I need information on 1981 Suzuki GN400 and other general info

[GN400]

Hi there,

I am new to motorcycling, and do not know much about motorcycles. I am however mechanically minded, and have done my own small projects on cars. I wish to make a custom motorbike, and have my eyes set on an old 1981 Suzuki GN400L. Please see the link, for what i wish to achieve by customizing the GN400. I have a couple of questions, and would appreciate any feedback at all:

1. What is the difference between the GN400 & GN400L?
2. What is the availability of spares for the bike (gasket kits, chains, accessories, etc.) and are they expensive?
3. How would i go about getting bigger tyres, and new spoked rims for the bike?
4. Has anyone rode a GN400 of a similar era, if so, what are your thoughts on the bike?
5. How reliable are the GN400 motors? Only wanting to use for daily commute, but still worth knowing.
6. How would i go about getting a repair manual or owners manual for the bike/engine?

Any information on bike customization, suzuki GN400's, or general information, would be much thanks.

Cheers, Hal

Link: https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=custom+suzuki+gn400&safe=off&rlz=1C1CHMO_enNZ516NZ516&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&imgil=CbQkZ5SQsOoIqM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252F encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9 GcR6s_KSOSF_Xp-05pR-oTAuIc8Kjfz5Mi1-2MdEN97B-kW6D8PV%253B700%253B467%253BL0JhaBAIty7oDM%253Bhtt p%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.pipeburn.com%25252Fhome% 25252F2012%25252F10%25252F22%25252F1980-suzuki-gn400-holiday-customs.html&source=iu&usg=__-JKva9ASIvAavw1_c2GG2uMczeQ%3D&sa=X&ei=v6R6U-aTIJHPkgWH64GACA&ved=0CC0Q9QEwAA#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=CbQkZ5SQsOoIqM%253A%3BL0JhaBAIty7oDM%3Bhttp% 253A%252F%252Fwww.pipeburn.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F10%252Fholiday_gn _400-10.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.pipeburn.com%252Fh ome%252F2012%252F10%252F22%252F1980-suzuki-gn400-holiday-customs.html%3B700%3B467

[Oakie]

I assume you have one available? I've never seen one in NZ. That might answer your question about parts availability.

[Stylo]

I assume you have one available? I've never seen one in NZ. That might answer your question about parts availability.

Same here, heard about them, never seen one - good luck with the project nonetheless.

[ducatilover]

Parts are plentiful overseas, and reasonably cheap. You'll find it will be the same motor as an SP400/DR400 of the era.
I have never ridden one, but I don't expect it will light your pants on fire. However many SP/DR motors can be made to accommodate a much larger piston quite happily. :niceone:
Rims will be the standard 36 spoke Suzuki of the era, some DRs ran 17 inch rears so a rim from one of those and spokes to suit would be nice.
I'm fitting a DR600 to my GN250, so you're not the only sick person here :bleh:

[GN400]

Cheers guys for the input! Yeah the gn400 is the only one ive seen in nz too. And I have been told that it has the same engine as the DR400, so at least im on the right track! Wow a 600cc in a gn250, I bet that thing will fly! Good luck with yours too!

[ducatilover]

There used to be a few floating around, my theory is that they were just a cheap shit commuter and not sexy (like a GB or SR) so they all got trashed.
There's nothing spectacular about one, but I think they're a nice base for modifying because they are so simple

[RDjase]

I had a GN400 about 25 years ago, ended up with it on a part trade on something I had. It had 6 bender bars and the brake hose disconnected as it was to short for the stupid bars. Put some low bars on it and used to get to work for a few months, seemed to go alright from memory. Havnt seen any others but there must have been some around in NZ

[GrayWolf]

Last time I saw one (trademe) was around 2yrs ago....
Saw one in the flesh down south (when I lived there).. not fast, not spectacular, but regular oil changes and servicing, it seemed to 'go on for ever' ......

[turtleman]

I had one some 25-30 years ago. Nothing outstanding in the performance stakes, but fairly lightweight and very reliable. Cheap as chips to run, too.

[ktm84mxc]

There were a few imported either as a new bike or Japanese used import, basically an over sized 250 the motor is based on the SP/DR 400 with the addition of electric start.
The "L" is Suzuki's model code for there custom/cruiser look they made models from 250-1100cc usually with 2-4 cylinder engines. Other makers had there own eg Kawasaki's SR LTD, Yamaha's Mid night special etc
Most consumables will be regular of the counter parts, turning it into a bobber will be pretty easy if that's the look your after.

[ducatilover]

There were a few imported either as a new bike or Japanese used import, basically an over sized 250 the motor is based on the SP/DR 400 with the addition of electric start.
The "L" is Suzuki's model code for there custom/cruiser look they made models from 250-1100cc usually with 2-4 cylinder engines. Other makers had there own eg Kawasaki's SR LTD, Yamaha's Mid night special etc
Most consumables will be regular of the counter parts, turning it into a bobber will be pretty easy if that's the look your after.

I always thought they were kick only?