1999 Suzuki Bandit 600 Sport Bike reviews

I have been riding for 25 years. I had everything from Harley to XT to ZX 10. This bike is perfect for many types of riders. If, like me, you are not 6' tall then you will love this bike. If you also plan on riding for more than 2 hours then you will appreciate the thick padded seat. This bike will get up to 130-140 mph. If you plan on going faster than this bike will carry you, then you had better be very experienced or on a track. I have no problem keeping up with ZX-YZ-CBR-or GSXRs. And NO I am not saying that this bike will keep up with them when they are going 160,170,180 mph. What I will say is that if you own this bike and take the time to learn how to drive it to its full capacity, then you can keep up with the high performance bikes that are meant for very experienced riders. OH AND BY THE WAY-IT'S A 1999 AND STILL CAN KEEP UP WITH THEM!!! LOOK AT HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN IN SUZUKI'S LINEUP. Show less

I bought the Katana after being away from bikes for 10 years. Great Move! It's quick as any bike its well balanced for two riders and it definitely turns heads up and down the highways and streets. It could use a bit more power and I have replaced the stock exhaust with Yoshimura slip on and it's got a great sound now. don't buy a bike without at least seeing and sitting on a Katana. Show less

It's sad that grown men pass over this bike because of peer pressure from their fellow squids. This bike has ample power. I've gotten it to 120mph with plenty of throttle room left. It really should be classified as a sport tourer. The riding position is amazingly comfortable for 2 up riding. The ride can be a little buzzy, but overall, it's a great ride. It also has a fuel gauge, and you've gotta like that! The only thing I don't like about this bike is the weight. It's a pig @ 458lbs. It's also too quiet for me, but a Muzzy will fix that! The only people who dislike this bike are selfconscience squids and those who've never ridden it. If you're looking for a comfortable durable bike with adequate power, then this is the bike for you. If you're looking to impress your fellow man, then look elsewhere. Sadly, I've gotten MANY compliments from Gixxer & R6 riders when their "friends" weren't looking. Show less

I picked a used 99 Bandit 600 with some character. In other words it has fallen over at least once. I think I'm now the third owner. Anyway, this bike is great for my 13-mile commute and some fun cruises on weekends. It is my first bike. One of the reasons I chose this bike is that it is a full sized bike. I'm 6" 2". Dimensionally there is no difference between this and the larger 1200, unlike some other similar displacement bikes. So I actually fit on this one and it still has a fairly sporty appearance without being in a sportbike position. I didn't want a cruiser. My only real complaints are that I do get buffeted a bit by the wind on the highway - the fairing doesn't protect too well for my height, although I think some of those aftermarket wind screens for this bike look silly so I don't know if I'll change that. I'm also pondering some luggage to make it more practical for commuting and touring. Also considering moving up to something like a V-Strom...we'll see. Show less

Admittedly, this is my 2nd bike. In the mid 90's I acquired my 1st bike while in my late 20's; a 1976 Suzuki GT380 for $40, but that's another story. So after 1,000 miles on the old tri-cylinder two stroke, I decided I liked riding a motorcycle and wanted something that I could commute, travel, and have fun riding that wasn't going to be too big for me or break the bank. I read the Cycle World reviews and visited the dealer and the choice kept coming back to the Bandit 600. You can't possibly argue with the price before riding it. After that initial ride, you have to wonder how so much bike is priced so low. I bought mine new in May of 1999 for $5,700 and received $400 of in-store credit, just enough for a lightweight jacket, gloves, and soft saddle bags. My Bandit has been from WI to WV/MD 5 times as of August 2003 with plans for another trip in a month. In the 28,000 miles I've ridden it, I've only encountered one problem. On one trip back from WV two years ago the CDI box went out (a $400 brain for the ignition). Suzuki took care of the problem under the $300 service contract I had purchased with the bike new and I was on my way. I'm on my 3rd set of tires (original, Battlax, and Macadam), 3rd chain (learned the hard way to remember to adjust it routinely), 2nd battery, and second set of front brake pads. Oil changed every 3,000, valve adjustment every 8,000 with tune-up, and new plugs every year. I can easily do 500 mile days - longer if I would invest in the Corbin Gunfighter saddle, but then I would have to fear losing my job over more riding time. This bike is great all around whether commuting, long distance touring, taking the backroad twisties, or just around town driving. I only wonder what's going to happen to my 600 when I eventually take a 1200 for a ride. Show less

I have had this bike for about six months and i have never had so much fun with one toy. I told my girlfriend that she has been replaced. The only complaint i have is that it use some more power to it. Other than that i love th bike and have a lot of fun with it. Show less

Comfort, Style, and oh yeah, runs like a psycho ape. Couldn't say enough about this bike, just picked it up a few days ago, drove it 100 miles home, and even in the rain, loved it. The first time I took it out girls would pull up next to me and ask, "Can you take me for a ride?" What an attention getter with the sexy curves and the bright color, Who wouldn't be jealous/envious? great investment for the 98 and up are the same body style, practically maintenance free. What a bike!!! Show less

I have a 99 katana and i like it, not love it, but for the money it cant be beat.I have 2 friends with gsxr s and we drag all the time. In the 1/4 mile your looking at a difference of maybe 2 bike lengths faster ,but to me 2 bike lengths behind isn't so bad when i saved almost $3500.00,and i have a way way way more comfortable bike for those long cruises. Show less

For $5800 it has been nothing but a pleasure to own this bike. Love the styling, its comfy for long trips, gets good gas mileage. Engine is very nice, good amount of power. Perfect sports tourer or pefect for a first bike. It has 10,000 hard ridden miles, with several strip runs and its runnning like a charm. Only problem is that I got used to it after 2 years and now need more power. Overall the bike is a winner ! ! ! Show less

I purchased a '00 Katana as my first bike and have been pleased with everyday of it. It has great riding position which makes it comfortable in the long haul. It is also very predictible in its riding nature and will not give you any surprises. This is a wonderful first bike and i would recommend this bike to anyone, regardless of riding experience. Show less