Americans typically think of the Bandit as a 600 or 1,200, but Suzuki also made them in 250 and 400 variants – the latter of which was exported to the US for only a couple of years.
When the 400 Bandit was offered to the US for the first time, Cycle World said “as a styling exercise…it may be the most exciting bike of 1991, regardless of country of origin.” A couple of decades later, and it still looks interesting. Suzuki first created the model in 1989, but the US wouldn’t get it for another couple of years. By that point it cost $3,699, made approximately 55 horsepower, and weighed just 419 pounds with the tank full. Other basic specs included a 114 mph top speed and fuel economy of 42 mpg.
It’s a hard to find bike that reminds some of a baby Ducati Monster thanks to the trellis frame, but this is a much rarer sight on American roads.
Manufactured in March 1991, this example is VIN: JS1GK75A0M2101532. The seller acquired it from TopGear Powersports in the Chicago area. “These bikes are rarely seen any more mostly because there were not many sold. It is a very nice machine with a low seat height and great power and handling and will make a nice rider for someone.”
During their ownership, the seller has covered 100 miles. The odometer shows 15,955 miles.
Maintenance:
“When I got this bike it was with the intention of giving it to my brother as his personal rider. He subsequently became unable to ride and was never able to ride it. With that in mind I went through the bike from front to rear and inspected and serviced it completely. I cleaned the carbs and flushed the fuel tank, flushed and bled the brakes, lubed all cables, synced the carbs, installed new handlebars, grips, bar ends and mirrors, check all lights and horn, installed factory center-stand, installed battery tender lead. This bike is ready and needs nothing but a set of tires as the ones on it have aged out. I was going to replace them prior to giving it to my brother but that never happened so I didn’t do it.”
Modifications:
“The bike had a Vance and Hines 4-1 system on it, but had a blown out muffler. I had a nearly new Suzuki GSXR 600 muffler on hand so I adapted that to the header and it works great. Quiet with plenty of flow and the bike ran so much better afterwards. It also has a K&N air filter in a stock airbox. The carbs have been jetted to work perfectly with filter and pipe.”
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on a Metzeler front tire, and a Bridgestone BT56 rear, which have aged out with date codes of 332 and 2500 respectively.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, and a service manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Oklahoma title.
Have any Bandit 400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
