John Wheeler rides the Suzuki Bandit - a machine which can easily combine the roles of a commuter and a weekend recreation vehicle.
In the past decade the 600 cc Suzuki Bandit has earned a well-deserved reputation as a well-priced, nimble, easy to ride, all-rounder, offering solid, comfortable and reliable transport with excellent performance.
In terms of practicality and available performance for your euro it's hard to beat. Which is why there's a lot of them about. It's available in two versions, the unfaired GSF 600 and - as on our test machine, the GFS 600 S - with a half-fairing, housing a twin headlight layout.
The unfaired version is instantly recognisable with its two chrome, cone-shaped housings, for the rev counter and speedometer. The overall layout is best described as modern conventional; a 4-cylinder in-line engine, disk brakes front and rear, chain drive and a not-too-extreme seating position. Both versions are also available in reduced power versions, thus qualifying for Group 5, rather than Group 10 insurance rates.
Having ridden earlier models before, the first thing we noticed with this, half-faired version, was the vastly improved siting of the mirrors which give an excellent rearwards view - the same cannot be said for the unfaired version. The riding position is very comfortable. It comes with both a side and centre stand but could do with a decent lifting handle to make lifting the machine onto the centre stand easier.
Instrument layout is clear and comprehensive and includes a clock. We did find the fuel gauge on the test model somewhat misleading. Whilst the bar graph layout was showing 40 per cent fuel left, that should be about eight litres, we had to switch, to reserve. This has to be done manually - a disconcerting operation when you are in the overtaking lane of the motorway. A 10-litre top up almost filled the tank. A more accurate gauge would be better. Though this may have been peculiar to the test machine. Expect around 36 mpg in town and around 45 mpg on the open road. A full tank should give a range of almost 200 miles.
The engine has a smooth power delivery and thrives on high revs, redlining at 12,000 rpm. It produced 80 ps at 10,500 rpm. Given a dry weight of 208 kgs that equates to an impressive 384ps per tonne. It sounds "busy" at 70 mph and is good for 125 mph. In top gear 2,500 rpm gives 30 mph. Top speed (helped by the fairing) - somewhat academic given the possibility of penalty points - is around 130 mph. The engine is very free-revving, injudicious use of the throttle when pulling away can see the revs shoot up alarmingly. Brakes are smooth and progressive. The machine feels stable and well-mannered.
This is a machine which can easily combine the roles of a commuter and a weekend recreation vehicle. It can cope just as well with city traffic, motorways and twisty back roads. Pillion comfort is reasonably good.
Several owners have commented on relatively cheap parts and maintenance, sturdy reliability, reasonable comfort and say it seems to hold its value quite well. For € 8,400 you get a machine that can well hold its own in the company of many much higher priced bikes.
The half-fairing, sometimes referred to as a "bikini" fairing, does give a degree of weather protection but not in the class of a full fairing. You will certainly notice the wind blast from 50 mph upwards. For long distance comfort, as with so many machines, a better screen configuration would make for more comfort and, importantly, less rider fatigue.
There is no luggage provision, such as panniers, as standard. There are many after market ones which can easily be added. All in all an honest, well-performing all rounder that can do most anything you ask of it.
TECHSPEC
ENGINE: 4-cylinder in-line, 4-stroke, DOHC, air cooled. 600 cc, 62.6 mm bore X 48.7 mm stroke. Power output 80ps @ 10,500 rpm. Torque 54.1Nm @ 9,500 rpm. Compression 11.3:1.
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1,440mm, seat height 790mm, dry weight 208kg, fuel capacity 20 litres.
CHASSIS: 41mm telescopic front forks, 4-way rebound damping, swinging arm, 7-way pre-load rear suspension, 290mm 2-piston front disk brakes, one 240mm 2-piston rear disk brake. Tyres 120/60 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear.
PRICE: €8,400. For the 600 S (faired version), € 7,800 (unfaired).
Warranty: Two years unlimited mileage. Restrictor Kit € 200. Service interval 6,000 kms. Insurance Group 10 but Group 5 for the restricted 33 bhp model.