Motorcycle characteristics
What are the parameters of the Suzuki SV 400? The characteristics of this road bike are pleasantly impressive. It has rather modest dimensions for its class. With a length of 2035 mm and a height of 785, it is most suitable for short drivers. However, taller people also feel comfortable in the saddle thanks to the comfortable seating position. In addition, it is lighter than its counterparts: it weighs only 159 kg.
Engine
The special trump card of this handsome man is the V-shaped engine with a volume of 399 cc. cm. Few of its “relatives” in terms of cubic capacity can boast of such a powerful engine that works at 100% capacity. Four-stroke, with two cylinders, it can accelerate to speeds of over 180 km/h in a matter of minutes. And the liquid cooling system makes the rumbling soft and not harsh on the ears. When driving the SV400, you don’t have to keep the throttle in the “red” zone: the Suzuki perfectly maintains a cruising speed of 140 km/h without any effort or constant gear shifting. Oil consumption per 1000 km is about 600 g. However, replacing the oil with a Suzuki SV 400 will help: after reassembling the parts, it drops to 200 g.
Despite the simplicity of the design, the suspensions of the Suzuki SV 400 are quite energy-intensive and elastic. Engine power reaches 53 hp. With. at 10500 rpm. At the same time, it is necessary to note the speed of acceleration: you can start from a standstill and accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds! Need I say that after the green light changes to red, you will be further away than everyone else? But it won’t cost you a lot of money: the Suzuki SV400 is unpretentious in maintenance. Fuel consumption is 5 liters per 100 km.
The braking system consists of double discs at the front and one at the rear, providing smooth braking. Even when stopping abruptly, the road bike does not tip its nose forward, maintaining maximum comfort and safety for the driver.
Technical characteristics of Suzuki RF 400
| Body type (model) | GK78A-103 |
| Engine capacity, cm.cm. | 398 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 56 |
| Piston stroke | 40,4 |
| Power unit power, hp; rpm | 53; 11000 |
| Compression level | 11,8 |
| Cooling type | liquid |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Torque, rpm | 9500 |
| type of drive | chain |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Tire size (front; rear) | 120 by 70, R17; 160 by 60, R17 |
| Motorcycle dimensions (width; length; height) | 700; 2115; 1180 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 1430 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 17 |
| Motorcycle weight, kg | 186 |
Motorcycle history
The first copy was released in 1998 and was intended exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. That is why the rest of the world learned about this model relatively recently. The Suzuki SV 400 motorcycle was the named younger brother of the SV 650, which was precisely produced for export to other countries.
During its existence, the road bike model has undergone a number of significant and not so significant changes. In 2000, a double brake disc was installed on the front wheel, which improved braking performance. The following parameters were changed for the 2001 model:
- shape of driver's seats;
- stickers on plastic;
- For the first time, a motorcycle was produced in red.
By 2003, the length of the Suzuki increased by 30 mm, and the wheelbase by 15. The design underwent significant changes: the motorcycle became more sporty, the range was expanded by one more color. Since then, blue has also become available for purchase in the Suzuki SV 400. The photo clearly shows how harmoniously this color looks on the model.
In 2004, the frame and wheels were painted black, and these were the last changes that affected this model. The last Suzuki SV 400 was released in 2004, but official sales ceased only in 2007.
Design
The appearance of the Suzuki is almost perfect and is somewhat reminiscent of the design of the Honda. The slender appearance reveals some of the details, which is why it is given the “naked” style. Some people will like this move, while others prefer parts completely covered with plastic. Among fans of this model, this feature is considered the highlight of the motorcycle. After all, once upon a time road bikes were produced without any plastic protection at all. The neoclassical design is sure to attract attention on the roads.
The CB 400 model is produced not only in the style of old road motorcycles, but also with a hint of sporty style. Suzuki SV 400S is made in the style of motorcycles with large engine volumes. More plastic, more speed and power - that's what the letter S in the model name means. The double headlight and more compact windshield give it a slightly predatory appearance. The characteristics of the engine and other parts remained the same as those of the SV 400. The sporty landing makes the oncoming air flow insensitive even at high speeds.
Main modifications of the Suzuki SV400:
Suzuki SV400 is a regular naked version. Features a classic round headlight and a classic steering wheel.
Suzuki SV400S - sports version. It was distinguished by a plastic front fairing and a double headlight in a sporty style, clip-ons and higher footrests. This modification was more popular on the market.
2006 was the last year of production of the SV400, after which it finally left the market. In 2009, it was replaced by a new model - Suzuki Gladius 400.
Chassis and brakes
The V-twin engine was not praised only by the lazy. Quiet and responsive, it helps you enjoy your ride. Aluminum cylinders, which have a nickasil coating, give smooth running. It is this material that has thermal expansion identical to that of pistons. As a result of this selection of materials, the gap between the pistons and the cylinder walls remains equally minimal throughout the entire operation of the engine. And this allows the Suzuki to gracefully maneuver among traffic and fit into corners perfectly.
The engine has a low noise level, sometimes you can easily forget that you have 53 horsepower hiding under the hood. You can accelerate to 180 km/h in a couple of minutes. A fairly rigid chassis allows you to overcome road obstacles without harm. And the SV 400 itself drives equally well on both asphalt and dirt surfaces. Suzuki SV 400 is perfectly balanced for both extreme driving and leisurely trips every day. The responsiveness of the engine makes it an ideal first bike for a beginner. But even in the hands of a professional, it will not remain unused and will be able to reveal all its technical characteristics.
Price range
Due to its excellent characteristics, the Suzuki SV 400 has a fairly high price for its class. The average cost of a road bike ranges from 110-220 thousand rubles. A significant sum for a used motorcycle. You can also find cheaper specimens on sale, but their condition leaves much to be desired. If you know how to repair and revive motorcycles, you won’t find a better option.
If you feel sorry for paying that kind of money for a used model, think about how many of its cheaper “comrades” it can outlast. A motorcycle with true Japanese quality will become a faithful companion on the roads and will not let its owner down for many years.
Main competitors
The Suzuki 400 SV has few worthy competitors among 400 cc motorcycles. The main ones are the Kawasaki ZZR 400 and the Honda CB 400. The main target audience of all of the above models are drivers with little driving experience or those who are completely satisfied with the given engine size.
Compared to Kawasaki, problems arise with Suzuki much less. Better cornering, lighter weight, no engine problems - all this eliminates the need to run to a car repair shop after every third trip. The smaller number of gearshifts in the SV 400 allows you to spend less time paying attention to the gearbox and more time on the road. The engine power allows you to use only 2/3 of the operating range even at high speeds, while the other two models have to turn the knob to the limit. But Honda is ahead of Suzuki in the braking system. What do the owners of the Suzuki SV 400 say? You can read reviews about it below.
Suzuki bandit 400 review
Today in Russia you can see quite a lot of these motorcycles, but almost all of them are of the 1991 model. It was not for nothing that the developers gave it such a name; with such sharpness, maneuverability and behavior on the road, Suzuki behaves like a real bandit. The main competitor of the model today is the Honda CB400, but the bandit has a number of advantages over the Honda:
- better gearbox;
- lower price (from 75,000 rubles);
- improved acceleration dynamics.
With all the characteristics and photos of the Suzuki Bandit, it can be positioned as the fastest, easiest to control and powerful for its type.
If you have little experience in sports motorcycles, but at the same time want a more or less serious model, you will have to buy this motorcycle, because it will be easy to ride even in urban conditions. If we take other competitors of this size, then in almost all respects the bandit wins. Since the motorcycle is not produced today, it will only be possible to buy it used, and depending on the condition, the price of a non-motorcycle starts from 70 to 150 thousand rubles. Agree, quite a small amount for such a “bandit”.
Reviews about SV 400
Reviews from owners of road motorcycles from the Suzuki brand only confirm the quality and durability of the products of the world-famous Japanese concern. Many claim that it is sometimes impossible to distinguish the 400 cc version from the more serious “six hundred”. The center of gravity is reduced in such a way that control is as comfortable and dynamic as possible. Instant response to gas operation, excellent engine thrust. The only thing that upsets owners is engine misfires, which remind them of the class of the motorcycle. Some about troit the engine. To avoid such troubles, professionals recommend using only high-quality gasoline (preferably no lower than 95) and checking the filter element and adjustments. And as for the Suzuki SV 400: maintenance and repairs can get even a 1998 model back on its feet, which will then serve you for many more years.
The rigid frame frame, made of aluminum, is compared by motorcycle owners with those that are equipped with 650 cc motorcycles. She can easily withstand all the hardships of the racing journey.
In general, the entire motorcycle is made with special care, high quality and neat. Many people recommend it for city use, arguing that it performs well both in traffic jams and on highways. The only thing that brings some fly in the ointment is the brake system. Overall not bad, but has a rather weak rear brake. And when braking sharply at speeds above 150 km/h, you should be careful: the front 2-disc brake may not be enough.
Flaws
- Oil starvation. It seems like the oil is leaking, but no - this is a bike.
- The brakes were noted by all owners of bikes from the first years of production - it’s quite easy to lock the front wheel, and then an acrobatic sketch of “flying through the handlebars”.
and dignity
- Reliability - after the appearance of the export version, the bike began to receive a frame from it; In addition to reliability, this also played a role in ergonomics.
The eye-catching cage-shaped welded frame was clearly designed for a 650 cc engine.
- The fit is comfortable, classic, thanks to the frame from 650, even tall users can sit comfortably.
- Consumption. best results among classmates.
- Good stability on a rut.
