I don’t know if you’d class it as modern, but I had a 1979 Suzuki GS850G shaft drive (8-valve - I live in Canada) and I’ve always felt that it was wildly underrated. it was smooth, quiet, deceptively fast, had great brakes, handled like it was on rails and was dead-nuts reliable for 100,000 km till I stupidly sold it. It had a kicker and electric start - so you could always get it going and it had by 1000 miles (literally) the best seat ever put on a motorcycle. It was the only bike I’ve owned on which I ran out of gas before I ran out of @ss.
I put several thousand miles on the 650. It was shite. Terrible seat. Almost comically uncomfortable. The under-square twin would pull reasonably well, but habitually asking for power over 3k was being unfair. It wanted short shifting to 60 (and was brisk and happy at that) - anything more assertive was callous. Looked good but wasn't exactly light. For instance, it was 20kg heavier than the original T120 from over 30 years before.
Going back a bit but the early BMW K-series 'flying bricks' with the laid flat engine continue to be underrated and under-priced. BMW traditionalists disliked the company's intention to replace the legendary boxer and the press were lukewarm about the initial K100 model, although happier with the faired RS. BMW went for refinement over out and out power, whereas there had been an expectations that by going multi-cylinder they would match Kawasaki etc. The Boxer was revived as an oil-head and still lives on today. 'Flying brick' K-bikes were phased out in 2006 and today have a small niche following. Many early Ks survive and are popular as custom builder platforms. They have proved their excellence in running up huge mileages and being basically bulletproof.
@@danlee807 it’s the one big problem with an in-line layout Boxer BMWs and Guzzi V twins are the same. Thankfully the Guzzi small block design does make this a bit easier A bit
I've had a K100 and K75. The former was good for long distance but a bit top heavy, whereas the K75 was lovely and smooth and gave excellent economy at any distance.
I'm with you all the way with the Bandit. I bought a faired 600 new in 1997 having looked at a few other bikes. The Bandit is hands down a LOT better than the sum of its parts. Comfortable on a long run (I didn't do any serious touring but a day out to Cadwell Park or Oulton Park was 200 miles in the day), it was nimble, surefooted & predictable. It's a great alll-rounder, happy pottering around the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Lakes or N Yorks Moors but equally competent on a motorway or having a bit of fun in the twisty bits. OK, its "only" 80bhp but that was plenty for me - I was never one for race bikes for the road. I only parted ways with it in October 2022 with much regret & I'd love to own another Bandit, probably the later 650 water cooled version.
Thing is, me and my mate had street triples n my bruv the R6 motor fazer. Though we were faster, we rode to the capability of our bandit mates, on tour.
I've owned a naked SV thou since 2005. It has about 31,000 miles on it, having bought it from a nice chap who sold it to me with just 510 miles on the clock. It has some suspension and engine mapping/intake/exhaust mods and I've toyed toyed with the idea of changing bikes but at all but 66 years of age, 120 crank BHP is plenty and it's not too heavy.
Honda NT650 Bros. Odd name,great bike. Handsome looks,nimble handling,lovely punchy engine...and a remarkable exhaust note, sounds like a triple with a misfire!
And if you put in XRV750 Africa Twin, cams. Higher lift on the valves. A friend did that to his. And it was a big improvement His was the Hawk (U.S), not the bros. But same engine.
Yeah,knew of a guy who did.that,he said it filled out the torque curve v well. He also grafted on to his bike a complete front end from a CBR600,well wicked!
The only problem with the CBR650R is its name. Its called a CBR which people naturally associate with something designed to be track capable. Think of it as a CB650R instead and it makes a lot more sense - a sporty version of the CB road bike. This kind of badge nonsense is whay we have an "R7" which is really an MT-07R. Nothing wrong with a bike not being the best around a track so long as its not badged up as though it is. A Hornet didn't call itself a Fireblade and it sold very well. Same with the Bandit. It was built to a price but it was cheap. Really cheap. Like less than an RGV sometimes depending what offers were on. Back then it was an easy choice because 2T's hadn't gone away so you could have a track refugee with terrible economy, no torque, a pillion seat that was more like a postage stamp and rebuilds every five minutes or a 1200cc inline 4 with close on twice the power, a real seat front and back, reliability, durability and reasonable economy. If you weren't doing trackdays all the time (back then people hardly ever did) there was only one way to go.
Yes I’m not sure about the R7. Seems inappropriate use of the name really and it’s perhaps a bit too sporty in terms of its riding position. Pretty though
No mention here of the cheap spare parts bin, but bizarrely all round overcompetent TRX850. Ive owned many nice road bikes, FZ750(another great bike) VTR1000f(meh)I’ve raced RGV250, 99 and 06 R6’s, 98 ZX-9 and 08 Fireblade. But none of them aroused my soul like the TRX, yet most of them were brilliant bikes. I used the TRX for scratching, touring, commuting, wheelstands and trackdays very effectively. I hurt a lot of egos on that “unwanted thing in the back corner of the shop” that never had a single issue in the 50,000km I did on it. Though I heard the following owner rebuilt the gearbox and freshened the top end at 105,000km. 👍
I have the supernaked Suzuki GSX-S 750 which has been somewhat eclipsed by the massive success of bikes like the Yam MT09, however the GSX has handling on rails, a super smooth, powerful yet fully controllable 4 cylinder engine, great Nissin caliper brakes, pretty decent looks (purely my opinion on that one!) and a bargain basement price of 8k brand new - although now discontinued and replaced by the somewhat strange looking (again my opinion here) GSX-8S p-twin. The 750 is massively underrated imo
I'd take that four pot over a boring twin anytime. A nice twin like the Aprilia 660 is great but most of the new gen inline twins are just commuter bike engines built to save money.
@@bikerdood1100 What are your thoughts on the upcoming ZX-4R? I'm looking forward to it myself because it looks like a laugh without life threatening speed all the time. I'm curious to see if anyone else likes the look of it or if I'm the only one.
@@siraff4461 not fully convinced by Kawasaki styling, but it’s growing on me. Should give a good level of performance but it will be difficult to keep the price competitive I suspect. It’s good to see a small capacity 4 cylinder bike again so I really hope it’s a success.
@@siraff4461 I’ve owned a lot of both but a nice V twin with lots of torque is a winner for me every time. No mucking around with too many gears Judy exit a corner and ride the wave of torque, I’m basically lazy and hate changing gear. Like the booming exhaust not too
The Bandit 600 saved biking. For a decade sports bikes dominated the scene and not everyone wanted one, For just under 4k they were affordable, used prices were going ballistic for anything usable in the real world, and they sold by the boat load.
@@bikerdood1100 I was referring to the Super Tenere 1200. I just looked online and found a 2015 loaded with extras listed for $9750.00 and a standard 2017 listed for the same price. Those two were the least expensive. All in all there were only eleven bikes for sale on a popular used bike web site.
Yamaha XJ900S Diversion- all it needs is a taller 5th gear / 6 speed gearbox, otherwise the air-cooled, carb, 2-valve per cylinder, grunt meister would be perfect. ;)
I have way too many bikes but have just picked up a dirt cheap, and I mean dirt cheap Bandit 600 Mk1. I saw this bike being passed through a series of chavs, all appearing to announce it had no spark and was a simple fix. I got the bike home and had it running in half an hour. I'm guessing the chavs who appeared to think she needed coils were incapable of figuring out it was actually a simple wiring fault (broken pulse coil wire). It always bothers me how badly looked after these great little bikes tend to be by the knuckle draggers who seem to buy them. I think they're the spiritual successor of another massively fun middle weight, the Z650. I feel like a 17 year old hooligan coming out of a late night screening of Mad Max again on the Bandit 😆☠️😆
I looked into getting a CBR650R and the insurance rates are high, not GSXR1000 high but much higher than what you would expect from a "soft" sportbike.
Good knowledgeable video🙏👍👏 and some nice bikes. I'm always impressed by people who know such details if multiple bikes. I can't even remember the most basic details of my bikes. I had a 1990 Bandit 400. Today have R7 . I'd love a spin on the Bandit today to compare both. I also have today parked beside my R7 a 1983 SR 500 if you've ever had a spin in one of them. It's cafe Racer style is cool and it's more relaxing to ride it compared to R7. I'm hoping I can get garage to modernize it and put a digital speedometer display on.
I always wanted Yamaha to build a Supermoto around the 1200 Tenere motor similar to KTM's 990 supermoto. An XSR-1200 would be cool too. The 1200 P-Twin is a great motor & I think Yamaha is really missing the boat by not using it in multiple models.
I'd like to add the Kawasaki GPX750R to the list. A lovely bike. Mine, sadly was stolen and torched when less than a year old but a great long legged sports tourer. I bought it (in 1989) in preference to a VFR750 because it just had that "zing" that the Honda lacked for me.
To add a bit more on that 600F engine - mine ran for 95k miles with nothing more than oil changes and 1 valve adjustment. It was fun and bulletproof. I wanted a Fazer 700 !! Great Channel!!
Yamaha Thunderace. It was a fantastic bike, you could poodle around town, it was comfortable for long distance and although heavier with the suspension tuned can keep up with sports bikes. I sold mine and bought a 2002 R1 and wished I had kept the Ace.
I've never understood why people like sports bikes and road bikes where you're leaning over the tank. All your weight is on your wrists and when you brake it's horrible.
But does it gate the same coverage as say the Triumphs, that’s a big No Does it deserve more attention Yes Saying a bike is underrated is not saying its bad it’s quite the opposite you get that right ?
@@jimmymac9388 that’ll be the 360 crank. Will tend to be more low frequency rather than the buzzy vibes of a 180 crank bike. The same can be said of the 865 Bonnies
@@stuartstibbs2069 🤔 That has only a limited effect on media attention. Generally though as a company if you make something you want it to sell as well as possible That’s called economics 🙄😂😂😂
In Australia I would have to say the XJ 900 Diversion is very underrated. I'm also always amazed at how much the Bandit and the Diversion look so much alike
I often see an XJ900 on my Melbourne commute, it's anonymous apart from the serious amount of oil that is either burnt out of the exhaust or leaking from its engine. You're right though - forgotten bike. Same with the CBR1000. The 90s one.
@@bikerdood1100 the RE lineup is pretty damn simple, but it's also a bit niche. I've got a Bandit 1250, I think it might have been the last of the simple standards. I guess there's the GSX1250, is that still around? The GSXR750 was the last simple superbike... Bit of a theme here
Good list one from each of the big four Japanese manufacturers and a Triumph great balance of brands l do like the Kawasaki 800 how understreesed is the engine and the Suzuki Bandit why is it 80hp in a steel frame because Suzuki will not make a bike just over 100hp in a steel frame lessons learned from the past
I as a general rule like to do one bike per make on my videos. There is the odd exception of course. I think it makes for a more interesting watch and it’s more interesting for me while I’m researching
@@bikerdood1100 Yes it does and there are thousands of motor cycles built in the past 130 years it would take a years to mention to cover them all and the makes that have come and gone
The penton name is not one I’m familiar with, not used in Europe I don’t believe , so I can’t comment As for the 400 four well that bike has a cult following in the Uk and as a result is often hugely expensive here, so I’m afraid at list it quite the other way, it’s performance is a bit underwhelmed even for its size, particularly midrange punch or the lack there of. I’ve ridden some of its European competition of the period and by their standards in the midrange it’s disappointing. It would take another generation of development to get decent performance from a 400 multi. As a bike it possess the question, is four cylinders the best layout for smaller capacity bikes?
Underrated and fairly modern, Suzuki DR air cooled range especially DR BIG. A 750cc single cylinder chook chaser that actually made a decent road bike as a daily ride or comfortable long distance. The slingshot carburettors (2 off) made for fun at the lights. As good as the engine was, the true hero was the Full Floating suspension, smooth and stable on crap roads and in strong winds. The Bikini fairing actually worked even in the rain, unlike the stock screen on my VStrom. Downside, top heavy with 30 litres of fuel in the steel tank and easily blown off its side stand in strong Pilbara winds. All in all the BMW GS you can have without mortgaging your house. Almost 600km to a fill up.
The Tenere is well liked. It bashes on KLR owners which I thought was punching down. But as an ADV bike. It makes sense. But WTH is up with that muffler?
Hmm Interesting design, a Japanese flat tracker, back in the late 80s and early 90s when the b8kes were fairly new they were known as slow sellers with a poor reputation for reliability but I expect most bikes still running were the well looked after examples because when I was younger the poor things got used and abused by commuters, probably explaining a lot of the reliability problems. Commuters rarely receive much love and attention. It was highly unusual for a road bike in it’s day as singles were very much seen as old fashioned.
I enjoyed my 97 Bandit 1200 for 23 years, a beast and a gentleman wrapped up into one station wagon of a sleeper...kicked many a butt of the unsuspecting sport bike variety that tried to pick a fight with me but had no idea what lurked inside of the heart of the beast...suckers!
The Honda CBR 600 has always been a great bike. Yamaha super Tenere is a nice bike but to tall for me . But still nice to ride once moving . A lot of born agains go for the Pan st1100 345 kgs way to heavy . The Bandit is timeless and a great buy. especially the MK1 . The 1200 pure magic. Unbreakable. Lots of after market bits makes it a great buy .I am 63 years of age now but the Bandit is ace. I have the Royal Enfield and gets lots of looks when i am out. The triumph just falls apart . The build quality is now good .Ask anyone who's taken one of these to a track day . I rode one and just couldn't get on with it. I now own a Honda cb1300 and its got everything . The only problem with it is its lack of a 6th gear on the motorway. But my pick would be the Bandit 1200 Mk1 wow what a great bike and now making money . cant fault it . Just a quick mention i also have a Royal Enfield 500cc Diesel. Now that's a different beast 150 MPG crap on the motorways but what fun to ride . Smoother than the Bullet 350 or 500. In addition very rare . Nice video Thanks Please make more Vids . Did you ever cover the Yamaha FZR yet another great bike . My fav bike the Honda Blackbird . I have a pre injection model very nice bike . I suppose it depends on you budget and if that's the case I agree with you the Bandit 6 or the 12 is the way to go . Thanks mate . Great video .
What does the ubiquitous "underrated" actually mean? Like do very few people know of the bikes existence-perhaps, it comes to buyer preference for other manufacturers bikes that make a fashion statement or how riders feel about themselves when riding a bike brand that indicates a riders status?
Or are many people much more sheep like than you imagine when it comes to their purchases. People today buy a very narrow range of products. Look at phones for example. And this unfortunately spills out onto the world of motorcycling. Even in Classic magazines these days there tends to be a focus on a limited range of machines which does become rather dull. If you don’t think certain products are ubiquitous, well look around. Motorcycling is supposed to be about individuality isn’t it ?
We owned both for a few years and found them quite different to be honest Yamaha faster but some how it’s lacking something that made the Suzuki more enjoyable ride but a fine bike nonetheless
BANDITS FOREVER! 600 aside, I have owned a 1999 GSF1200 for many years. It now has 172,000 miles on it, (yes, I've rebuilt it). The Bandit 1200 was Clark Kent in a phone booth; upgrade the (woefully-soft) suspension, re-jet the carbs, do a few tasty performance mods, (mine has a 1216cc bore kit and a touch of head/port work), and suddenly Superman leaps from the phone booth. I've had mine across the United States coast-to-coast a couple of times; put some sticky tires on it and it SHINES at trackdays. Love that bike... think I'll go ride it NOW!
@@bikerdood1100 Mews like a kitten through town, carburetes smoothly and crisply: I can just about slip the clutch out at a stoplight, with no throttle at all... then twist it hard and there is NO surge or flat spot right up to Redline. I've had 27 motorcycles; this one is simply outstanding across the board, can't say enough... But it DOES need thoughtful upgrading to bring out it's inner potential. As you mentioned with the 600, the GEOMETRY is exquisite, the engineers really got that spot-on.
I’ve also owned a Sears Allstate Puch 250 Twingle. It was a nice riding small street bike back when I was 16 years old! I’m now 70 and ride a 2011 Harley Dyna Fat Bob that I love. I’ve also owned a 1997 Honda Valkyrie Touring 1500 6 cylinder 6 carburetor had a great ride.
My moto guzzi griso 1200 is rather underrated because of top end problems but is actually beautifully made and finished.. my RE watsonian 2016 500cc trails bike is also underrated because of the problems of quality control from the original Indian engine/gearbox.. and I must admit the electrics are er.. not pretty.. however, mine has been very reliable and has taken me down to the South of Spain many times.. if very, very, slowly 🐌.. cheers 🍻
Dan beneath brought myself a Grizo new. My wife looked at the back seat and at the back seat of the Big Breva and that was decision made. 17 years later the finish is still good and it goes like a train
@@bikerdood1100 the griso I would safely say.. could pull a caravan, it has that much toque .. but the engine is so sweetly balanced ...at mid to high revs.. you would think its a four cylinder.. machine..
I definitely agree with the Bandit. Mine is a 650cc, and is an amazing bike to ride. I've ridden ones much faster, and some comfier, but I find the Bandit just right in both areas for my needs. Know I'll have to give it up one day, but while it keeps going, it ain't going anywhere without me on-board!
Faster in motorcycles doesn’t always mean better as some seem to believe. We had a Yamaha Fazer a few years after the Bandit, it was faster but we didn’t like it as much, still good though
@@bikerdood1100 so very true. I rode the '03 Fazer that a family member had & really did like it quite a lot. Think it was also a' 17 one I was looking into buying, and I just didn't feel right on it. My Bandit from the moment I tried it I just felt connected to it. No matter what sort of riding you throw at her, she can just seem to handle it. Probably be the totally wrong bike on a track day, luckily I am the wrong kind of rider for them too! 😄
I own one of the Triumph Tiger 1050's 2007 model. And that one is very under rated. It has the sportbike look with the bags you would need for a longer trip. But the one thing it needs most of all is a tune. The fuel cut off is the worst and I think that is why it was over looked for so long. I think its still a problem today with most bikes. But if you have one get a tune on it. There are a few around that are cheap or free. I think I did mine for $30 for the tuning software and cable. A laptop that I already had and a free tune. The 10k miles since then have been way nicer than the first 30k. And that is not my only bike.
I think the very 80s styling is not trendy right now plus people seem to like their Ducatis uncomfortable. Things may change in the future, a vague thing the classic market
@@sidengland6302 well it is a Ducati, they don’t make em ugly, well not often I think people expected a race rep from Ducati rather than sport touring, didn’t stop em trying, ST2 was a nice bike but never really took off
Fjr1300 is the best bike iver had, and that doesn't get the praise that the St1300 gets even though I would argue its the better bike of the two. R1 derived motor so plenty of power, shaft drive, R1 brake calipers. A truly great do all bike.
FJR1300 deserves its dedicated following, and equal to the ST1300. But do it all bikes they are not as some of us take weight seriously. Definitely a porker at 582 lb dry and 644 ib wet!?!? There are so many excellent choices at 100 lb or more lighter, although not with 145 HP. I like my old V65 Sabre with only 125 HP and 540 lb dry, or my Bandit 1200S with only 98 HP at 489 lb wet. I lost a wrestling match with my 600+ lb BMW R1100RT one winter morning and decided 550 lb wet would be my new upper limit. I've since changed that to 525 lb, and plan to lower it again. 40 lb doesn't sound like much, but you would have to load the V65 down with eight 5 lb bags of sugar to equal the FJR! And 155 lb from my Bandit to an FJR would require I strap 31 5 lb bags of sugar to the Bandit to equal the FJR.
Honda NT650/700V Deauvilles are definitely under rated. Slated by the biking press and popular Dullsville scorn they are proving to have longevity. Never a fantastic "set the earth on fire bike" they are not as dull as their reputation might suggest. Not a hot bike but a good bike, very reliable, great protection, good for commuting and light touring work. These bikes will go round the clock all day long - fuel pump and usual honda rectifiers permitting.
Bikes are very subjective. I had a 1995 Bandit 600 shortly after it came out and thought it was crap. Gutless, thirsty & uncomfortable. The cb500 of that era beats if hands-down. I'm 58, been riding since 1986 I've had 20+ bikes. Fave ever... Jawa 350, it's the ultimate real motorbike experience plus its famous enclosed chain.
Similar story with certainly over 20 Machines in my time. Was never impressed with that era cb500 to be honest. The fact that your favourite is a Jawa definitely speaks to individuality, which is what it’s all about
Many years ago, Me and a Mate rescued a CB500 that had been sitting for years out the front of some chaps house. When we tried to get it in the van, the swinging arm fell to bits, thats how bad the rust was! I restored the Bike back in about 2007 and we shared it between us. My mate rode it around Europe Twice! Its had many enjoyable thrashings too.. I still have the Bike and use it often, all ive ever done to the motor is adjust the shims once and stick fresh oil and filters on it regularly.. I think its a bloody good reliable Bike... P.S.. Im 58 next month and ive been riding (Legaly!) since 1981.. lol.! At the last count, i think i have collected about 18 bikes now! lol.! Some are in boxes, some are being restored and some are on the road.. I try to make videos of them when i can remember to get the camera out!! Take care Mate..
Good continuation - I do agree about the W800. Thanks for making interesting videos. My 5 would be: 1) the Yamaha TRX850 - the first bike (I think) with a 270 parallel twin, with trellis frame and bikini faring. I was loaned one for a couple of weeks, while my own bike had a terminal warranty issue. Really good fun to ride and sounded great, or so I thought, but I'd never heard of them before then. 2) Triumph Daytona T595/955i gen 1 and 2). Wonderfully curvy sports bike. I always wanted one, but went for the Speed Triples (T509, then 955i, both with clip-ons - see warranty issue in previous item) instead at the time. I do now have a Daytona and it feels like old shoes with much grunt. I guess the gen 3 re-design didn't help sales (it put me right off) and the superbike market at the time was so strong that unless you wanted to buy British (as I did and still do), it was not a great choice. 3) Honda RC51 RVT1000 "Thunder Pig" (SP1 or 2!). The SP1 bike also didn't sell well in the uk, because of the strong competition (R1s, blades) and it's no compromise approach, so I remember them knocking the prices down drastically. I was practically forced into test-riding one by my dealer! I loved it though. The bike to me is the prettiest motorbike available. It is also possible to "compromise" the bike somewhat for road use, with small rear sprocket and a good remapping. Hydraulic clutch travel is still a bit of an issue in slow traffic though. I think they sold far better in the US, since they were used in the AMA quite a bit. 4) BMW R 1100 S Lordy! - What a fugly bike. My friend bought one new and commuted over 100k on it for the past 20 years without issue. Possibly the wisest, most level-headed choice I could never make. 5) Honda CM400 Custom might make some scoff at it's size and performance, but Prince did look pretty cool riding a fared one in his "When Doves Cry" video, so....
@@bikerdood1100 Your TDM850 choice in the first video must have inspired us, since it uses the same parts. I must have been confused about the engine crank arrangement.
@@MichaelDisney well the 270 crank was developed for the TRX and applied to later TDMs. Smart thinking of Yamaha to have started using that crank arrangement 2 decades before the rest caught on.
@@bikerdood1100 Indeed; and I guess their current cross-plane cranks may have design origins here. However, you are certainly a font of knowledge! As I say, my limited time on one TRX really did stick with me. I think i preferred it's handling in many ways to my cracked crankcase Speed Triple 509, which seemed a tad "lardy" in comparison. I really did like the engine burble from the twin pipes, the feeling of sitting within the bike (rather than on it) and it's torque as well.
The only one of those bikes that I owned was a 1998 600n Bandit. It was fun to ride. I bought a Kawasaki ZR7 to replace it, but ended up selling the ZR7 instead. The Fazer is a great bike. The reason it's so good is the FZR600 engine that is fitted to them. It's powerful, but so economical too!
@@joesutherland225 not a bike we saw in the UK, at least I don’t remember ever seeing one in dealers. The bigger Vmax we definitely did get, bit of a brute
I don’t know if you’d class it as modern, but I had a 1979 Suzuki GS850G shaft drive (8-valve - I live in Canada) and I’ve always felt that it was wildly underrated.
it was smooth, quiet, deceptively fast, had great brakes, handled like it was on rails and was dead-nuts reliable for 100,000 km till I stupidly sold it. It had a kicker and electric start - so you could always get it going and it had by 1000 miles (literally) the best seat ever put on a motorcycle.
It was the only bike I’ve owned on which I ran out of gas before I ran out of @ss.
Definitely not modern
But useful bit of kit
best bike ever
That W800 is great, far better than all these RE/BSA being reviewed?
It does have its own history
Yep. The green and chrome model, is possibly the best looking bike ever made...
I put several thousand miles on the 650. It was shite. Terrible seat. Almost comically uncomfortable. The under-square twin would pull reasonably well, but habitually asking for power over 3k was being unfair. It wanted short shifting to 60 (and was brisk and happy at that) - anything more assertive was callous. Looked good but wasn't exactly light. For instance, it was 20kg heavier than the original T120 from over 30 years before.
@@Unfunny_Username_389 We are talking about the 800. The 650 was always a bit lacking.
@@stuartstibbs2069 At least it had a kick start.
Can I add the GS 500e?....don't laugh, they are a hoot when you wring their neck 😁....
I particularly last model with its GSXR style fairing
I past my test on one of those.
Going back a bit but the early BMW K-series 'flying bricks' with the laid flat engine continue to be underrated and under-priced. BMW traditionalists disliked the company's intention to replace the legendary boxer and the press were lukewarm about the initial K100 model, although happier with the faired RS. BMW went for refinement over out and out power, whereas there had been an expectations that by going multi-cylinder they would match Kawasaki etc. The Boxer was revived as an oil-head and still lives on today. 'Flying brick' K-bikes were phased out in 2006 and today have a small niche following. Many early Ks survive and are popular as custom builder platforms. They have proved their excellence in running up huge mileages and being basically bulletproof.
Guy in street had one, I always liked the concept. Especially the 75
I had to replace a clutch in the K750 took me three solid days of work. Pain in the butt.
@@danlee807 it’s the one big problem with an in-line layout
Boxer BMWs and Guzzi V twins are the same. Thankfully the Guzzi small block design does make this a bit easier
A bit
I've had a K100 and K75. The former was good for long distance but a bit top heavy, whereas the K75 was lovely and smooth and gave excellent economy at any distance.
@@martinjohnson9316 I always felt that the 75 was by far the best of the K series
I'm with you all the way with the Bandit. I bought a faired 600 new in 1997 having looked at a few other bikes. The Bandit is hands down a LOT better than the sum of its parts. Comfortable on a long run (I didn't do any serious touring but a day out to Cadwell Park or Oulton Park was 200 miles in the day), it was nimble, surefooted & predictable. It's a great alll-rounder, happy pottering around the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Lakes or N Yorks Moors but equally competent on a motorway or having a bit of fun in the twisty bits.
OK, its "only" 80bhp but that was plenty for me - I was never one for race bikes for the road. I only parted ways with it in October 2022 with much regret & I'd love to own another Bandit, probably the later 650 water cooled version.
Life moves on
Thing is, me and my mate had street triples n my bruv the R6 motor fazer. Though we were faster, we rode to the capability of our bandit mates, on tour.
I've owned a naked SV thou since 2005. It has about 31,000 miles on it, having bought it from a nice chap who sold it to me with just 510 miles on the clock. It has some suspension and engine mapping/intake/exhaust mods and I've toyed toyed with the idea of changing bikes but at all but 66 years of age, 120 crank BHP is plenty and it's not too heavy.
More than enough ooomph for anyone in all honesty
I had a 97 bandit gsf600s and it was great for its size. It was smooth, revvy, tourquey, and quick. I really enjoyed it on days out or long commuting.
Used mine for all sorts of things, great all round bike
W800 not as pretty as a Triumph…. Would you like to borrow my glasses?
Looks are as always a matter of opinion are they not ?
I do think the Triumph is prettier but for me in many ways the Triumph doesn’t work
That old, tall, cylinder style certainly adds to the charm.
The Yamaha Super Tenere is an excellent bike. My 2011 model is still going strong. Great value for money.
Hmm wonder what second hand prices are like 🤔
Honda NT650 Bros. Odd name,great bike. Handsome looks,nimble handling,lovely punchy engine...and a remarkable exhaust note, sounds like a triple with a misfire!
I’ve little bike, we only got the shaft drive Revier in UK, occasionally seen as a grey import though, especially the 400
Yeah,I always thought that Honda missed a trick there!
@@stevepage2541 not for the first time
And if you put in XRV750 Africa Twin, cams. Higher lift on the valves. A friend did that to his. And it was a big improvement
His was the Hawk (U.S), not the bros. But same engine.
Yeah,knew of a guy who did.that,he said it filled out the torque curve v well. He also grafted on to his bike a complete front end from a CBR600,well wicked!
The only problem with the CBR650R is its name. Its called a CBR which people naturally associate with something designed to be track capable.
Think of it as a CB650R instead and it makes a lot more sense - a sporty version of the CB road bike.
This kind of badge nonsense is whay we have an "R7" which is really an MT-07R.
Nothing wrong with a bike not being the best around a track so long as its not badged up as though it is.
A Hornet didn't call itself a Fireblade and it sold very well.
Same with the Bandit. It was built to a price but it was cheap. Really cheap. Like less than an RGV sometimes depending what offers were on.
Back then it was an easy choice because 2T's hadn't gone away so you could have a track refugee with terrible economy, no torque, a pillion seat that was more like a postage stamp and rebuilds every five minutes or a 1200cc inline 4 with close on twice the power, a real seat front and back, reliability, durability and reasonable economy.
If you weren't doing trackdays all the time (back then people hardly ever did) there was only one way to go.
Yes I’m not sure about the R7. Seems inappropriate use of the name really and it’s perhaps a bit too sporty in terms of its riding position. Pretty though
No mention here of the cheap spare parts bin, but bizarrely all round overcompetent TRX850. Ive owned many nice road bikes, FZ750(another great bike) VTR1000f(meh)I’ve raced RGV250, 99 and 06 R6’s, 98 ZX-9 and 08 Fireblade. But none of them aroused my soul like the TRX, yet most of them were brilliant bikes. I used the TRX for scratching, touring, commuting, wheelstands and trackdays very effectively. I hurt a lot of egos on that “unwanted thing in the back corner of the shop” that never had a single issue in the 50,000km I did on it. Though I heard the following owner rebuilt the gearbox and freshened the top end at 105,000km. 👍
I do intend to do other videos. We had an FZ for a few years a weighty old beast as I remember. Seat was bloody hard too, great engine though
I have the supernaked Suzuki GSX-S 750 which has been somewhat eclipsed by the massive success of bikes like the Yam MT09, however the GSX has handling on rails, a super smooth, powerful yet fully controllable 4 cylinder engine, great Nissin caliper brakes, pretty decent looks (purely my opinion on that one!) and a bargain basement price of 8k brand new - although now discontinued and replaced by the somewhat strange looking (again my opinion here) GSX-8S p-twin. The 750 is massively underrated imo
The traditional 4 has really dropped out of favour in recent years
I'd take that four pot over a boring twin anytime. A nice twin like the Aprilia 660 is great but most of the new gen inline twins are just commuter bike engines built to save money.
@@bikerdood1100 What are your thoughts on the upcoming ZX-4R? I'm looking forward to it myself because it looks like a laugh without life threatening speed all the time.
I'm curious to see if anyone else likes the look of it or if I'm the only one.
@@siraff4461 not fully convinced by Kawasaki styling, but it’s growing on me. Should give a good level of performance but it will be difficult to keep the price competitive I suspect. It’s good to see a small capacity 4 cylinder bike again so I really hope it’s a success.
@@siraff4461 I’ve owned a lot of both but a nice V twin with lots of torque is a winner for me every time. No mucking around with too many gears Judy exit a corner and ride the wave of torque, I’m basically lazy and hate changing gear. Like the booming exhaust not too
The Bandit 600 saved biking. For a decade sports bikes dominated the scene and not everyone wanted one, For just under 4k they were affordable, used prices were going ballistic for anything usable in the real world, and they sold by the boat load.
That’s why it’s in there
Brilliant all rounder
Always look forward to these videos one of my favourite channels.thanks hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Thank you 🙏
Those Teneres are spuper but very heavey.
Pity they couldn’t have cut the weight, if a machine weighs more than a GS, it’s bloody heavy !
Here in the states if you go looking for a used one, the choices are limited and they hold their value.
@@gwynnromano5881 sorry but which bike ?
@@bikerdood1100 I was referring to the Super Tenere 1200. I just looked online and found a 2015 loaded with extras listed for $9750.00 and a standard 2017 listed for the same price. Those two were the least expensive. All in all there were only eleven bikes for sale on a popular used bike web site.
@@gwynnromano5881 ahh I see
Yamaha XJ900S Diversion- all it needs is a taller 5th gear / 6 speed gearbox, otherwise the air-cooled, carb, 2-valve per cylinder, grunt meister would be perfect. ;)
And that handy shaft drive
@@bikerdood1100 Oh, yes, and the shaft drive ! So low maintenance , id forgotten about that. Reminds me i need to change the oil this weekend. ;)
Probably my favourite "all rounder". I almost cried when I had to sell it
@@androidemulator6952 that time of year
I believe prince William owned a triumph tt600.
He did indeed
I had a BMW F650CS, (Scarver). Loved it! Hugely underrated bike.
That the single or the later twin ?
The single. Allegedly the motor that the BSA Gold Star is based on.
@@davidgalt8107 well it’s designed by the same company, so of course there will be similarities but it will be very different I suspect
I have way too many bikes but have just picked up a dirt cheap, and I mean dirt cheap Bandit 600 Mk1. I saw this bike being passed through a series of chavs, all appearing to announce it had no spark and was a simple fix. I got the bike home and had it running in half an hour. I'm guessing the chavs who appeared to think she needed coils were incapable of figuring out it was actually a simple wiring fault (broken pulse coil wire). It always bothers me how badly looked after these great little bikes tend to be by the knuckle draggers who seem to buy them.
I think they're the spiritual successor of another massively fun middle weight, the Z650. I feel like a 17 year old hooligan coming out of a late night screening of Mad Max again on the Bandit 😆☠️😆
WeLl better a hooligan than a chav it seems
@@bikerdood1100 Absolutely, YouCan grow out of being a hooligan, being a chav is for life 😉
Great video 👍🇮🇪🍀
Thank you
Great video
Well done 👏
Always fancied a super tenere or a W650/800
The good thing about them is because their less popular used prices are that bit lower
I have a 2000 model triumph tt600 love it I have just had a bmw K1600GTL but still have the triumph in the shed
Hmm
I know which will be more fun
This is like a shipping list for older used bikes
Some are still in production 🙄
Love my Super Tenere
It’s a big old beast
I want a red 86 phaser again most fondly remembered for me
They do go well
I looked into getting a CBR650R and the insurance rates are high, not GSXR1000 high but much higher than what you would expect from a "soft" sportbike.
Insurance is a joke in the UK
My son found it cheaper to insure his SV 650 than his Daelim 125
Bandit 600S was my first bike, followed by the Bandit 1200S. Great bikes.
They were a lot of bike for the money those things
BT1100 bulldog. Super comfy more so than my xj900. Sounds gorgeous with beuowolf silencers.
I remember that bike very big styling
If that’s a thing
I'd put the W800 in the over rated sector, look great, woeful dynamics, uncomfortable, the occasional death weave and gutless.
Bit like an early Hinckley Trident then really
Good knowledgeable video🙏👍👏 and some nice bikes. I'm always impressed by people who know such details if multiple bikes. I can't even remember the most basic details of my bikes. I had a 1990 Bandit 400. Today have R7 . I'd love a spin on the Bandit today to compare both. I also have today parked beside my R7 a 1983 SR 500 if you've ever had a spin in one of them. It's cafe Racer style is cool and it's more relaxing to ride it compared to R7. I'm hoping I can get garage to modernize it and put a digital speedometer display on.
Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated
Nice one! Thank you. One bike I would like to add is the KTM 690 Duke and 990 Duke. Both very good bikes with great engines and great handling.
Lot of people adding in KTMs
@bikerdood1100 Have you done a video on the Yamaha XJ600/Seca II/Diversion model history? That would be a good video idea.
Not a bad idea 🤔
I always wanted Yamaha to build a Supermoto around the 1200 Tenere motor similar to KTM's 990 supermoto. An XSR-1200 would be cool too. The 1200 P-Twin is a great motor & I think Yamaha is really missing the boat by not using it in multiple models.
You basically want to be Frankenstein and create a two wheeled monster
I can respect that 😂
I'd like to add the Kawasaki GPX750R to the list. A lovely bike. Mine, sadly was stolen and torched when less than a year old but a great long legged sports tourer. I bought it (in 1989) in preference to a VFR750 because it just had that "zing" that the Honda lacked for me.
There are great bikes
Very angular styling I remember
Friend had one, it had plenty of go
I had a 2003 tt600 a few years ago. Super handling and brakes. Although supposedly 'weak' engine for an old duffer like me it flew
I think 600s are more than quick for anyone really to be honest
@@bikerdood1100 yup I had a Z1000J2 in the day as my fastest bike but the TT would have easily blown it away.
To add a bit more on that 600F engine - mine ran for 95k miles with nothing more than oil changes and 1 valve adjustment. It was fun and bulletproof.
I wanted a Fazer 700 !! Great Channel!!
The Honda engine is definitely tough. I suppose it should be because Honda have been making it for years
Yamaha Thunderace. It was a fantastic bike, you could poodle around town, it was comfortable for long distance and although heavier with the suspension tuned can keep up with sports bikes. I sold mine and bought a 2002 R1 and wished I had kept the Ace.
Yep
The styling was a little bland for some but a far better road bike race reps that followed
What about the Honda CX 500 ? I own one from 1981 and think, it is not a bad touring-bike. . Stefan from the nether-rhine, Germany 😊
Well I will put it in but I already gave the bike it’s own stand alone video
I consider my 2017 XTZ1200HT to be the finest street motorcycle I have ever owned.
Nice 👍
Aprilia Falco was an underrated bike. It was similar to the Mille but much better for distance riding.
I remember them well slightly odd styling but very nice bikes
The CBR650 is the epitome of Honda engineering. Overweight, underpowered, and vanilla to the point of not fun to ride
It’s fine I’ve ridden it. Honda just make bikes that work on actual roads not in the imaginations of riders bragging in a bar
I've never understood why people like sports bikes and road bikes where you're leaning over the tank. All your weight is on your wrists and when you brake it's horrible.
Depends where you ate and what your doing really
I do prefer comfort myself however
That blue Suzuki Bandit is gorgeous!
They got a lot right with the Bandit
I bought my 600 bandit new in 1976 and I still have it. it's in gaert condition and I love it
96 more like
Unless I’m older than I thought
Still miss my old 600 bandit half faired, could do everything.
A genuine modern classic
I think the Honda X11was realy very underated, after all you want to ride it not just look at it ? your views ????
Had a few positive comments about that bike and so far nothing negative which speaks for itself
Enjoy your commentary anything with two wheels can bring a grin to your face.
Does me
I have loved bikes for as long as I can remember being able to ride is all I wanted to do
The W800 is not underrated...in fact its highly regarded by most people that have an interest in bikes.
But does it gate the same coverage as say the Triumphs, that’s a big No
Does it deserve more attention Yes
Saying a bike is underrated is not saying its bad it’s quite the opposite you get that right ?
It is a very viby bike. Mines at 3000rpm and was a common complaint from a lot of owners.
@@bikerdood1100 Its called marketing. Kawasaki doesnt push the W800.
@@jimmymac9388 that’ll be the 360 crank. Will tend to be more low frequency rather than the buzzy vibes of a 180 crank bike. The same can be said of the 865 Bonnies
@@stuartstibbs2069 🤔
That has only a limited effect on media attention.
Generally though as a company if you make something you want it to sell as well as possible
That’s called economics 🙄😂😂😂
In Australia I would have to say the XJ 900 Diversion is very underrated. I'm also always amazed at how much the Bandit and the Diversion look so much alike
Getting a lot of mentions that bike
I often see an XJ900 on my Melbourne commute, it's anonymous apart from the serious amount of oil that is either burnt out of the exhaust or leaking from its engine. You're right though - forgotten bike. Same with the CBR1000. The 90s one.
@@MrSlurry simple motorcycles are a ting of the past it seems. Today it’s litre sport bikes or Adventure bikes that cost a fortune
@@bikerdood1100 the RE lineup is pretty damn simple, but it's also a bit niche. I've got a Bandit 1250, I think it might have been the last of the simple standards. I guess there's the GSX1250, is that still around? The GSXR750 was the last simple superbike... Bit of a theme here
Good list one from each of the big four Japanese manufacturers and a Triumph great balance of brands l do like the Kawasaki 800 how understreesed is the engine and the Suzuki Bandit why is it 80hp in a steel frame because Suzuki will not make a bike just over 100hp in a steel frame lessons learned from the past
I as a general rule like to do one bike per make on my videos. There is the odd exception of course. I think it makes for a more interesting watch and it’s more interesting for me while I’m researching
@@bikerdood1100 Yes it does and there are thousands of motor cycles built in the past 130 years it would take a years to mention to cover them all and the makes that have come and gone
All of the Pentons and the Honda CB400Four.
The penton name is not one I’m familiar with, not used in Europe I don’t believe , so I can’t comment
As for the 400 four well that bike has a cult following in the Uk and as a result is often hugely expensive here, so I’m afraid at list it quite the other way, it’s performance is a bit underwhelmed even for its size, particularly midrange punch or the lack there of. I’ve ridden some of its European competition of the period and by their standards in the midrange it’s disappointing.
It would take another generation of development to get decent performance from a 400 multi.
As a bike it possess the question, is four cylinders the best layout for smaller capacity bikes?
ZX6R - 98 to 2000. TL1000S. Ducati 900SS.
A very sporty selection
"over 80 mph" ... you naughty boy 🙂
On which bike, it’s probably not me riding to be honest
Honda varadero XL1000V underrated
Possibly so
Would fit well into a video on forgotten machines
Honda X11.
Blunt almost forgot about those
@@bikerdood1100 I still love riding it, rock solid and still gives the new kids a run for the money. A little chubby and odd, but hey:)
@@healingplaces that# we we like to hear
@@bikerdood1100 Before I forget to mention it: hugely enjoy your work! Greetings from South Bohemia, drop by for a ride eventually
@@healingplaces thanks for that. So nice to get positive feedback
What about suzuki rf600?
🤔
Underrated and fairly modern, Suzuki DR air cooled range especially DR BIG.
A 750cc single cylinder chook chaser that actually made a decent road bike as a daily ride or comfortable long distance.
The slingshot carburettors (2 off) made for fun at the lights.
As good as the engine was, the true hero was the Full Floating suspension, smooth and stable on crap roads and in strong winds. The Bikini fairing actually worked even in the rain, unlike the stock screen on my VStrom.
Downside, top heavy with 30 litres of fuel in the steel tank and easily blown off its side stand in strong Pilbara winds.
All in all the BMW GS you can have without mortgaging your house. Almost 600km to a fill up.
That DR had an absolutely massive single, as big as it got then I remember how amazing it looked when it first appeared
The Bandit's little brother- The GS400F is also a sweet handing bike.
True and a very different bike to its siblings
@@bikerdood1100 a good mount for smaller riders back then, and an early trellis frame
@@danweyant4909 they are a bit compact, my wife ran the GSXR 400 for a few years which was a similar size and fitted her perfectly
@bikerdood1100 yep, mine too, and loved it
The Tenere is well liked. It bashes on KLR owners which I thought was punching down. But as an ADV bike. It makes sense. But WTH is up with that muffler?
KLR is a very different type of bike though
Definitely be seeing more bikes like it as the big Adventure style bikes get stupid expensive
How about the Honda FT500
Hmm
Interesting design, a Japanese flat tracker, back in the late 80s and early 90s when the b8kes were fairly new they were known as slow sellers with a poor reputation for reliability but I expect most bikes still running were the well looked after examples because when I was younger the poor things got used and abused by commuters, probably explaining a lot of the reliability problems. Commuters rarely receive much love and attention.
It was highly unusual for a road bike in it’s day as singles were very much seen as old fashioned.
I enjoyed my 97 Bandit 1200 for 23 years, a beast and a gentleman wrapped up into one station wagon of a sleeper...kicked many a butt of the unsuspecting sport bike variety that tried to pick a fight with me but had no idea what lurked inside of the heart of the beast...suckers!
Great they are
I test rode a 2005 1200 Bandit. That thing had insane power and speed. I passed on it. I'm only 135 lbs. I bought a FZ 600.
@@kengates3146 Those FZ's are smoooth!
@@kengates3146 I have a '22 mt09sp now...Tazmanian Devil :)
@@ljoelmchanley3676 Yes, it was one of those bikes I wish I still had. It didn't have much down low, but pretty wicked fast roll on acceleration.
The Honda CBR 600 has always been a great bike. Yamaha super Tenere is a nice bike but to tall for me . But still nice to ride once moving . A lot of born agains go for the Pan st1100 345 kgs way to heavy . The Bandit is timeless and a great buy. especially the MK1 . The 1200 pure magic. Unbreakable. Lots of after market bits makes it a great buy .I am 63 years of age now but the Bandit is ace.
I have the Royal Enfield and gets lots of looks when i am out. The triumph just falls apart . The build quality is now good .Ask anyone who's taken one of these to a track day . I rode one and just couldn't get on with it. I now own a Honda cb1300 and its got everything . The only problem with it is its lack of a 6th gear on the motorway. But my pick would be the Bandit 1200 Mk1 wow what a great bike and now making money . cant fault it . Just a quick mention i also have a Royal Enfield 500cc Diesel. Now that's a different beast 150 MPG crap on the motorways but what fun to ride . Smoother than the Bullet 350 or 500. In addition very rare . Nice video
Thanks Please make more Vids .
Did you ever cover the Yamaha FZR yet another great bike . My fav bike the Honda Blackbird . I have a pre injection model very nice bike . I suppose it depends on you budget and if that's the case I agree with you the Bandit 6 or the 12 is the way to go . Thanks mate . Great video .
Nice choices and interesting thoughts
What does the ubiquitous "underrated" actually mean? Like do very few people know of the bikes existence-perhaps, it comes to buyer preference for other manufacturers bikes that make a fashion statement or how riders feel about themselves when riding a bike brand that indicates a riders status?
Or are many people much more sheep like than you imagine when it comes to their purchases.
People today buy a very narrow range of products. Look at phones for example. And this unfortunately spills out onto the world of motorcycling.
Even in Classic magazines these days there tends to be a focus on a limited range of machines which does become rather dull.
If you don’t think certain products are ubiquitous, well look around.
Motorcycling is supposed to be about individuality isn’t it ?
A bike that I fancied and never saw many of was the Honda nighthawk 650. I think that it was about 82 , the single ohc model .
Very much an American influenced model, I do remember seeing a few on the road, not for a while though
bandit6s are a lot of fun
Very true
I have a Bandit 1200 but owned the GSX600f; the 600 is very under rated so the Bandit is a winner. However the extra grunt of the 1200 is brilliant.
They don’t have a lot extra at the top but mid range is a very different story
I have to say that Honda 90/100etc are probably are the most undersung bikes on the Planet
I would agree but of late they’ve become very trendy little beasts
Fazer & The Bandit are vary similar. Both are Great motorcycles.
We owned both for a few years and found them quite different to be honest
Yamaha faster but some how it’s lacking something that made the Suzuki more enjoyable ride but a fine bike nonetheless
@@bikerdood1100 bandit has more low end torque's that's better for a street bike.
@@DANTHETUBEMAN well it’s not bad by four cylinder standards at least and definitely better than the Fazer in that regard
@@bikerdood1100 both are reliable and long lasting. I like the top end power of my fz1 it's a thrill ride, I like the bandit also, almost bought one.
Good review, thank you. One remark: anything looks better than a GS 🙂
Well almost
BANDITS FOREVER! 600 aside, I have owned a 1999 GSF1200 for many years. It now has 172,000 miles on it, (yes, I've rebuilt it). The Bandit 1200 was Clark Kent in a phone booth; upgrade the (woefully-soft) suspension, re-jet the carbs, do a few tasty performance mods, (mine has a 1216cc bore kit and a touch of head/port work), and suddenly Superman leaps from the phone booth. I've had mine across the United States coast-to-coast a couple of times; put some sticky tires on it and it SHINES at trackdays. Love that bike... think I'll go ride it NOW!
Bit of a beast then
@@bikerdood1100 Mews like a kitten through town, carburetes smoothly and crisply: I can just about slip the clutch out at a stoplight, with no throttle at all... then twist it hard and there is NO surge or flat spot right up to Redline. I've had 27 motorcycles; this one is simply outstanding across the board, can't say enough... But it DOES need thoughtful upgrading to bring out it's inner potential. As you mentioned with the 600, the GEOMETRY is exquisite, the engineers really got that spot-on.
Yep, once you owned a bandit .... you will always remember her ... do miss mine, wish i never sold it ....
I find that with a few of my old bikes. The bandit was just so easy and enjoyable to ride
Yeap much better intro and another great vid, looks like I will have to subscribe lol
Oh
I like the old one 😢
How about the Suzuki 850L
Oh I’ve had that mentioned before
Need a follow up I think
I’ve also owned a Sears Allstate Puch 250 Twingle. It was a nice riding small street bike back when I was 16 years old! I’m now 70 and ride a 2011 Harley Dyna Fat Bob that I love. I’ve also owned a 1997 Honda Valkyrie Touring 1500 6 cylinder 6 carburetor had a great ride.
My moto guzzi griso 1200 is rather underrated because of top end problems but is actually beautifully made and finished.. my RE watsonian 2016 500cc trails bike is also underrated because of the problems of quality control from the original Indian engine/gearbox.. and I must admit the electrics are er.. not pretty.. however, mine has been very reliable and has taken me down to the South of Spain many times.. if very, very, slowly 🐌.. cheers 🍻
Dan beneath brought myself a Grizo new. My wife looked at the back seat and at the back seat of the Big Breva and that was decision made.
17 years later the finish is still good and it goes like a train
@@bikerdood1100 the griso I would safely say.. could pull a caravan, it has that much toque .. but the engine is so sweetly balanced ...at mid to high revs.. you would think its a four cylinder.. machine..
I definitely agree with the Bandit. Mine is a 650cc, and is an amazing bike to ride. I've ridden ones much faster, and some comfier, but I find the Bandit just right in both areas for my needs. Know I'll have to give it up one day, but while it keeps going, it ain't going anywhere without me on-board!
Faster in motorcycles doesn’t always mean better as some seem to believe. We had a Yamaha Fazer a few years after the Bandit, it was faster but we didn’t like it as much, still good though
@@bikerdood1100 so very true. I rode the '03 Fazer that a family member had & really did like it quite a lot. Think it was also a' 17 one I was looking into buying, and I just didn't feel right on it. My Bandit from the moment I tried it I just felt connected to it. No matter what sort of riding you throw at her, she can just seem to handle it. Probably be the totally wrong bike on a track day, luckily I am the wrong kind of rider for them too! 😄
I own one of the Triumph Tiger 1050's 2007 model. And that one is very under rated. It has the sportbike look with the bags you would need for a longer trip. But the one thing it needs most of all is a tune. The fuel cut off is the worst and I think that is why it was over looked for so long. I think its still a problem today with most bikes. But if you have one get a tune on it. There are a few around that are cheap or free. I think I did mine for $30 for the tuning software and cable. A laptop that I already had and a free tune. The 10k miles since then have been way nicer than the first 30k. And that is not my only bike.
Very capable bikes indeed
I had a Speed 4.Very fun Bike! Mine had aTT600 tune. 88hp to 100hp.
Ducati 907ie is very underrated.
I think the very 80s styling is not trendy right now plus people seem to like their Ducatis uncomfortable. Things may change in the future, a vague thing the classic market
@@bikerdood1100 Whenever I park it out in public, people comment on what a beautiful bike it is. They're surprised when I tell them it's 30 years old.
@@sidengland6302 well it is a Ducati, they don’t make em ugly, well not often I think people expected a race rep from Ducati rather than sport touring, didn’t stop em trying, ST2 was a nice bike but never really took off
Subscribed. Just found you. Love your work.
Thanks for the feedback
BMW K1200R 2005-
An underrated BMW there’s an unusual concept
Fazers are better bikes than bandits
Well faster, but as we say we have owned both for some period and found the Bandit more enjoyable
Fjr1300 is the best bike iver had, and that doesn't get the praise that the St1300 gets even though I would argue its the better bike of the two. R1 derived motor so plenty of power, shaft drive, R1 brake calipers. A truly great do all bike.
🤔
@@bikerdood1100 what does that mean? Lol
@@madheadmadDAZ means I’m thinking about part 3
And the yam is a good shout
@@bikerdood1100 Yeah mate, research that bike its a total beast.
FJR1300 deserves its dedicated following, and equal to the ST1300. But do it all bikes they are not as some of us take weight seriously. Definitely a porker at 582 lb dry and 644 ib wet!?!? There are so many excellent choices at 100 lb or more lighter, although not with 145 HP. I like my old V65 Sabre with only 125 HP and 540 lb dry, or my Bandit 1200S with only 98 HP at 489 lb wet. I lost a wrestling match with my 600+ lb BMW R1100RT one winter morning and decided 550 lb wet would be my new upper limit. I've since changed that to 525 lb, and plan to lower it again. 40 lb doesn't sound like much, but you would have to load the V65 down with eight 5 lb bags of sugar to equal the FJR! And 155 lb from my Bandit to an FJR would require I strap 31 5 lb bags of sugar to the Bandit to equal the FJR.
Honda NT650/700V Deauvilles are definitely under rated. Slated by the biking press and popular Dullsville scorn they are proving to have longevity. Never a fantastic "set the earth on fire bike" they are not as dull as their reputation might suggest. Not a hot bike but a good bike, very reliable, great protection, good for commuting and light touring work. These bikes will go round the clock all day long - fuel pump and usual honda rectifiers permitting.
I would definitely agree with you there
Bikes are very subjective. I had a 1995 Bandit 600 shortly after it came out and thought it was crap. Gutless, thirsty & uncomfortable. The cb500 of that era beats if hands-down. I'm 58, been riding since 1986 I've had 20+ bikes. Fave ever...
Jawa 350, it's the ultimate real motorbike experience plus its famous enclosed chain.
Similar story with certainly over 20 Machines in my time. Was never impressed with that era cb500 to be honest. The fact that your favourite is a Jawa definitely speaks to individuality, which is what it’s all about
Many years ago, Me and a Mate rescued a CB500 that had been sitting for years out the front of some chaps house. When we tried to get it in the van, the swinging arm fell to bits, thats how bad the rust was!
I restored the Bike back in about 2007 and we shared it between us. My mate rode it around Europe Twice! Its had many enjoyable thrashings too..
I still have the Bike and use it often, all ive ever done to the motor is adjust the shims once and stick fresh oil and filters on it regularly..
I think its a bloody good reliable Bike...
P.S..
Im 58 next month and ive been riding (Legaly!) since 1981.. lol.!
At the last count, i think i have collected about 18 bikes now! lol.!
Some are in boxes, some are being restored and some are on the road..
I try to make videos of them when i can remember to get the camera out!!
Take care Mate..
I had a 600 Bandit. Absolutely brilliant in city traffic. So very manouverable.
Very and not that light either
Good continuation - I do agree about the W800. Thanks for making interesting videos. My 5 would be: 1) the Yamaha TRX850 - the first bike (I think) with a 270 parallel twin, with trellis frame and bikini faring. I was loaned one for a couple of weeks, while my own bike had a terminal warranty issue. Really good fun to ride and sounded great, or so I thought, but I'd never heard of them before then. 2) Triumph Daytona T595/955i gen 1 and 2). Wonderfully curvy sports bike. I always wanted one, but went for the Speed Triples (T509, then 955i, both with clip-ons - see warranty issue in previous item) instead at the time. I do now have a Daytona and it feels like old shoes with much grunt. I guess the gen 3 re-design didn't help sales (it put me right off) and the superbike market at the time was so strong that unless you wanted to buy British (as I did and still do), it was not a great choice. 3) Honda RC51 RVT1000 "Thunder Pig" (SP1 or 2!). The SP1 bike also didn't sell well in the uk, because of the strong competition (R1s, blades) and it's no compromise approach, so I remember them knocking the prices down drastically. I was practically forced into test-riding one by my dealer! I loved it though. The bike to me is the prettiest motorbike available. It is also possible to "compromise" the bike somewhat for road use, with small rear sprocket and a good remapping. Hydraulic clutch travel is still a bit of an issue in slow traffic though. I think they sold far better in the US, since they were used in the AMA quite a bit. 4) BMW R 1100 S Lordy! - What a fugly bike. My friend bought one new and commuted over 100k on it for the past 20 years without issue. Possibly the wisest, most level-headed choice I could never make. 5) Honda CM400 Custom might make some scoff at it's size and performance, but Prince did look pretty cool riding a fared one in his "When Doves Cry" video, so....
The TRX is coming up in a lot of comments 🤔
@@bikerdood1100 Your TDM850 choice in the first video must have inspired us, since it uses the same parts. I must have been confused about the engine crank arrangement.
@@MichaelDisney well the 270 crank was developed for the TRX and applied to later TDMs. Smart thinking of Yamaha to have started using that crank arrangement 2 decades before the rest caught on.
@@bikerdood1100 Indeed; and I guess their current cross-plane cranks may have design origins here. However, you are certainly a font of knowledge! As I say, my limited time on one TRX really did stick with me. I think i preferred it's handling in many ways to my cracked crankcase Speed Triple 509, which seemed a tad "lardy" in comparison. I really did like the engine burble from the twin pipes, the feeling of sitting within the bike (rather than on it) and it's torque as well.
why was the suzuki sv-650 not included?.
Already a Suzuki in there you may note
Try to limit to one bike per company per video as a rule
The only one of those bikes that I owned was a 1998 600n Bandit. It was fun to ride. I bought a Kawasaki ZR7 to replace it, but ended up selling the ZR7 instead.
The Fazer is a great bike. The reason it's so good is the FZR600 engine that is fitted to them. It's powerful, but so economical too!
We liked our Fazer, but I enjoyed the Bandit a bit more
Try the 750
@@joesutherland225 not in the uk we can’t
Sometimes seen as a grey import. We did get the faired 750 which makes a great budget touring bike
Unfortunate my favorite bike of my life 750 phaser 1986
@@joesutherland225 not a bike we saw in the UK, at least I don’t remember ever seeing one in dealers. The bigger Vmax we definitely did get, bit of a brute