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Suzuki XN 85D Turbo

Make Model	Suzuki XN 85D Turbo
Year	1983
Production	1153 units
Engine	Four-stroke, transverse four cylinder, turbocharged, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Capacity	673 cc / 41.1 cu in
Cooling System	Air-cooled
Bore x Stroke	62 x 55.8 mm
Compression Ratio	7.4:1
Induction	Nippondenso electronic fuel injection
Ignition	Transistorize
Starting	Electric
Max Power	62 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	76.4 Nm / 7.8 kgf-m / 56.4 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	530 chain, 39/16
Final Reduction	39/16
Front Suspension	37mm Kayaba shocks, adjustments for spring preload, anti-dive
Front Wheel Travel	150 mm / 5.9 in
Rear Suspension	Suzuki Full Floater, one Kayaba damper, 1 adjustment for spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel	106 mm / 4.2 in
Front Brakes	2 x 290mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 265mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	100/90 H16 Michelin A48
Rear Tyre	120/90 H17 Michelin M48
Dimensions	Length: 2160 mm / 85.0 in Width: 750 mm / 30.0 in
Wheelbase	1486 mm / 58.5 in
Seat Height	762 mm / 30.0 in
Dry Weight	218 kg / 479 lbs
Wet Weight	250 kg / 551 lb lbs
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Consumption Average	6.9 L/100 km / 14.5 km/l / 34 US mpg / 40.8 Imp mpg
Standing ¼ Mile	12.3 sec / 171 km/h / 106 mph
Top Speed	206 km/h / 128 mph

An early-release 1983 model, the XN85 was quite different than its two turbo predecessors, the Honda CX500TC Turbo and the Yamaha XJ650LJ Turbo. Whereas they filled a rather vague sport-touring niche the XN was an unapologetic sport bike. It featured the first factory 16-inch front wheel (previously seen only on race bikes), low clip-on handlebars, rearset foot pegs and a single shock rear suspension, Suzuki's first Full Floater - quite heady stuff back in the early '80s.

For a Turbo the engine was rather tame with boost kicking in around the 5,000 rpm mark. It pulled strongly from that point but always seemed a little too civilized for a bike with TURBO emblazoned so boldly on its fairing. The XN85's forte was handling - there was simply nothing better at the time. If pushed to its limits the headers would touch down, but few riders were capable of that level of madness.

Yet these stellar credentials took a backseat to Suzuki's own lighter, quicker, and cheaper GS750ES released only months after the XN. The Turbo was quickly forgotten and Suzuki harbors few fond memories for the bike - Suzuki America does everything short of denying the bike's very existence. Which is a shame cause the XN is a fun-to-ride refined motorcycle that's also proven reliable.

These bikes were at one time as hard to find as people who believe Clinton didn't inhale. But lately "for sale" signs on XNs have been showing up regularly. Therefore a revised value guide to the Suzuki Turbo is in order. We estimate that low-mileage XNs in excellent condition will bring about $3,000 to $4,000 on today's market but still be prepared to pay $7,000 and up for those in showroom condition, if you can find one. For comparison a 1983 GS750ES in worth about $1,500, tops. Interesting.