Bandit Alley
MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: DTS on January 23, 2006, 01:54:42 AM
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Just like to first say that I am keen on getting my self a bandit, did my googling, and from what I understand, the 90-95 models have 45 ponnies, the 95 model onwards have the variable valve timing thing, but have a detuned 40 ponies, the question is, is there any real noticeable feel between the two models? :thanks:
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Only 45hp? I thought 50hp...
Somewhere on this BBS they spoke about the differences between the VV and normal b4's. It seems with the VV there is an increased power in the midrange.
It's a little odd that it's stated to have less hp, i would expect more torque and at least the same hp.
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I think I got those specs of the suzuki web site...I think, but yeah, 40-45hp sounds about right for a 4 stroke sports 250, my mates cbr-rr 250 makes around 40.
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oh damn, i misread completely. I thought you wanted to step up from a 250 to a 400VV. :duh:
But 45hp is very nice for 'only' a 250! I had a Honda singlestroker 250 before and it cranked only 26hp. But this comparision is unfair, a street bike versus a dual-sport....right?
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Yeah your right, I have a yamaha *banned* :motorsmile: with only 22 hp probably 18 at the rear wheels, fun around town, hopeless on the freeway, can only get 120 and thats with the trottle wide open, hit an ant hill, and back down I go, mean while my chums are gliding along! and the twisties, so a bandit seems good, cheap naked 250, cheaper than the hornet 250, so yeah, I just want to be sure which has more pep, oh cbr is a sports faired bike.
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hmm, you really want to stay in the 250cc range?
I don't think there's much difference between one and another, maybe juuust enough to reach the top of the ant hill.
You could also try to look for something a little bigger... Not per se a b4, there are numerous other small cc bikes out there. For example, i've always wanted a Honda CB350 Four. I bet it's a smooth ride and very economic. Cannot say for sure, those things are difficult to find.
But this is all my opinion, i suppose. Maybe someone else likes to add a word?
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I would love to get on some thing bigger, but down here in australia, we are limited to 250cc for a year, than we get unrestricted licence after wards, so I might as well get a bike that is a lil more fun.
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Which State in the Land of Oz are you in........
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Same as you mate, NSW :banana:
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In that case you're not restricted to 250.
NSW has had Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAMs) for about 4 years (Since September 2002). Essentially, what that means is that on your Learners/Probationary Licence you can ride any motorcycle with engine capacity of 660cc or less with a power to weight ratio of 150kw per Tonne or less. 250 2 Strokers like the RS250, RGV250 and KR1 are NOT learner legal.
Some good examples from the Suzuki range are the GS500E, GS500F and the DR650. Other good buys are the BMW F650, Honda's XLV650 (Transalp), Hyosungs GT650SL and GT650RL (which with minimum fuss and expense can be transformed into the more powerful GT650S and GT650R models - remove the throttle slide restrictors and you're done).
See here http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html for more bikes.
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DTS - don't get a CBR-250RR - I've ridden both. The CBR has exactly the same riding position as my GSF250R, only slightly more power but it's even revvier.
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Well thanks for that, ill look into those bikes, but I reckon the bandit will do for now, im not considering getting a cbr, I rode my friends one, I found it cramped, I sat on a bandit on in a dealer, and found it just right.
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Just be wary, if it's a 'Grey Import' you may find it hard to get parts and service.
I believe, maybe wrongly, that the 'offical' Suzuki model has red head covers.
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Yeah Ill keep that in mind, one question, I looked at that web site, and could not find the gsf250 any where, I do know they are LAM's, if this is the case, a friend of mine reckons the 400 bandits are LAM's, is this true at all? a 400 over a 250 would sure be sweet.
:thanks:
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At the top of the page it says
"Eligible Motorcycles in the category 0-260ml.
All models with the exception of:
Suzuki RGV250
Kawasaki KR250 (KR-1 and KR1s models)
Honda NSR250
Yamaha TZR250
Aprila RS250 "
The actual list is only those bikes over 250 that are LAM. I don't see the GSF400 listed. Besides, the GSF400 was never an official Suzuki model and wasn't/isn't sold in large numbers and as such would be real hard to get parts for. But I agree if the GSF400 was learner legal, it'd be brilliant.
The GSX400E and GSX400F are LAM's - but again not many of them around.
If you haven't already, check out http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__0/DesktopDefault.aspx and http://www.bikesales.com.au/;jsessionid=2A705A856C993B8468C7BAF93DCF6EFB for used bikes. These sites will also give you an idea of how popular they are.
By the way, the only reason I know a bit about these is because my eldest son is only 6 months off going for his learners - so I'm researching the market myself.
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There is currently 2 for sale in my town
One at the suzuki dealer and one at the GAS GAS dealer
Both less than 20 000k and both black.
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How much are they going for just out curiousity? im still a bit unsure on what bike I want to get, I realy would love a bandit 400, but the whole lams thing, the only lams bike that comes second is the gs500e, but im not too big a fan of parrallel twins, had it been an inline 4...:) another choise was a yammy xjr400, inline 4, lams, the lot, but hard to find, even online reviews are hard to find, I realy dont want to put money on a 250, even though its a good bike, just want some thing that will last longer in terms of challenge.
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I think $3500 and $4500 they are
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Hey guys!
Im also looking at buying a used bandit.
The question I have is:
I live in Australia (NSW). As this bike is a grey import, what are the availability of service parts?
Cheers!
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Ausian,
Refer to the PM I sent you.
But for everyone else.
IMHO, I wouldn't touch a 'grey' import with a 10ft barge pole. However, if you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and you buy the bike from the importer, and you don't live to far away, you should be right. But, unless really luck, don't even think about getting parts in the country.
Suzuki DID import the Bandit 250 as an official bike through it's Dealer Network, if you get one of those you'll have less problems. I believe the offical model had RED head covers, but always check the compliance plate just to make sure.
The reason I say "less problems" is that the B250 never really sold well in the land of OZ, that's why Suzuki stopped selling it.
Because you live in NSW, I would suggest you look at one of the bigger LAM bikes, that is unless you suffer from ducks disease, or have little or no intention of riding outside the city.
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I live in the western subs so I wont be doing any long distance riding. Just to Uni and back.
It will be my first bike and being a grey import its relatively cheap compared to similar bikes. I dont have a lot to spend and other bikes like a cbr250 or a VT250 cost heaps more and have heaps more kms.
A down side is that it could be hard for parts. But I live in the metropolitan area.
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Good luck with whatever bike you get, given that you live in Sydney, and will be commuting the B250 should do the job nicely......