1998 Suzuki Bandit 600 motorcycle restoration

I got hold of the bike from someone who had started it but given up. So I got stuck in and the end result came out really well. Hope you enjoy and thank you for watching.

[@Vermeulenisdenaam]

What a lovely story and a glorious end result. I guess the winner DOES take it all. I just hope that grandson has also been watchin'

[@tkbikes1]

Hey thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed

[@dazxr6367]

Bloody good job matey, sweet paint job too. You are a bit better setup than I but it still amazes most folk what you can achieve with a few tools, and a bit of know-how. 👍

[@tkbikes1]

Im 44 now so got a bit of know how as been messing since i was 13 ha ha. Im getting there... Cheers

[@Ronnycoop1]

Well done mate. Love a good resurrection. Magnificent job on the tank. Inspirational to this back yarder.

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh thanks. That is my whole meaning of the video really. Give people inspiration and try to teach how to fix motorcycles. 👌😀 thanks

[@gearsandtears7643]

Put an air fitting on the caliper put 5 psi with a foot or hand pump and leave it for a day or 2 in a warm environment This will expand the pressure in the system and reform the umbrella seal to do what it was designed to do A bike in storage should have a cabletie putting pressure on the lever

[@Mechani_Cole]

My brother and I got a 600 Bandit for free recently as well, we just now refinished it and made it a cafe racer style with some modifications. Working on the video and now and this one popped up. Excellent job🤙🏼

[@tkbikes1]

Ahhh thanks pal good luck with it I’d like to watch that

[@tkbikes1]

Just subscribed to you so looking forward to your video. 😀

[@woooster17]

Brilliant.. what a common story, projects started and then abandoned. But means a bargain if you know what you’re doing 👍🏼 Just bought myself a 5th bike, a ‘90 Kawasaki ZXR 750 H2.. just waiting on delivery, and then start my own list of ‘jobs’ 😄✌🏻

[@tkbikes1]

Great stuff and nice bike the ZXR. I owned one many moons ago.

[@alanlilleoja6336]

That was an amazing job done and absolute joy to watch. Definitely got a lot of useful intel on the bandit! Thanks for the incredible journey!!!

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh wow thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed 😀

[@mikeopenshaw9128]

Mate - what an excellent video - great mechanical content - plus you Sir - are one entertaining fella! Thank you for sharing!

[@tkbikes1]

Ah WOW thanks. Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@stephenphillip5656]

Had a '97 (R) Bandit from new- only just sold it on with regrets but it's gone to someone who'll look after it. It had been sitting in the garage for 4 years & needed recommissioning. Guy was a mechanic & offered me a ride on it "for old times sake". I duly did & it made me want it back! Such a sweet bike-smooth & quick. Lovely!

[@theweedrone]

Great video. I'm buying a bandit that has been well kept by a mate. At least I know now that it can been fixed if it ever does give up.

[@johnnymoore7480]

I got a 2000 Bandit 600, they have troubles with that fuel tap. Put a new one on my bike this spring. Saw a video where a guy found a tap that fit with just On/off/ and reserve! Worked Great.

[@tkbikes1]

I do like to keep them as they were designed. Trouble with just on off is they can leak. You’re completely relying on the floats in the carburettors. A vacuum tap obviously only works while bike is running. I managed to sort this one with the by soda blasting it. Works a treat but a new one would be better.

[@MHLivestreams]

I like a simple on/off and cover the vacuum nipple on the manifold. Saves weight too.

[@thomasduane6863]

It was really enjoyable seeing your vision for those boxes of bolts come to life. Congratulations!

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh cheers really glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks. More coming soon

[@Dave.Wilson]

Free bikes are the best bikes. Nice restoration as well, It came out looking good.

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks for feed back 👍

[@liamginty]

Love the enthusiasm!! "Whoo!" 😅 Top work mate, best restoration video I've seen. Really enjoyed the explanations and your problem solving.

[@tkbikes1]

oh wow thanks, glad you like it

[@margaritadiaz5201]

Wow……Tim. You are one fantastic mechanic. The passion, the meticulous job you put into it makes it fun to watch the video and I am not even a mechanic 😁👏 Awesome job. Have fun now!

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks Marjorie. x

[@garzolar]

Great job mate, I would've never thought that it would turn out like this. It runs incredible despite its age.

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks yes runs great

[@andrewwood6653]

Awesome job and a hugely entertaining hour. Brilliant skills!

[@tkbikes1]

ahh cheers glad you enjoyed thanks

[@Ladosligese]

the runners in the gas tank .. next time try this .. razor blade 4 wraps of painters tape around each end .. scrape the "runner" remember no preasure .. after a few scrapes .. roll back tape 1 wrap so you now have 3 wraps scrape again .. remove 1 more .. so now its 2 wraps .. .. at 1 wrap when you scraped there THEN start to use sand paper .. thats method nr 1 .. nr 2 is .. take a spreader and some bondo .. yes bondo .. and press it onto the "runner" and start block sanding on top of the runner .. by doing it that way you will cut the runner only and not the surrounding clearcoat .. once cut you ofc wetsand it all down to your choosing .. remember this was just a tip .. not hating .. but tipping in case you wanted to try something new .. and please dont get me wrong .. i loved your end result

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks for the tip, glad you loved the end result

[@johnoakley7177]

I do not normally comment, but as you played some Abba, I feel obliged. Brilliant rebuild you should be very proud, nice to see a bike saved from the scrap heap. I bet that tanks bomb proof. Very entertaining, Ride Safe.

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh thanks. The ABBA just happened to be on the radio. You tube aren’t to happy tho. 🤦‍♂️ glad you enjoyed.

[@LS-uv9gg]

That tank! Black chrome beauty, mate! Well done, cheers from Canada :)

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh cheers thanks 😊

[@coolNightFever]

props to you for getting it back to road mate!

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers pal thanks

[@matttriestodothings]

Nice job, and great video man. Hell of a lot of work went into that bad boy! Enjoy it. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

[@tkbikes1]

I’m very happy you watched. Thanks

[@geraldscott4302]

I bought a brand new bright red 2001 Bandit 600 back in the day. Four years later I had to trade it for a cruiser. My arthritis couldn't handle the Bandits riding position any more.

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh Shame. I hope you’re still riding

[@johnnymoore7480]

I have a 2000 Bandit, I’m 66 having trouble with my wrist. Think I’m going to put risers under bars that come up 1 inch and back on inch…. Hopefully that’ll help

[@geraldscott4302]

@@tkbikes1 Yep, I have a 2006 H-D Sportster 1200, a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, and a 2013 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, converted from EFI to a carburetor.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@johnnymoore7480 I'm 63, but I have a lot of orthopedic issues, and have had for a long time. Raising the bars on a Bandit would help, but raising them enough to make a difference would mean replacing the brake hose, all the cables, and extending all the wiring. And then there is the problem with the rear footpeg location. The best position for me is completely upright, with a 90 degree bend in my knees, and plenty of slack in my elbows. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I can't put any weight on my shoulders, and I can't have my knees bent all the way back.

[@paulfastbikes361]

Great video. I had a p reg brand new took me back great little bikes

[@tkbikes1]

Yeah great bikes cheers ta

[@dboyyarris4811]

I've just done an oil change on my 600 bandit but now the red oil light came on and won't go out I've looked at pressure switch and it's good. People tell me to ride it for a bit to see if it goes out but I don't want to melt the engine lol. Drain and inspect inside oil sump for blockage was my next plan of action. Oil light flickered on slow.

[@tkbikes1]

If the oil is correct on the glass window then it’s correct. Possibly a faulty sensor

[@dboyyarris4811]

@@tkbikes1 cheers buddy I'll take cover off tomorrow and have a gander at it. Fingers crossed 👍

[@750triton]

MR Hewes tank restoration channel, had to bleed the clutch on an Alvis Stalwart. After trying the traditional method he said he'd heard of another, reverse bleeding. Worked a treat. Using inflated tyre, he pushed the fluid back from the bleed nipple up to the master cylinder. Finish on that tank, considering where you did it, is bloody brilliant mate. Excellent job

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks 😊

[@GERT660]

Nice Job ! These carbs are very sensitive to pollution of the pilot jets. And the pilot mixture screws have to be set only one and a half turn out. Followed by a carb sync and she will run perfect.

[@tkbikes1]

I’ve had many blocked pilot jets. I normally use a tiny piece of threaded bicycle cable to unblock. I did on this. She runs good now

[@huckinfarley]

like your "can do" attitude and enthusiasm

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks glad you like. Thanks for watching

[@anthonywilson4873]

Engine sounds good great project.

[@lonebiker931]

wow mate,it looks fantastic, great work! cheers from Greece ! 👌👍🏍🏍🏍🏍

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks glad you enjoyed. Cheers from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@juans3728]

Looks as though it came off the line at the factory, great show mate, Peace.

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks, great compliment 👌

[@MegaJackpot180]

just bought a bandit 600 project yours looks great

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks. Good luck with it 👌

[@pablodenial4584]

I watched about half and skipped parts I'm not a mechanic either but Ur fun to watch and it's interesting to see the amount of work needs doing rather u than me. Must be rewarding riding it now tho. Defo come to u when I want a camper or a bike one day

[@tkbikes1]

Nice one Pabs, thanks for watching

[@StephanHauk]

"woah.. that was fire!" ... Lets crank it again :D

[@tkbikes1]

Probably not the brightest idea

[@232stef]

Great work. Bet you’re buzzing. 👌

[@tkbikes1]

Yeah I’m well happy to get it finished Cheers Stef

[@morphytyme]

If I had to guess about the slight stumbling at lower revs all she needs is a good carb sync and probably a new fuel filter and it'll be 100%. But amazing job on her, what an amazing find to be running out of the gate like that. Edit maybe a valve adjustment too, but is it worth the pain if its already going lmao

[@tkbikes1]

It’s sweet now, runs a treat. Cheers for watching

[@projectclark123]

Really good video

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks glad you enjoyed

[@iainduncan2363]

absolutly stunning job sir if you here of another free one give us a shout lol😀😀😀

[@tkbikes1]

Ha ha cheers 🍻😂😂

[@maiktajda]

Wel done, love your way of doing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers pal thanks

[@gracephilp8766]

Nice bike rescue buddy

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers pal hope you watched it all and enjoyed

[@user-fn1rb9ze6p]

Brilliant job, modern fuel these days dosnt help these old carbed bikes, came out lookin like a proper gem though well done. 👍

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks yes came out well. This new fuel is worst nightmare for us classic vehicle enthusiasts 🤦‍♂️ I think it’s down to greed. Adding cheap ethanol for more profit. 🤦‍♂️

[@user-fn1rb9ze6p]

@@tkbikes1definitely, ive stopped filling up with E10 now cos it just dosnt go as far as E5 its ridiculous but well done again bud on bringing this gem back to life 😁👍

[@robertmagee5523]

Italian tune up and it will be fine....looks mint

[@tkbikes1]

oh yeah good bit of Italian tuning ha ha

[@gingerbreadman2051]

Excellent well done

[@regalasongs2256]

had a blast! thanks bro!

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers 🍻

[@irocss85]

Great job looks sweet! I love the sound of an inline 4

[@tkbikes1]

Thank you

[@mybikebits]

Bandits are a good choice to work on, they're quite popular for parts.

[@Paul-TrophySE]

great job Tim. Very impressed with your tank, looks a million dollars

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks yeah it came out well. Probably best tank I’ve painted. Thanks for watching

[@TheBodhisattvaWisdom]

Bandit MK1's are bad boys, also the 1200.

[@tkbikes1]

Oh yeah love the 1200’s as well. Had a few over the years

[@rudyverwilt9992]

Love this. I got one from 2000 and he is sitting the last 15years, so now i know what i can excpect. Thx

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks glad you enjoyed

[@Edward3DFX]

Job well done sir !

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers thanks Edward

[@stuartroberts2791]

Looks mint too job

[@tkbikes1]

Nice one Stu

[@flibbertigibbet6200]

Really enjoyed the video mate, nice one! Bike looks great 👍 I have been doing my gsx1400 up over the winter, just finished the front forks, only a small exhaust leak to sort on a silencer so easy. So love these tyoe of vids😊

[@pinarellospeedracer]

Outstanding job more great vids please

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks a lot. More coming soon 😀👌

[@johndocbikerestorations831]

Nice job man, done a similar job to a CB500, spent the money, but in the end you know what you have got.... a good bike!

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks I’ve actually got a CB500 with a rotten tank! I need a tank!

[@MuscleBandit]

Nice one mate. With so many of these still now being broken for parts each year it's a pleasure to see a Bandit get the love it needed. Have you kept it?

[@tkbikes1]

Hey thanks for the comment. The bike has been sold now. On with the next project 👌

[@pauloneill8912]

use jis screwdrivers and tie up front brake handle overnight to bleed

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers for tip

[@tonnynijholt7090]

Hahahaha I'm laughing my ass off the carb cleaning electrocution 😂 my man was enjoying that

[@tkbikes1]

Ha ha glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

[@Taz6688]

I'd kill for a garage like that if I fold the side mirrors in I can just get the car in, once in the garage you cannot open the car door to get out, nice setup.

[@tkbikes1]

Ahhh cheers pal thanks, it is a great garage.

[@ziggydog24]

Excellent to watch and a job very well done, good for you.

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks very much for your excellent comment. Glad you enjoyed and I really appreciate you just watching my video 👌

[@ziggydog24]

Your up to the eyes in grease and oil and I'm up to the eyes in sawdust and shavings. Happy life we live, keep up the good work.

[@tkbikes1]

@@ziggydog24 cheers Ziggy. Yeah love what I do. I’ve put a few more restorations on now if you want to watch. More will be coming. Enjoy the wood work 👌

[@diheven]

Great video laaad. Absolutely loved it than you so much

[@tkbikes1]

Glad you enjoyed thanks for watching

[@tonylimerick4210]

fine job, got a 1200 bandit about to start winter refinish on that was just the inspiration i needed,oh can you link in where you got the ultrasonic cleaner from...

[@tkbikes1]

Just off ebay.. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/352933671393?hash=item522c7c71e1:g:o10AAOSw4pteFvwe

[@tkbikes1]

Think this is same as mine. I bought a big one to get 4 carbs in

[@tkbikes1]

think mines 30 litre

[@wgrant6318]

Beauty

[@TheDavedadd]

Hi Tim. Brilliant video. Just come across your channel. I was recently doing a small restoration of a bike i have and had to get some studs out that were stuck and used a Left handed drill bit which seemed to undo them with some perseverance. Can be got from screwfix etc. You may not find this information useful but just wanted to let you know.

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh thanks glad you enjoyed. I just tend to buy really good quality drill bits and always start with 2.5mm. I’ve drilled many a stud

[@gearsandtears7643]

Rubber is a natural compound it's not immune to weather conditions ie cold hot etc Anything that's rubber is subject to common problems Shrinkage drying out warpage stiffness the list is endless Only thing to keep in mind is where and the temperature the rubber has been subject too For eg sample fitting a cold tire is a bastard but if it's warm no bother Seals in mastercyilinder same thing if it's been stored cold the seal will be hard and stiff Remove the seal warm it up with boiling water have a play with it and it will be as good as new

[@chrisktm2010]

Robinsons foundry have taps in stock, the rebuild kits are very poor and don’t do the job properly. Just buy a new tap

[@angelicdragon9823]

I am Fixing my Foks old GSF250 was sitting for 9 years spending time slowly fixing it new carb kit new spark plugs, overhauled the CDI, (I brought a new Choke cable but it does not fit inner cable is too short) My tank has a leak and the tap is utterly destroyed can't find a kit for it want to find a Manuel replacement or I'll have to get a repop but money is an issue, It is struggling to pickup when going up hill when accelerating unless I drop gears all the way to 1 and rev the fk out of it and it seams to be idling very high 2500 with the idle cable all the way off

[@tkbikes1]

bandit 600 tap is probably the same, it will be carbs guaranteed, the engines are well solid, hope you get sorted

[@jackgovier9987]

Briliant! I'm a painter my self and even though some jobs don't look good stright from the gun you can always fix with a buff! Great work check my mk2 bandot rebuild on my chanel

[@tkbikes1]

Cheers pal just seen your message. I’ll have a look 👌😀

[@grzegorzzep2324]

Just exceptional job. How much work hours did it take I wonder?

[@tkbikes1]

Not that many really. Probably 2 weeks solid work

[@Wacus35]

Polska pozdrawia 😁 GJ

[@tkbikes1]

Ahh thanks greeting to you to 👌😀

[@alanbali7275]

Great job mate and you're very talent success 👍

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@pshivjee]

Good job Bro 👏 🎉 👍

[@colinharrison7287]

BRILIANT JOB

[@tkbikes1]

Thank you 😊

[@melissafletcher4026]

I had this bike new. It was quick

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

That is one hell of a nice restoration job Tim. As you can see from my Avatar, I have a similar model, W reg, with the updated fairing. Got it June 2021 and have always had a problem in the low end of the rev range. Rebuilt carbs the best I could and I'm convinced it is just an air screw problem. Do you know of anything else you would look at to resolve this? When I accelerate, it is a little unresponsive until about 2500 - 3000rpm then it goes like a rocket and is a lovely ride. It revs right up to 10.5K Great video, really enjoyed it.... 👍👌

[@tkbikes1]

Pretty certain it will be carbs, set to manufactured settings on air screws, check all pilot jets etc. maybe ultrasonically clean if can get hold of one. Sometimes you can’t see the problem but the cleaner sorts it. Check fuel tap isn’t blocked and that the vacuum is working. They are normally pretty easy to sort these. Simple engine really. Good luck with it

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

@@tkbikes1 Thanks for the heads up Tim 👍

[@tkbikes1]

@@michaelhawthorne8696 Good chance could be pilot jets blocked or a one of them, i use a strand off a bicycle cable to clean them. put one end of strand in vice, then thread through, jet and up and down the thread, seen many a blocked pilot jet in my time. Low end revs is when the pilot jet is feeding the engine fuel so could be

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

@@tkbikes1 Nice one, I'll get the carbs off and try this. Would be nice to get her to run smoothly through the rev range....

[@tkbikes1]

@@michaelhawthorne8696 like i say they are pretty easy to get right, really simple, really good design, very good bike, you will sort it

[@agentofnecessity]

great video Tim loving the step by step wisdom, have my eye on a couple 650S models at the mo, can't believe you got this one for free!! did you sell it? if yeah how much for?

[@tkbikes1]

Yes sold now. Price is disclosed.

[@chrismarsden5586]

Well... here's a result... I have been looking for a new bike after 14 years of not riding... I found a Suzuki Bandit for sale and was originally put off as it had no MOT history except 1 MOT 1 year ago... I'm now not so concerned it has no MOT history as I got to see MY bike rebuilt! The bike I'm buying is THIS bike... what are the chances?

[@christinesommerfeld9815]

Did u buy it?

[@chrismarsden5586]

Yeah

[@keithriley3159]

I’ll reiterate was has previously been said, after a strip down like that the carbs will need balancing, but a great video nonetheless

[@tkbikes1]

Yeah I do have balancing gauges. Might have a go. 💪

[@sparkycasegbr]

Great video. I've ridden a bandit 600 which was a great bike. Can I ask where you got the "Trouble" t shirt at 25:00? I need that for a friend of mine.

[@tkbikes1]

Bought off eBay 👍

[@jose-iq3uu]

nice video man

[@turboboy0]

New Antifreeze? That bike is AIR & OIL cooled. If you put antifreeze anywhere in it you messed the bike up.

[@tkbikes1]

I know yeah I’m waffling rubbish there.

[@perksiu]

Tims Health Kitchen Cool. Do you have a photo of how the wires are arranged, the steering cables, the whole bundle that goes behind the lamp fairing? I can't arrange them. All the time, he sticks and pulls

[@tkbikes1]

Sorry I haven’t

[@shanepeters1756]

Antifreeze??

[@tkbikes1]

I’m waffling it’s air and oil cooled 🤦‍♂️

[@exutiku]

We knew that lol, I thought I better check the comments first tho as I too was curious as to where the antifreeze reservoir was but I see that the matter has already been covered ... you have done a great job there, especially that tank.

[@beez7005]

Great vids Brother! 😂

[@tkbikes1]

Thanks 😃

[@hhoefs83]

At 7:50 ypu say sprayed down with oil. What kind of oil you use?

[@tkbikes1]

It’s just a 5 litre barrel I buy and put through a sprayer. It’s thin oil like WD40. Use it on all sorts

[@irish-thinker4429]

Antifreeze?? Are they not oil cooled ?

[@tkbikes1]

Yes air cooled. Not sure why I said antifreeze 🤦‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@irish-thinker4429]

@@tkbikes1 excitement get the better of you 😊

[@georgecooke6743]

can i ask what wing mirrors are on the bike

[@tkbikes1]

Just the original ones I think. I’ve Sold the bike now

[@chrismarsden5586]

Still the originals... kinda gota twist to see behind you (current owner)