Suzuki RF series

Powerplants and fueling

The 600 cc and 900 cc version are both based on the GSX1100R bottom end – a 16-valve inline-four, four-stroke, water-cooled unit. The RF has smaller carburetors (Mikuni BDST36 36 mm downdraughts), and smaller valves. This results in a smoother power delivery and a more usable engine. The engine is canted forwards in the frame by 19 degrees to allow for a lower center of gravity, and allows the fuel air mixture to be "dropped" into the cylinders on the intake stroke. This also allows for a 6-litre airbox. The 900 cc engine has a redline of 12,000 rpm (although maximum power is achieved before this at 10,000 rpm), and the 600 cc engine has a slightly higher 13,500 rpm redline.

There is no fuel gauge, however a "fuel low" light is present, which gets brighter as the reserve level is approached. Filling up at the lowest brightness of the light will result in only half the fuel capacity of the motorcycle being used. The bike has a 4 L (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal) reserve, switched to with the usual fuel cock on the left hand seat unit fairing.

The 400 cc version is somewhat different, and uses the engine from the Suzuki GSF400 fitted with 32 mm Mikuni carburetors.

The 900 uses a stainless 4-2-1 exhaust header while the 600 and 400 bikes use steel 4-1 headers. The later 600, and all the 900 versions use a tri-bolt can fitment. The earlier 600 and all 400 RF bikes use a slip on with link pipe system, with a join below the center of the bike.

Cooling

The RF series uses a U-shaped water-filled radiator, which allows the engine to sit lower, and closer to the front wheel. The oil filter is also water-cooled, and there is a cooling fan fitted to the rear of the radiator. This is effective at cooling the motorcycle to the point where it can be used happily at 9,000 ft without overheating. There is a temperature gauge for monitoring water temperature.

Transmission

The 900 cc model is fitted with a 5-speed constant mesh box (using the exact parts from its elder GSXR1100 brother), while the 400 and 600 use 6-speed versions to make the most of the smaller displacement power units. The lubrication of the gearbox and clutch is shared with the crank and engine lubrication. The 900 uses a RK532GSV2 x 110 links chain, although can be converted to use more readily available specifications. The 600 uses a RK50MF0Z1 x 108 links chain. The usual 1-N-2-3-4-5(-6) gearbox shifting pattern is observed. The 900 uses a hydraulically actuated clutch, while the 600 and 400 use cable actuation.

Chassis and braking

A hollow steel perimeter frame is used to reduce size and cost as well as improve comfort. Achieving the same strength with aluminum would require much larger frame spars making the frame much wider (and less comfortable). The hollow steel frame allows leg reliefs which are blended into the contours of the tank and bodywork.

In 1996, Suzuki upgraded the front forks on the 900 providing rebound adjustment (though compression is still non-adjustable in all years). The external dimensions of the earlier and later forks are identical so they are a direct bolt-on replacement. However, many choose to spend the equivalent money on a Racetech cartridge upgrade which provides better damping than the 96+ forks.

The OEM suspension provides a reasonable amount of comfort yet remains composed while riding across real-world road surfaces even when the pace crests triple digits. Only in a track environment will the RF suspension become a limiting factor. Braking is good from the stock Nissin brakes, which benefit significantly with upgraded steel braided brake lines.

World record

The facts:

Worldrecords:

Fastest lap average: 268,965 km/h (167,163 mph) at 7:05 am, when the air had the highest oxygen concentration