Suzuki GS450

The GS450 was a Suzuki motorcycle produced in the early 1980s. It was a two-valve design of the four-valved GSX400 hence based on the pressurized oil and shell bearing GSX block like its successor, the GS500 twin.

Suzuki GS450

GS450T
Manufacturer	Suzuki Motor Corporation
Production	1980
Predecessor	Suzuki GSX400
Successor	Suzuki GS500
Class	Naked bike
Engine	448cc, 4-stroke cycle, air-cooled parallel twin, DOHC (Dual overhead camshaft), 2 cylinder
Transmission	6-speed, chain drive
Wheelbase	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,080 mm (82 in) W: 800 mm (31 in)
Seat height	790 mm (31 in)
Weight	385 pounds (175 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity	17.0 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) 20.0 L (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) (from 2001)

Model variants include the GS450E, GS450L, GS450S, GS450T, and GS450GA Suzukimatic. The GS450 series was a direct competitor to the Honda CM400 / CM450 series. The GS450A Suzukimatic was only produced for 2 years 1982 and 1983 coinciding with the change of the CM400A Hondamatic up to the CM450A, as a direct response to the GS450A Suzukimatic. Both the Suzukimatic and the Hondamatic ceased production after the 1983 model year.

History

The 1980 Suzuki GS450 is a 448cc engine street racer bike that was first created by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki in direct competition with Honda's CM series. It was put into production after its predecessor, the GS 400, which was manufactured from 1976 to 1981, and discontinued when its successor, the GS500, entered production from 1989 to 2009. The GS450 is considered a standard, a relatively small bike that can be extensively modified to suit a rider's taste.

Specifications

The specifications of the bike include an 2.08 meters long, 49.5 centimeters wide frame, with a 79 centimeters seat height and 138.4 centimeter wheel base. Without fluids the bike weighs 175 kg. It is able to carry 205 kg of rider and luggage. Able to reach speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) this motorcycle can take the rider where they want to go in a quick and stylish manner. An electric ignition and starter make for easy startup. It has been claimed that the twin cylinder motor can reach 23 km/L in a patient cruise.

Design

The 1980 GS model has a mix of German, Japanese and Italian sport bike styling which is simply dubbed "Eurostyle." Cycleworld notes that "the 450's suspension is not as efficient as the handling of the bike, yet this bike boasts one of the most soft supple rides of all small engine street bikes that no other bike with the same displacement can match." Because of the low handlebar placement and slightly rear-set foot pegs, the rider is put into a racer position when cornering.

Criticism

In cold weather, this bike takes an extended period of time to warm up, usually less than 90 seconds.