Bandit project

First topic message reminder :

The idea is to leave 2 bikes in Tasmania and fly down whenever time allows . This saves 2 weeks in travel alone and probably $2000  per trip.
Carol chose anEr5  cost $2000.
I spotted this near home and got it for $800 .
So project Bandit 600 starts .


2 hour later .Carbs on on the bench , impact driver used once .

You are a machine @gus. Ever thought of opening up as a back yard mechanic, I bet it'd keep you busy.

I retired the other week so I can play in the shed all day .

Noooooice.
I cant wait to come and visit.

That looks awesome Gus, well done

Trouble is ,I intended to keep the frame red . I changed my mind at the end of the rebuild ,so I have to pull it all apart again to get the frame properly painted .
If its a " keeper" ill probably look at getting it powder coated  black .

At the moment it has oil that was $18 for 4 litres in it . Ill make sure things work ,then put a flushing oil through it , then fill with something semi syn .

  you wouldn't know it was the same bike

Great job Gus. 

Outstanding. 

Looking damn good there Gus. Love the all matt black exhaust

Snuck out for a test ride (no plate ). Surprised me how good it was . Nice gearbox ,enough power , comfortable , no pulsing brake lever .. The front felt better than the rear , I thought it might have been the shock, but the rear tire looked like it was from a different decade . Seeing everything else felt good I went and got a new rear  tire .$200
The motor sounded a bit noisy in the shed but I think I have got used to water cooling making modern stuff quiet . Outside it sounded normal .

Sounds like a winner then Gus 

Anyone know the going price to get a frame powder coated ?

Last time I wanted something powder coated I rang a few places and got 3 very different prices, just ring around and get quotes and see what they offer

Decided to check fork oil and change seals . Fork caps had been put on SO TIGHT , I hate that , there is no need . Oil was terrible ,black and sludgy .Right hand leg missing a spacer washer .  I manage to get oil all over the floor and myself .
I have a spare rear Sash shock (Aprilia ) just serviced and am trying to get it to fit the bandit . Its a tight fit .

You can do it!

I know what you mean by black oil, the oil out of my 9 year old bike was looking very brown

Cut off the very "sticky out " footpeg hanger and replaced it with a BUNG  to protect bodywork from a side stand fall moment .

The silly rubber bush, foot ,heal plates were a tab bendy from age . I unbolted them ,removed the 6 rubber washers (per side ) and replace them with 6 0ff 12 mm
steel washers ($2) . Now rock sold .

How's the vibrations?

No difference but mine had a LOT of play .

Carol rode the Bandit and her er 5 back to back . Said the bandit had better power and more comfortable .,so its farewell Kawasaki .