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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: JS1GP71T9D2100159.
The odometer shows 17,090 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller provided the following condition report:
Modifications:
Gustafsson tinted windshield.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Lasertec tires that have aged out, with date codes of 1705 and 1106.
The sale includes three keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: The seller states: “Various minor scratches. Paint damage on right side of tank and front left faring. Scratches on mirrors and engine covers”. Please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Chilliwack, B.C. Canada, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Canada title. Do you have any XN85 Turbo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
