1999 Suzuki Bandit 600 Sport Bike reviews

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