Bandit prototype?

[Bill]

I've gotten the urge to ride something sporty while I work to put my '87 GSX-R1100 on the road. So, I registered my Suzuki '85 GS550E (572cc), and went for a ride. Definitely "scratched the itch".

The GS550E has many modern sportbike features

• Perimeter frame
• Suzuki TSCC oil cooled engine
• 11,500 redline
• 6 speed tranny
• Monoshock rear
• Fully adjustable front and rear suspension

It has medium height handlebars rather than clip-ons and is considered a standard rather than a sport bike (good for insurance). Hmm... that makes it kinda like a prototype Bandit 600! In any case, it's a heck of a ride for a 17 year old bike.


1985 GS550E at Collins Pond, Caribou, Maine

[Mike Hart]

cool little bike!

But don't let it distract you from getting that "Bandit 10.5" GSXR-1100 doing it's thing!

[sixtysix]

They did make a Bandit 400, I wonder how similar those bikes were?

[Bill]

GSX400 engine is 30.5% smaller (398cc vs. 572cc)