1991 bandit 400

eorb · 03-04-2006, 05:07 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuk...17894072QQrdZ1

I was looking at buy thing bike. What will it take to fix the fuel problems. Is it just a carb cleaning/fuel system cleaning. Or does it sound like somthing more expensive

Also im 6 foot 2, 190 pounds will this be a good first bike?

enos · 03-04-2006, 08:23 PM

float valves/orings and a petcock rebuild/replacement. not too bad.
The fork seals will also need to be done. Apart from the oil seal you want to at a minimum replace the dust seals as well, so that will be around $50 in parts, plus some fork oil for cheap. The job is a lot more involved than changing the oil, but perfectly doable at home.

I say go for it if the price doesn't go too high. Though if you just want a bike to ride right away, look elsewhere. This one will make you learn something about fixing bikes (or how to haul one to the shop..).

eorb · 03-05-2006, 02:21 AM

im not really sure what float vavles and o rings are.... is the pet cock the fuel shut off. I'm an aerospace engineering student, so i figure i'll be able to do some maintenance.... but i've never done any before...

enos · 03-05-2006, 04:33 AM

In that case, get yourself a bike to fix up. This one will do.

Engineering classes won't really teach you how to fix this thing, but rummaging through the internals should make you appreciate your classes more.

I say go for it.

The float valves are the things in the carburators that shut off the fuel. Aka needle valves. They work like the float in your toilet. There's an oring in the seat on that valve, sometimes it leaks. The petcock is the fuel valve. It's vacuum operated and should shut off when the engine is off.
look up the carb cleanup series on www.thegsresources.com. one of the pages has pics of the floats and valves, along with every other part of a carburetor. Should be similar carbs to the ones on the bandit.

eorb · 03-05-2006, 10:43 AM

is it gonna be hard to find bandit 400 part in the US?

RayOSV · 03-05-2006, 12:27 PM

I don't know about finding parts for a Bandit 400 (search the web first), but the seller said the bike has been stored outside for what sounds like 2 years. In addition to carbs, the brakes will need a thorough rebuild (new fluid, likely lines, rebuild master cylinders, etc.), the other cables (clutch, throttle) will likely need to be replaces, tires will need to be replaced, all fluids replaced, etc. This is just for starters. Other stuff may need work as you get into it. Project bikes are one thing, but outside storage really takes its toll.