hi guys,

im about to get a bandit 400 with "variable valve timing" i was wondering if any of you nice people could explain what that is and what benifits it has over regular timing?

thanks

It allows the position of the camshaft to be altered in relation to the crankshaft as the engine speed increases, thus being able to retard or advance the ignition.

Advantages are good fuel economy at low speeds, and increased performance at higher speeds.

Best I can do with an explanation, I have no doubt that somebody more technical and literate can give a clearer picture.

It alters the VALVE timing not the ignition timing.

That is the degrees before TDC and degrees after TDC that the valves open and close.

giving better scavanging effects pulls more mixture into the cylinders at higher revs. On some machine the same system may or may not affect ignition timing but that will be done electronically, rather than mechanically, although you can add your own mechanical adaptations to the pick up sensors to alter ignition timing.

The VVT works well, as you don't have to play the catch 22 game.

Spot on, FJ owner.

I will leave you to decide whether I got mixed up in my valve/ignition departments, or if I am really just an ignorant git who only knows half of everything.

I'll put my five eggs in - if it's a 400 Bandit with VVT it's a grey import, thats the one the japs produced for the home market and it's supposed to be a helluva lot better than the 'british' version. Go for it!

yea thats exactly what im getting only im getting it in red

I recall a lot of the imported 400's used to have problems hitting the high revs, this was almost mainly down to the CDi units.

Not sure what the exact cause was, but something to look out for.

Easily fixed if it does exhibit these problems, about £80 will see a new more refined unit onto your bike.