http://www.preowned.rivamotorsports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=06242182X9K7K2010J8I37I43JAMQ3471R0&veh=14020&pov=1739681

2005, 7000 miles.  It's got an aftermarket exhaust...not too loud, nice growl.  Let's hope it hasn't been thrashed too much in 7000 miles!   Riding position leans forward a little more than I wanted, but I think I'll get used to it.

It's hard to believe it's been over 3 years since I traded the '05 GS-F for a new Wee-Strom.  14,000 miles of trouble-free service.  Suzuki's are definitely high-reliability machines!

Doesn't Cal have a Bandit?

Tremendously more power than my 650 V-Strom!   I'm a little scared of it right now.   

Did they allow Test Rides. They do in Aust but I've heard Not in the US.

If so, by any chance did you take the Honda behind it for a spin or was that not there or...

ANyways. a Nice  ride you've got yourself.

Michael

I've had a run on a mates Bandit, freakin awesome. Power no matter what gear you're in, just roll the throttle on and next thing you're doing 200km/h.

Had it on a mix of side streets and highway today.   It runs great when accelerating, but sputters and backfires a little when you're just tooling around at 25-30.   I'll have to get it back to the dealer for some carb tweaking.  A knowledgeable friend told me the previous owner probably put on the Yoshi exhaust then either jetted it wrong or didn't jet it at all, so it's probably a little out of whack.    It's also got 4 carbs, so maybe they're synched wrong?

Lots of power...yeah!  :oD   I'm feeling all squidly!

Also rides fairly hard.   I suspect the suspension is tightened all the way.   I'll back it off a few notches.

Nice bike. I'd have to get the lower fairings for it. How's the insurance on it?

Quote from: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 07, 2010, 06:37:11 PM
Nice bike. I'd have to get the lower fairings for it. How's the insurance on it?

I like naked!  Engines are a beautiful thing!

Insurance will be a couple hundred more/year.   I didn't think it would go up that much.

Quote from: Caffeine on September 07, 2010, 05:24:58 PM


Also rides fairly hard.   I suspect the suspension is tightened all the way.   I'll back it off a few notches.

Find some one who can set the suspension up for you.

Three/Four months on, hows the love affair going with the new bike now the honey moon period is over?

On the Bandit I rode I felt...

- the seat had a forward lean so it felt like it was sliding me into the tank
- it liked to stay upright when cornering instead of fall into the corners like the GS does, though I had gotten somewhat used to it by the end of the ride. (Diff center of gravity and larger rear could explain this.)

Darn sweet machines, though.

Michael

Yes, indeed, very nice bike. A bit different to a GS or even the Strom. I ride a 650 naked Bandit and keep toying with the idea of a 1250 faired version. Two of my regular riding companions are currently riding them. Mine has carbs, it's the K5, I bought it new in 07 at a very good price because the injected and much more high tech versions were starting to appear here.
Enjoy the ride.