2005–2006 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
1400cc of Low-End Authority
The GSX 1400 is built around its engine, and everything else falls in line behind it. A 1402 cc oil-cooled inline-four sits in a steel double-cradle frame, with twin shocks out back and no bodywork to hide any of it. The figures tell you what kind of bike this is: 106 hp at 6,700 rpm, but 94 lb-ft of torque at just 5,000 rpm. That's a muscle bike, not a sport naked. Fuel injection and a 4-2-1 exhaust with a catalytic converter keep it civil, and the electronics end right there: no ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. Old school, and proud of it.
On the road it's far more relaxed than the size suggests. The 31.1 in (790 mm) seat height puts your feet firmly on the ground, and the chassis stays stable when the pace climbs. Suspension is adjustable at both ends, so you can set it up for your weight or for a passenger. It's for you if you want effortless pull, classic looks and two-up miles without drama. The caveat is the front brake: the six-piston calipers lack bite and need a firm squeeze on a machine this heavy. Check used examples for corrosion on the fork legs and engine cases, too. Buy with open eyes.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 106 hp (78 kW) @ 6,700 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 94 lb-ft (128 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 1402 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 190/50-17 |
| Wheelbase | 59.8 in (1520 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.8 gal (22 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
I've been listening to GSX 1400 riders for years: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. The picture they paint is remarkably consistent. They rave about the engine, the comfort and the look, and they're just as open about the weight, the suspension and what winter does to the bike.
The line you hear most is about effort, or rather the lack of it: riders say the acceleration is simply there, whatever speed you're doing. Almost as often they bring up the refinement. Where they expected an inline-four scream, they describe a deep, pleasant thrum instead. Owners also praise the engine's character and its durability. Nobody complains here.
Comfort comes up constantly, and it's usually told from both seats. Riders talk about the wide seat, the upright position and a plush ride, and passengers get mentioned as often as the person up front. The styling gets the same warmth: muscular, uncluttered lines, twin analog clocks, the blue and white paint and a wide rear tire that gives the bike real presence. Many add that it's more agile on a winding road than its bulk suggests. A few mention the underseat compartment, which swallows a lock and your waterproofs. Handy!
The gripe nearly everyone shares is the weight at a standstill: parking it or pushing it around the garage takes care. A smaller group disagrees with the plush verdict. They say the fork lacks damping control and the rear shocks can feel harsh over bumps, and many of them have changed fork springs and oil. Some owners also report that the metal parts suffer quickly on salted roads if you don't clean the bike regularly, which is why many keep theirs for dry days. Fair-weather toy, they say.
Poor braking performance from six-piston calipers
The stock Tokico six-piston front calipers lack initial bite and progressive feel, requiring high lever effort for effective stopping. Often not up to the performance of the heavy machine.
Fuel pump failures
Some owners report fuel pump issues, leading to engine cutting out or failure to start. The problem appears sporadic but is a known concern.
Corrosion on fork legs and engine cases
Fork stanchions and engine covers are susceptible to surface corrosion and pitting, especially when used in wet conditions or not washed after winter riding.
Wheel paint chipping
The factory paint on the cast alloy wheels is prone to chipping and flaking, particularly around the rim edges, leaving an unsightly appearance.
Where this Suzuki GSX 1400 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the GSX 1400 is actually built for.
For weekend loops with a long lunch stop, this fits you well: big torque, upright comfort and room for a passenger. Just don't expect a sharp front brake when the pace gets sporty.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
Straight answer: it handles well for its size and has good lean clearance, but it's long, heavy and short on front brake. In tight, technical corners you'll work harder than you'd like.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If precision and corner-chasing are your whole point, this isn't your tool. If you'd rather surf the canyons on torque and sound, with no rider aids in between, it delivers.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
