Built for sale in Japan and extremely rare in Britain
In outstanding condition in all respects
The Appeal
The desire to make a racing motorcycle for the road is almost as old as motorcycling itself. Throughout history many manufacturers have attempted it, often with glorious results. Each generation has had its highlights and, for motorcyclists of the 1980s, there was really nothing better in the 400cc class than the Suzuki GSX-R.
The first iteration appeared in 1984 as a downsized road-going version of the Suzuki GS1000R, which won the 1983 Endurance World Championship. Its lightweight aluminium cradle frame and advanced liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve dohc engine was a combination never before seen in any other production bike, and a power output of 59bhp helped it up to speeds in the region of 120mph. A particularly noteworthy feature was the Deca Piston Brake System, so called for its 10 pistons, which was also a first for a production motorcycle.
The model underwent several upgrades in the 1980s, with the GSX-R400 arriving in 1988. Among its numerous improvements were the new Suzuki Power-Up Exhaust System which improved the engine’s low- to mid-range torque, and the all-new aluminium Dual Cell-ALBOX frame which was significantly more rigid than its predecessor. The Sports Production (SP) model was even more exciting, a racing homologation model boasting a close-ratio transmission, single seat and advanced front forks and rear shock absorbers.
As Suzuki intended the GSX-R400 primarily for the Japanese market, it’s a very rare machine in Britain, especially in extra-high-performance Sports Production homologation specification. Despite its rarity and its reputation for really thrilling performance, the GSX-R400s have historically not been collected as much as their 750cc siblings, which makes them an affordable classic road-racer. Interest is steadily growing, though, and this example happens to be in superb condition, so don’t miss this opportunity. If you do, who knows when you’ll get the chance to buy another?
The History and Paperwork
Originally sold in Japan
Imported into Britain in 1996
Acquired by the 14th and present keeper in 2022
Sold with its current V5
The Condition
Outstandingly good condition all-round
Immaculate paintwork and decals
Believed to be all original and unrestored
On inspection, this Suzuki appears to be have been the recipient of a high-quality restoration, but we don’t think it has been. Being such a low-mileage, sub-25,000-mile bike, we’re inclined to believe that it has been well cared-for all its life and the exceptional condition in which it presently appears is all, or mostly, original.
It is truly remarkable, with no obvious blemishes that we are able to see. All over the bike, the paintwork is nothing short of exceptional, and the decals look as if they could still be new, too. Even the wheels, which are always one of the areas most susceptible to scuffs or chips, don’t appear to have received so much as a single stone-chip. The foam seat is excellent, too.
As with any older motorcycle, there is some superficial patina on the bare metal parts and some of the plastic components, such as the indicator housings, show a few light marks, but they appear to be the only clues that the bike isn’t brand-new. To find one as good as this is, we think, pretty astonishing.
The Mechanics
Last used on the road in 2010
May need some recommissioning
Ridden for a total of 649 miles since 2006
Although not presently on the road, this bike does fire up and run very nicely. As its cosmetic condition is so good, we expect the mechanical side has been maintained and cared-for, too. Additionally, as it has only covered 22,546 miles from new, it is very unlikely that any of the mechanical parts should exhibit any wear.
We are pleased to report that the Suzuki benefits from some recent mechanical renovation. The carburettors have been fully rebuilt, as have the front forks and shock absorbers which have received new bearings and new fluids throughout.
An examination of the bike’s MoT history reveals that it was last ridden on the road in 2010, during which year it only covered 649 miles. It had not been used for several years prior to that, either. As it passed its test then with no advisories, we think it very likely that it would pass again with flying colours if it were to be tested right now.
After several years off the road, the Suzuki may need a spot of basic recommissioning before it is ridden again, but we don’t expect it to require any more than the bare minimum. If it does need any work to put it on the road, that will be picked up at its next MoT test, but we’re sure it won’t be long before it’s racing along some fast A-roads once again.
The Summary
The GSX-R400 was one of the great poster bikes of the 1980s, but as it was intended for the Japanese market, examples really come up for sale in Europe.
If you’ve always coveted a 1980s road-racer, we’d highly recommend placing some bids on this because you’re unlikely to see another one soon, much less one that’s this good. It’s a superbly preserved, low-mileage example which oughtn’t need more than the simplest recommissioning – in other words, an opportunity not to be missed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Il modo più sicuro per acquistare un'auto d'epoca online
Il sistema di pagamento sicuro di Car & Classic protegge acquirenti e venditori. Al termine dell'asta, l'offerente vincente trasferisce il pagamento su un conto vincolato di terzi. Una volta completato il trasferimento del veicolo, entrambe le parti confermano di essere soddisfatte della vendita e il denaro viene rilasciato al venditore.
Maggiori informazioni su come acquistare con noi
1990 Suzuki GSX-R400R SP
Come funzionano le offerte massime
Il processo di offerta massima ti permette di fare offerte senza preoccupazioni.
Inserisci la tua offerta massima e il sistema farà offerte automaticamente per assicurarsi che tu sia il miglior offerente - fino all'ammontare da te stabilito come tetto massimo.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic contrasta il fenomeno dello “sniping”, ovvero il fenomeno dei rilanci all'ultimo secondo per vincere l'asta.
Se viene fatta un'offerta nei 3 minuti prima della chiusura dell'asta, la scadenza di questa viene automaticamente estesa di 2 minuti per permettere agli altri offerenti di reagire e, se lo desiderano, di rilanciare.
Incrementi di offerta automatica
Se la sua offerta massima è uguale o inferiore al prezzo di riserva, la sua offerta massima sarà applicata per intero se lei è il miglior offerente.
Se siete il miglior offerente e fate un'offerta massima superiore a quella di riserva, la riserva verrà automaticamente inserita come prima offerta.
Una volta raggiunta la riserva, Car & Classic si assicurerà che tu sia il miglior offerente utilizzando solo gli incrementi di offerta indicati di seguito.
Vi terremo in testa fino alla vostra offerta massima O all'incremento più vicino alla vostra offerta massima, a condizione che la vostra offerta massima sia sufficiente a coprire il valore dell'incremento.
Ammontare dell'offerta
Incremento
Da £0 a £9,999
£100.00
Da £10,000 a £49,999
£250.00
Da £50,000 a £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Superamento immediato dell'offerta
Quando piazzi un'offerta massima e questa viene immediatamente superata, questo significa che un altro offerente ha impostato una soglia di offerta massima superiore alla tua.
Puoi fare nuovamente un'offerta o impostare una soglia più alta di offerta massima e il nostro sistema rilancerà fino alla nuova soglia, cercando di portarti a essere il miglior offerente.
Offerte massime di pari ammontare
Quando ci sono due offerte massime di pari ammontare, quella impostata per prima è quella che viene considerata “migliore offerta”.
Pre-autorizzazione
Potremmo trattenere un piccolo importo di pre-autorizzazione sulla tua carta fino alla fine dell'asta, quando quest'ultimo verrà poi stornato. Se vinci, verrà prelevata una caparra che verrà detratta dal pagamento del prezzo di vendita per il veicolo e non comporta costi aggiuntivi per te.
Cosa sono le Offerte pre-asta?
Offerte pre-asta significa che avete la possibilità di fare offerte prima dell'inizio ufficiale dell'asta.
Verrà comunicato se si è il miglior offerente o meno all'inizio dell'asta.
Problema con l'offerta
Le offerte sono contrattualmente vincolanti. Per tutelare l'utente, sono previste alcune regole nel caso in cui si ritenga che sia stato digitato in modo errato. Si prega di controllare e modificare quanto inserito.
