Another possible Commuter - Bandit 400 with GSXR 400 engine

dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

I've been offered another bike now... one of my mates' brother has bought a Bandit 400 with a knackered engine. He has now got a GSXR 400 engine to fit in it.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how this would be as a a commuter? The main factors is that it should be cheap to run and reliable. I'm also wondering, I'd be hoping for around 65-70mpg from a commuter (so around 150 miles to a tenner). Is this going to be pushing it on a 4 cylinder? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions!

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I don't think the Bandit 400 has the same engine as the GSXR, and setting the GSXR engine and carbs up etc, will take time, especially if you want some sort of fuel economy.

I'm not sure on fuel economy, my VFR doesn't get 65mpg, I know that. Probably closer to 40-50 mpg if I don't cane it everywhere.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

I ran one for two years to and from Uni. It was the VVT model.

On paper, it should out perform a similar specced CB1, but having owned both now, I'd opt for the Honda.

The Suzuki was okay, but no one wanted to service the engine (liquid cooled 16v lump with variable valve timing), plus the electrics required sandwich bags and tupperwear to make reliable.

Brakes were good, and it was fairly reliable once I sorted the electrics.