Looking for a 400 Commuter Bandit 400 / CB400 - Advice?

[squishio]

Hi All

I'm currently looking for a 400 for my girlfriends first big(ish) bike

I've come across the Bandit 400 (GSF400) and the CB1 (CB400 Superfour)

Both seem decent bikes from what I've read. I dont want to spend more than £1000 unless I have to.
Pretty much all the bikes I'm finding have upwards of 30k miles though that doesnt seem to affect their reputation much

Just came across this one...
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/suzuki-gsf-400-bandit-1997/90242995

Does anyone know why it could have a second gear issue? Should I avoid?
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Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250

[neatbik]

Hi
The CB1 and CB400 Super Four are 2 different bikes -
CB1
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Motorcycle_honda_cb1_1992.png

Super Four -
https://www.bajnokmotor.hu/files/hasznalt/125-honda-cb400-super-four-1-400x300.jpg

I had a CB1 and loved it, from what i can gather it feels a bit more sporty than the Super Four (havent ridden one though, its just what i've heard).

Both are likely to be more reliable than the Bandit 400.
With the Honda's check the charging system is working correctly, they tend to fall out with their reg/recs quite often.

[squishio]

aha! thanks
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Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250

[wilz1234]

I'd avoid that one just because its in Slough lol.

I know a guy with a super four and its a lot of bike for not much money.

[Beelzebob]

Any particular reason it has to be a 400? Just that you would widen selection if lookin at fives and sixes too, eg GS500, ER-5, GPZ500, Early Bandit 6, 600 Divvy... etc. etc.
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'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"

[squishio]

Needs to be pretty light as she's a rather small lady.

Doing her DAS at the moment, they've put her on a brand new naked XJ6 which when I sat on one a while ago I found really light and nimble.

I would be happy to go with a bandit/hornet/naked SV but I dont have any experience with their size or weight. Comments compared to the 400's?



Just found this...
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/naked-sv650/90375402

millage too high?

(oh, I also love the look of the XJ1300 and the CB1300 and the CB400 reminds me of it )
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Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250

[UnspeedySam]

GPZ500 is worth a look as mentioned if you want a slightly sporty feel (i.e. clip-ons) like the CB1. Also take a look at the Bros 400; I love mine, although they are arguably underpowered on the motorway. The Bros 650 does exist and is pretty much identical in stature to the Bros/CB1, but is a bit rare.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[squishio]

unfortunately I hate the bros as I just feel its way too small/skinny

size wise it sort of reminds me of a cbr125
Even the GF agrees!
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Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250

[ninja_butler]

[instigator]

The CB1 is a stunning bike, so light and small and with what limited power the engine produces, it produces it well. i had one for 8 months this year and i just couldn't destroy the thing. I'd leave it for 6 weeks and it'd start fine, first time. Also makes the best, standard noise a motorcycle could wish to make. If you get one, make sure the exhaust is standard.

[alun111]

I own a Suzuki bandit 400, and it's had it's problems... it's also a bit of a pig to work on and they're all getting old now! Parts are plentiful until you need an engine/front forks etc. Mine also had a second gear issue (it jumps in and out of second under anything more than slight power). I have a used gearbox here ready to fit, but haven't had chance yet (it's not an easy or quick job so if you're not experienced in mechanics i'd stay clear).

I'd definately opt for the hondas more. I own a hornet 600 and it's been brilliant in reliability.

What about a suzuki gs500? I've heard they're pretty good too.
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Summer: '00 Honda CB600F Hornet
Winter: '93 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit VP Variable Valve
Past Bikes: Lifan LF100-5 Lifan LF125-A Honda C70

[HD]

Yeah, the bandit 400 aint light

Haven't had any experience with mine yet though!
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Rusty '02 Vito Camper + CBR600F3

[T0MMY]

CB-1 is a great bike, I'm thinking of selling mine as I just don't ride it enough (I have another bike) so if you're near Cambridge you can have a look at it. Pretty good condition all round, no mechanical problems (pic below-it has proper tyres on it now, those ones are the wrong profile and it also has a new chain and sprocket set since then).

Bros 400s are good too but much slower. Either is a great first bike and great for girls as they're quite low. Both have just amazing build quality compared to modern bikes.

Bandit 400s all seem to be knackered and aren't as nice a ride so I wouldn't recommend them although I like the look of them.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[Teflon-Mike]

[T0MMY]

Have to disagree...both the Bros and CB-1 are very low, very narrow and feel very light compared to any 600-4 I've ridden. My CB-1 feels like a bicycle compared to my ZX6R and is much more chuckable.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[craigs23]

Superfour pips the CB1 for commuting duties in my opinion, and is just as fun to chuck around (although, I agree, a bit less sporty), gets my vote as the practical all-rounder 400 of choice.

[P.]

CB400SF gets my vote... soft spot for them though. Brother in law has one, not had a fault that required much work (restriction came back on randomly and cut out 2 cylinders) and thats done 38,000 miles.

Fantastic bike.

[yambabe]

[VTRkemshell10...]

i have a CB400SF, lover it but want something abit bigger now....
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Past Rides: Sym Jet Euro X, Gilera DNA, Aprillia RS125 (Spains No1 Replica), 1991 Honda NSF, 2006 Honda CG125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, 2000 VFR800 FY-I
Current Rides: 2001 VTR1000 FIRESTORM

[cb1rocket]

CB1 for the win!

Ok its in my user name, I'll get my coat!

[Seb]

Just to throw a wildcard in, have a look at the XJR400 too, they are almost universally plagued with rattling clutches and cam chains and as a result tend to change hands for absolute peanuts. The motor isn't quite on par with the super four or CB1 but is just as resilient and still good for 100mph+. Plus imo it's just a nicer looking bike and very very light.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Coxyzxr]

Does it have to be a 400?
I bought a Suzuki gs500 last year to take the ZXR off the road for a resto.

I hated it at first but after a couple weeks started to appreciate its commuted abilities. I'm convinced it's one of the better commuter bikes around.

It's air cooled so no rad to get corroded up in winter.
It's simple to ride and work on
Twin cylinder (reduced costs for carb furbs, spark plugs etc)
Durable, mine was left in rain outside when parked and used 5 days a week at 50 miles a day. Little servicing.
Cheap
Low seat height so good for the ladies
Powerful enough
Economical - 60mpg
Occasionally fun I'd definitely consider another for the right circumstances.
Parts a plenty and cheap

Downsides;
Heavy! Big lump of an engine unchanged since mid 80's (thus reliable)
Chassis components poor quality. Suspension is wallowy (coming from a sport bike, fresh rider may not realise)
Unfaired unless you get the new F model
Ugly from new and winter running does nothing to help this so look shabby fast.

I know of two for sale locally for 600 to 800 mark. That's what I payed for mine. I wouldn't put over 900 on one and wouldn't recommend anyone else to.

You can get a 400 model too but less popular though all other components except the carbs are the same.
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**WAS FITTED "WRONG WAY ROUND" !** CANT ACCOUNT FOR THE STUPID !

[Gobbin]

I'm 5ft1 (28" inside leg) and ride a Hornet. I have the Daytona Ladystar boots. I've had the seat of my bike cut down and a gel pad inserted. It means I can just about flat-foot my bike rather than be on balls of the feet.

After two year restriction was up, I did some serious looking at bikes around the 400-600 size.

Have ridden a GS500 - felt light and easy to handle.
Have also ridden a CB600F on its lowest seat height. Felt a bit lardy compared to my Hornet, although my feet touched the floor in a similar way to on the Hornet.

Sat on:
VFR400 - most uncomfortable tank-in-your-fanny seat ever.
CB500 - height was great, but the Hornet was similar and has more oomph.
Bandit 400 - little and light, but getting old.
Bandit 600 - slightly higher than the Hornet and very heavy by comparison.
SV650 - unfaired version ok but a bit more 'racing' position. Faired version I struggled to get off the side-stand! Felt heavy.
ER6F - a little tall but can be lowered. Felt slightly heavier than Hornet, but not as heavy as the Bandit or faired SV650. A friend with shorter legs than me has one, with the lowering kit.
Ducati Monster 600 - the lightest bike of this cc I've sat on. Almost chucked it over the other side when getting it off the side stand!

[Beelzebob]

[neatbik]

Damn it, this thread has re-awoken my desire to own a CB1 again.