Was looking through Craigslist v. GSF400

edxmon · July 25th, 2012, 01:10 PM

And found a Suzuki GSF400 Bandit. In my head I know I can't afford another bike but I still feel an urge to get it.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/3159083013.html

One of the big rules that stuck to me when researching "what is a good bike?" was to never buy a project bike as your first bike.

I realize this bike is 21 years old, but I still find it sexy as FUUUUUUUUDGE. Add to the fact that it's somewhat rare. On the other hand parts are also rare.

My only consolation is that I know that in a few years I'll be able to get a newer model SV650 for cheap, and the SV650 looks alot like the GSF400. I'm also hoping that by the time I do decide to get a larger bike I will feel confident with the 70+hp the SV makes, instead of getting that 400 that only makes ~50hp.

This is why I try to stay away from CL!

Alex · July 25th, 2012, 01:40 PM

@AlanDog picked one up a short while ago:

1991 Suzuki Bandit 400

My new adventure bike

cerberusrex25 · July 25th, 2012, 01:53 PM

That is one pretty bike, never shy down from a project, who knows and maybe is the best bike you will ever have.

LoneRonin · July 25th, 2012, 02:00 PM

it almost looks like an older Ducati standard

edxmon · July 25th, 2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

@AlanDog picked one up a short while ago:

1991 Suzuki Bandit 400

My new adventure bike

Yea, I remember, but he also had some troubles with it, I think I posted ion his thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerberusrex25

That is one pretty bike, never shy down from a project, who knows and maybe is the best bike you will ever have.

I wish I could, but I really can't afford another bike and my next semester's tuition. I would have to sell the ninja to even consider buying this one.

Maybe I'll find another one when I'm able and willing to buy in the future.

NinjaBoyEddy · July 25th, 2012, 03:36 PM

Dan this bike is sweet!

alex.s · July 25th, 2012, 04:01 PM

offer him 1300 and buy it

AlanDog · July 25th, 2012, 06:30 PM

Maybe I've just had bad luck with the one I bought, but it's a sign when the Bandit forum gurus say it has "the most finicky carb ever" and electrical problems are typical.

I got mine for 2k, and it only has 12k miles on it.

I sense a little hard sell in the ad--scratches are "character"?

Also, if you're a big guy, it is a cramped seating position, the seat/footpeg spacing is like an inch smaller than my pregen 250, and the rear shock setting won't change that, just the ride height from the ground. Seat modification is clearly possible, but $$$.

edxmon · July 26th, 2012, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanDog

Maybe I've just had bad luck with the one I bought, but it's a sign when the Bandit forum gurus say it has "the most finicky carb ever" and electrical problems are typical.

I got mine for 2k, and it only has 12k miles on it.

I sense a little hard sell in the ad--scratches are "character"?

Also, if you're a big guy, it is a cramped seating position, the seat/footpeg spacing is like an inch smaller than my pregen 250, and the rear shock setting won't change that, just the ride height from the ground. Seat modification is clearly possible, but $$$.

im 6' but slim. I think I've decided to have just my ninja for now, unless I see this guy drop the price to like $1000 or something, then it'll be a nobrainer :P

ARc · July 27th, 2012, 08:54 AM

If you're tight on money, save up. Deals will always be there.

blackoutt · July 27th, 2012, 09:03 AM

I would say wait for a 04+ SV. Once you go FI you'll never go back.

July 25th, 2012, 01:10 PM	#1
edxmon ninjette.org guru Name: Ed Location: San Diego Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R (SOLD - 2/16/2013) Posts: 492	Was looking through Craigslist v. GSF400 And found a Suzuki GSF400 Bandit. In my head I know I can't afford another bike but I still feel an urge to get it. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/3159083013.html One of the big rules that stuck to me when researching "what is a good bike?" was to never buy a project bike as your first bike. I realize this bike is 21 years old, but I still find it sexy as FUUUUUUUUDGE. Add to the fact that it's somewhat rare. On the other hand parts are also rare. My only consolation is that I know that in a few years I'll be able to get a newer model SV650 for cheap, and the SV650 looks alot like the GSF400. I'm also hoping that by the time I do decide to get a larger bike I will feel confident with the 70+hp the SV makes, instead of getting that 400 that only makes ~50hp. This is why I try to stay away from CL! __________________________________________________ Mods/Add-on list: DanMoto Jisu, Snorkel delete, Shimmed needles, K&N Drop-In filter, T-Rex frame sliders, Shogun swing-arm spools, CBR250 Rear Hugger, Buell XB Pegs. DIY polished rim lips

July 25th, 2012, 01:40 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	@AlanDog picked one up a short while ago: 1991 Suzuki Bandit 400 My new adventure bike __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 25th, 2012, 02:00 PM	#4
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	it almost looks like an older Ducati standard __________________________________________________ ”Any man dies with a clean sword, I’ll rape his f*ing corpse!”- The Hound

July 25th, 2012, 04:01 PM	#7
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	offer him 1300 and buy it __________________________________________________

July 27th, 2012, 08:54 AM	#10
ARc Revolver Wario Name: Jeffrey Location: La Palma, CA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 198 Logo Dude	If you're tight on money, save up. Deals will always be there. __________________________________________________

July 25th, 2012, 01:53 PM	#3
cerberusrex25 Accesories Guru Name: Dave Location: Centreville, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): '99 EX250(Cafe/fighter project) Posts: 537	That is one pretty bike, never shy down from a project, who knows and maybe is the best bike you will ever have.

July 25th, 2012, 03:36 PM	#6
NinjaBoyEddy ninjette.org guru Name: Eduardo Location: Hollywood, Calirfnia Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r special edition Posts: 286	Dan this bike is sweet!

July 25th, 2012, 06:30 PM	#8
AlanDog ninjette.org guru Name: Alan Location: Woodland, California (Sacramento area) Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, 2009 KLX250-SF, 2014 Zero S Posts: 269	Maybe I've just had bad luck with the one I bought, but it's a sign when the Bandit forum gurus say it has "the most finicky carb ever" and electrical problems are typical. I got mine for 2k, and it only has 12k miles on it. I sense a little hard sell in the ad--scratches are "character"? Also, if you're a big guy, it is a cramped seating position, the seat/footpeg spacing is like an inch smaller than my pregen 250, and the rear shock setting won't change that, just the ride height from the ground. Seat modification is clearly possible, but $$$.

July 27th, 2012, 09:03 AM	#11
blackoutt ninjette.org member Name: Phil Location: Southern IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 R6, 08 250R Posts: 87	I would say wait for a 04+ SV. Once you go FI you'll never go back. __________________________________________________ YEAH BUDDY!

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