The Japanese nation is distinguished by a special, subtle perception of technology, especially automobiles and motorcycles. Successfully combining high technical specifications with a spectacular design, for more than a decade, Japanese-made products have occupied the leading sales positions in the world. The neoclassical Suzuki model numbered SV400 is a reprinted version of the road bike. However, from his predecessor he only had a swift and bold silhouette.
Motorcycle characteristics
What are the parameters of "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 driving undersized drivers. However, even higher people feel comfortable in the saddle thanks to a comfortable fit. In addition, he is lighter than his brothers: the weight is only 159 kg.
Engine
A special trump card of this handsome man is a V-shaped engine with a capacity of 399 cubic meters. see. Few of his "relatives" in cubic capacity can boast of such a powerful engine working at 100%. Four-stroke, with two cylinders, it is able to accelerate to a speed of more than 180 km / h in a matter of minutes. And the liquid cooling system makes the rumble soft, not cutting the ear. When riding the SV400, you don’t have to keep the throttle in the “red” zone: Suzuki perfectly maintains a cruising speed of 140 km / h without any effort and constant gear shifting. Oil consumption per 1000 km is about 600 g. However, changing the oil to the Suzuki SV 400 will help: after overhauling parts, it drops to 200 g.
Despite the simplicity of design, the Suzuki SV 400 suspension is quite energy-intensive and resilient. Engine power reaches 53 liters. from. at 10500 rpm It should be noted the speed of acceleration: you can start from a place and accelerate to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds! Needless to say, after the green light changes to red, you will be farthest? But it will not cost you a lot of money: Suzuki CB400 is unpretentious in maintenance. Fuel consumption is 5 liters per 100 km.
The braking system consists of double discs at the front and one behind, providing soft braking. Even with a sharp stop, the road bike does not bite forward, while maintaining maximum comfort and safety for the driver.
Motorcycle history
The first copy was released in 1998 and was intended exclusively for the domestic market of Japan. That is why in the rest of the world this model was discovered relatively recently. The Suzuki SV 400 motorcycle was the named younger brother of the SV 650, which was just exported to other countries.
During its existence, the model of a road bike has undergone a number of significant and not very changes. In 2000, a double brake disc was placed on the front wheel, which improved the braking performance. In the 2001 model, the following parameters were changed:
- form of seats for the driver;
- stickers on plastic;
- first began to be produced motorcycle in red.
By 2003, the length of the Suzuki increased by 30 mm and the wheelbase by 15. Significant changes were made to the design: the motorcycle became more athletic, the range expanded to another color. Since then, blue has become available for purchase in the ranks of "Suzuki SV 400". The photo clearly shows how harmoniously this color looks on the model.
In 2004, the frame and wheels turned black, and these were the last changes that affected this model. The last Suzuki SV 400 was released in 2004, but official sales stopped only in 2007.
Design
The appearance of the Suzuki is almost perfect and reminds in some way the design of the Honda. The slender look reveals some of the details, which is why he is assigned the style of “naked”. Someone will like this move, but someone prefers parts completely covered with plastic. Among fans of this model, this feature is considered the highlight of the motorcycle. After all, once road bikes were released without any plastic protection at all. Neoclassical design certainly attracts attention on the road.
The SV 400 model is produced not only in the style of old road motorcycles, but also with a hint of a sporty style. Suzuki SV 400S is made in the style of motorcycles with large volumes of engines. More plastic, more swiftness and power - this is what the letter S means in the name of the model. A double headlight and a more compact windshield make its appearance a little ravenous. The characteristics of the engine and other parts remained the same as those of the SV 400. A sports landing makes the oncoming air flow insensitive even at high speeds.
Chassis and brakes
The V-twin engine is not praised only by the lazy. Quiet and responsive, it helps to get real pleasure while riding. Smooth running give aluminum cylinders, which have a nickel coating. It is this material that has a thermal expansion identical to that of pistons. As a result of this selection of materials, the gap between the pistons and cylinder walls remains equally minimal throughout the entire operation of the engine. And this allows the Suzuki to gracefully maneuver among the stream of cars and fit perfectly into the turns.
The engine has a low noise level, sometimes you can easily forget that you have 53 horsepower hiding under the hood. To the mark of 180 km / h you can accelerate in a couple of minutes. A sufficiently rigid chassis allows you to overcome road obstacles without harm. And the SV 400 itself rides equally well on both asphalt and dirt surfaces. Suzuki SV 400 is perfectly balanced both for extreme driving and for leisurely trips every day. The responsiveness of the engine makes it the ideal first bike for a beginner. But in the hands of a professional, he will not be left without application and will be able to reveal all his technical characteristics.
Price range
Due to its excellent characteristics, the Suzuki SV 400 has a rather high price for its class. The average cost of a road bike ranges from 110-220 thousand rubles. A solid amount for a used motorcycle. On sale you can also find copies cheaper, but their condition leaves much to be desired. If you know how to repair and “revive” motor vehicles - you can’t find a better option.
If you feel sorry for giving such money for a used model, think about how many of its cheaper “associates” it can survive. A motorcycle with real Japanese quality will become a faithful companion on the road and will not let its master down for many years.
Main competitors
"Suzuki 400 SV" has few worthy competitors among 400 cc motorcycles. The main ones are Kawasaki ZZR 400 and Honda CB 400. The main target audience of all of the above models are drivers with a short driving experience or those who are completely satisfied with this engine size.
Compared to Kawasaki, there are far fewer problems with Suzuki. Better cornering, lighter weight, no problems with the engine - all this eliminates the need to run into a car service after every third trip. Fewer gearshifts at the gearbox in the CB 400 allow less time to pay attention to the gearbox and more to the road. Engine power allows you to use only 2/3 of the operating range even at high speeds, while the other two models have to twist the handle to the limit. But Honda is ahead of the Suzuki in the brake system. What do the owners of the Suzuki SV 400 say? You can read reviews about it below.
SV 400 Reviews
The feedback from the owners of the Suzuki brand road bike only confirms the quality and durability of the products of the world-famous Japanese concern. Many claim that it is sometimes impossible to distinguish a 400-cc version from a more serious “six hundred” one. The center of gravity is reduced in such a way that the control is as comfortable and dynamic as possible. Instant reaction to gas operation, excellent engine traction. Only the misfires of the engine, reminiscent of the motorcycle class, upset the owners. Some say that a motor is built in Suzuki SV 400. To avoid such troubles, professionals recommend using only high-quality gasoline (preferably at least 95) and check the filter element and adjustments. And as for the Suzuki SV 400: service and repair can even get a copy of 1998 on its feet, which after that will serve you for many more years.
The rigid frame of the frame, made of aluminum, car owners compare with those equipped with 650 cc motorcycles. She can easily withstand all the hardships of the race track.
In general, the entire motorcycle is made with great care, efficiently and accurately. Many advise it for urban operation, arguing that it is good behavior both in traffic jams and on highways. The only thing that makes some fly in the ointment is the braking system. In general, not bad, but it has a rather weak rear brake. And with sharp braking at speeds above 150 km / h, you should be careful: the front 2-disc brake may not be enough.
Conclusion
SV 400 is striking in its capabilities. The stiffness of the frame and the pendulum, suspension settings and weight distribution are simply excellent. Good torque at medium speeds and pronounced “horses” make the model convincing in its class. Unusual appearance, performed in a neoclassical and sports version, attracts the eye. A comfortable fit makes riding a bike enjoyable and also protects against oncoming air flow. Rear-view mirrors provide excellent visibility, and you feel and control every part of the device. A simple design with many adjustments makes the Suzuki SV 400 versatile. A dynamic, trouble-free and beautiful two-wheeled vehicle will be an excellent first motorcycle and reliable road satellite for a professional.