Mustang 4th Bike... back to being air cooled

[mustangGT90210]

As some of you may know, my '02 SV650 met an early demise via a Lexus and a locking up tire. So for the last 2 months I've been saving back up to get back on 2 wheels. And earlier this week, I finally did! I didn't get the 1200 I was looking for since I was tired of waiting (plus my fuel bill is outrageous at 11mpg) so instead I picked up a '96 Bandit 600 with 42k on the clock, but in fairly good shape all around. I'm happy with it, but it does need a little TLC! Need a stock headlight, new rear shock, tires, chain/sprocket, and handlebars to be where I want it. But for $1150, I'm happy with it! Pictures are a little lacking right now, but more will be coming soon, when she's registered and on the road.

The beginning of the ride home, putting the tires back to the right pressure. And there's my gas hog as well 


A little closer up, from the craigslist ad:


More to come! I've got a new ignition switch on the way as of tonight also. The current one is finnicky on when it wants to work, so I'm not about to get stranded over a dang key that won't turn

[Big Rich]

Nice! I'm a fan of Bandits..... which is why I have a B12 front end on my GR.

[mustangGT90210]

It blows me away how smooth this thing rides, even with a worn out suspension. And how much smoother the 4cyl is than the V-twin I had in my SV650. I forsee a lot of good times with this bike 

[Janx101]

Nice ride there bro! And black IS badder!  Lol

[mustangGT90210]

Thanks! Even though it's a really, really dark green. Like to the point that it's black in some light, and green in others. It's pretty cool really. Thinking about what I'm going to do with the tank and tail though... Got some clear coat issues by the fuel filler and I want to keep the cosmetics on point, seeing as I finally bought a bike without a dented gas tank lol

[J_Walker]

ohhh you're a unlucky one! your bandit doesn't come with the complementary "I gotta get it sold" spray paint!??

[mustangGT90210]

That it did not! And thankfully! That's the only spot of paint issues on the whole bike  So For now I think I'm gonna try and run a sticker collage stripe to cover it and look kinda different.

Something like this:



But using only automotive and powersports performance stickers

[Big Rich]

Stang, I'm about to head to bed but don't go all sticker crazy until I get back to you. I've seen some wild sticker bombs before, and have an entire tool box drawer full of them I could possibly donate.

[J_Walker]

Hey, Mustang, there's a girl here in kissimmee that works in a vinyl place. I can get custom cuts and stuff, I get a discount. if you need something along those lines, now that I know you don't live that far. let me know. I also do some stuff myself, but I'm not ready to revel it yet until I get better at making them.. 

[Janx101]

Very dark green that sometimes looks black... in aussieland they call that 'panther' 

[mustangGT90210]

Thanks guys! I'll be running around to some local speed shops trying to pick up some free stickers and what not. Trying to do it without buying them lol.


And of course all that goes on hold because the apparently uncle Sam decided that the DMV needs to be closed on black friday. And their regular weekends closed as well. So because I got paid AFTER 5pm on wednesday, I have to wait till monday to put this bike on the road legally. And I'm livid because I just drove to the DMV to find out they are closed. Not listed on their website, and even the phone call I made said they're open Monday-Friday 9-5. No mention of being closed today. And I'll just stop there because I'm sure the NSA doesn't wanna hear the anger in my head 

On the plus side, I ran through the bike the other day on the stand. It's pretty much just chain/sprockets and a rear tire left to be good. I tightened/lubed the chain, still makes a lot of racket, fixed the fuel leak, solved the rear brake issue, and got the oil level at  the proper place

[mustangGT90210]

She's legal now! First day of riding today, to work and back 



To do list has officially been figured out.

-120/60 and 160/60 Pilot Powers
-Chain and sprockets
-New drag bars - current ones are tweaked
-Brake pads all around
-Oil change
-Check valves (this has screw adjusters, no shims!!)
-Carb sync
-Spark plugs
-Rear shock - that thing is gone... it's so worn out. Probably the original at 43k miles
-New/re-upholster seat

That outta about cover it. It'll be mechanically perfect after that. Me being a mechanic, I can't stand it not being perfect...

Which leads to my question, can I sync the carbs before the valve adjustment? Or will adjusting the valves throw off the sync? I don't have the tool to sync them, so I'd rather not take it to the shop twice

[Big Rich]

The valves should always be done first. If you sync the carbs with the valves out of spec and then do the valves, the cylinder might pull more air/fuel from that carb. There's a chance the valves are in good shape and the carb sync now would be all you need....but why pay more to be wrong?

[mustangGT90210]

Made another nice purchase today! Decided a helmet was more important than new tires for the week... Next week brings a set of Pilot Powers

For a pretty penny, I brought home an Icon Airmada helmet. Love it. Snug, quiet, locking shield, reflective strips, brightly colored, glossy finish, I dig it! Got it for $222 after taxes. Not bad seeing as the regular Airmada stickers around $260-$300 depending on the paint job. This one was on clearance, and I ain't even mad

Here's the old Icon Alliance (with minimal cosmetic damage from the crash) and the new Airmada!

[NYNJ8]

You can't beat buying a used bike.  Those first few hours of alone time once you get her home.  Sitting on it, feeling the riding position.  Walking around it, shining the light in, on, and underneath, inspecting every inch of it.  After that I like to grab a beer, pull up a chair and stare, imagining my vision for how all the changes I plan to make are going to look.  Then its onto the computer - Amazon, eBay, to estimate the cost of sourcing all those parts.  Sounds like you had a similar experience! 

Congrats on the bandit.  Its one of those bikes that I will own one day.  I've always been a fan and before I was old enough to ride it was the bike I just knew I was gonna buy as soon as I was old enough.  Seems redundant to have one with the GS though.  Tell me I'm wrong

[mustangGT90210]

I can't say you're wrong.. but it's only been 150 miles so far :lol: On wasted tires and a wasted suspension... Haven't been able to push anything yet!

Determined a new thing to add to the to-do list - New front master cylinder. Or rebuild. Whichever way I find it. My front brake is notchy, and I'm far from OK with that.

Does anyone happen to know what kind of rear shocks swap into a Bandit, aside from stock. Can I fit up a ZX6-R shock or something?

[Big Rich]

Mustang, I can't say what shock will work for sure. But I can tell you there's an entire thread dedicated to Bandits on ADVRider. I'm sure there is a Bandit forum like the Twins forum (Bandit Alley rings a bell.....), but it is a great thread.

For the master cylinder, look into GSXR parts after doing a parts number cross reference. Parts labeled "Bandit" seem to be generally more expensive, but GSXR parts are pretty easy to find.

[mustangGT90210]

Thanks for tip!

In some researching I've been doing, I've found that the '03-'04 CBR600RR shock bolts into my bandit with ease, so I think I'll be doing that for the rear suspension, and a .90kg racetech or sonic springs in the front. Should be a pretty good handling bike after I'm done with it.. 

The front brake is downright scary sometimes, as the binds up and then suddenly decides to work again. Not cool. But it'll get addressed after christmas, seeing as I'll be 1200 miles from my bike in 10 days lol

[mustangGT90210]

Took the plunge today... New tires orderd! $235 shipped for my set of Pilot Powers, and thankfully I can install myself!

[mustangGT90210]

Pilot Powers are on!   

Took these pictures before I even put a mile one them. Have about 100 miles now and it's time to find a curvy road to really test 'em out