Suzuki Bandit 650 launch: First impressions

MCN’s Marc Potter is on the Isle of Wight riding both the unfaired and faired (650SA) versions of Suzuki’s updated Bandit at the UK launch. Here are his first impressions of the faired version.

• Find a Suzuki Bandit 650 for sale
• The evolution of the Suzuki Bandit

The changes to the ‘09 Bandit over last year’s model aren’t exactly earth shattering but combined they manage to change the character of the bike, and it’s for the better.

The new model gets a neatly designed fairing that includes two cubby holes for a wallet and keys but as we’ve just found out, are two narrow for a small bottle of water. The other changes are new clocks, headlamp, mirrors, slimmer tail light, black engine finish and new exhaust shape.

What these changes have given the Bandit is a much classier feel. It remains the archetypal beginners bike, indeed the mechanicals are identical to the much love old model, but the new model now has added sheen that belies its £5500 price tag.

We’re riding the naked version this afternoon so check back later for an update.