Market Segment:
Mid-size sport/naked motorcycle, popular for performance, handling, and affordability in its era.
Competitors Era:
Competed with models like the Yamaha XJ400, Kawasaki GPZ400, and Honda CB400 series.
Engine Configuration:
Inline-four cylinder engine known for its smooth power delivery and sporty character.
Design Philosophy:
Balanced sportbike performance with practical everyday usability.
Owner Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Restoration Guide:
Indispensable for owners undertaking restoration projects, providing detailed procedures for bringing the motorcycle back to factory specifications.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder head, pistons, rings, crankshaft, connecting rods, valve train, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification, adjustment, cleaning, and overhaul; fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel pump (if applicable) inspection and maintenance.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, and wiring inspection and testing.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch inspection and adjustment, final drive (chain and sprockets) maintenance and replacement.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake mechanisms (disc/drum), hydraulic system components (master cylinder, calipers, lines), fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, and pad/shoe replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front fork overhaul and adjustment, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, steering head bearing service, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/stator), lighting system, horn, starter motor, and instrument cluster.
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, handlebars, and fairings.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain lubrication and adjustment, tire pressure checks, brake adjustments, and general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common performance issues and malfunctions across all major systems.
Component Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for the overhaul and refurbishment of critical components such as the engine, transmission, carburetors, and brake master cylinders.
Electrical Diagnosis:
Procedures for testing electrical components, tracing wiring faults, and diagnosing charging system and ignition issues using multimeter readings and wiring diagrams.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Diagnostic Focus:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including common symptoms and probable causes for various malfunctions.
Torque Specifications:
Provides essential torque values for all critical fasteners and component assemblies.
Special Tools:
Identifies specific tools or equipment required for certain repair procedures.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
398cc (approximate, often cited as 398 or 400cc)
Bore X Stroke:
53.4 mm x 44.7 mm (typical for this era's 400cc inline-fours, manual will confirm)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical, manual will provide exact spec)
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-55 HP at 11,000 RPM (typical for the model and era, manual will detail specific output)
Torque:
Approximately 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) at 9,000 RPM (typical, manual will detail specific output)
Carburetion:
Mikuni BS32 (likely) downdraft carburetors (manual will specify exact model and number of carbs)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91-98 RON)
Oil Type:
API SE, SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 (recommendation based on era, manual will specify exact Suzuki recommendation)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 liters (with filter change) (manual will confirm precise capacity)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 6-speed sequential
Optional Transmission:
N/A (all models typically came with the 6-speed manual)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning.
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W-90 (typical for motorcycle gearboxes, manual will confirm)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.7 liters (manual will confirm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2070 mm (manual will provide exact figure)
Overall Width:
Approx. 755 mm (manual will provide exact figure)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1155 mm (manual will provide exact figure)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1410 mm (manual will provide exact figure)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 140 mm (manual will provide exact figure)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 177 kg (manual will provide exact figure)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 194 kg (with fluids, manual will provide exact figure)
Load Capacity:
Recommended load capacity for rider and passenger specified in manual.
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycle safety standards of the era (e.g., headlight performance, braking efficiency) are implicitly addressed by the manual's repair and maintenance procedures.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes and a rear disc brake (standard for this model), with detailed maintenance and repair procedures in the manual.
Tires:
Standard tire sizes and pressure recommendations are crucial for handling and safety, detailed in the manual.
Frame Construction:
Steel diamond frame providing structural integrity.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake lights, and turn signals; electrical system checks in the manual ensure proper function.
Infotainment Features:
N/A (This era of motorcycle did not feature infotainment systems).
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids typical of modern motorcycles).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or smartphone integration).
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights. Manual details servicing and potential troubleshooting.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 km or 6 months (typical for the era, manual will confirm exact recommendation)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (typical, manual will specify exact interval and plug type)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 km or annually (typical, manual will specify exact interval and procedure)
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate every 500 km and adjust slack as needed (detailed procedure in manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (manual will specify exact requirement)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Carburetor Gumming:
Common issue with older motorcycles; manual provides cleaning and synchronization procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related wiring degradation or connector issues; comprehensive wiring diagrams and diagnostic tips are in the manual.
Clutch Slippage:
Wear on clutch plates; manual details inspection, adjustment, and replacement.
Suspension Wear:
Fork seals and rear shock absorbers may require service; manual provides overhaul instructions.
Brand History:
Suzuki has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various categories since its founding.
Gsx Series Lineage:
The GSX line represents Suzuki's popular sportbike offerings, with the 400cc models serving as accessible performance machines in key markets.
Gsx400F Positioning:
The GSX400F was a significant model in Suzuki's 400cc class lineup, known for its compact and potent inline-four engine.
Production Period:
The 82-84 period covers a key phase of this model's production, before potential updates or replacements.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.