My new Suzuki Bandit (250)

[frenchie]

Recently aquired a 1988 (yes 1988, well thats what the liscence papers say) Suzuki Bandit 250. Sticker near the battery says it's a GSF, but it's not documented anywhere else. it IS definitely a GJ74A.

Bought her at ~32,500 kms - it's now at ~34,000. the owner bought it and used it to train for the test, but missed his test and then the bike started collecting dust. it had been sitting for 2-3 months so needed a new battery (did spark plugs too) and started right up. had her checked out by a family mechanic (used to race superkarts with 250cc GP bike engines) and he checked over the bike and all the levels and said she was good to go.

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I'd definitely appreciate any feedback about the bike, possibilities for good mods (looking at a zorst maybe, this one seems very restirctive) etc. I think it would love to be tuned as well, if anyone has any expertise doing these kind of bikes (il4 250's) I'd be happy to help grease the wheels

Mike.

[Randomanizer]

Pretty sure we met today at Harvey Norman

[frenchie]

Hahaha definitely me, loving the new tablet cheers again

[MostlyHarmless]

Very nice, love it.
How much did she set ya back?

[frenchie]

Got her for $1000, wasnt running and the owner was over it, and liscense was overdue. still he threw in a RJAYS Riding jacket, Helmet, disc lock and bike cover. He said he paid $3500 for it.

[milesiles]

Bargain! Love these, yes they are a GSF, but probably only on your rego papers. These usually come in two styles, black top and red top. If the rocker covers were red they were standard, if they were black they had VVT through a second cam shaft above 10,000 rpm. Interesting your rocker cover is silver?

I had one of these, good times.

[Falcore]

Got it for a grand? Geesh absolute bargain.

Have fun on your steed. When it comes to upgrade time you'll get your money back easily that's for sure.

[frenchie]

...Love these, yes they are a GSF, but probably only on your rego papers. These usually come in two styles, black top and red top. If the rocker covers were red they were standard, if they were black they had VVT through a second cam shaft above 10,000 rpm. Interesting your rocker cover is silver?

I had one of these, good times.

It doesn't even say it on my rego papers... theres just that one sticker near the battery that says it, but I found service data and specs by going by the multiple GJ74A markings. seems she's good for 40-45hp! it's practically begging me for an exhuast, 4 pod filters and a tune up, just short on cash atm :/

No idea about black or red rocker covers tbh.. but yeah my whole engine is the silver colour so I'm not sure where that puts me. Since it's an 88' It would seem to be non VVT and be a 45 HP variant, apparently.

Bargain!

Got it for a grand? Geesh absolute bargain.

Have fun on your steed. When it comes to upgrade time you'll get your money back easily that's for sure.

definitely a steal which is why I dove all over it, even though it has a couple of quirks. the bike and the gear together for a grand was something I really couldn't say no to, especially since I can get that and probably more back when I sell.

Cheers guys!

[Falcore]

Do a lot of research before you even try pod filters.

Sorry to be a downer but on a carby bike especially a inline 4 250 they would be a nightmare to get it running right.

[Randomanizer]

Hahaha definitely me, loving the new tablet cheers again

Haha. No probs. Probably see you on a ride sometime

[Frogger]

on these old il4 250's the airbox and carb boots are normaly shit and leaking , its the only reason id even have the thought of going to pod filters as it would be a bitch to get smooth

[Spiff]

woo.. !
nice bike. heh heh
good price.

[frenchie]

Do a lot of research before you even try pod filters.

Sorry to be a downer but on a carby bike especially a inline 4 250 they would be a nightmare to get it running right.

right I will do, I've a carby 50cc scooter in france which I podded and already doesnt like running in the cold... i'd have thought it's a non issue in Aus but I'll make sure it's worth it before I go ahead on that. very keen on a more free flowing zorst tho...

Haha. No probs. Probably see you on a ride sometime

tomorrow's 250 friendly cruise? I'll be there

on these old il4 250's the airbox and carb boots are normaly shit and leaking , its the only reason id even have the thought of going to pod filters as it would be a bitch to get smooth

I'm not sure how to see if my airbox is leaky... in any case it needs a tune so I was considering pods first, but still undecided.

woo.. !
nice bike. heh heh
good price.

Cheers! I'm lovin' it

[Frogger]

normaly the carb boots , when its idling u can spray some carb cleaner lightly around areas u think it might have a leak and if the rpm rises u have a leak.

[Randomanizer]

tomorrow's 250 friendly cruise? I'll be there

Sounds good. Cya then

[booj]

Jelly!

[Desmo]

That's the older GSF(250F) without the VVTi, still a damn fine bike and one of the best 250 four strokes out there.
Sorry to correct you miles, but the VVTi motors had the red rocker cover.

[Aufitt]

40-45hp????

tell him he's dreamin.

[SOLID]

40-45hp????

tell him he's dreamin.

Brand new they made about 34kw so sounds about right. Mind you a few horses would have died of old age by now.

[Desmo]

Um, no.
The non VVTi motor puts out around 38 HP, the VVTi a little bit more.