Suzuki GSX400F
1981—1982
1988—1990

I have tried to tell the Suzuki GSX 400 F model history on this page, as I know it. The page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

Suzuki model year code: X

Suzuki presented a whole new lineup in 1981 with Katana styled bikes where fuel tank, seat, side covers and tail were blended together, in some cases with a cockpit fairing. Initially there were three of them, GSX1100S, GS550M and GS650G. Later came the GSX1000S Katana and the GSX400F, a model with a four-cylinder, 16-valve engine. The GSX400F (internal code GS400XF) was available for two years. In 1983 the model was replaced with the liquid-cooled GSX400FW. Needs maintenance of its 16 valve head and carbs to avoid burnt valves. The air-cooled models (with smaller sump that the FW models) had some problems with the engine overheating and some examples had even problems with the charging system. Burned alternators are quite usual for all the other early GSX models as well and there should be better replacement alternators available for all GSX models. Here's a link to the Suzuki GSX400F Katana brochure page. 1981 Suzuki GSX400F colors: Bright Silver Metallic (13L), Marble Pure Red (21X), Pearl Black (08E) Initial frame number: GS40XF-100001

1981 Suzuki GSX400F, Silvergray with Orange/Black logos and stripes

1981 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 105 mm (82.9 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 140 mm (44.9 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 415 mm (55.7 in) Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in) Dry Weight: 175 kg (385 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 45 hp (33.1 kW) @ 10 000 rpm, 34.3 Nm (3.5 kg-m) @ 8 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1981 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 105 mm (82.9 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 140 mm (44.9 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 415 mm (55.7 in) Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in) Dry Weight: 175 kg (385 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 45 hp (33.1 kW) @ 10 000 rpm, 34.3 Nm (3.5 kg-m) @ 8 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 105 mm (82.9 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 140 mm (44.9 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 415 mm (55.7 in) Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in) Dry Weight: 175 kg (385 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 45 hp (33.1 kW) @ 10 000 rpm, 34.3 Nm (3.5 kg-m) @ 8 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Suzuki model year code: Z

In 1982, the GSX400FZ (GSX400F-II/GSX400F-2 in Japan) was released with new graphics and a new anti-dive front. But for the Japanese home market there was also thesomewhat sportier and lighter GSX400FS Impulse, with an oil-cooler, 4-to-1 exhaust system and additional three horsepower. The single-seater Impulse had a black-coated engine and gold painted wheels. Although the GSX400F model name disappeared from the catalogues after 1982 and the water-cooled GSX400FW took over, the model suddenly re-appeared in 1988 with an engine from the GSX-R400R and the frame and the fairing from the GSX600F. Initial frame number: GS40XF-114522

1982 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 105 mm (82.9 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 140 mm (44.9 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 415 mm (55.7 in) Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in) Dry Weight: 175 kg (385 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 45 hp (33.1 kW) @ 10 000 rpm, 34.3 Nm (3.5 kg-m) @ 8 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1982 Suzuki GSX 400 FS Impulse Overall Length: 2 105 mm (82.9 in) Overall Width: 725 mm (28.5 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 415 mm (55.7 in) Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in) Dry Weight: 171 kg (377 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 48 hp (35.3 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 34.3 Nm (3.5 kg-m) @ 8 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Suzuki model year code: J

Although the GSX400F model name disappeared after 1982 and the water-cooled GSX400FW took over, the model unexpectedly re-appeared in 1988 (with an internal code GK74A). With an engine from the GSX-R400R and the frame and the fairing from the GSX600F, Suzuki tried to introduce a unexpensive mid-range tourer for the Japanese home market. Although the model was large and comfortable for being a 600cc motorcycle, the engine was too small and the model wasn't popular enough. The model was available only in 1988–1989. Color options: Light Charcoal Metallic (24K), Prussian Blue Metallic (24V) Initial frame number (GSX400FJ): GK74A-100001

1988 Suzuki GSX400F, Prussian Blue Metallic (24V)

1988 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Seat Height: 760 mm (29.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp (43.4 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1988 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Seat Height: 760 mm (29.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp (43.4 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1988 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Seat Height: 760 mm (29.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp (43.4 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

Suzuki model year code: K

A version of the Suzuki GSX400FK (GSX400FAK) with ABS brakes was offered in 1989. Color options (Japan): Light Charcoal Metallic (24K), Prussian Blue Metallic (24V) Initial frame number (GSX400FK/GSX400FAK): GK74A-101915

1989 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Wheelbase: 1430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 500 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1989 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Wheelbase: 1430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 500 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1990 Suzuki year code: L

1990 Suzuki GSX400F color options (Japan): Candy Antares Red (19A), Pearl Novelty Black (33J) Initial frame number (GSX400FL): GK74A-102919

1989 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Wheelbase: 1430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 500 rpm, 3.9 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1990 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Seat Height: 760 mm (29.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp (43.4 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1990 Suzuki GSX 400 F Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 1 145 mm (45.1 in) Seat Height: 760 mm (29.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in) Dry Weight: 183 kg (403 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp (43.4 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 38.2 Nm (3.9 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki GSX400F Katana brochures

More: Suzuki GSX400FW

More: Suzuki GSX series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: www.infomadonna.ne.jp/~redking, www04.u-page.so-net.ne.jp/ca2

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