speedo. LED rev counter. Modified wiring loom.
I found the standard exhaust very quiet and felt it was sufficating the engine particularly around town. Replacement of the exhaust with a sports can sourced from a jumble imediately let the bike breath and so following this theme I replaced the air filter with a performance part. As such changes allow more air through the lump I knew that upjetting was required. When I upjetted the machine I also took a drill bit to the floats, slightly increasing the diameter of the float return hole thus inproving throttle response. All of these modifications are working to my satisfaction and have increased the power and drivability produced by this motor. Unfortunately this means she can now drink more fuel when asked to, nicely of course.
The Brakes are OK, Nowt Special but adequate for the standard machine. Back one keeps sticking on, cost me two sets of pads already.
After a few weeks with the bandit I found it a little slow to turn but unable to afford exspensive suspension modifications I used longer suspension link bars to lift the seat and steepen the headstock. A noticable difference was made to the speed of turn but watch out for wheelspin, particularly when wet. Skinny bugger me.
One of the first modifications to my bike was to replace the front sprocket with a sprocket with one less tooth. I did this as I found that the motor would not rev to the limiter in top gear. Even now with more power from the motor it only just pulls propper flat out in top cog. This made the bike: slower at the bottom of first which I find better for traffic as you need not ride the clutch as often. faster through the gears. faster top end as it will now rev right out. wheelie better. However: the clutch is a touch more sensative and more notchy. she likes the 'Total Stout' (fuel) Just one last note. All of these mods are simple and relatively cheap. The standard machine does 138mph, I have managed to get my machine to do over 150mph. Fast enough with no fairing.
Dynojet Stage 3. K&N filter. Sports can. Rear suspension jack-up link bars. LSL Rearsets. Blue anodised chain guard, handle bars, pegs and headlight brackets. Twin Headlights. Mini speedo. LED rev counter. Modified wiring loom.
I found the standard exhaust very quiet and felt it was sufficating the engine particularly around town. Replacement of the exhaust with a sports can sourced from a jumble imediately let the bike breath and so following this theme I replaced the air filter with a performance part. As such changes allow more air through the lump I knew that upjetting was required. When I upjetted the machine I also took a drill bit to the floats, slightly increasing the diameter of the float return hole thus inproving throttle response. All of these modifications are working to my satisfaction and have increased the power and drivability produced by this motor. Unfortunately this means she can now drink more fuel when asked to, nicely of course.
The Brakes are OK, Nowt Special but adequate for the standard machine. Back one keeps sticking on, cost me two sets of pads already.
After a few weeks with the bandit I found it a little slow to turn but unable to afford exspensive suspension modifications I used longer suspension link bars to lift the seat and steepen the headstock. A noticable difference was made to the speed of turn but watch out for wheelspin, particularly when wet. Skinny bugger me.
One of the first modifications to my bike was to replace the front sprocket with a sprocket with one less tooth. I did this as I found that the motor would not rev to the limiter in top gear. Even now with more power from the motor it only just pulls propper flat out in top cog. This made the bike: slower at the bottom of first which I find better for traffic as you need not ride the clutch as often. faster through the gears. faster top end as it will now rev right out. wheelie better. However: the clutch is a touch more sensative and more notchy. she likes the 'Total Stout' (fuel) Just one last note. All of these mods are simple and relatively cheap. The standard machine does 138mph, I have managed to get my machine to do over 150mph and handle far better. Fast enough with no fairing.
Dynojet Stage 3. K&N filter. Sports can. Rear suspension jack-up link bars. LSL Rearsets. Blue anodised chain guard, handle bars, pegs and headlight brackets. Twin Headlights. Mini speedo. LED rev counter. Modified wiring loom.
I found the standard exhaust very quiet and felt it was sufficating the engine particularly around town. Replacement of the exhaust with a sports can sourced from a jumble imediately let the bike breath and so following this theme I replaced the air filter with a performance part. As such changes allow more air through the lump I knew that upjetting was required. When I upjetted the machine I also took a drill bit to the floats, slightly increasing the diameter of the float return hole thus inproving throttle response. All of these modifications are working to my satisfaction and have increased the power and drivability produced by this motor. Unfortunately this means she can now drink more fuel when asked to, nicely of course.
The Brakes are OK, Nowt Special but adequate for the standard machine. Back one keeps sticking on, cost me two sets of pads already.
After a few weeks with the bandit I found it a little slow to turn but unable to afford exspensive suspension modifications I used longer suspension link bars to lift the seat and steepen the headstock. A noticable difference was made to the speed of turn but watch out for wheelspin, particularly when wet. Skinny bugger me.
One of the first modifications to my bike was to replace the front sprocket with a sprocket with one less tooth. I did this as I found that the motor would not rev to the limiter in top gear. Even now with more power from the motor it only just pulls propper flat out in top cog. This made the bike: slower at the bottom of first which I find better for traffic as you need not ride the clutch as often. faster through the gears. faster top end as it will now rev right out. wheelie better. However: the clutch is a touch more sensative and more notchy. she likes the 'Total Stout' (fuel) Just one last note. All of these mods are simple and relatively cheap. The standard machine does 138mph, I have managed to get my machine to do over 150mph and handle far better. Fast enough with no fairing.
No modifications, but new chain, new oil, filters, plugs, etc.
There is a massive flat spot at 4-5000 RMP, which shouldnt be there because this bike should be big on mid-range power. The engine is very noisy. I say engine, because that is what produces most noise on this bike, not the exhaust. Which is bad, as it sounds almost scooter-y. Ouch, that is harsh. Having said that, the engine roars at 6-8000 rpm in lower gears. Also, cranking the throttle while running on reserve produces a very deep and satisfying echo in the tank, which is a headturner.
Brakes are good. As usual, the back rusts up after a few days of non- use, but burns off during the first minute of any ride. The rear brake fluid reservoir is hidden behind the right rear panel, and CANNOT be seen properly without either a torch pointing at it or the panel removed. The front brakelight activator is all worn off on this 1996 model, and costs over �100 to repair (inlc labour)
Handles beautifully. If only it was a 1200. I have been unable to powerwheelie it.
This bike is all about mid range power. It runs very very hot, but it likes it. It does like to be ragged, and takes a lot of punishment without biting you too much. One thing, though, it is ridiculously heavy and the thought of 250kg (wet) falling on top of me is not much fun. (I also ride a trailbike, the total opposite)
List the modifications on this bike-stage 3 jet kit,K&N stage 3 airfilters(one filter per carb),Micron colored high-mount slip on,undertail kit,rear hugger(carbon),front fender(carbon),full lower fairing,Ohlins rear shock,progressive front springs,powder coated headers-midpipe,bars,pegs,engine covers,clutch cover,OEM Gel seat,geared(was 15/45 now it is 14/45),colored chain plus a whole lot more!
Power-Godd power stock,but after all the mods I have for the engine it makes around 100hp now,and is a lot more fun.Can hit 150mph pretty easy and gets close to 160(on gps(157.5)!)which is pretty fast I guess! Carberation-Must do a jet kit/pipe/air cleaner...This little engine CAN perform more so than you think!!
Good OEM brakes but the DP breaks are the best hand down!!!
Very nice with some better tires and shorter pegs...If not shorter pegs then when you try to rail with the bike you will grind the stock pegs down to nothing!!!
Great all-around bike and remember a Katana motor(600 or 750)will fit in the bandit as a direct bolt in so way more power can be acheived!!!
dropped smaller front sprocket on (14 tooth), Viper race can, Roca fly screen (ugly but keeps the wind off) sintered (HH) brake pads, goodridge brake lines
pretty good slight flat around 5k not much though
pretty good noticed big difference after brake lines, well worth doing.
not bad. find pegs scrape when you really hook her over though...higher pegs would be benificial
pretty economical if rode right. bit of a pain on long journeys mind...the flyscreen helps with this...could go to south of france on it quite confortably (from midlands)
None
kinda weak below 6,000, but above has all the power you "should" need.
good feel but if you are not careful the front can slip under you.
great for beginners and with practice can keep up with buudies
Great for beginners. It really helped me decide what i wanted in a bike. But there will come a time when you want more. I'm more a relaxed rider but every once in a while i get theat itching for some speed. Think about a f4i or maybe an sv1000. But don't let your friends sway you, this is a great bike!
sweet ass 30' wheels solid rims and chromed out EVERYTHING omg it teh bomb totaly pimped out to the pimpiest pimping pimp
nothing its awsome
wtf its a break
totaly sweet ass
sweet hemi motorcycle omg! omg! bbq
ZG ST windscreen being replaced by Suzuki tall windscreen. Otherwise stock.
Good delivery, when you downshift and really get on it. Otherwise about right for a bike of this style and size.
Even braking up front. Rear is a little weak. Will get you stopped in almost any situation you need.
Riding two up nearly bottoms out rear suspension as you get close to GVWR...even with the preload turned all the way up. Has great range for riding one up.
Great starter bike. I've been riding mine for four years and am just getting to the point where I think I'm ready for a replacement. Stock windscreen gives only minimal protection. Zero Gravity Sport Touring screen blocks the air well, but knocks your head around something fierce. I'm going to try the optional Suzuki tall windscreen which I've read good things about. I'm 6'6" and fit fairly well on this bike, even though the seat height is under 32 inches. I'm moving on to a Triumph Tiger with a 34 inch seat height that should fit me a little better.
Jacked up rear with hagon shock,GSX-R 1100M usd forks and brakes w HEL lines, K&N pod filters stage 3 holeshot jet kit pingle fuel tap, jmc swingarm twin headlamps GSX-R 750 Head and barrels Dyna Ignition Matt black frame and Gloss red tank/seat unit,
Was ok nothing to write home about but now after mods its a real animal!! and you can even use it in traffic still, which i`ve ridden some heavily modified sports bikes an they were really bad below 6k
Loads better now they`re in the bin!!!! found them really weak, just bin the front end and fit a Gixxer 1100M setup!!!
The jack up kit really makes a difference you get slightly more vibration and it starts to shake its head at around 120mph and beyond! but you shouldn`t be doing that anyway you naughty people!!!!:)
Belting bike so easy to modify cheap to buy it does everything from basic learner to full on fire breathing streetfighting drag racer!!! My favourite series of streetbike bikes of all time!
g-force can, dyno jet kit, k&n filter, 5 degree advancer,holeshot headers. Hagon shock with progressive fork springs and thicker oil up front, braided hoses all round with ebc HH pads, colour coded undertray and belly pan, powder coated white wheeels.
After above modifications, the bike now makes 79.8 rear wheel brake horse power. It now screams from 7000 all the way to the red line.
After above mods, the brakes are now very powerful.
again, the above mods have dramatically improved the performance, can now keep up with mates on their sports 600s.
Great bike, very under rated and cheap!!
