Suzuki GSX400X Impulse
Suzuki GSX400XS Impulse
1986—1989

I have tried to tell the Suzuki GSX-400X Impulse model history on this page, as I know it. 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.

The GSX-400XS Impulse (GK71E) was launched on the Japanese domestic market in March 1986. Two different versions was launched at the same time, the naked GSX400X and the GSX400XS with a small upper fairing. The bikes were designed by Hans Muth, who also designed the first generation of Katanas. The unique style of the GSX400X Impulse gave the bike nickname ”Tokyo Tower” in its homeland. Although the model name ”Impulse” had been used by Suzuki earlier on another motorcycle model, the GSX400X Impulse was a completely new sporty street bike model that combined sharp styling and advanced mechanisms. The 400cc 4-stroke 4-cylinder DOHC engine featured the new Suzuki Advanced 3-way Cooling System (SATCS) with enhanced cooling efficiency (the engine had liquid-cooled cylinder head, air-cooled cylinders and oil-cooled crank and pistons). In addition, advanced technologies were incorporated in many parts of the model, including a newly designed wide frame made of square steel pipes and the a newly developed Full-Floater rear suspension. Color options: The naked GSX-400X Impulse was available in Black/Red and the half-faired GSX-400XS Impulse in Metallic Silver. I have not seen any other colors, and I don't have seen any other versions of the bikes apart from the 1986 model. That being said, Suzuki Motor Company claims on its website that the model was being sold during 1986–1989 before it was discontinued.

Suzuki model year code: R

1986 Suzuki GSX-400X Impulse, Black/Red

1986 Suzuki GSX-400XS Impulse, Metallic Silver

1986 Suzuki GSX 400 X Impulse Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 1 115 mm (43.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 390 mm (54.7 in) Dry Weight: 153 kg (337 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki GSX 400 X Impulse Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 1 120 mm (44.1 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 390 mm (54.7 in) Dry Weight: 177 kg (390 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 398 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 59 hp @ 12 000 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Internal model code: GK71E (GSX400X/XS)

The meters of a '86 GSX400X Impulse. I found this image on a Dutch website www.yawningjelle.nl. There's also a couple of pictures of a '86 GSX400XS Impulse on the Visitors' Suzuki pages on this site.

More: Suzuki GSX models

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: www.yawningjelle.nl etc.

This free site is managed by Jarmo Haapamäki.
If you find this site helpful, please leave a donation for Jarmo
so you can enjoy the spirit of giving too.

Came here from a search engine?
Click at the home button below to get to the main page with frames.