Segment:
Mid-size naked sportbike
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable sportbike for commuting, touring, and spirited riding.
Competitors 1997:
Yamaha XJ600 Diversion, Kawasaki Zephyr 750, Honda CB750 Nighthawk
Engine Configuration:
Air/oil-cooled inline-four
Styling:
Classic naked bike aesthetic with optional fairing (GSF600F).
Performance Focus:
Balanced power delivery, predictable handling.
Benefit:
Reduces reliance on costly dealership services.
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, tuning of engine components (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system).
Fuel System:
Carburetor service, cleaning, adjustment, fuel pump operation, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, troubleshooting.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear ratios, final drive, chain and sprockets maintenance.
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (seals, oil, springs), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, linkage maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, disc and pad inspection, bleeding procedure.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, battery, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), lighting, horn, instrumentation.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm maintenance.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank, fenders, exhaust system.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, brake checks, tire pressure, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine teardown and reassembly, including torque specifications and tolerances.
Suspension Overhaul:
Front fork seal replacement, rear shock servicing.
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake caliper service, fluid flush, line replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of charging system, ignition system, and other electrical components using a multimeter.
Carburetor Tuning:
Synchronization, idle adjustment, jetting recommendations.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls and diagnostics.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and procedural illustrations.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Cooling System:
Air/oil-cooled
Displacement:
599 cc (36.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 73.4 mm (2.83 in x 2.89 in)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Valve Clearance Intake:
0.08 - 0.13 mm (0.003 - 0.005 in)
Valve Clearance Exhaust:
0.11 - 0.16 mm (0.004 - 0.006 in)
Horsepower Claimed:
Approx. 78 HP (58 kW) @ 10,000 rpm
Torque Claimed:
Approx. 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Carburetors:
Mikuni BST34 x 4 (Constant Velocity)
Fuel Capacity:
19 Liters (5.0 US gal)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF or SG or JASO MA
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.2 Liters (3.4 US qt)
Oil Capacity Wo Filter:
2.8 Liters (3.0 US qt)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Suzuki 16510-07300 or aftermarket equivalent (e.g., Hiflofiltro HF138)
Type:
Constant mesh, 6-speed return
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.750 (33/12), 2nd: 1.944 (35/18), 3rd: 1.500 (30/20), 4th: 1.250 (25/20), 5th: 1.087 (25/23), 6th: 0.958 (23/24)
Final Drive:
Enclosed 'O' ring type chain
Final Drive Ratio:
2.750 (44/16)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W, API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 is acceptable
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.7 Liters (0.74 US qt)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Change Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Air Filter Cleaning Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Brake Fluid Replacement Interval:
Every 24 months or as needed.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment Interval:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after washing/rain.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40
Engine Oil Standard:
API SE, SF or SG, JASO MA
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/Oil Cooled)
Fork Oil Grade:
Suzuki Fork Oil SS-01 (or equivalent SAE 10W)
Fork Oil Quantity:
Approx. 400 ml per fork leg
Common Wear Item 1:
Clutch wear, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Common Wear Item 2:
Front fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.
Common Issue 1:
Carburetor synchronization drift, requiring periodic adjustment for smooth running.
Common Issue 2:
Cam chain tensioner can become noisy with age; replacement may be necessary.
Common Issue 3:
Electrical connector corrosion in certain environments, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Heritage:
Suzuki has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and innovation across various segments.
Gsf Lineage:
The GSF Bandit series was introduced to offer a versatile, air-cooled four-cylinder motorcycle that bridged the gap between commuter and sportbike.
1997 Update:
The 1997 GSF600V/SV represents a refinement of the earlier Bandit models, often featuring minor styling tweaks and potentially updated suspension or braking components.
Production Period:
The GSF600 Bandit was produced from the early 1990s through the early 2000s.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan