2001 Bandit GSF1200S fork seals leaking.

[MarktheShark]

Hello,

Recently purchased a Bandit from our friend Antonio with Z2 track days. He informed me that Jason from GP suspension set it up. I have a few questions .

-If I way 205 and am 5'8" is there a preload setting I can just set it to, or do I need to find the mid point of the shock stroke?

- what fork seal oil should I use when replacing the seals?

- do you recommend I get the fork brace that is common for this bandit? Or does it make no difference at all?

Best wishes,
MarktheShark
:ride

 

[MarktheShark]

Oops! I meant Jason from JPH suspension, my apologies.

 

[afm199]

I'll throw this out. If the previous owner had the forks resprung, they will be right for the last owner. If you weigh the same he does, they will be close.

Otherwise they are way soft and need revalving, both compression and rebound. I wrote an article on it somewhere on the innerwebs

 

[Snaggy]

Congrats on Bandit. Hope you found Maximum_Suzuki and Dale Walker's Holeshot for all things Bandit.

The Bandit's always been a drag racer and wheelie factory more than a canyon carver. Fifteen years ago the motor was a pretty big deal. Now it's retro style. Dale Walker says that an "aggressive rider can really tell the difference" with the $150 fork brace. You'll never completely compensate for the vague frame anyway. I thought stainless steel brake lines and good brake pads were a decent investment.

My fork seals went out at around 15K miles. I paid to have the work done.

 

[motomania2007]

Like Ernie says above.

My suggestion is to take it to a suspension tech. There are many good ones in the area.

Let the suspension tech set the preload, etc. And they will tell you if you need springs, revalving etc. and can replace the seals while you are at it.

Since Antonio is not 200 lbs, I suspect you will at least need new springs.

 

[neroneuman]

These are the Bandit Threads which have been running for long time.

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/bandit-1250.280232/

http://www.twtex.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=94

You can do the Racetech Straightrate springs and Gold valves along with fork brace and steel braided lines to firm up the front end. I have read that a fork brace on the bandit really makes a difference compared to other bikes. Racetech Gold valves are compression valves and when you buy it, they give a code to access their suspension setup database and they give recommendation for your fork oil weight, air gap, shim stack, spacer length etc based on your weight and riding style.

Generally Racetech's recommendations are on the firm style and setting up one or two notches lower will be good.

But again Racetech's recommendations are generic. A good suspension tech will be able to set you up with Pre-load etc. I bet Rob at evolution suspension will take care of you.

Even after all the suspension farkles, Bandit is no sports bike and will handle good within its limitations.

Bandit's 1200/1250 engine is a gem and you can extract so much HP and TQ with very less money on mods.

 

[bunnygoat]

I have installed the gold valves and they provide a limited improvement. A better solution would be a complete front end transplant. Sounds drastic and expensive, right? Not really.

 

[Smash Allen]

He has access to a garage and tools and peanut gallery (me), a front end swap will be fun. Just need to get him to stop spending his money on his snooze-aroo! :laughing

 

[bunnygoat]

I agree!

 

[Hoho]

For your fork seals, try Seal Mate first. As simple as it is, it actually does a good job.

As for your preload settings, take it to a tech to get the sag set right, as others have mentioned.