Cruisers
1981Suzuki GSX 400 L
19 fields on record
The 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 L is a lightweight custom cruiser ideally suited for beginner and intermediate riders seeking affordable, practical transportation. Its air-cooled 399cc twin engine delivers modest 27 horsepower with reliable 6-speed transmission, making it accessible for daily commuting and casual riding. Known for its manageable weight and approachable performance, this model exemplifies early 1980s cruiser styling with genuine usability.
- Capacity
- 399.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 186.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built for laid-back cruising and casual road riding rather than outright speed or sport performance.
- Built for
- It has a classic early-80s Japanese cruiser character, with a small-displacement air-cooled twin delivering easygoing, unhurried power.
- Not ideal for
- It is not for riders seeking high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering ability, or serious off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 399.0 ccm
- Power
- 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1452 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 67.0 x 56.6 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 141.0 km/h (87.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.60-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.60-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1981 | 1982 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 399 cc | 399 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 11.5 L | 11.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Suzuki GSX 400 L?
The 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 L has a Capacity of 399.0 ccm (24.35 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Suzuki GSX 400 L have?
The 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 L has a Power of 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM.
How many gears does the Suzuki GSX 400 L have?
The 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 L has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Suzuki GSX 400 L weigh?
The 1981 Suzuki GSX 400 L has a Wet weight of 186.0 kg (410.1 pounds).
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