The Japanese maxi scooter Suzuki Skywave 400 (photos of it are posted on the page) is a modern means of transportation in a metropolis. The car is inferior in maneuverability to nimble bikes with 125 cc engines, but the level of comfort of a scooter is much higher. Suzuki Skywave 400 is a complete analogue of the Honda Silver Wing 400, if we consider these two scooters from the point of view of technical parameters. The difference is observed in the engine: the Silver has two cylinders, while the Suzuki is equipped with a single-cylinder engine.
Suzuki Skywave 400: technical specifications
The Skyway 400 model is the only Japanese maxi scooter that is available in four body styles. Modifications are designated by numbers 41, 42, 43, 44.
- Body 41 (produced since 1998) - without a tachometer, with one headlight, a small luggage compartment, carburetor injection.
- Case 42 (manufactured since 2000) - no tachometer, one headlight, large trunk, two small glove compartments, carburetor.
- Housing 43 (produced since 2002) - injection, two headlights, tachometer, combined brake.
- Body 44 (produced since 2006) - an injector, two headlights, a fairing, a tachometer, one large glove compartment and two small ones, a spacious trunk, a combined brake.
Dimensional and weight parameters:
- scooter length - 2270 mm;
- height along the steering wheel - 1385 mm;
- saddle height - 710 mm;
- width - 760 mm;
- gas tank capacity - 12 liters;
- dry weight of the scooter - 150 kg;
- fuel consumption per 100 km - 3 liters;
The Suzuki Skywave 400 model (for the European market the name Burgman) has been produced from 1998 to the present in various modifications. During the entire production period, the scooter was restyled twice. The modernization concerned mainly the front flap, chassis, brakes and electrical equipment. The engine was not subject to improvements, since its parameters were impeccable and did not leave much to be desired.
Technical characteristics of Suzuki 400 Bandit
| Motorcycle classification | road bike |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Dimensions (height; length; width), mm | 1060; 2055; 700 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 1430 |
| Engine capacity, cm.cm. | 398 |
| Cooling type | liquid |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 56 |
| Compression ratio | 11,8 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Ignition type | electronic |
| Maximum power, hp, rpm | 53; 11000 |
| Torque, Nm | 38 |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| type of drive | chain |
| Frame | steel; tubular |
| Front tire size | 110 to 70, R17 |
| Rear tire size | 150 to 60, R17 |
| Front brake type | double-disc (each 310 mm) |
| Rear brakes | single disc (250 mm) |
| Front suspension type | telescopic, stroke 120 mm |
| Rear suspension type | Monoshock absorber with compression adjustment and 130 mm travel |
| Acceleration up to 100 km/h;sec | 5 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 190 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 16 |
| Dry weight of the motorcycle, kg | 167 |
Power point
The Suzuki Skywave 400 engine is a well-balanced unit, its discreet power turns the scooter into a two-wheeled airliner, silently creeping along wide city highways.
- engine type - four-stroke, single-cylinder;
- fuel - high-octane gasoline AI 95;
- power - 33 l. With. at a rotation speed of 1400 rpm;
- torque - 35 newtonometers, at 1300 rpm;
- gas distribution mechanism (GRM) - two-shaft, four-valve;
- rear wheel drive - variator.
The Suzuki Skywave 400 engine, the characteristics of which when combined with a CVT transmission look quite solid, allows you to reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. However, the manufacturer does not recommend operating the machine at high speeds. There is no such thing as a "racing scooter". Relatively small wheels are afraid of uneven surfaces; the scooter may tip, and then a skid will occur.
Video
Suzuki GSF 250 Bandit
the first generation, produced from 1989 to 1994, is the youngest motorcycle in the famous line of Japanese “Bandits”. Along with the GSF 400, it was one of the first representatives of this line to appear on the assembly line, and it was partly thanks to it that the Bandit series became so popular. Representing a classic road bike, this model gave bikers what they needed - a reliable, inexpensive, attractive and, at the time of its release, a completely modern motorcycle.
Despite its small cubic capacity, the Suzuki GSF 250 was equipped with an inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, borrowed with some modifications from the GSX R250 sports bike. The power of this power unit varies from 38 to 45 horsepower depending on the year of manufacture and, accordingly, modification of the motorcycle. The 45-horsepower engine originally had red-painted valve covers - fans of the Suzuki Bandit line know firsthand about the “red-headed Bandits.” The maximum torque of the Suzuki GSF 250 engine is 25 nM, which is not much, but for a light motorcycle this is quite enough. The main gear drive is a chain. The transmission is six stages, the gearbox is interlocked with the engine in one unit.
Thanks to the impressive power volume for 250 cubic centimeters and low weight (the dry weight of the Suzuki GSF 250 Bandit is only 144 kilograms), the motorcycle turned out to be very dynamic and with a perky character. Compact (length - just over two meters), light, nimble, the youngest of the "Bandits" is designed to easily get through city traffic jams. Outside the city, where speeds are often higher and crosswinds sometimes create problems, the GSF 250, of course, does not feel so confident. A light motorcycle is noticeably blown away by the side wind, and from cars passing towards you at a decent speed it simply shakes.
Short first gears contribute to the pleasant dynamics of the motorcycle. Despite the modest torque, it accelerates very quickly and is capable of giving the motorcyclist a lot of adrenaline. True, the small size makes some adjustments - the Suzuki GSF 250 Bandit will be a bit cramped for a tall biker. But for a beginner, or just a thin and short rider, it will be just right. The maximum speed of the younger “Bandit” is 180 kilometers per hour, which is simply an excellent indicator for a 250 cc motorcycle, especially one developed almost three decades ago.
The element of the Suzuki GSF 250 is city streets. He feels right at home on them, and the 14-liter gas tank means he doesn't have to think about refueling too often. However, in the combined cycle, the forced GSF 250 engine easily consumes 5 liters or more. The bike readily digests AI-92, but sometimes it “sneezes” from bad gasoline.
For its time it was simply a gorgeous motorcycle. It cost less than 400 cc bikes, and rode no worse, and sometimes better, than them. At the same time, the signature style and reliability of Suzuki were transferred to the GSF 250 Bandit from its brothers in full. And now, despite their advanced age, these motorcycles are sometimes found on the secondary market, so novice bikers should take a closer look at them - they are an interesting option.
Chassis
Both suspensions of the scooter, its elongated base, the angle of departure of the front wheel - everything is designed for stable riding on a flat, hard-surfaced road. 13-inch wheels provide a soft ride, and the smooth thrust of the engine allows movement without jerking at speeds in the range from 28 to 100 kilometers per hour. The front suspension is single-pole, with effective linkage damping and vibration damper. The mechanism is equipped with a reinforcing spring. The rear suspension is an articulated short-link with an adjustable mono-shock absorber. Due to the low center of gravity, the scooter is stable on course and corners stably. However, on small radius turns, the car needs to reduce speed, since the lower part of the body can touch the asphalt if it is tilted too much. Insufficient ground clearance has an effect.
Specifications
Let's start the review with the most interesting thing about the Suzuki Bandit 400 - technical specifications. The motorcycle has a fully functional and productive engine, which is aggressive and sporty compared to similar motorcycles. It is worth considering that the motorcycle’s engine is not original, it was taken from the GSX-R400 model, and that is why the model has become so powerful and reliable. As a result, a 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 400 cubic meters is capable of delivering a maximum speed of as much as 190 km/h. Below is a detailed description of the main characteristics.
The Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit motorcycle is not produced today; production of the 400 model stopped in 1997. But the world has already been able to evaluate its quality, having left more than one thousand copies in operation, which once again proves the reliability of the model. And this is confirmed by excellent assembly details: the main element is a tubular welded frame, which ensures reliable operation at high speed. The second parameter that ensures excellent safety is high-quality brakes - both disc.
Comfort
The Suzuki Skywave 400 model is equipped with a soft double seat based on polyurethane filler. The saddle is reinforced with steel springs to maintain its shape and provide elasticity. The configuration is complex, the space for the passenger is smaller than the driver's, but trips over short distances leave a favorable impression of comfort.
In terms of ease of fit and ergonomics, Skyway is in first place among all Japanese scooters and motorcycles. However, one can feel the car being adapted to suit the Japanese consumer; everything seems to be designed for small stature. A person taller than 180 centimeters sits on a scooter with some uncertainty. However, after a short time you can get used to the parameters of the seat, floor and footrests.
Skyway 400 is equipped with a low windshield that effectively protects from headwinds and even rain. The angle of inclination of the transparent module is designed in such a way that oncoming wind flows bend around it and an air bag is created. The motorcyclist and passenger are thus in a kind of “dead zone” and feel quite comfortable.
Devices
The Suzuki Skyway 400 maxiscooter is equipped with a modern panel with a set of digital sensors. The round dials of the speedometer and tachometer are located on the same line; next to them are two compact indicators: the fuel level and the engine heating temperature. Below, in the center, the ignition switch is built in. The instrument panel is strictly symmetrical; at the edges there are two small buzzers that sound signals when engine malfunctions or other abnormal situations related to the chassis occur. In addition to the appearance of an audible warning, red lights light up on the instrument panel.
Buyers' opinion
Owners of the Suzuki Skywave 400 maxi-scooter, whose reviews are generally positive, note primarily the comfortable feeling when driving on smooth roads, a smooth ride and silent engine operation. However, all buyers agree that on rough roads the level of comfort decreases significantly. The front wheel transmits shocks through the handlebars, which make it difficult to control the scooter. And the rear suspension throws the passenger up, and this happens chaotically. To avoid shaking, you have to reduce the speed to a minimum and move, carefully avoiding bumps and irregularities.
Otherwise, the owners do not see any shortcomings. The engine power is more than sufficient, its throttle response allows you to make a jerk if necessary and move forward if the road situation requires it. Or, conversely, stop in time, since the scooter’s ventilated disc brakes are highly efficient.
