Bandit Build

[Lupin]

So recently why looking for something to get my as on fairly cheaply I decided to buy a bandit that was advertised as not running.

Pic from Ad.



Was attracted to it mainly for the price and the fact that it already has a few things done I was planning anyway, clip ons, tail chop, led lights and stuff like that.

So once getting it home the inspection started.




Damage on the tank


And stripping it to see whats actually going on.


So after charging the battery, a bit of time thinking and looking at stuff and putting the firing order back in the correct order, and hooking the coils up correctly it fired up after only a couple of spins and purred like a kitten. I suspect it has a faulty fuel tap which is just pouring fuel into the carbs. If that's all it is then its all going to be and easy fix.

Plan from here is to get it running correctly, tidy up a lot of the wiring, change all the fluids, put a tire on it, then vinyl wrap everything to cover over all the defects.

Will keep things updated as best I can.

[Gix11]

Great first post mate, welcome aboard. That's a 250 yea?

[Tony Nitrous]

I always liked the look of the little Bandits.
Frame has a Harris sort of shape to it.

..... and it's a Suzuki,

that's a double Win !

[Lupin]

Yes it's a 250. Will do for a short while till I get bored with it.

Pulled off the carbs and cleaned out all the crap. Still couldn't get it to start with out a little fuel down each carb. So gave all the fuel lines a good blow though with the compressor and got it stated. Worked out after a little while that the throttle cable was stuck somewhat open. It does seem its got the wrong cable on it, or its jammed up somewhere as its about 10mm to short. So once that was out managed to get it to start nice and easy. So it needs a new choke and throttle cable, which is no big deal. Also found the headers had one bolt holding them on. Once all 8 were in its was much quieter. Discovered the throttle cable was just incorrectly installed. But it still seems a little tight so won't risk it will just order a new one.

So next step is lots of cleaning before getting it ready for paint.

[Gitzy]

Welcome Lupin, I love the little Bandits. I had a 400 before I got my 1200.. I agree with Tony the frames look great.. You look like you'll fit right in here Mate.

[Gix11]

Is it the angle of the video or is that the sqauerest tyre I've seen in a long time? What was the last guy doing with it, just highways?

[Lupin]

Think the last guy never got any sort of lean on the bike at all. No tread in the middle and heaps on the side. Either that or he liked doing burn outs.

[Tony Nitrous]

Interesting project.

I've been following the build of a 400 version in the UK....

[xa-mont]

i used to have a lil B250.

[Lupin]

I was thinking of painting it white. But not sure. Kinda like the black as well.

[Tony Nitrous]

Did you spot the extra frame rails added on the one I posted ?
Looks more like a Spondon / Harris and they line up with the lower subframe rails...

[Lupin]

I was looking at it wondering why it looked different around the engine. Thought it was just because the exhaust was off it.

[Gix11]

That looks great hey Tony?

[Lupin]

Not much to report basically been ordering bits I need to get started.

Have removed the headlight to try out some painting.



And have had these delivered so far.

Mirrors


Chain and sprocket.


And I was missing the center stand

[Gix11]

Wow, intersting that someone would ADD a centre stand?! I guess you don't have a paddock stand at home?

[Tony Nitrous]

I thought the same. Normally the first thing I bin.
Weight, looks, ground clearance.

However..... on my old Bandit 12 I had a bolt that slotted into place,
Slightly thinner than the original fitting bolts, so it just pushed in.
This let me fit the centre stand in seconds when I wanted o use it,
and it was removed in seconds as I pulled the pin/bolt out again.

[Lupin]

Wow, intersting that someone would ADD a centre stand?! I guess you don't have a paddock stand at home?

Correct and don't really have the room to leave it on one. This will just make life easier for the moment then once its all build it will come off, and it was cheaper than a paddock stand

[Lupin]

I've been looking at boots and shoes for 4 weeks now. All of a sudden a wild pair of boots appear and its all done.




Got a new rear tire hugger as the old one had been cut up. So cleaned and painted it.



Also painted the gauge cups and headlight back



Happy with the finish might even do the whole bike in the same satin finish yet.

[GammaBoy]

I thought the same. Normally the first thing I bin.
Weight, looks, ground clearance.

However..... on my old Bandit 12 I had a bolt that slotted into place,
Slightly thinner than the original fitting bolts, so it just pushed in.
This let me fit the centre stand in seconds when I wanted o use it,
and it was removed in seconds as I pulled the pin/bolt out again.

Fuck. what a great idea. pity I ground the mounting tabs off the kat frame...

[Lupin]

Well once I got under the bike, the bolts for the centre stand where still in there, problem is the right hand one can't come out with the exhaust on. So in the end I decided $130 for a pair of paddock stands was OK, and after all I need to get the front and rear wheels off soon for tires.

Other than that, I have started smoothing over the rear cowl. I've basically decided not to wast too much time on it as no matter what its going to look a bit crap. Also balanced the carbs.