Suzuki GSF 400 (GSF400) - technical characteristics of BANDIT

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

4.8

Verdict

If you are a resident of a big city and are getting behind the wheel of a bike for the first time in your life, then choosing this model will be the right decision. This motorcycle stands out for its excellent driving properties, the best among its analogues. Handling and braking performance are comparable to sports versions and are ideal for use in urban environments.

Suzuki is a Japanese engineering concern that creates models of cars and motorcycles that are unique in their properties. Suzuki Bandit 400 motorcycles, produced at the end of the last century, are the most popular and sought-after models in their class.

The model's name comes from its unusual behavior in road conditions. They are powerful enough for their class and at the same time easy to control and maneuver.

Suzuki Bandit 400 - profile view

If you are a resident of a big city and are getting behind the wheel of a bike for the first time in your life, then choosing this model will be the right decision.

This motorcycle stands out for its excellent driving properties, the best among its analogues. Handling and braking performance are comparable to sports versions and are ideal for use in urban environments.

The chassis of the models, together with the tubular frame, is reliable in operation, including on dirt roads.

Specifications

Engine

Transmission

Chassis

Dimensions and weight

Dynamics and fuel consumption

Approximate prices

The cost of a “bandit” with us can range from 50 to 140 thousand rubles.
The cost is influenced by the year of manufacture of the motorcycle, its appearance, and of course the condition of the engine and the rest of the hardware, however, as with the purchase of any other motorcycle or car.

With such an affordable price, it is not surprising that its popularity has not diminished over the years, so as an inexpensive but serious motorcycle, you can choose it.

Do you know the rules for choosing a motorcycle? If not, then you can learn how to do it by reading our article.

I think everyone understands the importance of a motorcycle helmet, but not everyone knows how to choose one and what it consists of. Thanks to our article you will learn much more.

Model features

• Aggressive and sporty engine character.
• Reliable brakes.
• Rigid suspension in case of single-mode operation.
• In-line 4-cylinder engine.
• Water cooling built into the motorcycle frame.

The engine on the Bandit 400 was borrowed from the GSX-R400 sports bike. This explains the aggressiveness and power of this modification.

The motorcycle is equipped with a welded tubular frame, which ensures reliable operation at significant power and high speed conditions.

The presence of a dirt guard on the rear shock absorber reliably protects it from premature wear.

Comfort during use

Landing

Bikers taller than 180 cm will experience certain inconveniences. It will simply be difficult for them to fit on this model. For long-legged owners, their legs may touch above the gas tank fillers, and their knees may be at its level or even higher. Based on this, it follows that Japanese manufacturers designed this model not for the foreign market, but for the domestic one.

Suspension stiffness

The bike’s focus on its consumers is also confirmed in the suspension design. The front is clearly designed for Japanese roads, as it is very soft. Therefore, when purchasing, you should check and, if necessary, replace the shock absorber fluid with a thicker and more viscous one. It is advisable to install additional tuning springs. The rear suspension has the ability to adjust spring compression and therefore owners will not have problems here.

Brake system

The braking system is quite effective and works flawlessly.

Suzuki bandit 400 is a classic version of the bike. It is one of the most popular modifications of its class and cost. In terms of price, the only competitor to the Bandit is the model from Japanese manufacturers Honda CB-1.

Read other motorcycle reviews Outside the system Kawasaki Ninja H2R

First meeting with Suzuki bandit 400

The first meeting with my “Daring” was not impressive. Perhaps it was a passion for choppers and a love for Soviet road motorcycles that had an effect. Perhaps these were echoes of a difficult parting with my beloved Shadik. But the season was in full swing, and there was no choice - an anniversary gift from my brother in the form of a 1996 Suzuki bandit 400 stood in the courtyard of my house, surrounded by knocked down sheathing.

The first sport in my life did not frighten me with “liters” - I arrogantly considered them “nothing” after a liter Honda. “Bandit” knocked down my arrogance in five minutes. I had to relearn how to start, shift and brake. It seemed to me that he was gaining momentum too quickly already in first gear. Turning the gas to full throttle out of habit, I almost flew into the neighbor’s concrete fence. It took two hours to tame the daring technique: he no longer seemed small and pliable.

The second discovery of the motak pleasantly surprised me already on the highway. I went to overtake without dropping the gear, but the acceleration continued at 90 km/h. Despite the rpm being about 7000, the bike accelerated faster and faster. Acceleration dropped just above 110 km/h, reminding me that it was time to switch. Getting used to the temper of “Daring”, I began to understand it and grasp new sensations. Accelerating to a hundred in 5 seconds, although it became familiar to me, gave me a constant rush of adrenaline.

Let it remain unclear who tamed whom during the running-in process, but after a couple of days, “Bandit” became obedient, reliable and dynamic, instantly responding to my actions. We were reconciled by the round headlight, unusual for a modern sports bike, and the absence of unnecessary body kit. Of course, for motorcyclists who have connected their lives with “sports”, the Suzuki Bandit 400 is not the ultimate dream, but it is quite a worthy device for a starting point.

Engine and gearbox

The motor of the bike has individual properties, which at first cause some inconvenience. This is due to the presence of two low first gears, which, with further shifting, are already at 9000 rpm. engine suddenly throws the motorcycle forward. In such conditions it is very difficult to control it, especially during turns and other maneuvers.

This arrangement of the first two gears is also inconvenient when driving in traffic jams.

But for some reckless drivers, this is a real pleasure, since on straight sections of the road you can accelerate sharply, leaving other vehicles behind.

In addition, the throttle control handle is designed for a small stroke of the throttle cable, which requires smooth control of the speed of movement.

Such moments are compensated by a perfect and reliable gearbox, since gears are switched very smoothly and do not annoy the driver of the motor vehicle.

Bikers quickly get used to the above features of motorcycles and this does not cause them any inconvenience.

Design

The appearance of the motorcycle is simply incredible. It looks aggressive, modern and solid, and the massive steel frame made of thick pipes, as mentioned above, creates a feeling of reliability and durability.

The single, round headlight will appeal to old-school fans who don't really like the tapered beaks of most modern sportbikes.

The almost complete absence of plastic body kits also has a positive effect on the appearance, adding a certain severity to the motorcycle.

Factory paint is most often black or brown with red or gray elements, however, this depends on the country to which the motorcycle was originally intended to be sent (for example, motorcycles that went to Germany were mostly black, with chrome-plated pipes and disks, and to Americans, they were red-brown, nickel-plated) , and on the tastes of the previous owner (if you take the motorcycle off-hand).

Release history

The Suzuki Vandit 400 motorcycle began to be produced from the assembly line in 1989. This model appeared on the roads of our country in 1991.

1989

BANDIT 400 1989

BANDIT 400 1989

Model features

• The cylinder head is gray.
• Black color and applied blue sparkle.
• Red color.
• Wheels are white.
• The front fork is brown.

Specifications

1990

It is considered a luxury modification of the bike. The suspension has been modernized and become more rigid.

Read other motorcycle reviews Full review of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 motorcycle

Peculiarities

• The fork is painted silver.
• The engine shields are polished.
• Color – silver-blue.

1991

Differences between “red-headed” and “gray-headed”

The second series of modifications of Suzuki Vandit 400 motorcycles are “red-headed”.

The difference between the new copies is that they are equipped with an engine with variable valve timing, which automatically “expands” when the engine reaches 8000 rpm and as a result, the power and “agility” of the bike significantly increases. This innovation has greatly increased the popularity of motorcycles of this class in the world.

Some photos of the 1991 model

GSF 400 Bandit Limited V 1991

BANDIT 400V 1991 (Japan)

BANDIT 400 Limited 1991 (Japan)

BANDIT 400 Limited V 1991 (Japan)

Features of the 1991 model release

1. Silver fork.
2. The block head is painted red.
3. Black motor shields.
4. The color of the luxury version is silver-red or silver-blue.
5. Regular model in red or black.

It was this year that the massive export of “Bandit” to Europe began. Moreover, the Japanese produce modifications for specific countries, but these are mainly modifications in the coloring and standardization of some elements of the bike.

There are also design features of models supplied to certain countries. For example, the bike comes to Germany with a 50 hp engine. and with round rearview mirrors. And to England with a single disc brake on the front wheel.

From now on, you can easily order a variety of technical and tuning spare parts for motorcycles in this series.

1992-1994

In 1993, Japanese legislation underwent changes, according to which motorcycles with a displacement of up to 400 cm3. must have a power of up to 53 hp. In this regard, changes have been made to the electronics of the bike, limiting speed capabilities to 180 km per hour and power to 53 hp.

Several photos of models 1992-1994

Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit 19

Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit 1994

1995

This year, the Japanese carried out another modernization of the Bandit. First of all, this is a more advanced design of the model.

The engine remains unchanged, but the chassis has been lightened, resulting in a shorter wheelbase of the motorcycle.

The biker’s comfort during operation has also improved, since the designers have equipped a four-liter trunk under the driver’s seat.

BANDIT 400V-2 1995 (Japan)

Read other motorcycle reviews Detailed review of the Honda PCX150 scooter

BANDIT 400V 1995

Features of the 1995 model

• The front fork has a silver tint.
• Wheels are black.
• Motor covers are anodized.
• The driver's seat is combined with the passenger seat.
• The pendulum is made of aluminum.
• The brackets for the footrests have been changed and become more convenient.
• The weight of the motorcycle has decreased by 5 kg.

Suzuki bandit 400 owner reviews

I had a Suzuki Bandit 400 redhead 59 l/s. I bought it from Japan in 2007. Went for three seasons. Mot is fire. During this time I replaced the charging relay. Victor, Saratov.

From motak there are only positive emotions! The “bandit” was imprinted in my memory with his passion. The name fully justifies it. Mine also had a small tuning – lowered clip-ons. The landing turned out to be in the shape of a shrimp! But it was still clear to me. Excellent equipment that has never broken. Alexey, Moscow.

I only changed the pads in a couple of seasons. No problem. Nikolay, Novosibirsk.

I had a red head. God forbid! This is the most suitable device for the city. Some positive characteristics. The charging relay broke, but the Chinese one from the moped worked. Sergey, Vladivostok.

For the Suzuki bandit 400, reviews on the Internet and in personal communication, for the most part, I have encountered only positive ones. After two years, I often remember my “Daring” with only good words.