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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: bombadillo on April 01, 2008, 08:44:48 AM

Title: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 01, 2008, 08:44:48 AM
Ok, I've been looking at upgrading and have a thread out about help me decide, but I'm having a rough time.  I'm definitely going to keep this bike one more season just to get better and more comfortable at riding a smaller bike before upgrading, but am looking at how much money I have to save to do this.  I'm looking at the fz6 vs bandit 600 pros and cons.  For what I can see, the fz6 has a revvy engine, fuel injection, cool futuristic looks and undertail exhaust, a little more grocery getter oriented position.  For the bandit its carbed, better power delivery from reviews, similar looks, comfortable position, more standard style than the fz.  What are your guys thoughts on these two bikes.  I am looking for a bike with quite a bit more power than the gs now even though I probably won't ring it out like I do the GS.  I've thought about the z750s and z1000 but the z1k is just too much for me as an upgrade, and my insurance only quotes on cc size, not whether or not it has an rr plastics or anything else.  Strictly the CC's.  The 650r is a decent choice, and a bit more on the sporty side, but the power just doesn't seem to be there.  Let me know what you guys think of each of these for day to day, sport riding, and squidly riding.  Thanks.
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/bombadillo08/07FZ6_Blue_RF.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/bombadillo08/bandit.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/bombadillo08/650r.jpg)
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: spc on April 01, 2008, 08:57:49 AM
If you're even split between the three, I would say go for the FZ6.  The 650r doesn't belong in competition with the others.  Despite the fact that it is a very competent bike, it is a 650cc parallel twin, not a 600cc inline 4.  I haven't done the research but the FZ6 is going to have the more powerful engine between it and the bandit.  The bandit has in it's favor that the engine design is as old as the GS's and thus pretty simple to maintain, but really once you have the hang of wrenching it's all gravy.

Why not consider an SV??  They're cheap, readily available and will definitely be more powerful than the GS. 
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bettingpython on April 01, 2008, 09:00:00 AM
650r is still a parallel twin, keep the GS if your going that route. Not really much sportier sorry mate it looks good but I picked one over pretty hard when my wife was getting a new bike last year.
I haven't really looked at the bandit I am not a great fan of Suzuki's in general.
Now FZ-6....... ;) I really liked it good sporting capabilities but for a daily rider it's an excellent bike.

IMHO if your looking for an upgrade your looking the right direction with he bandit or FZ6.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 01, 2008, 09:00:50 AM
Answer to terry ^^^

Unfortunately, I know that the fz motor is a detuned r6 motor essentially and it could potentially be a more squidly bike which sounds like a crap answer, but at least its honest.  If I end up doing a fighter job on it in the long run, it won't run into issues like oil starvation, and I don't want an all torque motor.  I am kind of trying to get away from a straight linear power delivery and wanted a peakier motor not just to stand it up on its rear wheel.  I know that the sv is definitely a sportier feel and bike, but the fz seems to be the winner in my head at this point.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bettingpython on April 01, 2008, 09:06:33 AM
I think the bandit is carbed as well, really nothings a biggger pain in the ass than carb's IMHO the FZ has injection :thumb:
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: spc on April 01, 2008, 09:08:06 AM
I hate to tell you but the goal of most companies these days is linear power delivery.  If you want something that has peaky power delivery find yourself an NSR or RGV.

Like I said of the options the FZ6 would be my choice, it's a solid engine with plenty of power to act a fool if you want and a decent seating position.

The bandit is carbed, just like every bandit for the last decade and a half or however long the damn things have been around (guess it is closer to 2 decades)  that's why I said it's a tried and true design much like the GS.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: Jay_wolf on April 01, 2008, 09:46:06 AM
Fi and Underseat. needi say morer? Fz6 :thumb:
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: The Antibody on April 01, 2008, 11:31:11 AM
I've ben partial to the ninga's looks. That said, I believe that the Yamaha seems to be a very competant well rounded bike. It has been around awhile as well.

  -Anti  8)
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: GeeP on April 01, 2008, 12:16:43 PM
Join the SV crowd, the water's fine!   :icon_mrgreen: :icon_razz:

Of the three, I think it's a tie between the ninja and the FZ on comfort.  The FZ has more balls, but it will talk softly in your ear "Go faster!  It's OK!  Nobody's watching.  You know you want to wring my neck!"
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bucks1605 on April 01, 2008, 04:12:12 PM
Buddy of mine has an fz1, he seems to enjoy the bike a lot. Takes it on long rides all the time, so I would go with the fz. I'm assuming it inherits some of it's big brothers' attributes, which are great. Plus that undertail exhaust is super sexy!
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: darb85 on April 01, 2008, 07:51:01 PM
Anybody guide me to a review of the fz 6?

In love with an 08 here but informed decisions and all...
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bettingpython on April 02, 2008, 04:07:42 AM
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1260109
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/middleweight_motorcycle_comparison/index.html
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0402_yamaha_fz6/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0312_2004_yamaha_fz6/index.html
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: max_boost on April 02, 2008, 09:12:29 AM
If it were me, I'd go with the FZ-6.  I really, really like that bike.  Sometimes I wish I got that bike instead of my SVS.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: darb85 on April 02, 2008, 09:42:22 AM
fz6 here i come!!!
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 02, 2008, 09:59:11 AM
Yeah, I like it a whole lot.  Plus the 07's revised the monoblock four piston brakes on the front as well as black frame and swingarm.  I figure fz6 w/double bubble, laser exhaust, power commander, 85kg springs with cartridge simulator and it'll be golden.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: 97gs500e on April 02, 2008, 11:03:25 AM
how about an SV650??
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 02, 2008, 08:02:49 PM
Nah, as stated above, I want something that if I wheelie, it won't starve the cyl for oil.  The fz6 you can get squirrley and still have a motor that runs. 
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: spc on April 02, 2008, 08:49:56 PM
Ummm, you planning some 1/4 mile + wheelies???
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 03, 2008, 08:04:48 AM
Yeah, somewhat.  I just want to be able to have that top end horsepower with the comfort of a standard.  I really like the sv for the twisties, but by no means a hooligan bike.  The fz6 will do it all with no problems.  I have been checking out some track videos and with a bit of work they can be a decent track bike as well.  Plus, the style in my eyes is dead sexy with the stock undertail exhaust, r6 motor with midrange and the newer models all with a black frame and swingarm.  You can get a lower fairing kit or a chin spoiler like our little gs has and they look real clean with them on. 
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: spc on April 03, 2008, 08:13:10 AM
Yeah, the FZ6 is a great track bike with some clip ons, retuning the motor and finishing the fairings off............oh yeah, they make one of those :icon_rolleyes:
This guy doesn't seem to have any problem stunting an SV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0b86eW8ffA

Just remember, any retard with a functioning wrist can stunt a modern 600cc, it takes skill to stunt something less powerful.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: Kasumi on April 03, 2008, 08:20:29 AM
FZ6 any day of the week. Sexy as hell bike with top reviews everywhere, its not at all dated like the bandit and its not considered a first big bike like the bandit either. Sophisticated and well equpped with one of the best engines about.

I looked at the FZ1 instead of an SV1kS but just can't afford to spend that amount of money so had to go with an SV. I dream about the FZ1 - a 190 rear tyre  :cookoo:
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 03, 2008, 02:33:53 PM
Quote from: spcterry on April 03, 2008, 08:13:10 AM
Yeah, the FZ6 is a great track bike with some clip ons, retuning the motor and finishing the fairings off............oh yeah, they make one of those :icon_rolleyes:
This guy doesn't seem to have any problem stunting an SV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0b86eW8ffA

Just remember, any retard with a functioning wrist can stunt a modern 600cc, it takes skill to stunt something less powerful.

No, I know i'm not trying to stunt it or anything like that.  99 percent of my riding is commuting anyway, so its really hard to get a full on sportbike or even an sv for that matter because of the riding position.  I am wanting something with a sporting potential, that will be really comfortable.  I really liked what I saw from the guys at the track and guys who streetfightered their bike also.  I like the power delivery, fuel injection, and everything else.  After listening to what other people here and elsewhere have said, that should be the ticket.  Also I spend a bit of time at the drag strip and would like a bike that could at least be a bit more competetive out there than the sv.  I don't want a bike that will spin wheelies all day, but if I want to pull the front wheel up, it has the power as well as not having much of a chance of blowing up from oil starvation. 

Edit: Also for looks, the fz is a gorgeous bike.  It looks like a grown up sv should.  (just my opinion of course :cheers:)
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: ohgood on April 04, 2008, 06:35:14 PM
did i comment yet ? hell, too lazy...

fz6 FTW !
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: frankieG on April 05, 2008, 02:00:25 PM
i like the kawi for looks but as one member mentioned before i would look at the sv650s...you can not beat a v-twin for torque and sound
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: Jay_wolf on April 05, 2008, 04:06:10 PM
I vote The Sv650s .. I may be a lil baised since i got one , but the sound of the engine is amazing , it roars , sweetest sounded engine
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 05, 2008, 08:26:31 PM
Yeah, its probably gonna be an FZ6 unless a smokin deal of the century comes out for a step seat f4i 2001-2004? I love those things.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: jserio on April 05, 2008, 08:50:22 PM
is this a good deal?  :dunno_white:



http://www.ohcycle.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=02845423X4K5K2008J10I48I38JPMQ2726R0&veh=23727&pov=740504
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bettingpython on April 06, 2008, 01:02:43 AM
Quote from: bombadillo on April 05, 2008, 08:26:31 PM
Yeah, its probably gonna be an FZ6 unless a smokin deal of the century comes out for a step seat f4i 2001-2004? I love those things.

01-03. 04 is a bannana, unless someone has done a subframe swap. Speaking of which I need to get my ass to work on my wifes bike.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 06, 2008, 07:08:35 AM
Quote from: jserio on April 05, 2008, 08:50:22 PM
is this a good deal?  :dunno_white:



http://www.ohcycle.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=02845423X4K5K2008J10I48I38JPMQ2726R0&veh=23727&pov=740504




No!  gottabe > 4k or around there.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: spc on April 06, 2008, 07:17:05 AM
It's gonna be tough to find an FZ6 or an F4i under 4k that's not beat to shaZam!.   They are pretty popular bikes and retain value fairly well.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bettingpython on April 06, 2008, 08:18:11 AM
http://www.tulsasportbikeriders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16927

This one is a good deal.

In the last 3 months five F4i's in the 01  to 03 range have come available locally to me in the mid 4000 to 4500 range. a couiple had been down but had OEM replacements done on them or one with a pretty nice custom paint job went for 3500 since they repaired the damaged pieces and painted the bike.
Title: Re: FZ-6 vs. Bandit 600s vs. 650r
Post by: bombadillo on April 06, 2008, 09:24:07 AM
Quote from: spcterry on April 06, 2008, 07:17:05 AM
It's gonna be tough to find an FZ6 or an F4i under 4k that's not beat to shaZam!.   They are pretty popular bikes and retain value fairly well.

I know, I just lurk in the darkness on craigslist and check it 10,000 times a day and hope for a deal.   I got an 89 saleen with over 5k worth of engine work in the motor for 5500 bucks.  You can always find the divorce deals, got a baby on the way deal, or the almost crashed and pooped the pants deal!!!  I'm not gonna be too cheap with the next bike though.  I want a few specific things and am willing to pay for it even if it means going to a dealer and buying new.  They're cheap enough to make it worth my while to know how the miles were put on.