1987 Suzuki GSX400X Impulse review from New Zealand

Got stolen!

Mono-shock elbow little end bearing replaced at 120000 km. OEM cost $650, so used a 25 cent nylon bush (lasted at least 160000 km without requiring replacement.

Seat wore out at 150 000, recovered.

Efficiency of engine cooling decreased with age. When near new it was seriously overcooled (unless racing). With age it tended to stall at idle while waiting for lights - diagnosed as a combination of fuel boiling in carburettor, and ignition system breaking down due to heat.

Muffler died permanently at about 170000 (6 years), but it is fair to say would have lasted longer if it hadn't been smacked by a blind tin-top.

My first (stolen) Impulse was user friendly, with excellent brakes, handling, and acceleration to match. The engine was brilliant, aside from regular oil and plug changes (the secret to Suzuki reliability). I was aiming for 500 000 before an engine rebuild.

Recalling my first Suzuki Impulse, I after 10 years of other bikes (Honda, Kawasaki, BMW) decided to return to the Suzuki fold and picked up a very average 20 year old (63000 km, 16 previous owners) Impulse.

The seat feels harder than I recall, but is becoming more comfortable as I begin to throw the bike around and spend less time sitting on it. A few tweaks adjusting cables, gear shifts and tyre pressures and the magic returned.

In NZ the Suzuki GSX400X Impulse was the courier riders choice for many years as it has an unbreakable engine, Full time oil pump, huge carrying capacity (I had mine loaded with over 220kg of luggage), quick and nimble both on the open road, and in town. Not only cheaper (1/2 the cost), but more reliable than its flasher, heavier, fully faired brother, the GSX400rf.

Formula three racers also liked it. In standard trim (less mirrors and indicators) it would quite happily pull 237+Km down the back straight at Pukekohe raceway, then handle the judder bars under full brakes through the hairpin... One guy I knew coaxed an additional 15 hp out of his Impulse simply by polishing his carburettors.