Bandits Coming Soon To Your Neighborhood

BANDITS COMING SOON TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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IN A MATTER OF WEEKS, Suzuki's Bandit 600—an early-release 1996 model—will hit the U.S. market. Look for the sporty bike to reach dealer showrooms in June. No firm price has been set, but the Bandit—which is powered by a modified air/oil-cooled Katana 600 engine—will cost less than the $5699 Katana, according to the manufacturer.

Revised cam timing reportedly gives the 599cc powerplant more lowand midrange power than the standard Kat engine. Gearing is also lower than the Katana’s, says a company spokesman, who adds that the engine is carried in a new steel-cradle frame. A multi-tube perimeter frame like that of the Bandit 400 wasn’t used for the 600 because it would have made the bike too wide, says Suzuki.

Front and rear suspension are adjustable for spring preload, and the Bandit sports dual front disc brakes. A disc is also fitted at the rear.

Bandit owners wishing to modify their bikes will be able to do so with a raft of Suzuki accessories, including soft luggage. Can the similarly styled

Bandit 1200, recently introduced in Japan, be available far behind? Suzuki isn’t saying. -Robert Hough