Dated styling, average handling and prone to corrosion
Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.
Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.
The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.
It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.
Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.
Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.
The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.
It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.
Suzuki's Bandit is long credited with having kicked off the now highly successful naked middleweight market and you can still see why it caught on.
Admittedly, the handling has now been eclipsed by the competition in the form of Honda's Hornet and Yamaha's Fazer, but for rock bottom prices, look no further than the Bandit. The size and weight may make it slightly ponderous through the bends, but also give the bike great presence on the road.
The motor is a proven reliable lump, coupled to a capable chassis and it's just a shame that Bandits do need to be looked after through the ravages of winter to avoid them disintegrating before your eyes.
It's still a good looking bike, if obviously slightly past its sell-by date and its neutral handling and balance make it an ideal first 'big' bike. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere if you're after outright performance or cutting edge style, but as an affordable and enjoyable down to earth motorcycle, the Bandit makes a lot of sense.
