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Author Topic: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?  (Read 2023 times)

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Offline Hush

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Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« on: December 09, 2008, 03:22:01 AM »
OK so I wanted a low slung ride for my Hobbit sized partner "Jaffa".
We found a GSX400L Spook for $300 and now the fun begins, how common were these bikes?
They remind me of the very popular GN250 of which thousands came into NZ.
It has a raked frame and neatly stenciled king and queen seat and no kicker.
Finding bits to fit this bike which has been collecting dust in a shed for the last 7 years is proving difficult.
Every Suzuki GSX400 part nearly fits but not quite, I'm wondering if this is a lost lamb from the US as I really can't recall them here in any number.
Tomorrow I'm gonna dump the old oil, change the filter and give her some fresh gas, it may start ha ha.
Any one on here ever owned a GSX400L? I'd be keen to pick your brain on a few things..........Hush.
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline kirkn

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2008, 05:51:21 AM »
Here in the US, it was just called the GS400L, and they were part of Suzuki's lineup of twins that included a standard E model, a more sporty S model, an economy T model (spoke wheels and drum brakes) and the 'cruiser' L model.  Mechanically very similar, primarily different styling.

Great bikes, IMHO, for what they were.  Not really sure about differences for non-American markets....

I didn't own a 400, but I did own it's little brother, the GS300L.  Super nice little bike - smooth (I think the engine had counterbalancers), powerful enough to haul me around at 65mph and got 70 mpg into the bargain.  The bigger twins (400 and 450) definitely had the counterbalancers.

Sorry I'm not more help, but good luck with it.

Kirk


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Offline mlinder

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2008, 08:50:38 AM »
Almost bought one of the 'sport' models here in the US.
Should say, would have bought it if the buyer hadn't flaked. Neat little bike, and haven't seen too many around.
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Offline crazypj

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2008, 06:56:53 AM »
The GSX designation means it's a 4 valve per cyl motor instead of more common two valve motor.
 Because it was just a GS in the USA it could be 2 or 4 valve (2 valve still used in GS500 twin)
 Very understressed, good head design with lot of potential (can be ported to  SACS motor GSX-R spec, or, fitted to GS 500 if your going racing)
PJ
 
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Offline Short Round

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2008, 09:53:21 PM »
Hey there is nothing bad about being "Hobbit Sized", on that note anyone got a set of shorts shocks for my 550?  I'm to short for the factory ones!!!!  But I'm still good at hide and go seek, got more options than yall tall people. :D
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Offline DarkRider

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2008, 03:01:58 PM »
probably comes in handy when kissing a taller persons ass lol jk
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Offline Hush

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2008, 07:40:56 AM »
Well stripped the carbs and threw in new plugs and what do ya know the wee thing started like it was never dead?
Runs real quiet too!
Starts easy as, stator type starter motor cranks slow but never fails to fire the bike up.
A few more bits and Jaffa will have quite a good little ride on her hands. ;D
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline Hush

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Re: Suzuki GSX400L rare or what?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2008, 10:24:51 PM »
Anyone got a brake pedal for a GS400, GS450 or GS550 they would all fit, Jaffa's bike goes so well it actually needs brakes! ;D
No seriously I need a brake pedal for it!!
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!
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