[mullensross]

I bought my bandit about 7 months ago and have ridden it only a handful of times. Here's the problem and hopefully someone can help me out because I'm at a loss.

It cranks, but *rarely* starts. When it does start, sometimes it idles at 4,000 rpms, sometimes it idles at 1,400 rpms, but it never fails to eventually sputter out and die whether the choke is engaged or not. It has been to the shop a couple of times since I first had the problem. It comes back 'fixed', but the problem always returns. I've cleaned the carbs twice. One time, they weren't dirty at all, another time they had A LOT of gunk in them. Nevertheless, the carbs are boiled and squeaky clean, but it still won't start. It sounds like it might with all it's huffin and puffin, but usually it just drains my battery. The battery is new and trickle charged each time I feel like frustrating myself by trying to fix the Bandit. The spark plugs are new. The starter wiring is good. The air filter is ok. Where else should I look besides making a place by the curb for it? HELP PLEASE!!

 

[rowdyred94]

I see that it has a slip-on. Carb mods? Have you synced the carbs? The high idle seems to indicate a lean condition. How's the fuel filter? Does the petcock seem to flow ok?

I hate to send folks to another forum, but you'll get the best help on Earth at Maximum-Suzuki.com.

 

[etofun]

my bike does the same thing, and its even a 97 too. i also cleaned my carbs and verifyed that both coils are good. also i noticed that my petcock was leaking from the valve side. i think this may be the problem, so i ordered a new one. ill keep you updated. also i notied that the exhaust pipes are all different temps after about thirty seconds of running. unbalanced carbs maybe?

edit: just FYI my bike is completely stock

 

[bigoz1977]

sounds the same problem as i have right now, ive also changed coils. and disconnected the side stand cut off. next on my list is the ignition pick up. hopefully it works or will have to start checking fuel problems next. hopefully you get yours sorted buddy

 

[pacman5299]

I may be wrong but I work on cars for a living and bikes aren't a lot different as far as engine symptoms go. I own a 97 Bandit 600, and I work on it myself as much as possible. With the idle problems you're having and the issue of sometimes not wanting to start at all, makes me think of a vacuum leak. Try to start it and take a can of carb cleaner or brake cleaner if it runs and spray the intake that the carbs are mounted to. If it revs up more, then the intake is leaking and would cause both symptoms that you're having. If it doesn't start, try spraying some starting fluid around the intake and then try to crank immediately. If you're successful with this on the no start, I would be looking at replacing the intake and any related gaskets. Try this and let me know how it works out. Wish you luck.