Bandit 650 vs SV650

Thinking about buying a bike, a couple of years after getting
the test but without actually buying anything. I'm likely to
ride it about for fun at weekends with the occasional commute
(80-100 miles round trip), in good weather only.

No fixed budget in mind. Could spend 4-5k on a new bike, maybe a
bit more, or could buy a good second hand job for around 2k.

I was looking at Suzukis, and noticed they made two 650cc bikes
that appear to fall into the same sort of category (the one I'm
probably looking in).

So, what's the difference (in real terms, not spec on paper)
between a Bandit 650 and an SV650? Notice on their website that
they also make a Bandit 600 too. Much difference?

Would you recommend new or 2nd hand?

John

 

Yeh, Bandit 650 makes more torque at under half the rpm the 600 does,
but has about the same HP. I posted the actual figures in another thread
somewhere.

New, or nearly new. Old ones tend to have gone off a bit.

 

Second hand - you will drop it.

 

I didn't, but I did throw it in a ditch after a few years.

 

Go for Second hand. As some have pointed out "you will drop it"

I've ridden both and the Bandit 650 is very bland and a bit top heavy, the
SV650 s a great little tool, they even have their own race series, Mini
Twins. The girls in our team are doing 1:04sec at Pembrey on almost a
standard bike. Also, take a look at a CB500.

Without a doubt, 2nd hand.

 

2nd hand bandit, I've got a 2000 (new shape) 600 and it's plenty quick
enough, handles well and great fun.