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 Suzuki
GSX-R400 19841988
Suzuki GSX-R400 SP 1988
Suzuki GSX-R400R 19891999
Suzuki GSX-R400R SP 19891993
Suzuki GSX-R400R SP-II 19901992
I have tried to collect some Suzuki GSX-R 400 info on this
page.
I would be grateful of any contributions sales brochures, magazine ads,
magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material
in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send
them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible.
If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these
instructions.
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”A machine that inherits the blood of the durable racer GS1000R.” The Suzuki GSX-R was equipped with dual headlamps, cowling, etc. with the same styling as the GS1000R (in the backgorund), the champion machine of the 1983 World Championship endurance race. |


1984
Suzuki year code: E, GSX-R400E,
GSX400R-1

Suzuki's groundbreaking new model, 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 1331 kg (2968 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.
The GSX-R was equipped with dual headlamps, cowling, etc. with the same styling as the GS1000R, the champion machine of the 1983 World Championship endurance race.
Colors: White/Blue, Black/Red, Yellow (the'HB' special model)
Starting frame number: GK71B-100001
 |
1984 Suzuki GSX-R, Blue/White, Japanese domestic model

1984 Suzuki GSX-R
Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in)
Seat Height: 780 mm (30.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Road Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dry Weight: 152 kg (334 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 11 000 rpm, 4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1984 Suzuki GSX-R
Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in)
Seat Height: 780 mm (30.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Road Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dry Weight: 152 kg (334 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 11 000 rpm, 4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm

Here's even larger picture.
 |
1984 Suzuki GSX-R Special Edition
Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in)
Seat Height: 780 mm (30.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Road Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dry Weight: 152 kg (334 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 11 000 rpm, 4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1984
Suzuki GSX-R400 specifications (Japan)
|
Type (frame code):
|
GK71B
|
Overall length:
| 2 090 mm (82.3 in.)
|
Overall width:
| 710 mm (28.0 in.)
|
Overall height:
| 1 185 mm (46.7 in.)
|
Wheelbase:
| 1 425 mm (56.1 in.)
|
Dry mass (weight):
| 152
kg (334 lbs)
|
Engine:
|
Liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4, 16 valves, TSCC
|
Bore x stroke:
|
53,0 mm x 45,2 mm (2.087 x 1.780 in.)
|
Piston displacement:
|
398 cc
|
Compression ratio:
|
11,5 :1
|
Maximum power:
|
59 ps/ 11 000 rpm
|
Maximum torque:
|
4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm
|
Maximum speed:
|
175 kph
|
Starting system:
|
Electric starter
|
Lubrication
system:
|
Wet
sump
|
Clutch
type:
|
Wet
multi-plate
|
Transmission
type:
|
6-speed
constant mesh
|
Gearshift
pattern:
|
1-down,
5-up
|
Primary
reduction ratio: |
2.212 |
1st
gear ratio: |
3.166
|
2nd
gear ratio: |
2.125
|
3rd
gear ratio: |
1.631 |
4th
gear ratio: |
1.333
|
5th
gear ratio: |
1.173 |
6th
gear ratio: |
1.083 |
Final
drive:
|
3.066 chain
|
Carburetor:
|
AS27VW
x 2
|
Frame
type: |
Aluminum
angular pipe double cradle |
Caster: |
27°
25' |
Trail: |
96
mm |
Front
suspension:
|
Telescopic
|
Rear
suspension:
|
Full
floater swing arm, non-adjustable
|
Front brake:
|
Dual hydraulic disc, four piston calipers
|
Rear brake:
|
Single hydraulic disc, dual piston calipers
|
Front tire dimensions:
|
110/90-16 54h
|
Rear
tire dimensions:
|
110/90-18 61h
|
Headlight: |
12V
35/35w x 2 |
Power/weight
ratio: |
2,57
kg/ps |
Center
stand: |
Yes |
Fuel
economy: |
20,5
km/liter |
Retail price in Japan 1984:
|
62 900 Yen
|

1985 Suzuki year code: F, GSX-R400F,
GSX400R-2

The GSX-R400F (GSX-R Type 2) was released in March 1985. The maximum
power and torque of the engine remained the same but the power
output was improved at the middle-range revs by changing the carburetor
settings. A simple fuel meter was added to the model, the remaining
amount of fuel was indicated by the right side combination meter
when the power switched in OFF position. Some improvements were
made to the electric system.
1985 was the year the famous GSX-R750 was launched and caused
a sensation with its appearance, power and light weight. The 750
cc version had even better power/weight ratio than its little
brother and was much faster but not that different from the original,
GSX-R400. It was fairly unknown in the time in the Western world
but the GSX-R750 became instantly known as the sensational new
racer replica from Japan. The fact that the GSX-R400 was released
a year earlier is still unknown to many motorcycle enthusiasts
outside Japan.
Starting frame number: GK71B-114715
 |

1985 Suzuki GSX-R, Black/Red, Japanese domestic model
1985 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Weight: 152 kg (334 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 11 000 rpm, 4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1985 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Weight: 152 kg (334 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 11 000 rpm, 4.0 kg-m @ 9 000 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |

1986 Suzuki year code: G, GSX-R400G,
GSX400R-3

Updated model. The power/weight ratio was a bit better in 1986 0,39 hp @ kg (0,18
hp @ lbs). The upgraded GSX-R400 new chassis, shorter wheelbase
and was totally redesigned. I fact, you could say it was a totally
new bike. It even got a new internal model code: GK71F (presented
in March 1986).
The 1986 and 1987 year's engines differ from the other models,
they do not have the normal type of liquid-cooled engines. Instead
they the use the SATCS (Suzuki Advanced Three-way Cooling System)
that used water, oil and air to keep the engine from overheating. The cylinder head is water-cooled, the cylinder block is air-cooled by fins, and the inside of the piston is oil-cooled to improve cooling efficiency and make the engine more compact.
The 1986 year's GSX-R400 (Type 3) had a single square headlight
instead of two round headlights. The new front design didn't
gain popularity and the twin headlight were re-introduced the
following year.
Retail price in Japan 1986: 66 900 Yen
 |
1986 Suzuki GSX-R, White/Blue, Japanese domestic model
1986 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2,055 mm (80.9 in)
Overall Width: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Overall Height: 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
Wheelbase: 1 400 mm (55.1 in)
Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs)
Engine: Water/air/oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves.
59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1986 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2,055 mm (80.9 in)
Overall Width: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Overall Height: 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
Wheelbase: 1 400 mm (55.1 in)
Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs)
Engine: Water/air/oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves.
59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |

1987 Suzuki year code: H, GSX-R400H,
GSX400RSH, GSX400R-4

1987 GSX-R400 was practically the same bike as the previous
year's model. The bigger differences were new wheels, twin headlight, Gold brake calipers, paint
scheme and different design of the exhaust pipe. A Special Edition
was available with black/gold color scheme.
According to the Swedish Suzuki importer the GSX-R400 was distributed
only in Japan and Sweden. For the first the model was called
GSX-R400 in Japan, all the earlier models were called called GSX-R without the 400 ending.
Colors available: Blue/White, Black/Red/White, Black/Gold (special
edition)
 |
1987 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Overall Height: 1 125 mm (44.3 in)
Wheelbase: 1 405 mm (55.3 in)
Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs)
Engine: Water/air/oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves.
59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|
1987 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Overall Height: 1 125 mm (44.3 in)
Wheelbase: 1 405 mm (55.3 in)
Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs)
Engine: Water/air/oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves.
59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1987 GSX-R 400
Special Edition
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 680 mm (26.8 in)
Overall Height: 1 125 mm (44.3 in)
Wheelbase: 1 405 mm (55.3 in)
Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs)
Engine: Water/air/oil-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves.
59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |

1987
Suzuki GSX-R400 specifications (Japan)
|
Type (frame code):
|
GK71F
|
Overall length:
|
2 050 mm (80.7 in.)
|
Overall width:
|
680 mm (26.8 in.)
|
Overall height:
|
1 125 mm (44.3 in.)
|
Wheelbase:
|
1 405 mm (55.3 in.)
|
Dry mass (weight):
|
153 kg (337 lbs)
|
Engine:
|
Liquid/oil/air-cooled DOHC inline-4, 16 valves
|
Bore x stroke:
|
56,0 mm x 40,4 mm (2.205 x 1.591 in.)
|
Piston displacement:
|
399 cc
|
Compression ratio:
|
11.5 :1
|
Maximum power:
|
59 ps/ 12 000 rpm
|
Maximum torque:
|
37 Nm (3.8 kg-m)/ 10 000 rpm
|
Maximum speed:
|
175 kph
|
Starting system:
|
Electric starter
|
Transmission:
|
6 speeds, chain drive
|
Front tyre dimensions:
|
110/70-17
|
Rear
tyre dimensions:
|
140/60-17
|
Retail price in Japan 1987:
|
69 900 Yen
|

1987
Suzuki GSX-R400 specifications (Sweden)
|
Carburetor:
|
Mikuni 27mm x 2
|
Wheelbase:
| 1
400 mm (55.1 in.)
|
Fuel tank capacity:
|
18 liter (4.8/4.0 US/UK gal.)
|
Caster:
| 25°
|
Trail:
| 101 mm (4.0 in.)
|
Track weight:
|
172 kg (378 lbs)
|
Maximum power:
|
59 ps/ 12 000 rpm
|
Maximum torque:
|
37 Nm (3.8 kg-m)/ 10 000 rpm
|
Front
tyre:
| 110/80V17
|
Rear tyre:
|
140/80V17
|
Top speed:
|
about 200 km/h (124 mph)
|

1988 Suzuki year code: J, GSX-R400J


The GSX-R400 got a new frame (GK73A) and new overall appearance
in 1988. The new model was presented in February 1988. The redesigned
GSX-R got once again new fairing and shorter wheelbase, but the
weight increased a bit due to the stronger new chassis and exhaust system. The model also got slingshot carburetors, polished chrome silencers, curved radiator, Tokico 4-cylinder front brake calipers and a rear hugger mudguard.
The new 4 into 2 exhaust was meant to increase the torque on the mid-range band, but had only a marginal effect.
The 400cc series were increasing popularity in Japan and a
production racer with different suspension and
gearing, GSX-R400 SP (Sports Production) was presented for 1988. It looked almost identical with the standard GSX-R400 but didn't have passenger foot pegs and you could spot the rear suspension gas reservoir peeking out from under the seat. Also the front suspension was different from the standard model. The SP version also had a Sports Production logo on the tailpiece.
To compete in production racing, the manufacturers produce SP (Sports Production) versions of their sports bikes. These usually have fully adjustable suspension, close ratio gearboxes and a single seat but didn't have more power, due to Japanese motorcycle manufacturer's power restriction code.
The SP's are claimed to be even harder work on the road than a standard GSX-R400. Not that surprising knowing that it was designed for racing only.
Available colors: Blue/White, Black/Red/White, Black
The SP model was available in Blue/White only.
 |
1988 Suzuki GSX-R400, Blue/White
1988 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|
1988 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|
1988 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|
1988 Suzuki GSX-R 400
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1988 Suzuki GSX-R 400 SP
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.
 |
1988 Suzuki GSX-R400 specifications (Japan)
|
Type (frame code):
| GK73A
|
Overall length:
| 1 995 mm (78.5 in.)
|
Overall width:
| 695 mm (27.4 in.)
|
Overall height:
| 1 110 mm (43.7 in.)
|
Wheelbase:
| 1 375 mm (54.1 in.)
|
Ground clearance:
| 125 mm (4.92 in.)
|
Seat height:
| 735 mm (28.9 in.)
|
Dry mass (weight):
| 160 kg (352 lbs)
|
Engine:
| Liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4, 16 valves
|
Bore x stroke:
| 56,0 mm x 40,4 mm (2.205 x 1.591 in.)
|
Piston displacement:
| 398 cc
|
Compression ratio:
| 11.8 :1
|
Maximum power:
| 59 ps/ 12 000 rpm
|
Maximum torque:
| 38 Nm (3.9 kg-m)/ 10 500 rpm
|
Transmission:
| 6 speeds, chain drive
|
Front tyre dimensions:
| 110/70-R17 53H
|
Rear tyre dimensions:
| 140/60-R18 64H
|
Retail price in Japan 1988:
| 699 900 Yen / 739 000 Yen (SP)
|

1989
Suzuki year code: K, GSX-R400RK, GSX400RFK

In 1989 an extra R was added to the model name. The
new model name was GSX-R400R although the internal model code
(frame code) remained the same.
A Production Racer version, GSX-R400R SP,
was released in June 1989 with close ratio gear box, uprated suspension and different CDI. There's no second pair or foot-pegs or rear seat for a passenger on the SP.
 |
1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|
1989 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R
Overall Length: 1 995 mm (78.5 in)
Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Overall Height: 1 110 mm (43.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1 375 mm (54.1 in)
Dry Weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)
Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59
hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm

Click on the image for larger format.

|

1990 Suzuki year code: L,GSX-R400RL

In 1990 Suzuki presented a whole new GSX-R400 (new internal model
code GK76A) with inverted forks and many other modifications.
The frame was upgraded from twin spur to double cradle, similar
to the 1988 GSX-R750 model change.
A new 4 into 1 exhaust increased the engine power close to 60 bhp and the engine redlined at 14 500 rpm. Nissin 4-cylinder front brake calipers, new fairing design with faired-in headlights, preload-adjustable forks, unbraced swing-arm, rear hugger mudguard.
 |
1990 Suzuki GSX-R400, Blue/White

1991 Suzuki year code: M, GSX-R400RM,
GSX400RFM, GSX400RFNM

Redesigned brake discs and new painting, otherwise pretty much
the same design as in 1990. The rear shocks with gas reservoir
that were mounted in the '90 year's SP (Sports Production) were now fitted even in
the standard model (visible above the rear axle). Adjustable brake lever and a steering damper included.
 |

1992 Suzuki year code: N, GSX-R400RN, GSX400RFN

Cosmetic changes only. 1992 was the last year for the SP model
to be prepared. It was also the last year with the stronger 59
horsepower engine.
 |

1993 Suzuki year code: P, GSX-R400RP, GSX-R400RFP

The engine power was reduced to 53 horsepower in 1993, according to the revisited power restriction code in Japan. Before 1993, the maximum power for a 400cc class bike was 59 hp. Cosmetic
changes. 1993 was the last year for the SP (Sports Production) model.
All the larger motorcycles made for the Japanese home market are power restricted.
Prior to 1993 the maximum horsepower were the following:
250cc class: 45hp
400cc class: 59 hp
750cc class: 77 hp
over 750cc: not allowed
The new limits for the models built in 1993 and after, were:
250cc class: 40hp
400cc class: 53 hp
750cc class: 77 hp
over 750cc: allowed, but restricted to 100 hp
 |

1994 Suzuki year code: R, GSX-R400RR, GSX400RFR
New graphics, otherwise pretty much the same bike as in 1993.
Sorry, no pictures available for the moment.
|

1995
Suzuki year code: S, GSX-R400RS,
GSX400RFS




1999 Suzuki year code: X

The
story of the GSX-R400/ GSX-R400R ended in 1999.
 |
 
GSX-R 250-400 models 19841993, from a Japanese Auto-by
magazine. Click to enlarge. The original magazine with almost every motorcycle model Suzuki made from early 60's to 2001
was kindly sent to me by Tatsuo Sato, Japan. |
More: Suzuki
GSX models
More: All
Suzuki models
Sources: www.infomadonna.ne.jp/~redking, www04.u-page.so-net.ne.jp/ca2
etc.
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