Bandit 400 opinions?

[erik]

I'm looking for my next bike after a 250, I got my full a little while ago.

I'm leaning towards another naked bike. The Bandit 400 (GSF400) has caught my eye, there are a couple on trademe at the moment.

Anyone got any comments on them?

I've got another week or so of work before I stop making money and have to go back to uni. I'll have slightly over $3000 to spend. I've said to myself I'd wait till after I stop working before I get a new bike... but it's difficult...

As a student, I'm not going to have a heck of a lot to spend on a bike, so I need something that'll be reasonably reliable (ie something that hasn't done too many k's).
Also something that won't chew through gas (unlike the Zeal!) and tyres so quick would be good. It would mean I could do more riding
That said, I am looking forward to having a bit more power than the Zeal has to offer.

[R6_kid:Me]

only ever rode the 250, but like the zeal it will be easy to ride. Only thing i can think of is why not hold out for a 600? Its not the kinda bike that will bite your head off, and if you get the 600 you can do more of those wheelie things you introduced yourself too

[James Deuce]

The 400 Bandit is way more fun than the 600, plus it looks nicer and is a great deal more pleasant to ride.

[ducatilover]

why not try a bros400? they would be my choice of naked 400. very nice bikes, not that im biased bloody small like a 250 but skinnier than most

[slob]

I've only had a very short ride on a Bandit 400 - from what I could tell it was grunty enough for a 400, but forks were very mushy (although that might just have to do with that particular one). On the other hand it was comfy and easy to manage.

I understand that there is a Variable Valve Timing version out there (it's the one with the red valve cover) that is supposed to have a bit more grunt.

I imagine it would be much more nimble than the Bandit 600 too (personally I'd get the 750 over the 600 as they are essentially the same bike with different piston bores).

Also in the same category are:
Honda CB-1 (or CB400 - both are 400cc)
Kawasaki ZRX400

For that price, you could also look at getting some fully faired stuff like:
Suzuki GSX600F
Honda CBR600F (Aero around 1988)
Yamaha FZR600 (might be too much of a race-replica though)

[Beemer]

Don't dismiss the 350 Goose either - I've got one and I love it. Good fuel economy, light, skinny, and normal sized tyres, etc.

I bought mine new and they are becoming hard to find but they are lovely bikes. Great handling and really good brakes. The engine and gearbox are lovely too, it's the DR350 motor.

[aff-man]

I think you should probably take into account your size...... although from what you currently ride I suppose you don't mind being to cramped...

If you got a bit of dosh i'd advise the 600 (It means you won't have to "adjust" the fork springs again hahahah)
A few other options

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-47415048.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-47015682.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-47197899.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-47339223.htm

[erik]

Only thing i can think of is why not hold out for a 600?

'cause I want a new bike now! I don't know of any sporty naked 600's that'll be within my current budget and since I won't really be making any money while I'm at uni, holding out would mean waiting another year at least. I think I could live with the smaller jump in horsepower of going to a 400, I've been fairly happy with the Zeal the last 2 years.

why not try a bros400?

I don't really like the styling of the bros.

slob, I'm not too worried about the forks being mushy as I reckon I can replace the springs if they are (probably won't cut them this time ).
The CB-1 is interesting, but haven't seen any for sale. There is a CB400 in what looks like mint condition on trademe at the moment.

Beemer, the Goose is a really nice looking bike, very stylie. But it would be a step down in horsepower compared to the Zeal and I really want something with a little more grunt.

Affman, that ZR-7 would be niiice but it's way out of my price range as is the gsf600f (and I don't really like the fairing). I've been keeping an eye on the GS500E, it would be an ideal commuter. The bandit has a bit more pep though...

I feel like I'm convincing myself the bandit 400 is the one to get. Just have a nagging idea in the back of my head that I should wait the extra week till I've got $3000 at my disposal in case anything else crops up.

[El Dopa]

why not try a bros400? they would be my choice of naked 400. very nice bikes, not that im biased bloody small like a 250 but skinnier than most

Because they don't seem to come up for sale that often?

Since I've been keeping my eye out for one, there's ben one for sale in Alexandra that was/is highly overpriced.

The was also one in ChCh that as just been sold by the look of it.

In the last two months or so, none up for sale in the North Island.

[ducatilover]

i spose the bros styling doesnt appeal to all and they are bloody expensive [except mine haha] when they do come up for sale and the parts are most certainly not cheap, but they are wonderfull bikes and i love them

[kiwifruit]

the gs500 is the way to go IMHO

[erik]

the gs500 is the way to go IMHO

What makes you say that?

[slob]

the gs500 is the way to go IMHO

Here's one but it looks like it might be just out of your price range (buynow is $4,100):

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-47015682.htm

I find the good 'ol Trade & Exchange is often better than Trademe for finding good deals on cheaper bikes (got my last bike off the T&E). Also, most people are so hooked on Trademe that they don't bother with the T&E.

Also, the Kawasaki GPz500 or ER500 are similar to the GS500. I believe that there is a CB500 that is Honda's equivalent. Personally, I'd go for the Bandit 400 over these though.

[erik]

Well, I've done it.

Me and my brother drove down to Rotorua, I had a look at the bike, and against my gut feelings went and bought it.

The guy selling it seemed genuine. The bike is a bit ratty. It has been stored outside and the paint is faded and there is slight pitting on the forks. Plus the chain has a major tight spot and needs to be replaced (not to mention the joiner link clip was missing ). Also needs new bar ends and the end of the brake lever needs to be straightened or replaced as the end is curled around.
I think I'll also check the valve clearances and possibly change the coolant, oil and brake fluid before I ride it much.

It handles quite different to the Zeal, no where near as twitchy steering.

Hopefully it'll grow on me.

[Jantar]

That bike doesn't look too bad at all. A bit of TLC will soon have it looking nice. Good idea to do the chain and sprockets at the same time though.

Happy riding.