Suzuki 400cc single - model name? (not savage or LS400)

A while ago there was reference in ukrm or in ukrmc to a suzuki 400cc single
that appeared to use the same engine as the LS400 but in a kind of "cafe
racer" type frame. Can anyone remember what the name or model number of the
damned thing is?

 

Sure you don't mean the 350 Goose?

Other than that I haven't a clue...

HTH

Dave

 

Nope - I'm sure had the LS400 / LS650 savage type engine and it was
definitely 400cc (unless I dreamed it course).

 

OK - found it. It was the "Tempter" http://tinyurl.com/r97ko

 

Better picture http://tinyurl.com/n7lem

 

Suzuki also made a 650 twin with that name (aka the GR650), in the early
1980s. It had a sort of split centrifugal flywheel - at low revs all the
flywheel weight was engaged, for plonkability, and then at high revs the
weights disengaged for revviness.

Sounds a good idea, but nobody seems to have copied it, and the bike
itself wasn't too solid, so....

I actually rode one in Sweden, in, erm, erm, summer 1983. It was a sort
of semi-cruiser thing. A bit soft and soggy, IIRC. Like an oversized
GS450, to be honest.

http://www.fremontcycle.com/bikes/photos/tempter_004.jpg

It as on that same trip that I rode the first ever DOHC watercooled
16-valve four that Japan ever produced and no, it wasn't the GPZ900R,
like so many people (including the Yanks, so I've X-posted this to
reeky, to enlighten them) think it was.

A virtual pint to whoever works out the model (and it is rather
obscure).

 

Honda Sabre V4?

 

On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:18:01 +0100,

<sigh>

Another of my brilliant ideas that someone else built years ago.

And didn't work.

 

I did, actually, yes.

 

Never despair. Crap ideas have a habit of resurfacing every so often.
Ford recently launched the idea as the Dual-Mass Flywheel and it didn't
work either.

 

Seriously? Didn't know that.

 

I doubt that Ford didn't do enough testing; I suspect they didn't have
enough ham-fisted, lead-footed cunts on the test team.

Cost them ooh... millions, I suppose, on warranty work. Indeed, it's
normal for a DMF to be replaced with a solid flywheel now. Not all
models had them; just some Mondys and some Trannys, but those ones sold
a lot.

 

DO NOT GO THERE: 800 squid lighter after an 'out-of-warranty'*
experience with a Sharan/Alhambra (Galaxy TD engine). Couldn't believe
my ears: "the flywheel's broken sir."


Regards,

Simonm.

*6 weeks out of warranty.

 

I'd be tempted to make representations to the manufacturer, after gathering
a plethora of corroborating evidence. Get the gutter press involved, that
sort of thing.

 

It's at times like these that I'm glad I'm a lazy bugger who never
develops his ideas.

 

I did complain to Seat, and have the barely-polite letter on file. I
won't be a repeat customer - the thing's been a total money pit.


Regards,

Simonm.

 

At least you're spared the finger-pointing and the chorus of 'it's all
your fault'.