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1992 Suzuki Bandit GSF400

Picture

Purchase Date: July 2017
    While hunting for the perfect motorcycle for Hillary to blast around on, we discovered the Suzuki Bandit 400. It wasn't my first choice although for the price range there isn't much out there with girly style points and everything she needs in a bike. We've been looking for several months and the motorcycles we've been coming across were either too large, too small, no electric starter, too expensive, not running, not title, etc... The Bandit fit her perfectly. 
    Hillary was the one to find the motorcycle. She found it on Craigslist for sale by an owner whom was moving out of the area looking for a quick sale. The bike was located in Santa Cruz, not too far away. We packed up the truck in preparation to haul a bike and made our way to the coast. 
    Upon arrival at the owner's house the bike was idling, ready for a test drive. Typically I like to be present when the bike starts cold, to witness the cold starting sequence. This is also a good time to listen for any unwanted sounds and watch for smoke. I overlooked this, assuming all was well because the bike just sounded so good sitting there idling (later I would learn to regret this decision).
    I took the bike for a short test drive. After rounding the first corner, the bike almost stalled. At this time I quickly put the choke on just a nudge. My thought process is that the bike isn't quite up to operating temperature, the idle quickly cured itself. The response is good and the bike is fast, much faster then I anticipated. This is a fun little bike although I have to admit the seating position is a bit aggressive for me, the pitch of the seat forces you to slide into the fuel tank. The bars are a good height, steering feels heavy. You have to expect such nuances with something of this era, all just things you get used to while owning. 
    The Bandit is in good condition, all stock with almost new chain and tires. There is black soot on the end of the tailpipe signifying a rich condition; the owner claims it's from choke starting, I find this a bit odd - more details to come out of this later on. 
    We are happy with the price, no negotiations are necessary. The cash / paperwork transaction is made and we pack up the truck with our new '92 Suzuki Bandit 400.
    The Bandit 400 has a liquid cooled, 398cc in-line four, dual overhead cam, four stroke engine. The engine boasts a surprising 50 HP @ 10,600 RPM (that is screaming on this little bike). Top speed is a modest 107 mph. The bike has a six speed gearbox with a chain final drive. Dual disc brakes are up front with a single in the rear for stopping power. The Suzuki weighs in at 419 lbs wet and has a fuel capacity of 4.23 gallons. ​
September 2017
Carburetors: The Bandit does not idle correctly, stalling intermittently. The idle will be high one minute and low the next. I installed new spark plugs and synchronize the carburetors, it helps but still has problems. The bike is running rich, I drive the bike around the neighborhood making adjustments to the air / fuel mixture screws dialing it in. After several adjustment attempts, I successfully corrected the rich condition and the bike runs perfect. 
Chain: The chain is loose and dry. I cleaned and tightened it up. 
Controls: The controls and switches were not working smoothly. I cleaned up and lubricated all of the components / switches. 
Cables: I cleaned and lubricated the sticky clutch and throttle cables. 
General Maintenance: I changed the oil, wrapped some loose wires and completed an overall tune up. 
October 2017
Battery: The battery is weak and not holding a charge. I sourced and installed a new sealed battery with a charging attachment sae fitting. 
Horn: Hillary wants a loud horn on the bike. I told her to choose something, she chose the Denali Soundbomb. I made and installed a new bracket to retain the horn, I also wired the included relay switch and fuse to the battery. This horn is loud! I find a reason to use the horn every chance I get. I might be installing these things on other bikes. People on their phones in cars can hear you loud and clear.
January 2018
    We've decided to sell the Suzuki. In preparation for the sale, I replaced the Denali horn with the original. The bike was fun for the time being. 

    The Bandit was an easy sell, I had it listed for a good price. I received a few hits on Craigslist right off the bat, several people were in line for this one. The new owner looked it over, took a small test drive and happily handed over the cash. Another great bike off to a happy new owner. 
Sale Date: February 2018
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  • Home
    • About Rusted Chrome
    • Contact Rusted Chrome
  • Motorcycles "Current"
    • 1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster
    • 1973 Yamaha TX650
    • 1978 BMW R100S
    • 1984 Moto Guzzi 850T5
    • 1999 Ducati 996
    • 2015 Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V SE
    • 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901
  • Motorcycles "Past"
    • AJS >
      • 1953 AJS 18S
    • BSA >
      • 1968 B25 Starfire
    • BMW >
      • 1974 R60/6
      • 1985 K100RS
      • 2000 R1100S
    • Ducati >
      • 1999 900SS
    • Moto Guzzi >
      • 1968 Moto Guzzi V700
    • Gilera >
      • 1966 Gilera 106SS
    • Harley Davidson >
      • 1974 XLH 1000
      • 2008 Street Bob FXDBI
    • Honda >
      • 1962 Honda Dream CA77 305
      • 1969 CB350
      • 1974 CL360
      • 1984 Magna VF750C V45
      • 1986 VFR 750F
      • 1992 CBR 600F2
      • 2001 CBR 929RR
    • Kawasaki >
      • 1975 H1 500 Mach III
      • 1975 KZ/Z1 900
      • 1978 KZ650
      • 1979 KZ400-B2
      • 1980 KZ1000
      • 2001 ZRX 1200R
    • MGB >
      • 1974 MG MGB GT
    • Suzuki >
      • 1989 Katana GSX750F
      • 1992 Suzuki Bandit GSF400
      • 2001 SV650S
    • Triumph >
      • 1965 Trophy TR6SR
    • Yamaha >
      • 1980 XS650
      • 1981 DT175
  • Events, Rides, Reviews, Misc.