Suzuki GSX-R400: history, specs, pictures

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Suzuki GSX-R400
Manufacturer
Production 1984 - 1993
Class Sport Bike
Engine
Liquid Cooled, Four Strike, Transverse Four Cylinder, DOHC 4 Valves Per Cylinder
Bore / Stroke 55.9mm x 55.9mm
Compression ratio 12.0:1
Horsepower 52.97 HP (39.5 KW) @ 12000RPM
Torque 28.77 ft/lbs (39.0 Nm) @ 10000RPM
Fuel System Carburetors
Transmission Gear box: 6-Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Suspension Front: 41mm UD Telescopic Spring Preload Adjustment
Rear: Monoshock
Brakes Front: Double Disc
Rear: Single Disc
Front Tire 120/60-17
Rear Tire 150/60-17
Wheelbase 54.09 inches (1374 mm)
Length 78.5 inches (1994 mm)
Width 27.4 inches (696 mm)
Seat Height 28.9 inches (734 mm)
Weight 169.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-133
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters)
Related Suzuki RG250
Competition Honda CBR400R
Yamaha FZ400R
Manuals Service Manual

The Suzuki GSX-R400 was a Liquid Cooled, Four Strike, Transverse Four Cylinder, DOHC 4 Valves Per Cylinder Sport Bike motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 1989 and 1993. Max torque was 28.77 ft/lbs (39.0 Nm) @ 10000 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 52.97 HP (39.5 KW) @ 12000 RPM.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The GSX-R400 (initially called GSX-R in Japan, internal model code GK71B) was released in March 1984. It was the first mass-produced light-weight racer replica with an aluminum cradle frame and a liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder. The, in those days, amazing machine was based on Yoshimura's TT-F3 racer GS1000R. The competitors, Yamaha FZ400R and Honda CBR400R were 13—31 kg (29—68 lbs) heavier than the new and quick GSX-R. Compared to other bikes of the time, the GSX-R400 was very light and the 4-piston brakes at the front and the 2-piston rear brake was more than adequate for the 152 kg (334 lbs) light street racer. The bike was quick to handle, the engine with 4-1 exhaust system was powerful for its size and made the GSX-R the fastest bike in its class. With the maximum power output 59 hp and 152 kg (334 lbs( dry mass, the power/weight ratio (2,57 kg/hp) was even better than Suzuki's incredible 2-stroke racer, RG250 Gamma. The GSX-R400 started a new era, it was the fastest and best-handling 400cc bike ever made.


The water-cooled inline-four four-stroke had double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The GSX400FW (presented the previous year) had the same principal engine specs but lower power output and the GSX-R400's new engine with its 66 kg (145 lbs) was 10 kg (22 lbs) lighter. 12,000 maximum revs.

Engine[edit | edit source]

A 55.9mm bore x 55.9mm stroke result in a displacement of just 398.0 cubic centimeters.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 6-Speed transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-plate.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 120/60-17 front tire and a 150/60-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Double Disc in the front and a Single Disc in the rear. The front suspension was a 41mm UD Telescopic Spring Preload Adjustment while the rear was equipped with a Monoshock. The GSX-R400 was fitted with a 1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 54.09 inches (1374 mm) long.


1984 - 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400[edit | edit source]

1984 - 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400 1984 - 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400 1984 - 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400

The GSX-R400 was released in 1984, being based on Yoshimura's TT-F3 racer GS1000R. The GSX-R400 was the first mass produced light weight racer with a liquid cooled four cylinder engine. Twelve-second quarter-miles from just 400cc that's what you need to know about Suzuki's GSX-R. It's a motorcycle designed to devastate the competition in Japan's highly competitive 400cc class.


1989 - 1992 Suzuki GSX-R400[edit | edit source]

The 1989 Suzuki GSX-R400 feels very similar to its larger brother. Its tiny pegs are high and are a nightmare on the road but they make sense on the track. However, you need to play around with the suspension. On most models the rear is too soft and causes under steer. But once set-up, despite its old-fashioned-looking frame.



1993 - 1995 Suzuki GSX-R400[edit | edit source]

1993 - 1995 Suzuki GSX-R400 1993 - 1995 Suzuki GSX-R400

When 400 cc ruled the world of motorcycles, Suzuki’s GSX-R400 was the rarest little dinosaur. The Suzuki GSX-R400 feels very similar to its larger brother, but shrunk down. Its tiny pegs are high and are a nightmare on the road but they make sense on the track. However, you need to play around with the suspension.


Photos[edit | edit source]

Specifications[edit | edit source]

Make Model Suzuki GSX-R 400
Year 1984
Engine Type Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC 4 valves per cylinder. TSCC
Displacement 398 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Bore X Stroke 53 x 45.2 mm
Lubrication Wet sump
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression 11.5:1
Induction 2 x AS27VW carburetors
Ignition CDI
Headlight 12V 35/35w x 2
Starting Electric
Max Power 44 kW / 59 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque 39.2 Nm / 4.0 kgf-m / 28.9 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm
Clutch Wet multi-plate
Transmission 6 Speed, constant mesh
Final Drive Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.212
Final Drive Ratio 3.066
Gear Ratio 1st 3.166 / 2nd 2.125 / 3rd 1.631 / 4th 1.333 / 5th .173 / 6th 1.083
Frame Aluminum angular pipe double cradle
Front Suspension Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension Full floater swing arm, non-adjustable
Front Brakes 2 x Discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes Single disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tire 110/90-16
Rear Tire 140/90-18
Rake 27° 25'
Trail 96 mm / 3.7 in
Dimensions Length 2090 mm / 82.3 in Width 710 mm / 28.0 in Height 1185 mm / 46.7 in
Wheelbase 1425 mm / 56.1 in
Seat Height 780 mm / 30.7 in
Dry Weight 152 kg / 334 lbs
Fuel Capacity 15 Liters / 3.96 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal