WHEN it was launched in 1994, the Suzuki Bandit 600 created a class of its own, writes John Gilbride.

A no-frills motorcycle using a mishmash of bits from the parts bin and put together to offer a package of hi-tech performance and handling at a knock down price. Critics cast doubts over the longevity of a bike that was basically a hybrid of everything else in the Suzuki range and sat back waiting for the bubble to burst.

Well it didn't, and now six years on, sales of the Bandit are as strong as ever. It continues to be the Japanese firm's best seller and, with the exception of the Honda CBR 600, has sold better than any other single bike on the market.

The key to its success was simply that it was one of the best value-for-money bikes around, and the 2000 model follows much the same route. The new Bandit gets a much improved engine, better handling and is still exactly the same price now as it was back in 1994.

The no-nonsense, solid and understressed engine has been left well alone and the improvement in performance comes from the change from Mikuni carbs to 32mm Keihins. The result is a big improvement in the mid-range and a less revvy feel to to the overall ride. You still need to keep the revs on at low speed but at around 5000rpm the engine wakes up and by the time you hit around the 8000rpm mark it's really singing.

The lack of buzz from the bars at this point is really noticeable and a Godsend on long journeys. It won't break any land speed records but it's quick enough for most people. Anyway, if all-out top speed is your bag, buy a Hayabusa.

Slight adjustments to the overall length have given the bike better straight line stability and a tweaking of the fork rake makes for slightly sharper steering. Ergonomically the Bandit is as user-friendly as ever with an upright, straight-arm riding position, a low well-padded seat and, for the pillion, a solid rear mounted grab rail.

Cosmetic changes include a new headlight, reshaped indicators and a new-style larger fuel tank. For an extra £300, you could have the 600S which has a completely redesigned fairing and now looks sleeker and not unlike the front end of the Hayabusa.

It offers better high-speed protection, but with comfortable speeds of around 80mph possible on the naked Bandit you might prefer to live without the extra weight up front. The beauty of the Bandit is its simplicity. Its ease of handling will once again appeal to newcomers to motorcycling and for the born again and experienced among us is still sharp and responsive enough to induce a 'Cheshire cat' grin after every Sunday afternoon blast.

Add to this comfort, reliability and, of course, that outrageously low price tag and you have the best value-for-money bike on the market - by a mile.

Suzuki GSF600 Bandit fact file

List price: £3,999 plus on-the-road costs

Engine: 600cc four stroke in-line four

Power: 78bhp

Top speed: 129mph (est)

Colours: red, black, blue

Fuel capacity: 20 litres.

Story date: Wednesday 22 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.