The Suzuki Bandit is legend. When it was launched a decade ago it gained a reputation as a hooligan bike that made otherwise sensible people ride like demons. Spirited, stylish and quick it breathed fresh life into a staid sector of the market. Over the years, however, the Bandit’s rebellious nature was tamed. Emissions regulations and safety considerations forced it to become middle-aged, a trait even more evident in the new 650cc version.

It is a little like a two-wheeled version of the VW Golf GTI. The GTI started out as a hot hatch aimed at yuppies who wanted to race from champagne bars in Liverpool Street to the Sloaney Pony in Parsons Green. In later versions it put on weight and became a family car targeted at the same yuppies who now had 2.2 children and a labradog. Likewise the new Bandit has grown up.

To be fair, manufacturers have been forced to detune engines to cope with European legislation, add safety equipment and generally behave more responsibly so it’s not surprising the excesses of fast machines have been curbed.

The challenge for Suzuki was how to retain the character of the Bandit and keep ahead of its rivals. Once it was in a class of its own, but now the Bandit faces strong competition. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer has a neat, racy engine from the R6 that makes it an appealing option. The Hornet 600 tempts buyers who believe that Honda is the most reliable manufacturer while the bike itself looks stylish and sharp.

So Suzuki has opted to turn the new Bandit 650 into the perfect middle-weight motorcycle — a fun and versatile machine with the broadest possible appeal. The air-cooled four-stroke engine has been expanded by 56cc to produce 76bhp and 44 lb ft of torque.

That’s about the same as the old Bandit but the power feels more controlled and better distributed. I rode the Bandit 650 on a race track in Bedfordshire and then again through country lanes in Hampshire, and on both occasions the bike performed well.

The in-line-four engine is smooth and great for novices because it’s so forgiving. You can barrel towards the plated 30mph sign of a village, scrub off speed with your (optional) ABS brakes and then, without even stirring the six-speed gearbox, trundle through at the legal limit. Once on the other side, wind up the throttle and you’re off again. Keep the engine between 9000 and 10000rpm and, although it doesn’t feel quite as alive as an FZ6, it’s just as capable of putting a smile on your face.

Okay, it’s not the monster it was in its heyday, but considering the customers Suzuki is now wooing — commuters, new riders, lady riders — it is faultless. It’s easy to ride gently and, as I discovered as my knee sliders dug into the racetrack, it’s fun to ride too.

As a package, Suzuki has got it right. The suspension, which now has preload adjustable front forks, is fine for twisty track surfaces and for riding through town with the associated sprinkling of potholes and manhole covers. It’s also agile and U-turns are a breeze. Although the riding position is upright, the handlebars feel as if they’re almost directly over the front wheel. This give the Bandit a sense of quick steering and nimbleness, which is perfect for nipping in and out of traffic.

And for riders who find bigger bikes intimidating, the Bandit 650 has adjustable seat and handlebar heights. The upside of being more than 6ft is that riding big bikes is not a problem (the downside is that I look ridiculous on a moped). However, most women are shorter so the Bandit has rubber cushions under the saddle and handlebars. Removing them lowers the seat height from 31in to 30in and the bars by ½in. Other changes include a reshaped fuel tank and new instrument cluster.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and an untamed hooligan bike, the new Bandit, fun though it is, isn’t the bike for you. But guys, if you want to encourage your wife to ride her own bike rather than riding pillion on yours, it’s worth thinking about. And consider this: it’s a fair bit cheaper than its rivals. At £4,299 this is one Bandit that won’t rob you blind.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Suzuki Bandit 650
Engine 656cc, four-stroke in-line four
Power 76bhp
Torque 44 lb ft
Fuel 45mpg (est)
Performance 0-60mph: n/a
Top speed 120mph
Price £4,299
Verdict A sensible-budget first big bike