Hi all
Im happy to report that I recently passed my full motorcycle license. Ive been riding for a good couple of years on my 125 and im itching really hard to buy my first big bike.
Found this Suzuki Bandit very local to me and I was wondering if maybe somebody could advise.
Im having second thoughts because its a big engine and because its pretty old.
I was thinking about trying to get this bike down to 2000
Thanks in advance
Ad’s gone? bandits are good, 1200 is quite a big step up from 125, just remember unlike a 125 the throttle is not an on/off switch and spend money on really good tyres.
Still live. Might showing as gone because you are looking from abroad. Ill try and download the pictures and description when im home. What should I look at when viewing the bike?
I’d recommend something between a 500cc to 800cc depending on the bike. The bigger you get the more unruly it becomes. Also remember: everyone dumps their first bike and you’ll need to be able to lift it yourself, 1200cc is gonna weigh a ton.
What about this one? 1998 CB500S https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-cb500s/1466287814
Listing description: Honda CB500s completely rebuilt by a time served motorcycle mechanic of 35 years. Runs beautifully starts first time every time. Has a few upgrades, forks have pre load adjusters and 15w oil. Fender extended on the front mudguard. Nissin front brake caliper and master cylinder from a later model, straight fit. Carbs were cleaned and an in-line fuel filter fitted. Long mot.
How is it possible that in 2008 it was 93k miles, and in 2023 5k miles
I think the fuel injected Honda CBR is the better way to go, it’s also got the best dealer support compared to Suzuki but that’s just my personal experiences in the US.
I’m really tempted to go see this one today: https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-cbr-600-f3/1476139290
It’s carburator rather than fuel injector. Should that be a concern? What would look at while viewing the bike?
That’s a pretty cool looking bike, my only concern would be parts availability as I think you’re in the UK and the bike was imported from Italy. In the US imported models can be a pain in the ass to get parts for, how’s it like in the UK for something that came from italy?
Get this one, have/had a very similar f2, it’s an everything bike, track, tour, street. italian import is nothing to worry about, parts are the same. what really sells it to me is the stock silencer and general unmessed with look, seems like a previous owner loved it.
Check it’s charging, 90’s honda 5 wire rectifier’s are bleug, hydralic camchain tensioner can get weak, hold it at about 9krpm for 1~2 seconds and slam the thottle shut, you’ll hear a horendous chain rubbing noise if it needs replacing.
When buying any older bike, look at the nooks and crannys a quick clean won’t have reached, check things like the foot pegs, low mileage bike won’t have worn pegs, fork chrome is a expensive pain to fix, so make sure those are good. Excellent first big bike.
I am going to go along to everyone else and say that is a really big step up. Honestly there is a pretty good argument to be made that for sport bikes at least liter bikes do not really have any business on being on the road. 9 times out of 10 a 600 will serve you better. I for one can get onto more than enough trouble on a smaller bike.
One really good way to think about it. All bikes have more or less the same amount of travel in the throttle(60° if I remember correctly). So a bike making 30 hp will give you 1 hp for every 2°. One making 60 hp will give you 1 hp for every 1° and one making 120 HP will at 2 hp per degree. You have to be way more precise on the high HP bikes. It isn’t just making sure you only use half the throttle.
Thanks buddy
What you say makes perfect sense. I took a 600 for a test ride today and it really felt like plenty of power.
Glad I could help. And honestly a 600 might actually be faster on your B roads. It will definitely be more nimble and more fun.
I went from a 125 scooter to a Yamaha R6 and the first ride was so scary. I pulled the throttle back for the first time and I nearly fell off the back.
3 weeks later and I was taking the bike to its limits without a care.
Decades later I went from a VFR800 to a BMW R1200RT, which was massive in comparison. It was intimidating at first but didn’t take long to get used to it.
The point is, get whatever you want, like the others said, the throttle is not an on and off switch. You only go as fast as you want to. You’ll get used to it quickly.
