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Suzuki XN 85D Turbo

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Make Model

Suzuki XN 85D Turbo

Year

1983

Production

1153 units

Engine

Four-stroke, transverse four cylinder, turbocharged, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

Capacity

673 cc / 41.1 cu in
Cooling System Air-cooled
Bore x Stroke 62 x 55.8 mm
Compression Ratio 7.4:1

Induction

Nippondenso electronic fuel injection

Ignition 

Transistorize
Starting Electric

Max Power

62 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm

Max Torque

76.4 Nm / 7.8 kgf-m / 56.4 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Clutch Wet, multi-plate

Transmission 

5 Speed 
Final Drive 530 chain, 39/16
Final Reduction 39/16

Front Suspension

37mm Kayaba shocks, adjustments for spring preload, anti-dive

Front Wheel Travel

150 mm / 5.9 in

Rear Suspension

Suzuki Full Floater, one Kayaba damper, 1 adjustment for spring preload

Rear Wheel Travel

106 mm / 4.2 in

Front Brakes

2 x 290mm Discs, 2 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 265mm disc, 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre

100/90 H16 Michelin A48

Rear Tyre

120/90 H17 Michelin M48
Dimensions Length: 2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width:     750 mm / 30.0 in
Wheelbase 1486 mm / 58.5 in
Seat Height 762 mm / 30.0 in

Dry Weight

218 kg / 479 lbs
Wet Weight 250 kg / 551 lb lbs

Fuel Capacity 

20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal

Consumption Average

6.9 L/100 km / 14.5 km/l / 34 US mpg / 40.8 Imp mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

12.3 sec / 171 km/h / 106 mph

Top Speed

206 km/h / 128 mph
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An early-release 1983 model, the XN85 was quite different than its two turbo predecessors, the Honda CX500TC Turbo and the Yamaha XJ650LJ Turbo. Whereas they filled a rather vague sport-touring niche the XN was an unapologetic sport bike. It featured the first factory 16-inch front wheel (previously seen only on race bikes), low clip-on handlebars, rearset foot pegs and a single shock rear suspension, Suzuki's first Full Floater - quite heady stuff back in the early '80s.

For a Turbo the engine was rather tame with boost kicking in around the 5,000 rpm mark. It pulled strongly from that point but always seemed a little too civilized for a bike with TURBO emblazoned so boldly on its fairing.  The XN85's forte was handling - there was simply nothing better at the time. If pushed to its limits the headers would touch down, but few riders were capable of that level of madness.

Yet these stellar credentials took a backseat to Suzuki's own lighter, quicker, and cheaper GS750ES released only months after the XN. The Turbo was quickly forgotten and Suzuki harbors few fond memories for the bike - Suzuki America does everything short of denying the bike's very existence.  Which is a shame cause the XN is a fun-to-ride refined motorcycle that's also proven reliable.

These bikes were at one time as hard to find as people who believe Clinton didn't inhale. But lately "for sale" signs on XNs have been showing up regularly. Therefore a revised value guide to the Suzuki Turbo is in order. We estimate that low-mileage XNs in excellent condition will bring about $3,000 to $4,000 on today's market but still be prepared to pay $7,000 and up for those in showroom condition, if you can find one. For comparison a 1983 GS750ES in worth about $1,500, tops. Interesting.