Suzuki GN 400 E - [1978] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.

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Performance Review: Suzuki GN 400 E - [1978]

Suzuki GN 400 E - [1978]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

Edition: Suzuki GN 400 E
Year: 1978 | Type: Standard
Engine: 396 cc (24.1 ci) 4 Valve
Engine Type: Wankel | Cylinders: 1
Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: SOHC
Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
Transmission: 5 speed | Manual
Drive: Chain
Wet Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
Dry Weight: 140 kgs (308 lbs)
Power: 27 bhp (20 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Torque: 21.7 lb-ft (29.4 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
BHP Per Ton: 168.7 bhp
Torque Per Ton: 135.6 lb-ft
0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 21.9 secs
0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 22.4 secs
Top Speed: 91 mph (146.4 kph)
1/4 Mile (Est.): 0 secs @ 0 mph
Frame: Steel

Car Related eBooks and Audiobooks

Suzuki GN 400 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Suzuki GN 400 E is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Suzuki GN 400 has a 396cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1978 GN 400 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the GN 400's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Yamaha WR 250 Z | 1989cc.1984 Yamaha FZ 400 N | 1984cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Suzuki GN 400 E in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1978 Suzuki GN 400 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 396cc 4 valve Wankel 1 cylinder engine produces 27 bhp (20 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].

The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 21.7 lb-ft (29.4 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki GN 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Honda CB 400 N Super Dream - [1978] image

The 1978 Honda CB 400 N Super Dream has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Suzuki GN 400 E.

The 1978 Suzuki GN 400 E has a Power to weight ratio of 168.7 bhp per ton and 135.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 GN 400 competing with the 1978 Honda CB 400 N Super Dream [193.7 bhp\ton] and the 1982 Kawasaki Z 400 Custom [193.5 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki GN 400 generating around 135.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1992 Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion [160.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R [160.5 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 21.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 22.4 secs, this makes the Suzuki GN 400 E similar in acceleration to the 1981 Suzuki GN 400 E (21.9 secs) and the 1980 Suzuki GN 400 E (21.9 secs). This Suzuki GN 400 E also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Kawasaki GTO 125 Single Cylinder - [1990] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1978 Suzuki GN 400 E and the 1990 Kawasaki GTO 125 Single Cylinder

When talking about the performance of the 1978 Suzuki GN 400 E on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1990 Kawasaki GTO 125 Single Cylinder (0 secs) and the 2021 Honda ADV 150 Limited Edition (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1978 version of the Suzuki GN 400 E has a maximum speed of 91mph.

Top Speed of the 1978 GN 400 equals the 2023 Honda CL 500 500 cc

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Suzuki GN 400 E then how about a 2023 Honda CL 500 500 cc (102 mph) and the 2014 Yamaha XT 660 R (102 mph).