Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo.
On the market for less than a year, Suzuki XN85 was the first factory bike to feature a 16-inch front wheel – previously reserved for race bikes. That wheel, combined with low clip-ons and a Suzuki Full Floater rear suspension made it a nearly peerless handler for the time. It also featured a low pressure turbo that helped boost power to 85 horsepower (hence the XN85 moniker). Just 300 of the 1,153 produced were brought to the US.
MSRP for the XN85 was $4,700, and it was equipped with Suzuki’s first application of their “Full Floater” rear suspension. Motorcyclist magazine said “Nothing works better in the corners than the Suzuki XN85.” You could expect 200 miles to a tank and a quarter mile time of 12.3 seconds, not bad for a bike that weighed 551 pounds wet.
According to Rider Magazine “The IHI (Ishikawajima-Harima Industries) turbo was mounted close to the electronic fuel injectors, which were just beyond the butterfly valve, and the blast of pressurized air would jam that fuel right into those combustion chambers. Where, in the interests of longevity, the compression ratios had been drastically lowered, from the 9.5:1 of the E and G to 7.4:1. The turbo had a non-adjustable pressure gauge and when the boost went over 9.6 psi the waste gate would open. The electronic ignition also had an ability to read boost pressures, retarding timing as the boost mounted.”
Manufactured in March 1983 this example is VIN: JS1GP71T0D2100261. The seller purchased the bike approximately 6 months ago from a Mecum auction.
The odometer shows 3,431 miles. The seller states “I bought the bike because it is a very cool and rare bike, and one of the best of the early 1980s Japanese turbo bikes. I also have an irrational interest in 1983 Japanese bikes. However, I have recently found that my vehicle collection has become unmanageable, so I am downsizing. I am no longer interested in storing a bunch of bikes to look at occasionally and ride even less, although I would put it in my living room if my wife did not have a divorce lawyer on speed dial. I had Iconic do all the work needed to get the bike into riding condition, so it’s ready to go.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we replaced the battery, changed the oil and filter, replaced the oil filter housing studs and bolts, cleaned the fuel injectors, made a new key for the gas cap, performed a hydro flush/fill, repaired the front and rear brake switch, rebuilt the fuel petcock, and replaced both of the tires. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: NA
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 39/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 34/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 32.5 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.09V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.2V
Running Condition: Ok
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 3 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
*Keys made for fuel cap also open fairing pockets and helmet lock
-Fuel gauge sending unit corroded, dead spots (Part no longer available)
Modifications:
The bike appears to be all stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC Durotour RS-310 tires with date codes of 3424 and 3924.
The sale includes one ingition key and two gas cap keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Suzuki is offered on a clean Montana title. Have any XN85 Turbo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
