Own an SV...but question about a Bandit...

Just bought a non-running bandit...only notable flaw (according to the prev owner) is second gear slips in and out...any thoughts on the easiest/best way to remedy this?

The Suzuki Bandit is a 91 w/ the 400 engine.

And yes, I know this is a SV forum, but I've been here before and lots of good bike knowledge here...

Hmm...sounds like the gear might be sort of sheared? I dont know alot about gearboxes, but I think its work taking apart and looking at the cogs, and also looking at the selector dogs (or whatever they are called). Did the owner say if it had problems getting into other gears? False neutrals?

Matt

He didn't mention any issues other than second...but...

I pick the bike up this Thursday and I'll definately ask about the other gears...but the way he told it, only second was acting up...

Yea, but you gotta be carefull. Could be a number of things he's hiding; I think it might be worth not having it, and holding out for something with simpler issues...something like fork seals need replacing, new chain and sprockets, etc etc

Still, have a look and if you think you can get it sorted, go for it. But a bike with gearbox problems sounds expensive

Maybe Northwind will come along and give you some advice, he seems to know alot about stuff like this

Matt

[Spanner Man]

Morning all.

Jumping out of any gear is usually a sign of bent selector forks &/or worn dogs within the gearbox. Occasionally a problem with the selector drum/detent roller can cause gear jumping, but it's rare.
You're most likely looking at an engine removal & strip to ascertain the problem. I think that you can access the gearbox on 400 Bandits without stripping the top end, but it's still a lot of work.

Another problem with gearboxes is that they're the proverbial can of worms, you'll more than likely find a lot of other components that are near the point of replacement, & gearbox parts are very expensive.
Being a rare Beastie you may have to wait a while to find a good secondhand gearbox.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Spanner Man

it's still a lot of work.

I can second that. I got a GSX 600 with a very similar problem 4 years ago and ended up finding an engine with a dropped valve cheaply. I made one good engine out the bottom half of one and the top half of the other. It was a relatively simple but very time consuming solution.
I'd say unless you enjoy spannering this might be one to walk away from.

I had the same problem on my 2001 GSF600 bandit this year. The clutch plates needed replacing (£180) and I had this done at the garage rather than do it myself. She works like a BABE now.

Biker_Biker's solution could be a cheaper fix...if thats the prob you're having with your bandit..........

I still think its gearbox selector dogs, because I'm pessimistic and expect everything to blow up at some stage and never be an easy fix

Matt

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Biker Biker

I had the same problem on my 2001 GSF600 bandit this year. The clutch plates needed replacing (£180) and I had this done at the garage rather than do it myself. She works like a BABE now.

Thats a sodding pricey clutch.

Cant see how the clutch would make it pop out under power though , I'd more expect slipping than gear jumping.

Worn dogs get my vote

Originally Posted by Spanner Man

Morning all.

Occasionally a problem with the selector drum/detent roller can cause gear jumping, but it's rare.

I've just fixed one of these on a YZ125. The roller on the detent arm had broken off completely after the bike was dropped.