Bandit for beginnger?

SSlow2000 · 12-08-2006, 03:27 PM

Bandit 600 a passable beginner bike?

background:
had a dirt bike, rode it a lot, loved it
driving a supermoto around the neighborhood for a few months now

i know it's probably not ideal, but I found one for like $400 that only needs a bit of work. (old stunt bike) it's almost cheap enough that if I total it, just junk it and i'm not out anything at all...

RayOSV · 12-08-2006, 03:35 PM

Only a couple of problems with a Bandit as a first bike. One they're heavy. Two they're top heavy. Together that makes for some challenging moments in low-speed handling especially in tight quarters. If you're short and skinny, I'd suggest against it. Otherwise, maybe.

As always, msf first.

TS80 · 12-08-2006, 04:02 PM

That's a great price. What year is it?

There could be problems that the seller did not list. I'd be careful of a bike selling for that cheap. They're not expensive, but that's dirt cheap.

I can attest to the heaviness of the bike. Probably not the best first street bike, not the worst either though.

SSlow2000 · 12-08-2006, 07:58 PM

well i am short and skinny...

but, for that cheap I can just lower it and shave the seat. the bike's a 1998. apparently the motor's out of it (among other things i'm sure) but according to the guy he has all the pieces. and the motor works, he was just going to put a bigger motor in it and didnt have time to finish it. i'm not TOO worried about it being a project. i work on my car all the time and have friends who can help if i run into any issues.. just waiting for the guy to get back to me I guess...

SAHTT · 12-08-2006, 10:39 PM

Just go for it. Those are all little things you can adjust to. Although it may be a little different than SS's, my 500lbs bandit 1200 was much easier to do tight turns on than my 370lbs 954RR is because of the handlebar position.

ithicaplasma · 12-09-2006, 01:10 AM

Ya it should be a decent first bike. I started on an old Katana 600 which is also a big fat pig. But learning on a heavier bike makes it easier if you buy a larger bike (tiller in my case). Its more about the power output, steering and braking on a first bike. The bandit isn't going to be anywhere near as sensitive in those areas as a supersport, which is exactly what you want.

2_wheeled_slave · 12-09-2006, 01:53 AM

Heavy bikes hurt pride (drops in parking lots), fast bikes hurt flesh and bone. IMO, that bike is fine for a 1st. The power won't, or at least shouldn't, cause a wreck. If you drop it in front of your buddies, oh well, it was cheap.

SSlow2000 · 12-09-2006, 06:38 AM

well im pretty much planning on dropping it. ;) but for $400 who cares, right? I did sit on a similar bike at a local bike shop and didn't really like it. the combo of being heavy and too tall for me really made it a pain in the ass... i'll definatly have to lower it so hopefully that helps a bit.

Lewd Ferrigno · 12-09-2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayOSV

Only a couple of problems with a Bandit as a first bike. One they're heavy. Two they're top heavy. Together that makes for some challenging moments in low-speed handling especially in tight quarters. If you're short and skinny, I'd suggest against it. Otherwise, maybe.

As always, msf first.

+1

The thing is a tank and if you lower it, you'll affect the chassis negatively.

SSlow2000 · 12-10-2006, 09:54 AM

yah, i've heard that lowering a bike will hurt handling... but realistically i'm a beginner... i'm going to suck whether or not the bike is perfectly set up to carve the twisties or not... If lowering the bike really makes THAT huge of a difference that a beginner rider will not be able to scoot around town, i'll consider a different bike, but in my opinion thus far, the benefits of lowering the bike to where i can touch the ground and feel comfortable on it outweigh the negative handling aspects... I could be wrong though...

RayOSV · 12-10-2006, 11:48 AM

IMO the price is the only good thing about that bike in your case. You'll end up making all kinds of compromises which will have a negative impact on you learning how to ride on the streets. I'd keep looking for a lighter bike that fits you better.

Lewd Ferrigno · 12-10-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSlow2000

yah, i've heard that lowering a bike will hurt handling... but realistically i'm a beginner... i'm going to suck whether or not the bike is perfectly set up to carve the twisties or not... If lowering the bike really makes THAT huge of a difference that a beginner rider will not be able to scoot around town, i'll consider a different bike, but in my opinion thus far, the benefits of lowering the bike to where i can touch the ground and feel comfortable on it outweigh the negative handling aspects... I could be wrong though...

How tall are you?

I am not talking about twisties. You are changing the geometry of the bike. You may make the bike heavier steering at slow speeds on a bike that's already heavy steering. There are other negative effects, like changing the effective travel which effects suspension action, braking and turning.

Not to mention, how much do you intend to spend lowering it?

Also, old stunt bikes aren't the best second hand bikes to buy.

SSlow2000 · 12-10-2006, 02:35 PM

i'm about 5'3"... so.. i'd have to lower it a bit...

the only real reason i'm considering this bike is that its just so freaking cheap.. i can do a little work on it to get it running right again, and then just ride it till it dies... either way, the guy selling it won't get back to me, so i've almost given up on it. seriously considering a buell blast in the future.. i like the styling, and I think i'd feel comfortable on a shorter bike for at least a few months... sat on a Katana (similar bike from what i've gathered) and pretty much hated it. gotta try and not let my cheap side shine through... ;)

Lewd Ferrigno · 12-10-2006, 03:23 PM

? huh?

Anyhow, A Buell Blast would do fine, althout a Ninja 250 would be a better choice.

Unbridled Rage · 12-11-2006, 12:06 PM

Don't worry so much about the bike being tall. I'm 5'5", 30" inseam, and have ridden a bandit 600 regularly. Even if you can't tiptoe touch on both sides at the same time, you can still put a foot down on either side to balance. That's what I do with my big, heavy ZRX <----.