Anyone know about the 400 Variable Valve engines?

[jodyvan]

I'm looking for as much information about the Japanese version of the '91 GSF400 that was never released in N. America but I seem to have purchased one for my first bike. I may have crashed it and put a hole (or few) in the clutch cover so need a new one as well as some minor things like new front turn signals and a headlight but those aren't too important. ;)

If anyone knows some info on this bike I'd love if they could share thier wisdom.

Cheers!

[Banditmax]

Clutch cover is exactly the same as the one which was released in the states. If your lucky gsxr400 racer might have a casing for you.

[PitterB4]

I may have crashed it

   You're not sure?

Almost all of the parts are the same or at least interchangable.

[jodyvan]

Haha... no definitly crashed it but being sarcastic only a little. Thanks for the tip.

[El Dopa]

The CDI is different for definite.

Apart from that, most parts are interchangable.

The biggest potential problem you (and me) will have is that there has never been an english language service manual for the gen 1 vvc (there is one for the gen 2).

I am assured by my local suzuki dealer that they will be able to magic somthing out of thin air, and properly service it, but I have my doubts.

I am guessing that becuase the valve timing is different, the cams and cam chain may be different, and will need servicing slightly differently from the non-vvc bandits.

[gsxr400 racer]

there is a manual in the free manual section above for the VV and id say you are correct about the servicing and cam stuff i still have 2 CDI box's for the VV model that i would come off cheap for a good cause.
cheers
Jay

[jodyvan]

Fogive my ignorance but what is a CDI box and what does it do. If you couldn't already tell I'm as newbie as it gets blissful in my ignorance till the bill for repairs comes. :P

And the manual that I looked for in the free section are no longer posted and as mentioned for the gen 2 VV bikes not the ones we have. I assume it's probably the same engine though no?

(Good grief the more I learn the more I find out how much I don't know.)

[gsxr400 racer]

CDI= the computer tha box that controls the ignition timing and rev limit the heart of the bike

[jodyvan]

So in other words a pretty important piece of the bike to know about. Haha. I did read something about there is a limiter on that box for Japan. Is that like a governor on a car limiting top speed or something? By changing that box can the bike be tuned higher or better etc....?

[El Dopa]

there is a manual in the free manual section above for the VV

...which means the relevant question is:

What are the diferences between the engines in the gen 1 (V) and gen 2 (VV)?

[El Dopa]

Fogive my ignorance but what is a CDI box and what does it do. If you couldn't already tell I'm as newbie as it gets blissful in my ignorance till the bill for repairs comes.

A CDI is a box of electronic trickery about the size of a ciggie packet that controls the spark timing of the plugs.

It is located under the pillion seat on your bike. Take the main riders seat off, you will see a couple of hex-head screws at the front of the pillion seat. Loosen these, and remove the pillion seat, and there it is.

[jodyvan]

Thanks El Dopa. What does buying a new CDI box help me accomplish?  if I change the timing of the sparks I assume better fuel economy or power of some sort?

Again I reiterate my newbie status. I suppose I could just google my answer.

Seems with all the fine bikes and ideas on here it'll be tough not to tweak my bike with little additions over time. Best little money trap I ever bought.    

[gsxr400 racer]

not sure how your derestrict the VV but the cdi box's i have are stock and probably restricted as well

[Banditmax]

Correct me if im wrong but i think the V has shimmed valves not tappets like the standard engine.

[gsxr400 racer]

very true on the shims uses the same ones as a gk76a gsxr400