🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

GSF400 Bandit

Year:

1997

Market Segment:

Naked Sportbike / Standard Motorcycle

Chassis Code Prefix:

GK75B

👋 Introduction

Segment:

The GSF400 Bandit was positioned as an accessible, sporty yet practical naked motorcycle, offering performance and style at a competitive price point.

Target Audience:

Appealed to riders seeking a versatile machine for commuting, sport riding, and general enjoyment, often considered a stepping stone to larger displacement bikes.

Key Competitors:

Competed with other 400cc class motorcycles from manufacturers like Honda (CB400), Kawasaki (ZR-4/Zephyr 400), and Yamaha (XJR400) in markets where these were available.

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four engine known for its smooth power delivery and rev-happy nature.

Chassis Design:

Steel twin-spar frame providing a balance of rigidity and lightness, contributing to agile handling.

Styling:

Classic 'Naked' or 'Standard' motorcycle styling with exposed engine and trellis-like frame elements.

Braking:

Typically equipped with dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake, offering effective stopping power.

Manual Value:

Indispensable for owners and independent workshops to maintain and repair the GSF400 Bandit, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Chassis, Bodywork, Specifications, Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era of factory service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting of cylinder head, cylinder block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train.

Fuel System:

Carburetor service (cleaning, adjustment, synchronization), fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines.

Cooling System:

Radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, coolant circulation, troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, troubleshooting.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Gearbox disassembly/assembly, shift mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets).

Clutch:

Clutch operation, disassembly, assembly, adjustment, friction plates.

Suspension Front:

Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), steering head bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Rear shock absorber service, swingarm, linkage bearings.

Brake System Front:

Brake caliper service, master cylinder, brake pads, hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures.

Brake System Rear:

Brake caliper service, master cylinder, brake pads, hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, battery), lighting, instrumentation, fuses.

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, subframe, body panels, seat, fuel tank removal/installation.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, tire pressure checks.

Routine Inspections:

Brake system checks, suspension play, fastener torques, fluid levels.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major sub-assemblies like carburetors, brake calipers, forks.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification of any specialized tools needed for specific procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and detailed electrical system diagnostics.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full color or black and white detailed electrical wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Resolution:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Diagram Clarity:

Sharp and detailed illustrations and schematics for precise identification of parts and routing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-four cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

398 cc

Bore X Stroke:

56.0 mm x 40.4 mm (approximate, may vary slightly by exact sub-model)

Compression Ratio:

11.2:1 (typical)

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Horsepower Output:

Approximately 50-55 HP (at crankshaft, depending on market regulations and tuning)

Torque Output:

Approximately 36-38 Nm (at crankshaft, depending on market regulations and tuning)

Carburetion:

Mikuni CV (Constant Velocity) carburetors, likely BST33 or similar 33mm units, typically 4x.

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from fuel tank via fuel pump (if equipped) or direct gravity feed.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive:

Chain drive

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 2080 mm

Overall Width:

Approx. 745 mm

Overall Height:

Approx. 1060 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1420 mm

Dry Weight:

Approx. 165 kg

Wet Weight:

Approx. 186 kg (fully fueled)

Fuel Capacity:

Approx. 15 Liters

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Standards:

N/A (Motorcycles typically do not undergo standardized crash testing like cars; safety relies on design and rider skill).

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes with 2-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with 1-piston caliper.

Suspension Performance:

Telescopic front fork and Monoshock rear suspension tuned for predictable handling.

Frame Integrity:

Rigid twin-spar frame provides a stable platform.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, and turn signals for visibility.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Motorcycle of this era does not feature modern infotainment systems).

Electronic Aids:

None (No ABS, traction control, or ride modes available on this model).

Connectivity Features:

None (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 6,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Cleaning:

Every 6,000 km; replacement as needed.

Spark Plug Inspection Replacement:

Inspect every 12,000 km, replace as needed based on condition.

Chain Lubrication Adjustment:

Lubricate every 1,000 km or after riding in rain; adjust slack every 2,000 km.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 12,000 km.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher (e.g., Motul 5100 10W-40, Castrol Power 1 10W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.2 Liters (without filter change), 3.4 Liters (with filter change).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze and water mixture (50:50).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Fork Oil Type:

SAE 10W

Fork Oil Capacity:

Approx. 440-450 cc per fork leg (verify exact amount in manual).

Carburetor Issues:

Potential for carburetor synchronization drift, vacuum leaks, or needle wear leading to poor idling or fuel delivery.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion or loose connections in wiring harness, especially grounds and connectors, can cause intermittent electrical faults.

Regulator Rectifier:

Some Suzuki models of this era experienced regulator/rectifier failures, leading to overcharging or undercharging the battery.

Suspension Wear:

Fork seals and rear shock absorber can wear over time, leading to leaks and degraded damping performance.

Cam Chain Tensioner:

Automatic cam chain tensioners can sometimes fail or become weak, leading to rattling noises from the engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Suzuki Motor Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer with a long history in motorcycles and automobiles, known for performance and reliability.

Lineage:

Part of Suzuki's GSF 'Bandit' series, which evolved from earlier models and continued with larger displacements. The 400cc model was primarily targeted at markets with engine displacement restrictions, such as Japan.

Generations Influence:

The GSF400 built upon the successful Bandit formula of offering a blend of performance, practicality, and value, influencing subsequent Bandit models.

Production Period:

The GSF400 Bandit was primarily produced in the 1990s, with the 1997 model representing a mid-life iteration or specific market variant.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Reviews:

While specific awards are rare for individual model years, the Bandit series generally received praise in contemporary motorcycle media for its performance-to-value ratio and enjoyable riding experience.

Ownership Satisfaction:

Generally considered reliable and capable, with owner satisfaction often tied to proper maintenance and care.

Emissions Compliance:

Compliant with prevailing emissions standards for its production year and target markets.