Bandit 1200 engine to 600/650 frame

[johnnyboy]

I’ve seen another post which says that this will fit with a frame mount diameter mod. 

Someone also said about adjusting valves before it goes in which wouldn’t work for me so I’d like to know if it’ll go in allowing rocker cover removal. Don’t have a problem with the exhaust, loom etc as I’m assuming this’ll need work. So questions are - 

1 - will it fit original model and anyone done it?

2 - Will it fit newer 650 model ?

3 - Will the frame need strengthening? I have visions of it flexing around the swing arm and headstock, if so can anyone suggest an approach? I’m guessing if the 1200 could have done with a lighter spindly frame that suzuki would have done it anyway… 

 

And yes, I know it’s a pain in the ass, and using a 1200 frame is a better option but due to leg length I’m looking into it as an option. Seen a damaged version of each at fair prices. 

Chz

[TonyGee]

the MK1 600/1200 frames are the same, the only difference is the 600 has welded on rear footrest hangers (1200 bolted on) and the rear engine mounting bolt hole is bigger for the 1200 so you just drill out the 600 one 2mm bigger.  cam cover can be removed with engine in.

[johnnyboy]

Hmm, wondering about the seat heights then - guess it’s down to suspension, seat and tyres. I was assuming the 600 would have a diff frame… The following seem to be right based on a few sites. 

Mk1 600 Seat Height : 805 mm (31,7 in)

Mk2 600 Seat Height : 800 mm (31,5 in)

Mk1 1200 Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in)

Mk2 1200 Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in)

… & thanks for info 

[TonyGee]

seats are the same on mk1 600/1200, the height difference will be in the suspension/tires.  what is it you are thinking of doing ?  putting a 1200 in a 600 you really need to uprate the front brakes and forks/swingarm !!!!  

[fatblokeonbandit]

600 frame 1200 engine, and, like Tony said, upgraded everything, done it several times.

 

And whats a " frame mount diameter mod" 

 

[fatblokeonbandit]

If you have short legs then adjust the ride height with different dog bones

[2scars]

52 minutes ago, fatblokeonbandit said:

And whats a " frame mount diameter mod" 

 

 

I think he means the enlarging of the engine mount on the frame from 10 to 12mm.

[fatblokeonbandit]

Oh I see??

 

also the bottom triangular engine mounts are welded on a 6 bolted on a 12, the bolted in front cross piece is not fitted to 600 frames, and the lock stops ae different width's.

 

[johnnyboy]

Hi, that was it I, read it on another post somewhere…

I think I’ll just stick with the 1200 frame and go from there - thanks for the info.

FB - Wondering  why you’ve done such conversions in the past?  

[fatblokeonbandit]

I was made redundant many years ago,  I had all those parts on the red one, forks, wheels engine and stuff but no frame, a B6 frame with V5 came for nothing so I spent my time building that one. Same with the others I built, cheap bits plus available spare equals 6/12's...

[johnnyboy]

Sounds good, I’ve actually got a slabby frame that I may use with a 1200 engine… 

I’ll be back on when I’ve found a 1200 doner…

Out of interest,  would you say the yokes/forks wheelsetc from a 88 GSXR750J are a better choice or use the bandit 1200 bits on a slabby frame? 

[fatblokeonbandit]

Use the 750 forks as they have more adjustability and are the right length

[johnnyboy]

Chz, I’ll probably be back in touch once it’s underway… xmas project etc… 

[TonyGee]

just remember GSXR and Bandit steering stems are different lengths. 

[johnnyboy]

Chz - I’ll use the whole GSXR front end, maybe the 6 pots, discs and mcyl from the bandit though… 

[wraith]

Most people don't like the 6 pots, the 4 pots are better all round.

But I've got some gsxr1000 k2 6 pots on a gs1000 and using a latter gsxr radial master cylinder and they are much better feel than the early gsxr or bandit 6 pots, but the momenting holes are different on the gsxr1000 calipers but try a radial master.

[fatblokeonbandit]

44 minutes ago, johnnyboy said:

Chz - I’ll use the whole GSXR front end, maybe the 6 pots, discs and mcyl from the bandit though… 

Did are different offset use gsxr ones if good

[johnnyboy]

Assume you mean discs, Chz  

[fatblokeonbandit]

Doh!! yes..

[TLRS]

On 11/3/2021 at 2:18 PM, TonyGee said:

seats are the same on mk1 600/1200, the height difference will be in the suspension/tires.  what is it you are thinking of doing ?  putting a 1200 in a 600 you really need to uprate the front brakes and forks/swingarm !!!!  

Pretty sure '95/96 Bandits have a nicer looking, lower seat. Fatbloke's picture shows the later, higher item.

Though if the foam is anything similar to that on a TL, you'll be able to shape it easily yourself. Just a blade from an iron saw and a rasp will do. And a staplefun to reinstall the cover.

[TonyGee]

24 minutes ago, TLRS said:

Pretty sure '95/96 Bandits have a nicer looking, lower seat. Fatbloke's picture shows the later, higher item.

Though if the foam is anything similar to that on a TL, you'll be able to shape it easily yourself. Just a blade from an iron saw and a rasp will do. And a staplefun to reinstall the cover.

95-99 same part number, ive owned 6 bandits and worked on many more and as far as i know they are all the same unless they have been modified. 

[johnnyboy]

Thanks for Info 

[TLRS]

Then I don't know what sets them apart, but there are defo two seat models out there.

[fatblokeonbandit]

Like tony said the part numbers are the same for all mark 1s, ive had 24 of them and the seats were all the same

 

[TLRS]

That adds to the mystery. Take a look at your favorite search engine for pictures. That 30mm difference in seat height must be in something.