Suzuki Bandit 650

"The unglamorous, sensible choice that rarely lets you down."

The Bandit 650 is one of those bikes that just makes sense. Suzuki's inline-four is genuinely bulletproof if it's been serviced — these things will run past 80,000 miles without complaint if the previous owner wasn't a complete idiot about oil changes. The naked 650 hits a sweet spot between learner-friendly and genuinely entertaining, with enough midrange torque to feel punchy in traffic without terrorizing you on the highway. That said, go in with your eyes open on a used example. Check the frame around the headstock for stress cracks — they're rare but they happen. The fuel pump on earlier models can get lazy, so ask about starting reliability when cold. Forks are soft from the factory and most owners never upgraded them, so expect wallowing if you push hard. Budget for fork springs and fresh fluid immediately. Overall, it's honest, capable, and parts are everywhere. You're not buying prestige, you're buying reliability — and for a used middleweight, that's a damn good trade.