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Suzuki
VZ400 / Desperado 400
1996–2000
| I try to tell the Suzuki VZ400 / Desperado 400 model history on this page as I know it.
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The Desperado series, launched in 1996 in Japan, included two stylish cruisers, the 400cc Desperado (VZ400) and the 800cc Desperado 800 (VZ800), known as Marauder 800 in some countries. The
series was developed with the styling concept of 'Low Long Strong' as opposed to the chopper style that had earlier been the mainstream of American style bikes. The low, long, wide, and powerful body with a strong presence is equipped with at the time unique details such as a flat handlebar, wide fuel tank, and thick and powerful inverted front fork, resulting in a styling that combines a dignified vehicle size with a sense of speed.
The 'Desperado X' was also available with a bikini cowl and under cowl.
The Desperado wase quipped with a liquid-cooled 400cc SOHC V-twin engine that provided a powerful and torqueful acceleration feeling from very low speeds to mid-to-high speeds resulting to a relaxed ride.
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1996 Suzuki year code: T
1996 Suzuki Desperado (400) was launched in Japan in May 1996. The Desperado was a successor to the VS400 Intruder, manufactured by Suzuki 1993—1994.
Model name: Desperado
Model code:
VZ400T
Intial frame number:
VK52A-100001~
Colors available: Candy Koran Orange / Candy Forest Green (G7G), Warm Silver Metallic / Charcoal Grey Metallic (G7F), Pearl Novelty Black / Charcoal Grey Metallic (G2E)
A mechanically identical sister model, Desperado 400X (VZ400ZT) with a belly cowl and a small top fairing (and a heftier price tag) was
also offered. It was available in Pearl Novelty Black (33J) livery.
Price in Japan:
629,000 yen (VZ400), 639,000 yen (VZ400X)
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| 1996 Suzuki Desperado 400, Pearl Novelty Black / Charcoal Grey Metallic (G2E) |
| 1996 Suzuki Desperado 400X, Pearl Novelty Black (33J) |
1997 Suzuki year code: V
Minor changes were made for the 1997 Suzuki Desperado 400 models. A new exhaust system and air cleaner made it possible for Suzuki to increase the bike's peak power by five horsepower. Other details such turn signals that were also redesigned. The retail price was unchanged.
Model name: Desperado 400
Model code:
VZ400V
Launched in Japan: April 1997
Intial frame number:
VK52A-102879~
Colors available: Charcoal Grey Metallic / Flash Silver Metallic (G7V), Milky White / Candy Antares Red (J4M), Pearl Novelty Black / Light Charcoal Metallic (E88)
Price
in Japan:
629,000 yen
The 1997 Desperado 400X (VZ400ZV) received the same changes. Now it was available in Flash Silver Metallic (Y2D) livery.
Model name: Desperado 400X
Model code:
VZ400ZV
Launched in Japan: April 1997
Intial frame number:
VK52A-102759~
Colors available: Flash Silver Metallic (Y2D)
Price
in Japan:
639,000 yen
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| 1996 Suzuki Desperado 400, Pearl Novelty Black / Charcoal Grey Metallic (G2E) |
| 1997 Suzuki Desperado 400X, Flash Silver Metallic (Y2D) |
1999 Suzuki year code: X
The 1999 Suzuki Desperado Winder was a bit different from the earlier versions of the Desperado, having a 19-inch front tyre with wire wheel, instead of the earlier 16-inch alloy wheel. The rear wheel remained the same 16-wheel cast alloy wheel. The engine was all black, only the exhaust system being chrome plated. The front brake disc was slightly smaller than before. The inverted front suspension was changed to upright front forks.
Suzuki says that the Desperado Winder's exterior theme is 'luxury without being flashy,' highlighting its high-quality 'astringency.' Its fuel tank, front and rear fenders, air cleaner cover, etc. are painted in glossy black to accentuate the smooth curves, and the decals that accent the fuel tank and the engine covers are finished with a matte black crystal finish. Chrome silver colored parts are used extensively for the muffler, headlamp covers, etc.
Suzuki Desperado Winde was equipped with the same 400cc water-cooled SOHC V-twin engine as earlier models.
Model name: Desperado Winder
Model code:
VZ400BX
Launched in Japan: May 1999
Intial frame number:
VK52B-100001~
Colors available: Solid Black (019)
Price
in Japan:
639,000 yen
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| 1999 Suzuki Desperado 400, Solid Black (019) |
2000 Suzuki year code: Y
The Desparado Winder, launced in 1999, was the last incarnation of the Desperado 400. Although Suzuki discontinued the model, it was available in shops in 2000 and was sold as long the as long as stocks lasted.
The saga of the smaller sibling of the
Desperado family ended, but the model reappeared a few yaers later, this time with a new model name. The similar, but not identical 400cc cruiser model presented in 2005 was called Boulevard 400.
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More: Suzuki
Desperado series
More: Suzuki
Boulevard series
More: All
Suzuki models
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