I miss my 400.....

[SRwitt]

  Just perusing an old forum, I sold my 91 Bandit 400 a year and a half ago to upgrade to a 2008 Buell XB12R.  Even with all this new found power, I miss wringing that little 400's neck, it needed so much to keep it in the fun zone, so much clutching/gear shifting, don't get me wrong, the Buell has plenty of character for me, but nothing like wringing out the lil 400 to 14k.  Hell the Buell barely reaches 7k.  Maybe someday I can get the new "owner" (using the term lightly) to get all of the pieces gathered and I can buy her back from him..


Since I don't really have any pics of the old girl, heres some fun with the new one.

[Wunder]

Thats an interesting looking bike you've got there. I've read most places that Buell motorcycles have somewhat a Klunky transmission, Does it feel Klunky compared to a Bandit 400's transmission?

If you don't mind my asking, of course.

[SRwitt]

Thats an interesting looking bike you've got there. I've read most places that Buell motorcycles have somewhat a Klunky transmission, Does it feel Klunky compared to a Bandit 400's transmission?

If you don't mind my asking, of course.

The transmission can be quite klunky if the clutch is not properly adjusted and if you have a crappy oil in the transmission/primary. I use a good synthetic oil in the primary/tranny and have adjusted all clutch adjustments (there is a cable adjustment as well as a screw under the primary cover that needs adjusting) per the service manual and it shifts great.  It however does not like clutchless shifting like many of the more traditional sport bikes.  Its hard to compare the two, the bandit being ~17 years old when I bought the Buell, I can't say whether issues I had on the lil Bandit were do to wear and tear, or if it was a quirk of the bike.

[Wunder]

[/quote]

The transmission can be quite klunky if the clutch is not properly adjusted and if you have a crappy oil in the transmission/primary. I use a good synthetic oil in the primary/tranny and have adjusted all clutch adjustments (there is a cable adjustment as well as a screw under the primary cover that needs adjusting) per the service manual and it shifts great.  It however does not like clutchless shifting like many of the more traditional sport bikes.  Its hard to compare the two, the bandit being ~17 years old when I bought the Buell, I can't say whether issues I had on the lil Bandit were do to wear and tear, or if it was a quirk of the bike.
[/quote]

Points well made, When I first started looking into getting a bike I often looked at the little single cylinder Blasts, However, After reading a few pieces on them I changed my mind and bought something else. Really, I don't want to build an opinion around a bike that I've never ridden myself (As soooo many other riders seem to do). But, With enough info and positive feed back one day I may purchase a buell motorcycle.

But, I'll cease with all the proding questions. Thanks for the info bud!

[BanditNM]

I went from a 2001 1200 Custom Sportster to a Bandit 400. The B4 is one hella fun ride. Like a 55ish hp scooter. Looking back on it, I wish I never sold it. I'll never try Harley again unless they reinvent the brand and I honestly don't see that happening.

I agree that it's very fun running a B4 through the gear box without worrying about jail time. 1st gear was a bit too low imho. Ah to have a Jay Leno garage aye? B12 on weekend trips, B4 for commuting around town, Turbo Busa for drag racing...(insert your bike here etc)

I do find it upsetting that you can't buy something like the FZR 400 or Bandit 400 anymore. I still think about the FZR 400 that I missed buying from the dealer when I was a teenager by 2 stinking days. Why is a 400cc I4 so much fun? Sure you can get something like the 500 Ninja,  but I'd rather die before riding a parallel twin again. I4's or the right import V-twin are the most fun to me. Never tried a triple before but Triumph's Speed Triple looks like it could be fun.

Shame about Buell. What they were building was just getting interesting when HD pulled the plug. All I was waiting on was a better motor, (that's a opinion I know) then the money and I would of bought one. Hope you enjoy yours. They are all collector items now.