Bandit 1200 service

H

HmgGuy

New member
As much as I would like to take the time to learn about the inner workings of my Bandit I cannot. I would love to be able to service the bike myself but if I did it may be months before I had the time or the knowledge to put it all back together again! However, I don't want to get taken by the service shop either. I bought the bike from an individual rather than a retailer so I have no loyalties to any one particular shop. I don't want to choose the wrong shop. So that I don't get taken I was hoping you guys could help me know what to look for and some ideas as to what could be causing some issues I am having. Here is what I am facing:
1. Shifting seems rougher than it should be. Especially shifting from neutral to first. I also feel the bike lurch sometimes when I crank it - as if it is in gear even though the clutch is engaged.
2. Oil is burning faster than I expected. I know that is to be expected with the Bandit but I was hoping that some corrections can be made that would help.
3. Gas mileage is pitiful -in my opinion. I am filling the tank up about every 100 miles - if I am lucky. Granted, most of my driving is city driving. Work is only about 5 minutes away down a busy highway. What should I be expecting for my mileage?

Everything else seems okay. Living in the south allows me to ride pretty much all year round so I don't have to winterize the bike. My hope is not to let the bike sit up without being ridden for more than about 3-4 days at a time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.:roll:
 
Welp, lemme see. You don't say what model year it is, so I can't help you verify whether it's one of the oil-burners.

You don't mention what oil you're using or how old (miles, not months) it is. I'd suggest you change it immediately to Mobil 1 15-50 and see whether that helps with the shifting.

You don't say what your fuel economy is. For all I know you're putting three gallons in at a time and getting 35 mpg. Specifics, please.

Help me help you, bud! Oh, and I can walk you through your valve adjustment step-by-step if you change your mind about servicing it. When it comes to Bandits, I'm your huckleberry. Be not afraid, for the grease shall set you free!
 
Clint,
I knew if anyone answered it would be you. The model is a 2001 and yes, according to something you sent me quite some time ago, it is one of the oil burners.
I am using the recommended grade of motor oil and used Castrol the last time. I am going through a quart about every 2-3 fill ups which is about a month and a half or so. I have not changed the oil though since I got the bike in July - just added more.
I filled up the tank last night - about 4 gallons - and got under 100 miles on it. That translates to less than 25 mpg!
If I decide to tackle the valve adjustments myself I will let you know. However, I am in retail and there is just not enough time in the day until next year and I wanted to do something about it before then... but I do like to tinker and get satisfaction in a job I have done myself - even if it costs me more in the long run!
Thanks for your help. Have a Merry Christmas!
 
Too bad you're not closer. We could tackle a piston swap, too. I don't remember the details of our earlier correspondence. Did you try to get a warranty fix?
 
No, I did not try to get the warranty fix. You sent me a copy of some form showing that it should be covered but I don't remember where it is and if I would qualify since I bought it from a friend who bought it used also. The friend I bought it from did not have much in the way of paperwork and no maintenance manual to show me what had been done to the bike. He simply told me that the bike had a tune up when he had bought it less than a year before and he changed the oil in June. I have since put about 1200 miles on it.
 
None of that matters. If it burns more than a quart in 600 miles they should do it, unless there's a time limitation. Let me know if you want the form.
 
Clint,

Yeah, I would appreciate the form again. I remember seeing it when you sent it to me last but I don't know where it is or how you sent it to me. I'll take it hopefully next week to the shop to let them deal with that part. I'll let you know if there were any time restrictions.

Thanks. You da' man.

KJ
 
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