Suzuki GSX 1400 is impressive

The GSX1400 engine has been re-tuned for even more low-rpm torque, with a peak figure of 93ft lb at 5000rpm, and is very strong through the mid-range. The chassis, while conventionally styled, is well-equipped. Six-piston front brake calipers are sportsbike items, while the rear piggyback shocks and 46mm (1.9in) front forks are high-spec, fully adjustable items.

The handling of the Suzuki GSX 1400 is impressive, considering its mass and design. The suspension gives a plush, controlled ride, and although ground clearance is poor for a sportsbike, the GSX is still a very satisfying ride.

Pulling the big 228-kilogram dry GSX up to a stop is no problem with a pair of 6-piston calipers clamping on 320mm discs hauling the beast to a stop in no time. The front wheel can be locked at nearly any speed if a big handful of brake is grabbed suddenly. But thankfully the initial bite is not too savage and the considerable amount of stopping power can be modulated easily through the lever. Good one.

In the comfort department the big Suzuki impresses once again. I covered around 650 kilometres in a day without complaint. The next day I did feel a little muscle soreness across the shoulders from trying to ride the 1400 like a GSX-R but that was to be expected.

Instrumentation is plain and simple with two attractive binnacle style gauges with LCD inserts that provide two tripmeters, odometer, clock and accurate fuel gauge.

There is no question that the GSX is a good looking beast in any of the 3 colour choices. Candy Grand Blue, Metallic Galaxy or the old-fashioned Blue/White which was to be available only in limited numbers. But due to demand Suzuki have managed to secure enough numbers in order to add it to the permanent range.

That is the concerns of most buyers taken care of but as an added bonus the GSX adds a low seat height of only 790mm, excellent pillion accommodation and a massive amount of under-seat storage to round out what is a truly accomplished package.

So would I have one of these or a Bandit. No question there, the GSX1400 has it all over the Bandit in every area that matters.

Make Model Suzuki GSX 1400

Year 2001

Engine
Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Capacity 1402
Bore x Stroke 81 x 68 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Induction Fuel injection with 34mm throttle bodies

Ignition / Starting Electronic ignition / electric

Max Power 78 kW 106 hp @ 6800 rpm

Max Torque 126 Nm @ 5000 rpm

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed / chain

Front Suspension 46mm telescopic forks, preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable

Rear Suspension Dual piggyback reservoir shocks fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping

Front Brakes 2x 320mm discs 6 piston calipers

Rear Brakes Single 260mm disc 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17

Rear Tyre 190/50 ZR17
Seat Height 790 mm

Dry-Weight 228 kg

Fuel Capacity 22 Litres

Consumption average 15.5 km/lit

Standing ¼ Mile 11.4 sec

Top Speed 233 km/h

The GSX1400Z features special-edition blue and white livery, including Suzuki’s legendary three stripes (which, no doubt, makes the show go a helluva lot faster). This special-edition GSX1400Z marks the final stage of Suzuki's famous, air/oil-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine, which descended from the original GSX-R750 race replica in 1985. That means, friends, you’ll need to snap one up if you want a slice of this hugely-respected machine – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

"With impressive power and technology combined with bold, big bike styling, the Suzuki GSX1400 has been incredibly popular over many years. This stunning special-edition livery is the perfect way to celebrate the GSX1400 which will cease production at the end of this year," Perry Morison, General Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia said.