Opinions: 600 Divvie

and the next contender up against the Monster 600 is <fanfare> 1999 XJ
600 Diversion.

I think I've only ever ridden the 900, the 600 is *tiny*. Very low seat
and a perfect riding position for a 5' 3" type. So other than being a
staple diet for commuters and couriers what are they like to own and how
is reliability.

This one still has the 33bhp restrictors fitted so it's hard to gauge
the real performance. I like the look of them though with the canted
engine and downdraught carbs.

 

LOL well I did read that here recently!! in fact the dealer confirmed
it to me

 

He read it here on ukrm first!

 

Not improbable!

 

Prone to sticking calipers, fractured oil lines and general corrosion. other
than that, they are sturdy, worthy but dull bikes.

<sarc mode>

You'd not notice the difference with the restrictors out.

</sarc mode>

In short, not a bad bike per se, but the bandit is so much better in every
way but seat height. If you could get the seat lowered, go bandit.

If you can't, then go for a twin front disc divvy, the braking is so much
better compared to the earlier single front . The half faired version in
preference to the unfaired.

Check for disc blueing, shot seals ( lift the dustcap and search for bog
roll ), shagged rear pivot bearings and knackered rear suspension unit.

If you can, check the charging circuit and battery state.


HTH

 

I ran an early-ish single disc model for 2 years and nearly 70k miles.
Sold it with over 80k on the clock.

Reliable as hell, never let me down, was cheap to service, tyres are
cheap and chains are only about 20 quid for an M&P 'heavy duty' job.

My later, twin disc jobbie was *much* slower for some reason.

As a commuter or bike for a newly qualified rider, they're great.

All day long comfort, not too slow, handle fairly well. Cheap as chips
to buy and there's always a market for them when you get bored.

 

SteveH says...

That would take about 5 minutes in my case.

 

No, the New Lozzo should respond enthusiastically to such a bike

 

Well, I like mine, had it for 4 years now and it's never let me down.
I'm 6 foot and I manage quite well too. They have a reputation for
being dull and reliable, I can't really argue with that.

Make sure it's had the crankcase breather mod done or it will piss oil
into the air filter and all gets very messy.

Otherwise, I'd happily have another one if a suitable one's available
when I'm in the market for a new velocipede.

 

Hog says...

The New Lozzo still hates Divvies, he loves Bandits though.

 

What in particular? I never liked the baby bandit

 

Hog says...

I think a 600 Bandit is all you need for the road if you don't want a
sports bike tbh. They accelerate quicker than just about any car, do
130mph, 45mpg and handle well enough, especially considering the truly
awful budget suspension[1]. They're dirt cheap to buy and run, amaingly
reliable and parts are cheap and plentiful due to being a parts bin
special etc etc. They have their faults like being heavy and a bit
ponderous round town and have some build quality issues with regards
corrosion, but all in all they're a great bike. The 1200 is a great bike
too, but I think the 600 is easier to ride fast down twisty roads.

[1] I have fitted a new shock from a Bandit 650 K5 into mine, it has
adjustable rebound damping but is slightly longer. I had to make a new
set of longer suspension dog-bones from 1/4 inch alloy sheet to bring
the ride height down 2 1/2 inches. I couldn't touch the floor before.
The handling is now much much better. Next on the list is a set of fork
top-caps and preload adjusters from a K model 600 or 650, or I may just
stick 2p bit spacers in on top of the springs.

 

What don't you like about the Divvies then?

 

Hog says...

They're so bland they should have been made by Honda. The quality of
finish is worse than the Bandits and they have no style at all.

 

Well yeah Yamaha were never great in quality of finish

 

I like 'em. Very sweet engines. Nicely torquey, as well. Comfy,
economical, reliable. Avoid the unfaired version like the plague,
though. Higher bars sod up the handling.

Real problem is Yamaha finish and the electrics corrode like ****.