Suzuki RF400R
RF400R 1993-1996
RF400RV 1994-1999

I have tried to tell the story of the Suzuki RF 400 RV on this page as I know it. 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.

The Suzuki RF400R was launched at the same time with the RF600R with similar appearance and body parts. It was a sporty touring bike with a comfortable seat and full fairing. Its engine was based on the Bandit 400, tuned for low and medium speeds and with slingshot carburetors. It had a link-type rear suspension and a newly designed steel frame. In 1994, the RF400RV with variable valve timing was introduced and sold alongside the RF400R.

1993 Suzuki year code: P

1993 Suzuki RF400R was launched in March 1993 with starting frame number GK78A-100001. It was the only year RF400 was available in Black. The muffler was painted Black. 1993 Suzuki RF400RP colors: Rouge Red No. 2 (1TY), Pearl Novelty Black (33J)

1993 Suzuki RF400RP, Pearl Novelty Black (33J)

1993 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1993 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1993 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1993 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki year code: R

The 1994 Suzuki RF400R was launched in January 1994 with starting frame number GK78A-103307 and the RF400V (later renamed to RF400RV) in June 1994 with starting frame number GK78A-104507. The 1994 RF400V and all the later RF4000RV models featured variable valve timing, which allowed the maximum engine speed to be increased from 15,000 rpm to 16,000 rpm. They are easily identified by the red disc spiders and the "VC" logo on the lower fairing. Both model were available in colors Candy Antares Red (19A) and Candy Starlit Blue Metallic (34R). The muffler is now Stainless Steel. The only model year with a color matched passenger seat. The 1993 and 1994 models are concidered first generation RF400s.

1994 Suzuki RF400RR, Candy Starlit Blue Metallic (34R)

1994 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 115 mm (4.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 115 mm (4.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 185 kg (408 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki RF 400 V Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 115 mm (4.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 188 kg (414 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC with VC mechanism, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki RF 400 V Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 115 mm (4.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 188 kg (414 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC with VC mechanism, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki year code: T

Slightly updated versions of Suzuki RF400R and RF400RV were both launched in December 1995 as 1996-year's T models. The RF400RT had starting frame number GK78A-106628, the RF400RVT GK78A-106708. The were a few changes made for the 1995 –1996 RF400R. The passenger footrest brackets were now made of cast aluminium with square profile instead of steel pipes. The odometer became digital and was added a clock. The handlebar was raiser a bit creating a slightly more comfortable riding position. The front fork preload adjustment feature was removed. A large glove box was added on the right side of the fairing. The subframe was strengthened. The belt has been removed from the passenger seat. The mechanical speedometer was replaced with an electric one. 1996 Suzuki RF400RT colors: Candy Antares Red (19A) and Urban Gray Metallic (17U).

1996 Suzuki RF400RT, Urban Gray Metallic (17U)

1996 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 184 kg (406 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki RF 400 R Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 184 kg (406 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki year code: V

The RF400R was dropped from the Suzuki lineup in 1997. The 1997 RF400RV, that was launched in February 1977, was offered in two colors: Candy Antares Red (19A) and Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue (1LF). The starting frame number for the RF400RV-V was GK72-108312.

1997 Suzuki RF400RV-V, Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue (1LF)

1997 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1998 Suzuki year code: W

The starting frame number for the 1998 RF400RV was GK72-108722. The selling start was in January 1998. Two color options: Candy Deep Grape Maroon (Y4M), Flash Silver Metallic (Y2D)

1998 Suzuki RF400RV-V, Flash Silver Metallic (Y2D)

1997 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

I'm not sure if that is Flash Silver Metallic. I couldn't find a photo I was sure of.




1999 Suzuki year code: X

The starting frame number for the 1999 RF400RV was GK72-109083. It came to the shops in Japan in March 1999. For some reason its accurate model name was RF400RV-V, the same as the 1997 model. Only one color was offered: Candy Antares Red / Solid Black (A82).

1997 Suzuki RF 400 RV Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, TSCC,16 valves. 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1993–1995 Suzuki RF400R and RF400RV specifications (Japan) Model code: GK78A Overall length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry weight RF400R/RF400RV: 185/188 kg (408/414 lbs) Engine model: K712 Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 4-cylinder inline, DOHC Number of valves: 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder Cylinder displacement: 398 cc Bore x Stroke: 56 x 40.4 mm (2.205 x 1.591 in) Compression ratio: 11.8 :1 Maximum power: 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm Maximum torque 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Fuel economy: 36 km/l at 60 km/h Carburetors: Mikuni BDST32 x 4 Starter method: Electric starter Ignition method: Full transistor Lubrication method: CCI (separate Lubrication) Lubricating oil amount: 3.7 liter Fuel tank capacity: 17.0 liter Clutch type: Wet multi-plate, coil spring Transmission type: 6-speed content mesh Gear ratios: 3.363 / 2.307 / 1.750 / 1.437 /1.250 / 1.136 Primary reduction ratio: 1.750 Secondary reduction ratio: 3.500 Frame type: Hollow steel perimeter frame Front suspension: 41 mm telescopic forks, preload adj. Front suspension travel: 120 mm (4.72 in) Rear suspension: Link type monoshock, travel 120 mm (4.72 in), adjustable preload and rebound damping Front brake type: 290 mm dual disc with 4-piston calipers Rear brake type: 240 mm single disc with 2-piston caliper Front tire size: 120/70R17 58H Rear tire size: 160/60R17 69H Caster: 25°00' Trail: 109 mm (4.29 in) Steering angle: 42° Minimum turning radius: 3.2 m (10 ft 6.0 in) Maximum speed: 180 km/h (112 mph) with limiter Recommended GT100 price in Japan: 1993 RF400R: 649,000 Yen 1994 RF400R/RV: 649,000/699,000 Yen 1995 RF400R/RV: 659,000/699,000 Yen

1996–1999 Suzuki RF400R and RF400RV specifications (Japan) Model code: GK78A Overall length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall height: 1 180 mm (46.5 in) Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Ground clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry weight RF400R/RF400RV: 184/186 kg (406/410 lbs) Engine model: K712 Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 4-cylinder inline, DOHC Number of valves: 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder Cylinder displacement: 398 cc Bore x Stroke: 56 x 40.4 mm (2.205 x 1.591 in) Compression ratio: 11.8 :1 Maximum power: 53 hp (39.0 kW) @ 11 000 rpm Maximum torque 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Fuel economy: 36.5 km/l at 60 km/h Carburetors: Mikuni BDST32 x 4 Starter method: Electric starter Ignition method: Full transistor Lubrication method: CCI (separate Lubrication) Lubricating oil amount: 3.7 liter Fuel tank capacity: 17.0 liter Clutch type: Wet multi-plate, coil spring Transmission type: 6-speed content mesh Gear ratios: 3.363 / 2.307 / 1.750 / 1.437 /1.250 / 1.136 Primary reduction ratio: 1.750 Secondary reduction ratio: 3.500 Frame type: Hollow steel perimeter frame Front suspension: 41 mm telescopic forks, preload adj. Front suspension travel: 120 mm (4.72 in) Rear suspension: Link type monoshock, travel 120 mm (4.72 in), adjustable preload and rebound damping Front brake type: 290 mm dual disc with 4-piston calipers Rear brake type: 240 mm single disc with 2-piston caliper Front tire size: 120/70R17 58H Rear tire size: 160/60R17 69H Caster: 25°00' Trail: 109 mm (4.29 in) Steering angle: 42° Minimum turning radius: 3.2 m (10 ft 6.0 in) Maximum speed: 180 km/h (112 mph) with limiter Recommended GT100 price in Japan: 1996 RF400R/RV: 669,000/699,000 Yen 1997 RF400R/RV: 669,000/699,000 Yen 1998 RF400RV: 699,000 Yen 1999 RF400RV: 699,000 Yen

More: Suzuki RF series

More: All Suzuki models

Source: Garry Kemp (the specs)

This free site is managed by Jarmo Haapamäki.
If you find this site helpful, please leave a donation for Jarmo
so you can enjoy the spirit of giving too.

Came here from a search engine?
Click at the home button below to get to the main page with frames.