Sooo, I've seen some good deals on all three of these. Trying to decide on which to get.

I have a friend who has made me a killer deal on his CB1, really the only one I've been able to find for sale in this area. Bandits pop up on ebay and cl from time to time, but it would be a haul to pick one up. GS500s are everywhere.

If anyone has had good/bad experiences with these bikes let me know.


a CB1 is this bike
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB-1

With this engine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBR400RR


I tried to come up with a pros/cons list for each of the bikes based on the limited research and stories i've heard.

Feel free to correct it.


GS500
Pros
Vtwin (for beginners)
Reliable
Plenty of parts

Cons
Vtwin (slower)
Air-cooled

GSF400 (mini Bandit)
Pros
I-4
Water-cooled
All-around aura of awesomeness

Cons
I-4 (can be bad for beginners)
Unsure of the availability of spare parts

CB1
Pros
I-4
Liquid-cooled

Cons
Same as Bandit

Gs500 is a parallel twin.

I'd say go with the GS for now, as they're very forgiving, have decent resale as long as you're buying used, and have lots of available replacement (not necessarily upgrade) parts available.

Ride it for 5-10k, and if you need more power, less gas mileage, or different ergos (who knew you were a cruiser guy?) then you can flip it for something else.

Consider this, every time you see that a motorcycle mag has reviewed the GS, they say they're bulletproof.  That's some decent insurance until you work out what style you're looking for.

QuoteGSF400 (mini Bandit)
Pros
I-4
Water-cooled

I may be wrong but I thought the GSF 400 was air/oil cooled.  I know my 01 GSF1200S only has an oil cooler, I didn't think they went to water cooled until they did the GSF 1250.

However I will agree on the

QuoteAll-around aura of awesomeness

Hmm...  GS-500 or GSF-400.  Tough choice.

Knowing nothing about the mini-bandit other than the All Around Aura of Awesomeness, I'd be inclined to chase the bandit.

Then again, the GS-500 has a great support forum, so I've heard.   

Quote from: s0crates82 on June 29, 2009, 08:00:11 PM
Gs500 is a parallel twin.

haha

i was up a lot later than normal

Quote from: blade on June 29, 2009, 08:19:42 PM

QuoteGSF400 (mini Bandit)
Pros
I-4
Water-cooled

I may be wrong but I thought the GSF 400 was air/oil cooled.  I know my 01 GSF1200S only has an oil cooler, I didn't think they went to water cooled until they did the GSF 1250.

However I will agree on the

QuoteAll-around aura of awesomeness

Quote
The 250 and 400cc models are water-cooled.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Bandit_Series

QuoteQuote
GSF400 (mini Bandit)
Pros
I-4
Water-cooled


I may be wrong but I thought the GSF 400 was air/oil cooled.  I know my 01 GSF1200S only has an oil cooler, I didn't think they went to water cooled until they did the GSF 1250.

However I will agree on the
Quote
All-around aura of awesomeness
 Thumbsup
Quote
The 250 and 400cc models are water-cooled.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Bandit_Series

As I said I may be wrong. This is where I got my info and it contradicts Wikipedia


http://www.suzukicycles.org/Bandit-series/GSF400-Bandit.shtml

I found  the 400 on TMW and it lists the 400 as liquid cooled but the 250 as air. I am so confused


edit to add finding on TMW

 

maybe....i dunno