bandit 400

-Ali- · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Karma :

what do you think of it bearing in mind i'm able to pick up one cheap an get cheap insurance at 17 (£400 without haggling). I'm hoping to move onto one around june, in time for summer. Stepping up from a 50cc scooter. Antone got any stats of the bike or tips/ experience.Thanks

riichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Karma :

hi

i ride a zxr400 at 17......50cc to 400cc is ok

but dont know wetter you will get tpft for 400 Confused

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.......... PLOD ............ zx636 2004

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

-Ali- · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Karma :

dodsi was thinks that bout its around an extrea £500,600 on insurance and price of bike

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Just a bit of an insight:

Had one a few years ago at the end of my probation period, funnily enough a mate had a CB1 at the same time so it was quite a bit fun riding similar machinery (everywhere was like a cup race Wink

) Both bikes are still pretty quick despite being unfaired roadsters - especially down a back road where straight line performance wasn't as much of an issue. Strangely enough, because the bike wouldn't have as much power down the straights, it might make you concentrate more on the handling/road awareness when out riding - which can be seen as a good thing.

Handling wise, the bike was pretty good, but did need a bit of sorting. Most of that was probably down to soft suspension tired with age - a normal trait for 10 year + machines, so no need to worry. I was confident enough on mine to happily grind the center stand out though Confused

It's not a bad intro to biking at all, and I'd recomend one over the more sports-orientated machines (NC30s, CBRs and the like). It's easier to ride, cheaper to run and insure, handles just as well and, in the right hands, just as quick. Spec wise, my Bandit was better than my mate's CB1 - it was the VVT model so had variable valve timing (it's still the torque'iest 400 I've ever ridden) and had twin discs with 4p callipers - plenty of braking power. That GSXR derived engine is pretty good too, with an exceptional gearbox. I'd still consider the alternatives though, just to give a better idea on what you could get - take a look at the Honda CB1 and Superfour, they're the only bikes that really come to mind as direct comparison.

Finally, looks wise - pretty good. Maybe not as well finished or put together as the Hondas, but that's a matter of opinion. If you like it for what it is, that's what counts.

Hope that helps.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/mybandit4.jpg

firefox · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

what about a suzuki gsx 400r Very Happy

https://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1991/1991_GSX-R400R-SPII_250.jpg

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

bandit 4's are shiteeeeeeeeee, especially so because they're made by suzuki.. i had one and it was load of bollocks, they're damn ugly too! Thumbs Down

quik_d · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

GiXXXer · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Karma :

i currently own one, and it great, even though sum cnut knocked it off the side stand and smash the crankcase cover Evil or Very Mad

!!!, goes well (with a 33bhp kit in mine tops out at 84mph), and handles well to, insurance for me at 17 was just £30 more than my AR125 which took it to £360 Very Happy

great bike you wont regret the 400 but if you can get the vriable valve one (like me) as it gives more power through the rev range.

cheers
adam
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Soo close to buying a 748 Biposto
Current Bike-1999 600 bandit Wink