The Suzuki RF series is a family of sport touring motorcycles built from 1994 to 1999. It came with 400, 600 and 900 cc engines, the two larger ones derived from the GSX1100R four and tuned for smoother, more usable power.
Suzuki RF series at a glance
| Production | 1994–1999 |
|---|---|
| Type | sport tourer |
| Engines | 400, 600 and 900 cc fours |
| 600 and 900 basis | GSX1100R bottom end, 16-valve inline four |
| Carburettors | Mikuni BDST36, 36 mm downdraught |
| 400 engine | from the GSF400, with 32 mm Mikunis |
| Engine angle | canted forward 19 degrees |
| Airbox | 6 litres |
| Frame | hollow steel perimeter |
| Radiator | U-shaped, water-filled |
| Gearboxes | five-speed on the 900, six-speed on the 400 and 600 |
| Redlines | 12,000 rpm on the 900, 13,500 rpm on the 600 |
History of the Suzuki RF series
A softer GSX-R
The RF arrived in 1994 as a sport tourer rather than a race replica. The 600 and 900 shared a 16-valve, water-cooled inline four based on the GSX1100R bottom end, but with smaller 36 mm Mikuni downdraught carburettors and smaller valves, which made the power delivery smoother and more usable. The engine was canted forward by 19 degrees for a lower centre of gravity, letting the fuel-air mixture drop into the cylinders and making room for a 6-litre airbox. The 900 redlined at 12,000 rpm with peak power at 10,000, while the 600 revved to 13,500. The 400 used the GSF400 engine with 32 mm carburettors.
Chassis and details
A hollow steel perimeter frame was chosen over aluminium because matching its strength in aluminium would have made the frame much wider and less comfortable; the steel frame also allowed leg reliefs blended into the tank. Cooling came from a U-shaped water-filled radiator that let the engine sit lower and closer to the front wheel, with a water-cooled oil filter and a fan behind the radiator; Suzuki claimed it would run happily at 9,000 feet without overheating. The 900 used a five-speed gearbox with parts from the GSX-R1100 and a hydraulic clutch, while the 400 and 600 had six speeds and cable clutches. Brakes were Nissin items, and the 900’s forks gained rebound adjustment in 1996.
Records
On 4 and 5 June 1993 a team from Suzuki Germany, Metzeler and the magazine Motorrad ran two RF900Rs at 125 hp and set FIM-observed records, including the fastest lap average of 268.965 km/h at 7:05 in the morning, when the air held the most oxygen.
Design and features
- GSX-R-derived engines: 600 and 900 fours with smaller carbs and valves for smoother power.
- Steel perimeter frame: narrower and more comfortable than an aluminium equivalent.
- Clever cooling: a U-shaped radiator and water-cooled oil filter.
- Record-breaking: RF900R endurance speed records in June 1993.
Suzuki RF series versions
- RF400: GSF400 engine with 32 mm carburettors.
- RF600: 600 cc four, six-speed gearbox, steel 4-1 exhaust.
- RF900: 900 cc four, five-speed gearbox and stainless 4-2-1 exhaust.
The RF engines came from the GSX-R and Bandit families, and the sport-touring role later passed to the V-Strom. More Suzukis are in the Suzuki collection.
Video: suzuki rf 600
Video by Primeiro Último on YouTube.
Sources
- Suzuki RF series, English Wikipedia: engines, chassis, cooling, records
