Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight Sportbike / Supersport
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented riders, enthusiasts, mechanics
Contemporary Competitors:
Kawasaki GPZ400, Honda CBR400F, Yamaha FZ400R
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight, agile, sporty handling, race-inspired aesthetics
Significance:
Suzuki's entry into the highly competitive 400cc sportbike class, paving the way for the later iconic GSX-R series.
Essential Tool:
Indispensable for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their GSX-R400 F.
Parts Ordering Aid:
Facilitates accurate part identification and ordering.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, troubleshooting, valve clearance, timing, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel system (carburetors)
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, shifting mechanism
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork disassembly/rebuild, rear shock absorber service, swingarm maintenance, steering head bearing service
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, pad replacement, fluid bleeding
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting circuits, charging system (alternator/stator), starter motor, wiring diagrams, battery maintenance
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification, disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel tank and petcock service
Exhaust System:
Muffler and pipe inspection, gasket replacement
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, wheel bearing service, rim inspection
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, and side cover components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Rebuilds:
Complete engine tear-down and rebuild procedures, carburetor rebuilds
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustments, brake lever adjustments, clutch lever adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds)
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Abundant pictures and part diagrams for clarity
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Engine Displacement:
398 cc
Bore X Stroke:
56.0 mm x 40.4 mm (Typical)
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1 (Typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 50-53 PS (37-39 kW) at RPM (Specific figures vary by market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 3.6 - 3.8 kgf·m (35-37 Nm) at RPM (Specific figures vary)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni BS34 (4x) CV Carburetors (Typical)
Fuel Capacity:
16 Liters (Approx.)
Oil Type Specification:
API SE, SF, SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (Check manual for exact Suzuki recommendation)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.1 Liters with filter change
Type:
6-Speed Constant Mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, Multiple Disc
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 2.750, 2nd: 1.875, 3rd: 1.409, 4th: 1.174, 5th: 1.045, 6th: 0.958)
Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 80W or 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Check manual for specific Suzuki recommendation)
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable (Motorcycle, no standardized crash testing like cars)
Braking System:
Dual Disc Front, Single Disc Rear (Hydraulic)
Suspension Damping:
Adjustable front forks and rear shock absorber for improved control
Frame Construction:
Steel Frame (e.g., Double Cradle)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for precise intervals and conditions)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 3,000-6,000 km or as needed based on riding conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (Specific plug type and gap vital)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (Crucial for performance and engine longevity)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific Suzuki recommendation)
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (Air-cooled engine)
Fork Oil Type And Level:
Specific viscosity and level detailed in manual (e.g., Showa SS-8 or equivalent)
Carburetor Performance:
Can suffer from gummy carburetors due to old fuel; requires thorough cleaning and synchronization.
Electrical Connections:
Aging wiring harness and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Suspension Wear:
Original fork seals and rear shock may require rebuilding or replacement due to age.
Engine Seals:
Age-related deterioration of seals can lead to oil leaks.
Suzuki Motorcycle Legacy:
Suzuki has a long history of producing innovative and high-performance motorcycles, from the early Colleda models to the legendary GSX-R line.
Gsx R Lineage:
The GSX-R400 F (GK71B) represents an early iteration of Suzuki's lightweight, race-bred sportbike concept, predating the more famous GSX-R750 and subsequent 400cc models.
Production Period:
1982-1983
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Motorcycle Press Reviews:
While specific awards might not be archived, contemporary reviews often praised its nimble handling and sporty performance within the 400cc class.
Performance Class Rating:
Highly regarded as a capable entry-level sportbike for its era.
Emissions Standards:
Met the emissions standards of its respective production years and markets.
