imago Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 (edited) When a Bandit 1200 engine gets up on the mileage 60+ what does the likely refresh involve? A running engine without knocks, bangs or smoke signals, just been around the block a few (hundred) times. I have a chance of one that can be heard running but it's got 60-odd thousand on it so I'd want to pull it down before using it. I'm just trying to get an idea of what I'd be letting myself in for beyond gaskets, and a clean out. Edited July 7, 2022 by imago Quote
Tony Nitrous Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 I’ve had a couple that needed cam chains up around that mileage. I’ve had other bikes that went well beyond it without one but 2 of my 12’s had new cam chains. Tensioners seemed OK. Not sure why. Maybe I was just unlucky. Some folk like them but I’m not a huge fan of the diaphragm clutches so a coil spring swap would be on my list but that’s just personal taste. 1 Quote
imago Posted July 7, 2022 Author Posted July 7, 2022 8 minutes ago, Tony Nitrous said: I’ve had a couple that needed cam chains up around that mileage. I’ve had other bikes that went well beyond it without one but 2 of my 12’s had new cam chains. Tensioners seemed OK. Not sure why. Maybe I was just unlucky. Some folk like them but I’m not a huge fan of the diaphragm clutches so a coil spring swap would be on my list but that’s just personal taste. Yeah there would no doubt be a few "while I'm in there" things, but it was more about the basics really. I've had very little to do with the 1200 engine so didn't know if it was nailed on to need a re-bore for example. Quote
clivegto Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 Might be perfectly alright and it might not. If it's had regular oil changes chances are it'll be alright. 1 Quote
TonyGee Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 as Clive said has it had a good service history ? has it been thrashed and abused ? saying that they are a strong motor. 60K is not high mileage for them. if its cheap enough buy it Quote
bluedog59 Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 You've heard it running, have you had a chance to ride it to check the gearbox/clutch ? If they check out ok, do a compression test, a leak down test and give it a full service. Quote
davecara Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 Compression test first. If thats all good then change the oil, check the clearances and then leave it alone IMO 2 Quote
imago Posted July 7, 2022 Author Posted July 7, 2022 I haven't ridden it, but would be able to. To be honest if there's nothing particular to be aware of at that mileage then it'd be a quick road test then have it apart. I'd want to check it over, it'd be easier to paint the cases, I can replace the obvious stuff like cam chain and lap the valves etc. It'd be going in to the 'spare' GSX frame so it won't be one I need to get back into use in a hurry. 1 Quote
Upshotknothole Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 Cam chain is the only major thing that Suzuki calls for changing around that mileage. Compression check, oil change, and do the valves. Ideally ride it if you can, I know from first hand experience, if you’re young and stupid, the transmissions aren’t that bullet proof. 2 Quote
dupersunc Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 Cams are likely worn, Second gear is a weakness. Cam chain probably baggy at that age. Rest probably fine. Fit gsxr cams and new camchain. Enjoy. 2 Quote
Tony Nitrous Posted July 7, 2022 Posted July 7, 2022 Apart from my earlier mentioned cam chains then…. My early one went through a LOT of nitrous and spent a lot of time at the strip, it was eventually returned to near stock and showed no ill effects. I have one sat here now that’s similar mileage to yours (no recorded history with it) and the motors fine. There’s nothing that springs to mind as “high risk” area. They are pretty sturdy and a generally tough lump from my experience that can suffer from normal wear or neglect but nothing really Bandit specific. As others have said it’s nice to be able to run them through the gears to test and it’s the perfect time for cams, cam chains, Dot heads, clutches etc whilst it’s in bits but for me there’s no real Red Flag areas for that engine. 1 Quote
imago Posted July 8, 2022 Author Posted July 8, 2022 OK well that's not going to happen. The oil looked like it hadn't been changed since it left the dealership. The gearbox has at least one bearing singing a protest song and the clutch was slipping. A hard no, who knows what other horrors are lurking. A refresh is one thing, starting from scratch would be an expensive game. 1 Quote
Tony Nitrous Posted July 8, 2022 Posted July 8, 2022 Still worth having IF the price is right. Lots of folk would buy any oilcooled lump at the right price, just for parts, or a dummy mock up lump, or to rebuild. Hell, I’d buy one with a rod through the cases at the right price! LOL, I’m guessing it wasn’t THAT cheap then ? 2 Quote
fatblokeonbandit Posted July 8, 2022 Posted July 8, 2022 recently bought a 1200 engine jumping out of 2nd gear, dogs worn, and a bottom end with allegedly good gear box for £300 the pair. The cost for swopping gear boxes is all time, hardly and parts needed except a clutch nut and cover gaskets, it was worth a go as IF i ever get the time to do it, the complete engine will be worth upwards of 400-500 quid and the cases with a good crank aonther couple of hundred??? Thats of course if nother else is shot when i pull them apart.. 2 Quote
Upshotknothole Posted July 8, 2022 Posted July 8, 2022 For the right price it still doesn’t sound that bad. Of course most of us probably have pretty low standards in regards to what we’ll buy for a project anymore. 1 Quote
coombehouse Posted July 8, 2022 Posted July 8, 2022 It all depends on the price. They can be had for not a lot of money if you are not in a rush. I just picked one up on Eblag for £210 with history & around 40k miles. The oil return pipes were leaking due to corrosion which is why the bike was scrapped. I bought one last year for £135 with unknown history on Eblag again & after stripping it, it seems very clean inside with no bore wear but a little crank scoring. A replacement perfect crank was £25 delivered!!! 1 Quote
Tony Nitrous Posted July 9, 2022 Posted July 9, 2022 1 hour ago, coombehouse said: It all depends on the price. They can be had for not a lot of money if you are not in a rush. I just picked one up on Eblag for £210 with history & around 40k miles. The oil return pipes were leaking due to corrosion which is why the bike was scrapped. I bought one last year for £135 with unknown history on Eblag again & after stripping it, it seems very clean inside with no bore wear but a little crank scoring. A replacement perfect crank was £25 delivered!!! I’m very envious. I’m not seeing those prices or availability here in Qld, AU. Quote
george 1100 Posted July 9, 2022 Posted July 9, 2022 3 hours ago, Tony Nitrous said: I’m very envious. I’m not seeing those prices or availability here in Qld, AU. Yeah, very difficult to find under AUD$1500 these days. They're all hoarded 1 Quote
coombehouse Posted July 9, 2022 Posted July 9, 2022 5 hours ago, george 1100 said: Yeah, very difficult to find under AUD$1500 these days. They're all hoarded I think it will go the same way here when they get a bit more scarce. 1 Quote
Blubber Posted July 9, 2022 Posted July 9, 2022 If you search in Europe you can still find the older stuff for decent / OSS money, Last week i missed out on a running EFE for 850. Guy needed it gone out of his shed but couldn't wait my drive time ( 450 km from the Netherlands to Germany takes time) In Germany there are about 4 complete EFE advertised around the 2000 € ( some 1700, some 2400.) Also Germany 750 or 1100 katana , some with a Speer rear, some with Resincourse all around the 2500 € Import should not be a hassle 2 Quote
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