GSX1400 Largest Japanese Naked ! Part 1 [Webike Motoreport]

[SUZUKI GSX1400]Details and Test Ride Reviews

When you hear the "GSX," many people will think of super sports like the GSX-R series. But in the GSX series, it's the GSX1400 of this 1400cc naked that you must not forget.

The engine displacement is larger than the SUZUKI HAYABUSA, and this machine which boasts the largest displacement as a naked motorcycle in the Japanese market is also one of the great model equipped with oil-cooled engine. WEBIKE staffs tested what performance does this machine have! (The photographing model is the 2005 year.)

Powerful styling that is like 1400cc!!

First of all, impact of the appearance is impressive. Motorcycles nowadays have been gotten compact, but the GSX1400 has a opposite style compared those model. However, I feel like the size that claims to be "the big bike" is increasing the good-looking. Personally, I prefer this size.

Since the curb weight of this model is over 250kg, it's quite heavy not only the maneuver in the straddled state, but also took off state. In that respect, this model does not have a easiness to ride on unexpectedly. If I lose a little balance, it may fall down with my body, so I need to be careful when maneuver it.

Overall Dimension [L x W x H]

2,160mm x 810mm x 1,140mm

[Vehicle Weight]

226kg (Dry Weight) / 253kg (Curb Weight)

The model name written on the tail cowl.

It's easy to think of the "end production model = carburetor model", but the GSX1400 is an fuel injection model.

You may have an anxiety about foot grounding ability.

[Seat Height]

775mm

Actually, its seat height is not so high. However, since the size of the vehicle is large and the seat is wide, so there is a little anxiety when straddling. It is a little unstable to support its heavy body if standing by only tiptoe.

▲ Seat Height: 775mm (Height: 158cm)

The lights are simple but there is also a little ingenuity.

The lights shape are very simple and standard. But the a little thing was that the tail light and license plate reflectors are being combined. Because it is within the space of the tail light, it is quite smart without protruding somewhere! I'm a little happy that I don't have to worry about the reflector relocation even when attached a tail tidy kit.

▲ Turn On Lights

▲ ON Braking!

Dual analog meter

Its meter is a simple analog meter. The indicator is located in the center. The speedometer is marked until 260km/h!

Around the handlebar

Both the left and the right handlebar are equipped with adjustable levers. Adjustable levers are equipped in the left and the right.

Twin suspension with reservoir tank

The rear suspension is fully adjustable. It contributes to a light and sporty ride.

Twin Exhaust System

The exhaust system is a twin silencer type. Not only the presence of the appearance, but also plays a powerful low-pitched sound when the engine is started.

The pillion grip can be used conveniently in any application.

A pillion grip is a size that claims to exist. Not only does it provide a sense of security when grabbing, but in some cases, it can also act as a stopper if carrying luggage. In addition, it can be used conveniently because the luggage hook is also attached.

The center stand is euipped!

It's also convenient during maintenance and has stability when parking as well! That is why the center stand is equipped to the GSX1400. However, it was a long time before I could stand the center stand on an over 250kg motorcycle, so I was nervous... (lol) I was so nervous when putting the center stand down (lol).

By the way, there is a support bar under the tail cowl so that you can hold the motorcycle firmly when putting the center stand up, it is easy to lift the body by just holding this.

▲ The supporting is also perfect!

The space under the seat is also wide!

There is a wide space under the integrated seat. Because its space is quite large, it seems to be able to store not only rain gear but also waste cloth. However, since it is not so deep, long things that have along hight cannot be stored.

The final oil cooling engine

At first glance, the GSX1400 looks like the styling of an ordinary naked but it has the "oil-cooled engine" with the uniqueness of SUZUKI.
I can't help but feel a special emotion in the part that has a fuel injection system in the final oil cooling model. The torque of 12.8 kg-m (126N-m) / 5000rpm is more powerful than I expected, and it pushes the machine out strongly even in low rev. However, it has a mild character that is very easy to handle, not operability like a rampaging horse. The GSX1400 is an adult motorcycle that you can fully feel the margin of a big bike.

After starting to ride, you may not feel its weight!

From here we will introduce the GSX1400 reviews in our actual test ride. There was a surprising discovery when I actually ride!

＜Rider A: Tono＞

[Super fun with extreme torque and stability!]
First of all, I will write from the specs and impressions. The last oil-cooled engine of SUZUKI has a specification of 100ps / 6500rpm power and 12.8 kg-m / 5000rpm torque. "What? Is there a torque of 12.8kg.m?" (lol). Big Naked motorcycle in those days (around 2008) probably has the strongest class of torque compared to the CB1300SF.

The appearance is impressive as it is said a big naked, but the dry weight is 228kg, so "it is lighter for 1400cc!" Compared to other model of the same year, for example, CB1300SF is 234kg and ZRX1200R is 224kg, so it can be said that GSX1400 weight of 228kg is really light. It might be light because it is an oil-cooled engine.

While thinking about it, I tried riding for the first time in my life. The moment when the clutch is connected... No, the rustling torque from the half-clutch stage has been transmitted. I tried it on the uphill slope on the closed course, but without opening the throttle, I could only get up to the top with a half-clutch. "I think this is it!", I was surprised.

"But don't you think it's tough with bumps?" There are people who think, right? That's what I thought at first.

But there was no problem at all.

I tried riding at a low speed on a narrow crank, getting into a tight corner, rising many times, and trying other things like narrow S, but I didn't notice any bumps. Rather, it's easier to ride to the extent that I forgot the heavy vehicle, then I was able to ride comfortably. I thought the suspension and tires were good, but there was not only torque, but also a solid sense of stability at the base. Therefore, there is no doubt that it was possible to bank with confidence. I can't stop playing a ride with the big naked motorcycle!

The handling was heavy in its own way, but it was fun enough to counterattack. It is a good bike that leads well even in modern times.

I would like to recommend it to other riders. "I like SUZUKI, I want to taste the final form of an oil-cooled engine, I want a naked motorcycle that doesn't ridden by anybody."

＜Rider B: Rio＞

[I am surprised by the light weight ride]
I took time for a test ride after taking a picture of the motorcycle body, but the maneuvering it was very heavy and I was pretty tired. Since the GSX1400 was running in such a situation, I wonder if I can drive it properly? I felt a little bit of anxiety, but that anxiety disappeared when I started riding. Anyway, the riding performance is light! You can ride as lightly as you can see where the weight of the previous one was. Although I ride along fine roads, they were free to handle and smooth.

And most of all, a full torque engine is great. It is possible to make a strong torque from the start and move forward without hesitation. GSX1400 power is really fun. GSX1400 is easy to ride at low speed with the margin of comfort, it is because of the large displacement and acceleration is sufficient. This seems to be able to feel the advantage in the long-distance touring by using high speed. I want many of the riders will experience the goodness of this motorcycle "GSX1400", by all means.

Summary

The impression of the 2 riders who experienced to test ride on this motorcycle were almost the same (lol). The fact that the 2 riders have almost the same impression without discussing each other, it is likely that the powerful torque of the GSX1400 remains impressive. Maybe the opportunity of having a test ride on this motorcycle is not just quite easy, but GSX1400 is one of the motorcycles that I want to ride, by all means. Since the width of this custom model seems to be wide, there are many ways to enjoy having this kind of motorcycle, and it seems to be an existence that cannot be let go.

See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX1400
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA
See Accessories for HONDA CB1300SF (Super Four)
See Accessories for KAWASAKI ZRX1200R