GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: finmac on April 28, 2006, 07:10:27 PM

Title: GSF400!!!
Post by: finmac on April 28, 2006, 07:10:27 PM
Waddya think?? With insurance rates going up here, I wouldnt mind a 400cc w/ 59hp over a 500 with 39!
http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=&Region=-1&subcategory=-1&CAT=4

-Fin

ahh crud, doesnt link. Its at www.autotrader.ca in Ontario
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: Alphamazing on April 28, 2006, 07:27:02 PM
The Bandit 400 is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous bikes I've ever seen. It's 59BHP, mind you. It comes out to about 50 at the rear wheel, but you have to wind it up real high to feel anything out of it. Since it's an I-4 there is a lot less low-end-torque compared the GS500. Honestly though, I'd love one. They look like an absolute hoot.

The best looking ones are the black bodywork with the red frame, which I incidentaly can't find a picture of. Maybe I'm imagining what would look best.
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: finmac on April 28, 2006, 07:36:06 PM
(http://www.importmc.com.au/bikes/gsf400/images/gsf400blackredframe.jpg)
:thumb:

The one I'm looking at has about 35,000km on it. Thats going to be a maintenance liability right?
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: Alphamazing on April 28, 2006, 11:08:39 PM
Possibly. The Bandit 400 forums is alright and pretty helpful from what I've read. They aren't as insanely active as this board, but helpful nonetheless.

Plus, it never hurts to wrench a little bit. Just make sure it's had all the proper maintenance done and you should be fine. That's my opinion though. The little Bandit engines are pretty much as reliable as the GS from what I hear.

I'm jealous of you if you get it, btw. Those things are just gorgeous. Very simple, very elegant.
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: manofthefield on April 29, 2006, 11:47:06 AM
Ooooooo das sexay

Same idea as the new Duc monster 695, except the Bandit was first.  Just not sure I like the red rotors on that one though
(http://www.motomag.com/spip/IMG/jpg/695ie.jpg)
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: Alphamazing on April 29, 2006, 11:51:51 AM
Quote from: manofthefield on April 29, 2006, 11:47:06 AM
Ooooooo das sexay

Same idea as the new Duc monster 695, except the Bandit was first.  Just not sure I like the red rotors on that one though

I really like the red rotors, personally. Adds a little contrast. I think red calipers instead of the red rotors would look better. Not sure if you had both red calipers and red rotors, though.
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: skoebl on April 29, 2006, 01:35:02 PM
Isn't the 695 Ducati's 2nd "beginner" bike (the first being the 620)?
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: manofthefield on April 29, 2006, 02:27:03 PM
Yeah, the 695 is actually going to replace the 620 I believe.  A few years ago it was a 600




edit: yup, I checked, according to ducati (http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/en/bikes/model.jhtml?model=1423), 695 replaces 620
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: skoebl on April 29, 2006, 04:08:54 PM
Hmm....this is no good....'cause I was gonna make the 620 my next bike....

The 695 is pretty much the same thing just a little bigger right? **crosses fingers**
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: manofthefield on April 29, 2006, 04:19:05 PM
About the same, improvements here and there like longer service intervals.  It looks like the same price even!  But why not just buy a used 620?  Wait, don't answer that, I think I've threadjacked too much already :laugh:



Finmac, looks like a good bike, and like Alpha said, I'm sure it's reliable and a lot of fun.  Does anyone know what the suspension is like (ie. better than the GS)?
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: Blueknyt on April 29, 2006, 05:46:37 PM
you will have to contact folks over in the UK for GSXR400 parts as the bandit4's are scarce in the U.S.
Title: Re: GSF400!!!
Post by: Adam R on April 30, 2006, 06:01:43 PM
The Bandit 400 is a better overall motorcycle than the GS 500 in my opinion.  If the price is right, pick up the Bandit.