Bandit 600 vs modern supersport

Hey all-

Riding the Bandit the long way to the Rock Store today, and noticed the "non-sport" effect way more than I ever have before.

I got thinking- what's the diff between the Bandit and a current supersport 600? Would I really notice a difference, or is one just easier to feel confident on?

Thanks!  

What do you mean by the "non-sport effect"?

A current supersport 600 will have more power than your Bandit, but it will be a little more difficult to access (you'll have to rev the engine higher). The handling will be much sharper (and stiffer). And the riding position will be much more race-oriented (bars much lower, pegs higher, putting a lot of weight onto your wrists).  

A good rider can go as fast, or faster, on a 600 Bandit than many lesser riders can on 600cc sport bikes.  That is, while your Bandit is less capable at the extremes, it is still a competent machine.  The question you need to ask yourself, for street riding, is whether the extra expense and discomfort of the sport bike is worth it?  

By non-sport effect, I'm talking the very soft suspension, power lag/lack in certain variable camber turns (Mulholland between Kanaan & Rock Store, Yerba Buena where there's a 40% camber change in 1 turn, etc...), grip/lack of in the touring-oriented tires.

I know some of this can be rectified on the Bandit, I'm just wondering what a supersport has that the Bandit doesn't besides straight-line top end.  

The power lag is mostly a matter of proper gear ratio selection for your speed in the corner. Engine power is relative with respect to most motorcycles, and a supersport 600 won't help you if you're in the wrong part of the engine's powerband; it won't matter what type of bike you're riding at that point.

Camber changes don't have any real effect on power until you approach very aggressive riding levels.