Suzuki GR650
 | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Class | standard |
| Engine | 652 cc (39.8 cu in) DOHC parallel twin |
| Bore / stroke | 77 x 70 mm[1] |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1[1] |
| Top speed | 110 mph (180 km/h) |
| Power | 50 hp (37.3 kW) @ 7200 rpm |
| Torque | 61 N⋅m (45.0 lbf⋅ft) @ 3500 rpm |
| Ignition type | Battery-powered, inductive, magnetically triggered |
| Transmission | 5 speed[1] |
| Frame type | double-downtube full cradle frame with a box-section steel swing arm |
| Suspension | center-axle with air-assisted form and 35mm tubes Front single shock, adjustable spring pre-load Rear |
| Brakes | 10.8 inch Disc Front 6.3 inch Drum Rear |
| Tires | 100/90 19 57H IRC GS-16 Front 130/90-16 67H IRC GS-16 Rear |
| Rake, trail | 27.5°, 4.4 inches (111.8 mm)[2] |
| Wheelbase | 1,430 mm (56.3 in)[1] |
| Dimensions | L: 2,145 mm (84.4 in)[1] W: 850 mm (33.5 in)[1] H: 1,190 mm (46.9 in)[1] |
| Seat height | 760 mm (29.9 in)[1] |
| Weight | 178.5 kg (393.5 lb)[1] (dry) 441 lb (200.0 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 13 litres (3.4 US gal)[1] |
| Oil capacity | 2.5 US quarts (2.4 L) |
| Fuel consumption | 57 miles per US gallon (4.1 L/100 km) |
The GR650 is a two-cylinder standard motorcycle built by Suzuki from 1983 to 1989. In the United States it was called the GR650 Tempter, and was only sold there for the 1983 and 1984 model years. Suzuki would later use the `Tempter' name on a version of the ST400 sold in Japan and Europe.[3]
Features
The GR650 was powered by an air-cooled DOHC parallel twin with two valves per cylinder (four valves total). This engine had a 180° crankshaft with a gear-driven counter-balancer and a wet sump.[4] The carburetors were two Mikuni CV BS36SS. To induce swirl in the air-fuel mixture Suzuki added a sub-intake port connecting the carburetor throat to the intake port just above the valve head. Suzuki claimed that this allowed the GR650 to run with a leaner mixture than usual, which improved fuel economy.[2] Two oil jets cooled the pistons at higher engine speeds.
The bike featured a two-stage flywheel which used a centrifugal clutch to disengage a secondary flywheel above 3000 RPM, effectively lowering the mass of the flywheel.[2] This was intended to dampen vibration and provide easier take-off at low RPM, and improve responsiveness at higher RPM.
The transmission was a five-speed fully meshed unit that drove the rear wheel through a 15/38 sprocket set and a #530 chain. Rear suspension was Suzuki's Full-Floater progressive mono-shock system.
At 393.5 lb (178.5 kg) dry and roughly 440 lb (199.6 kg) wet, the bike was lighter than most competitors with similar displacement, and it had a load capacity of 393 lb (178.3 kg).
Models
The GR650 was sold in two levels of trim; the GR650D and the GR650X. The GR650X came with traditional wire spoke wheels, a monochromatic paint scheme and non-adjustable front forks, and cost $2,149. The GR650D got a two-tone paint scheme, cast alloy spoke wheels, an auxiliary running lamp under the headlamp and adjustable front air forks and sold for $2,399.[5]
Reviews and riding impressions
Early reviews drew comparisons between the GR650 and classic British Twins, although some also saw a Cruiser influence.[6] Suzuki's decision to release the bike into a shrinking market for parallel twins was also noted.
Reviewers commented on the bike's light weight (Suzuki called it "450 class") and compact engine package. These qualities, combined with a low center of gravity, produced handling described as "supple" and "easy" and the bike was called "tossable".[2]
The engine's low-end torque was praised, although it was felt that peak power had been sacrificed. Cycle magazine recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. Reviewers also wrote that at higher RPMs vibration from the engine became more pronounced. The 5-speed transmission was described as smooth and easy-shifting.
In Cycle World's long-term test they remarked on the bike's reliability.[6] The only problems experienced after 14,000 miles was a leaking front shock oil reservoir and front pads that were worn down to metal at 7,400 miles..[6]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "1983 GR650X Tempter". www.suzukicycles.org.
- ^ a b c d "Suzuki GR650 Tempter". Cycle World. July 1983.
- ^ "Top 10 interesting Suzukis you might not know about". www.visordown.com.
- ^ "Suzuki GR650D Tempter". Cycle. May 1983.
- ^ "1983 Suzuki Tempter GR650-X". www.motorcycleclassics.com.
- ^ a b c "Suzuki GR650: For 14,000 Miles, A Good and Faithful Servant". Cycle World. July 1984.
External references
- "Suzuki GR650". www.realclassic.co.uk.
- "Suzuki GR650 History and Reviews". Archived from the original on 28 November 2013. Retrieved 2017-10-03.
- "GR650". suzukigr650.free.fr (in French).
- "Suzuki GR 650 Tempter". www.motorcyclespecs.co.za.