main things to look for are: *fork seals *rust / holes in collector *rust on oil pipes (not a deal beaker if not too bad) * broken fuel tap / valve (depending on year) .. if its gone you can tell by opening the oil cap and smelling for petrol as it ends up in sump Engine wise .. they bulletproof
Was tempted to get one for a good price and low-ish miles on it but seller was unfriendly so I got a '94 CBR 600 F2 instead. Suspension was kinda soft on the Bandit as well and build quality was most definitely cheap. Still looking for a 1200 or more inline 4 once I got my full license for touring and fun. Maybe a Bandit 1200 then.
It's a shame the seller was unfriendly. The Bandit 1200 is a good tourer and you can find some for a good price. I bought a fazer 600 after the Bandit but didn't like it. Now I have a Himalayan. It's a lot slower but great
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs I was considering a Thundercat as well. Himalayan is definitely more tame of a bike. I rode an XT 125 R for 5 years but after being abandoned due to a broken key something electric took a crap, hopefully get it running again, it's served me well and I should've never abandoned it... Also rode a Yamaha XT 660 X Supermoto that I still have but I got played and it's got a big workshop visit scheduled... 660cc on one cylinder is too much imo. for wear and tear as well. The 411cc of the Himalayan should do well though. Inline 4 cylinder is just soooo smooth, maybe an early Goldwing that's not a couch or some similar boxer type engine would do well. Triumph Bonneville T120 scrambler mod was my dream but at that price I can't afford that yet... Should probably try a V or L thing as well.
Nice to see you enjoying an older bike , a young chap at work had one and used it also for track days . Allowed his wife to have a go and then he had two , and she was faster than him , he never beat her on the track , she was a dental nurse so clean teeth and a smile , wins races . Skip on a couple of years , working in Guernsey , sat by the beach , six 1200 bandits turned up . local chaps and I said to them ,nice bikes , a bit over the top for the speed limits over here and what are the bottles for on each side ? That ,s nitrous mate we use it on a full moon , open your window and pull your curtains back . So I did , and yes you could hear them , cling to the tarmac on a rock in the middle of the sea . happy days .
My first bike was a 1978 Suzuki A100. Then I passed my test, and then I rode a Honda CD200 Benly.. After that I got a Suzuki 250, not sure what it was. Then it broke, and I bough a flat, and walked to work.. many years passed. ‘Some time Later.’ (About 30 years.) I got a 1998 GSF600 Bandit. I was very happy. Many many £ spent on it.
The bandit 600 is my first bike and I’m loving every second of it. Has enough speed for me to not get bored in the future but not too much to where I can’t handle it. I’m 5’3 116lb and can handle it pretty well. I dropped her and was able to pick her up by myself. As a beginner rider I would def recommend as a first bike
Good for you. It definitely has enough power to keep me entertained & I love the noise it makes. I had to pick my Bandit up because my neighbour knocked it over with her car.
@@stephenharriman8855 my boss who is 6ft 2 asked to go on the back of it. I just laughed. I still like the bike. Im looking at getting a Himalayan as well now though
Thanks for the info I’m a 5’4 new rider looking for a first bike. looking at these bandits thought I wouldn’t be tall enough but you being 5’3 and riding it well gave me hope haha thank you.
Very reliable, very solid, very good. I think there will always be bandits on the road 🤘 the weight surprises me, never knew they were over 200kg, that’s close to my sprints weight 😂 great video mate, very educational 👏
Got to have been the first big bike for a large chunk of the motorcycling public here in the UK. Guess my channel name gives it away but I'm a fan having owned the 600 and 1200.
Got a 1200S K3 recently as third bike. Although looked for smaller cc as I will be riding after a decade but only this was available in my budget. Prices in our part of the world have almost doubled in a year's time. Main point for decision was that except front pegs & front indicators all the bike is stock (even the exhaust).
I've never seen a stock exhaust on a Bandit. Although I'm tempted by a newer Bandit & the 1200, I'm not convinced my next bike will be a Bandit. It's a great bike but I should try something new.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs the only drawback I see till this now is no water cooling, EFI and ABS. However, being carbureted I have one plus that most of mechanics here are accustomed to carbureted bikes but few have multi-carb setup experience so planning to get a carb sync tool. Another thing that concerns me is that summers here are in 40+C high and this being an oil cooled might get hot in city rides.
@@MrLeo3D Bandits were raced & still are raced in the UK. My mechanics love my Bandit. Thanks for watching. I'm riding out with a mk2 Bandit tomorrow & I'm filming that.
"you're not going to find a Bandit with the original exhaust pipe." ... I take offense to that! Actually, I just finally caved and ordered a Delkevic stainless slashcut 14" today. I'm pretty reserved about riding around in neighborhoods and not being obnoxious; however, I know how good these bikes can sound, so I decided I'm going to treat my senses. I'm hoping it's not ridiculously loud. I know that the stubby
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs always been into cruisers and brit bikes, tbh the Harley was fun but not as good as you'd expect. I'm going through a different faze now lol so it'll be gsxr 600 srad next , how are you finding the Enfield? How does the 1200 bandit differ from the 600? , I always find more power can sometimes be less fun as you can't use it all.
@Bob Roberts I'm loving the Himalayan. I ride in country lanes all year round so its perfect for me but I'll like a 2nd bike just to enjoy some speed. The b12 is just faster and has better acceleration but its heavier
Had a K4 Bandit 600 for 17 years now... Rode it through every Winter... (It's my transport, not a toy). Getting a bit rusty now, but still going strong. To be honest.... I cant be bothered with the maintenance side of motorbikes now. Just always something to sort out 👎
Yep its a 600, around 80bhp which is faster than some 800cc sport tourers & some 1000cc cruisers. Some old school 250s are probably faster than my 600.
I’ve had 2 a 1200 and now the 600. First bike? No. My wife’s a new rider and there is no way she would ride mine yet, nor would I want her to. 205kg 80 hp first bike? Never in life my dear. Having had both the 6 and 12 are essentially the same machine oddly enough, with a few differences, and oh yeah, DOUBLE the displacement!
Well if you ever want another one I'll happily swap it for your bike 😆 you have my favourite bike. I even like the colour. I mentioned you in the video before this one. Planning on going to Lynmouth on Friday Edit. I mentioned you in the video before that. I've been putting out a lot of videos lately
I had to watch it back to remember. A lot of people make their budget and don't realise how expensive helmets and jackets etc are. My gear probably costs the same as my bike 😆
I`m 5.7 looking to buy a used one, but as a new rider (just got my licence and have no experience) I'm a little skeptical about the height and the weight of the bike, what do you think should I make the purchase?
You don't notice the weight when you're moving, even at low speed. The bike feels really secure. Its also easy to move by hand because of the centre of gravity. I'm 5, 10 & I do struggle getting my leg over sometimes but that's probably because I'm getting old. I can just about put my feet flat on the ground
I'm careful how much I lean it over when I park because if you're lent too far over it could be hard to get it straight again. I was stuck in a lopsided lay-by once 😆
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs just wanted to help out the people coming to check out the video. I was going to watch the other day but didn't get a chance because it was a 10 minute video (and thank you for making it as such. Nothing wrong with a long video on a bike I love :)))) I became obsessed with the Bandit series a few years back and ever since told myself it was going to be my first bike. I'm glad you agree. Any things you love or hate about your Bandit?
@@jacobwebb8818 I love a lot about it. Its a great first bike because the speed isn't instant but it's fast enough. I just got a Yamaha Fazer because its very similar to the Bandit but it's faster and the brakes are better. I made plenty of videos about the Bandit
main things to look for are:
*fork seals
*rust / holes in collector
*rust on oil pipes (not a deal beaker if not too bad)
* broken fuel tap / valve (depending on year) .. if its gone you can tell by opening the oil cap and smelling for petrol as it ends up in sump
Engine wise .. they bulletproof
Thanks for that information. Always good to have more info in the comments
And rear suspension linkage bearings, they're basically all seized by now
Was tempted to get one for a good price and low-ish miles on it but seller was unfriendly so I got a '94 CBR 600 F2 instead.
Suspension was kinda soft on the Bandit as well and build quality was most definitely cheap.
Still looking for a 1200 or more inline 4 once I got my full license for touring and fun.
Maybe a Bandit 1200 then.
It's a shame the seller was unfriendly. The Bandit 1200 is a good tourer and you can find some for a good price.
I bought a fazer 600 after the Bandit but didn't like it. Now I have a Himalayan. It's a lot slower but great
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs I was considering a Thundercat as well.
Himalayan is definitely more tame of a bike.
I rode an XT 125 R for 5 years but after being abandoned due to a broken key something electric took a crap, hopefully get it running again, it's served me well and I should've never abandoned it...
Also rode a Yamaha XT 660 X Supermoto that I still have but I got played and it's got a big workshop visit scheduled...
660cc on one cylinder is too much imo. for wear and tear as well.
The 411cc of the Himalayan should do well though.
Inline 4 cylinder is just soooo smooth, maybe an early Goldwing that's not a couch or some similar boxer type engine would do well.
Triumph Bonneville T120 scrambler mod was my dream but at that price I can't afford that yet...
Should probably try a V or L thing as well.
Nice to see you enjoying an older bike , a young chap at work had one and used it also for track days . Allowed his wife to have a go and then he had two , and she was faster than him , he never beat her on the track , she was a dental nurse so clean teeth and a smile , wins races . Skip on a couple of years , working in Guernsey , sat by the beach , six 1200 bandits turned up . local chaps and I said to them ,nice bikes , a bit over the top for the speed limits over here and what are the bottles for on each side ? That ,s nitrous mate we use it on a full moon , open your window and pull your curtains back . So I did , and yes you could hear them , cling to the tarmac on a rock in the middle of the sea . happy days .
I like the simplicity of a 90s sports bike. Nitro on a 1200 is lethal
I bought an original 1995 bandit today, my first bike 🤩 I love the looks of it, can't wait to pick it up
Congratulations. You won't regret it.
My first bike was a 1978 Suzuki A100.
Then I passed my test, and then I rode a Honda CD200 Benly..
After that I got a Suzuki 250, not sure what it was. Then it broke, and I bough a flat, and walked to work..
many years passed.
‘Some time Later.’ (About 30 years.)
I got a 1998 GSF600 Bandit.
I was very happy. Many many £ spent on it.
I'm genuinely thinking about getting another bandit but I don't know if I want the 650, 1200 or 1250. What would you recommend?
The bandit 600 is my first bike and I’m loving every second of it. Has enough speed for me to not get bored in the future but not too much to where I can’t handle it. I’m 5’3 116lb and can handle it pretty well. I dropped her and was able to pick her up by myself. As a beginner rider I would def recommend as a first bike
Good for you. It definitely has enough power to keep me entertained & I love the noise it makes.
I had to pick my Bandit up because my neighbour knocked it over with her car.
I loved mine for the first few months but then out grew it very quickly and not recommend two up but you can still blast it round the lanes safely
@@stephenharriman8855 my boss who is 6ft 2 asked to go on the back of it. I just laughed. I still like the bike. Im looking at getting a Himalayan as well now though
Thanks for the info I’m a 5’4 new rider looking for a first bike. looking at these bandits thought I wouldn’t be tall enough but you being 5’3 and riding it well gave me hope haha thank you.
Very reliable, very solid, very good. I think there will always be bandits on the road 🤘 the weight surprises me, never knew they were over 200kg, that’s close to my sprints weight 😂 great video mate, very educational 👏
I had one 10 years ago, had nearly 100,000 miles and still ran like new
I swapped mine for a fazer & regretted it. The Bandit is a great bike
The Suzuki Bandit 600 is a bloomin awesome bike :-) and an ace intro to biking for most! :-)
I love my mk 1 bandit . Hopefully it will look after me like I look after it👍🏍️
I can honestly see them increasing in value if you look after it
Nicely put together. A mate of mine has a bandit, and loves it. I think they’re pretty cool 😎
I managed to do it all in one take but forgot to mention the price & the fact the Bandit doesn't try to kill you all the time.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs good job still. I’m crap at that sort of thing. My memory...what was I saying?
"not gonna find a bandit with a stock exhaust". I do right now! Literally just bought a new exhaust the other day though lol
😆 what year is your Bandit? Mine is 96 so the exhaust probably got changed years ago
Got to have been the first big bike for a large chunk of the motorcycling public here in the UK. Guess my channel name gives it away but I'm a fan having owned the 600 and 1200.
I can name plenty of better bikes & you own a couple but it's probably the best bike for around £1k.
Really appreciated that intro.
No worries 👍
Got a 1200S K3 recently as third bike. Although looked for smaller cc as I will be riding after a decade but only this was available in my budget. Prices in our part of the world have almost doubled in a year's time. Main point for decision was that except front pegs & front indicators all the bike is stock (even the exhaust).
I've never seen a stock exhaust on a Bandit. Although I'm tempted by a newer Bandit & the 1200, I'm not convinced my next bike will be a Bandit. It's a great bike but I should try something new.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs the only drawback I see till this now is no water cooling, EFI and ABS. However, being carbureted I have one plus that most of mechanics here are accustomed to carbureted bikes but few have multi-carb setup experience so planning to get a carb sync tool. Another thing that concerns me is that summers here are in 40+C high and this being an oil cooled might get hot in city rides.
@@MrLeo3D Bandits were raced & still are raced in the UK. My mechanics love my Bandit. Thanks for watching. I'm riding out with a mk2 Bandit tomorrow & I'm filming that.
"you're not going to find a Bandit with the original exhaust pipe." ... I take offense to that! Actually, I just finally caved and ordered a Delkevic stainless slashcut 14" today. I'm pretty reserved about riding around in neighborhoods and not being obnoxious; however, I know how good these bikes can sound, so I decided I'm going to treat my senses. I'm hoping it's not ridiculously loud. I know that the stubby
Ooh yeah. I've heard one with stubby exhaust it was ridiculous. I love the sound of my Bandit. It has 3 different tones. Love it at high revs 😆
Great review, said allot! thnx.
Thanks. I've made plenty of videos about the Bandit. I'm still loving it
Going from a 1200 sportster to bandit, haven't ridden it yet. But it sounds freaken aswsome
That's a bit different 😳. It will take some getting used to. I have a Himalayan now but could get the 1200 Bandit in the future
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs always been into cruisers and brit bikes, tbh the Harley was fun but not as good as you'd expect. I'm going through a different faze now lol so it'll be gsxr 600 srad next , how are you finding the Enfield? How does the 1200 bandit differ from the 600? , I always find more power can sometimes be less fun as you can't use it all.
@Bob Roberts I'm loving the Himalayan. I ride in country lanes all year round so its perfect for me but I'll like a 2nd bike just to enjoy some speed. The b12 is just faster and has better acceleration but its heavier
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs that's it bud they're always heavier, still can't beat a carbed bike.
Had a K4 Bandit 600 for 17 years now... Rode it through every Winter... (It's my transport, not a toy). Getting a bit rusty now, but still going strong. To be honest.... I cant be bothered with the maintenance side of motorbikes now. Just always something to sort out 👎
I kept mine outside and rode it every day. You have to keep on top of it, but it's hard in the winter
I'm not sure why but I always thought you had a 1200 Bandit.
Nice Bike 👍
Yep its a 600, around 80bhp which is faster than some 800cc sport tourers & some 1000cc cruisers. Some old school 250s are probably faster than my 600.
One can tell just by looking at the handlebar, the cable clutch. The 1200 has the hydraulic unit. Not sure what the advantage. Easier pull?
@@stevemackie1755 probably easier but the clutch isn't very heavy on the 600. I do like a light clutch though
Good video dude! I can't notice how out of breath you seem around the four minute mark.. do you smoke?
Cheers. I quit smoking almost 1 year ago
I love mine
@dwood5326 I loved mine too. I have a vfr800 and himalayan now.
I’ve had 2 a 1200 and now the 600. First bike? No. My wife’s a new rider and there is no way she would ride mine yet, nor would I want her to. 205kg 80 hp first bike? Never in life my dear. Having had both the 6 and 12 are essentially the same machine oddly enough, with a few differences, and oh yeah, DOUBLE the displacement!
Thats interesting. I think the 600 is very forgiving.
This was my first bike! 😁
Well if you ever want another one I'll happily swap it for your bike 😆 you have my favourite bike. I even like the colour.
I mentioned you in the video before this one. Planning on going to Lynmouth on Friday
Edit. I mentioned you in the video before that. I've been putting out a lot of videos lately
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs haha!! 😂 Well thanks for the compliment ;) oh I missed that one, time to catch up!
@@ballamoto I didn't even know you subscribed. I missed that notification. I mentioned you in one about the house on the beach
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs I have indeed! Look forward to more 👍
Great very interesting feel educated...
😆 Thanks. I didnt expect many of my subscribers to watch this.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs ahhh this is the agariyhem video you were on about on twitter...
@@78gragonyeah. Its what people want to know
Haha that intro 😁😘
I had to watch it back to remember. A lot of people make their budget and don't realise how expensive helmets and jackets etc are. My gear probably costs the same as my bike 😆
I`m 5.7 looking to buy a used one, but as a new rider (just got my licence and have no experience) I'm a little skeptical about the height and the weight of the bike, what do you think should I make the purchase?
You don't notice the weight when you're moving, even at low speed. The bike feels really secure. Its also easy to move by hand because of the centre of gravity. I'm 5, 10 & I do struggle getting my leg over sometimes but that's probably because I'm getting old. I can just about put my feet flat on the ground
I'm careful how much I lean it over when I park because if you're lent too far over it could be hard to get it straight again. I was stuck in a lopsided lay-by once 😆
I'm 5ft7 and I've had 3 bandit 600's, brilliant first bikes. I love them they do everything, infact I'm on the hunt for my 4th Bandit now :)
Suzuki Bandit.......EpicAdam approved 👌
I approve of anything with 2 wheels
👍👍
8:45 ;)
True.
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs just wanted to help out the people coming to check out the video. I was going to watch the other day but didn't get a chance because it was a 10 minute video (and thank you for making it as such. Nothing wrong with a long video on a bike I love :))))
I became obsessed with the Bandit series a few years back and ever since told myself it was going to be my first bike. I'm glad you agree. Any things you love or hate about your Bandit?
@@jacobwebb8818 I love a lot about it. Its a great first bike because the speed isn't instant but it's fast enough. I just got a Yamaha Fazer because its very similar to the Bandit but it's faster and the brakes are better.
I made plenty of videos about the Bandit
A hyabussa is the perfect 1st bike 😂