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Suzuki GSX-R 400

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Make Model

Suzuki GSX-R 400

Year

1988

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC 4 valves per cylinder. TSCC

Capacity

398 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 56 x 40.4 mm
Lubrication Wet sump
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.8:1

Induction

Slingshot 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 Tyre

110/70-R17 53H

Rear Tyre

140/60-R18 64H
Rake 27° 25'
Trail 96 mm / 3.7 in
Dimensions Length 1995 mm / 78.5 in
Width     695 mm / 27.4 in
Height  1110 mm / 43.7 in
Wheelbase 1375 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance 125 mm / 4.9 in
Seat Height 735 mm / 28.9 in

Dry Weight

160 kg / 352 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

15 Litres / 3.96 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal

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.