i just got my bandit like idk 3 months ago or so...and i love it...its my frist street bike...handles nice...i mean i got full header/exhaust yoshi kit on it and it picks up pretty nice...so far so good...it is a heavier bike compared to my friends 636 or gsxr6 but its alot of fun to ride...thats not a reallyb ad price either especially for the miles...i think that so far its a great starter bike...and believe me man..once u get A bike doesnt really matter WHAT bike it is...u are gonna LOVE it...ur gonna love riding especially if its a new experience too u...i mean i personally think for the money the 600 has the power style and lil perks that make it a great first bike....and it also looks beefy-er than it really is which makes it even better...i pull up to a 636 and my **** looks huge..LOL much slower thogh...idk i like it...one thing to keep in mind man...its got an oldschool katana motor out of the old gsx-f (hence the model code "gsf-600s") on the 600 which gives it pretty good midrange...and the 1200cc model has a bored out 1100 gsx-r motor on it from what i understand..the only reason ppl hate on it is because it uses older technology...carbs....not feul injected...but it has a good tokico breaking system and the suzuki motor can take a beating....i mean if u can get a sv for the money id probably say go for that..i got my bandit for super super cheap and i like it alot.... might even keep it once i get another bike idk...but if its ur first bike and u dont wanna get a ninja 250 (SLOW) the 600s will keep u interested while teachin u the basics and i personally love the half-fairing style...thats kinda why im lookin into either a 650sv gettin an r6 and doin some fairing reduction ..... im still a noob but if u read up about the bandit u will not be terribly dissappointed...its not a NOOOB bike...its just a bike meant for transit...i mean its not a racer from the factory...it really wasnt built for it...its just a good motorcycle..its pretty easy to work on too if u ever do have any probs......

SORRY i was rambling...BUT I SAY GO FOR IT! once u get everything up and goin maybe ill meet u up for a bandit ride! LOL

Peace bro...be safe and have fun...DONT GET COCKY LOL...

later!

GB