1983 Katana 750SZ with 1100 conversion looking to modernise.

[IronPawz]

Hello KB'ers

I've brought a 1983 Katana 750SZ with a 1982 GSX1100E engine (was in Trademe for ages and discussed somewhere on here earlier). The motor is a GS110X so same as Kat engines and it was re-jetted to Kat spec (should take it from 100hp to 111hp). Given it is not standard I want to uprate it like they do in Japan (and everywhere). I just want to apologies to the faithful up front for that but it is already a Frankenstein so I'm calling it Frank.

HenryDorsetCase was good enough to add some pointers to my post in new members. He mentioned "Alan Pritchard" and http://rapidartnz.com/ but I am in Kapiti and am hoping to do some locally (like Wellington/Palmerston type areas). Was thinking about starting with a shopping list (in part from HenryDorsetCase comments and also reading around).

Suspension. Those old wheels do look a bit thin even with 130/90 - 17 (back) and 110/80 R - 19 on the front. Back suspension is Koni 7610-1394 and is standard on 750 and 1100 Kats. The web is full of excellent do ups but this is NZ and life is harder here getting the bits.

HenryDorsetCase mused
"Whole new front end off a GSXR1000 L0" (with the BPF), brace the frame, Keihin flatslieds, big old 4 into 1, longer shocks, new or braced swingarm

Sounds great. I read about bandit 1200 swing arms etc. Thing is I am not a mechanic but I've got some idea of cost and am looking at people in the area who might do it, discuss it, have some parts etc. I've a Ducati Multistrada (2003) and need balance from the horrible sight of it with something beutiful (I've loved the Kats since I first saw one many years ago and had a GS550 Katana Styled years back). The Ducati can go west eventually (spends half it's time not going anyway and given how it looks it needs to actually go).

So far we have a 4 into 1 and not much else. Also keen on an oil cooler (seems to run hot but lack experience to know if it really is). Not worried about MORE MORE power, just some nicer riding for touring (my poor back will learn to live with it, the adjustment is... paintful).

Found the original thread selling this bike. Great comments. Really my motivation was I did not want to Kill a original KAT (they deserve to live) so I liked the fact it was not original and therefore I might butcher/modernise it http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/161405-1983-GSX750SZ-Katana-with-1100-motor-fitted (aye Katman ;).

Oh seems to need a new clutch, again not sure but it sounds more like the Ducati (dry clutch) at idle than I read it should (not quite a bit of a rattle).

Don't mind doing it in stages like bracing etc could go first.

Any ideas/comments welcome. And yes I really would rather ride a great old classic than a Multi, I don't race and I commute about 2.5 hours of riding a day. The back is evil and must be punished! So if you see a Kat between Kapiti and Wellington that is likely me, appologies if I cut you off thismorning as I did someone (mirror is getting replaced one missing).

[Grumph]

Have a look at the GSresources forum. Plenty of upgrade ideas there. Also worth going to a postie meeting as 17's etc in katanas are quite common.
Keep the motor mild as they're good enough stock.

[98tls]

Hello KB'ers

I've brought a 1983 Katana 750SZ with a 1982 GSX1100E engine (was in Trademe for ages and discussed somewhere on here earlier). The motor is a GS110X so same as Kat engines and it was re-jetted to Kat spec (should take it from 100hp to 111hp). Given it is not standard I want to uprate it like they do in Japan (and everywhere). I just want to apologies to the faithful up front for that but it is already a Frankenstein so I'm calling it Frank.

HenryDorsetCase was good enough to add some pointers to my post in new members. He mentioned "Alan Pritchard" and http://rapidartnz.com/ but I am in Kapiti and am hoping to do some locally (like Wellington/Palmerston type areas). Was thinking about starting with a shopping list (in part from HenryDorsetCase comments and also reading around).

Suspension. Those old wheels do look a bit thin even with 130/90 - 17 (back) and 110/80 R - 19 on the front. Back suspension is Koni 7610-1394 and is standard on 750 and 1100 Kats. The web is full of excellent do ups but this is NZ and life is harder here getting the bits.

HenryDorsetCase mused
"Whole new front end off a GSXR1000 L0" (with the BPF), brace the frame, Keihin flatslieds, big old 4 into 1, longer shocks, new or braced swingarm

Sounds great. I read about bandit 1200 swing arms etc. Thing is I am not a mechanic but I've got some idea of cost and am looking at people in the area who might do it, discuss it, have some parts etc. I've a Ducati Multistrada (2003) and need balance from the horrible sight of it with something beutiful (I've loved the Kats since I first saw one many years ago and had a GS550 Katana Styled years back). The Ducati can go west eventually (spends half it's time not going anyway and given how it looks it needs to actually go).

So far we have a 4 into 1 and not much else. Also keen on an oil cooler (seems to run hot but lack experience to know if it really is). Not worried about MORE MORE power, just some nicer riding for touring (my poor back will learn to live with it, the adjustment is... paintful).

Found the original thread selling this bike. Great comments. Really my motivation was I did not want to Kill a original KAT (they deserve to live) so I liked the fact it was not original and therefore I might butcher/modernise it http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/161405-1983-GSX750SZ-Katana-with-1100-motor-fitted (aye Katman ;).

Oh seems to need a new clutch, again not sure but it sounds more like the Ducati (dry clutch) at idle than I read it should (not quite a bit of a rattle).

Don't mind doing it in stages like bracing etc could go first.

Any ideas/comments welcome. And yes I really would rather ride a great old classic than a Multi, I don't race and I commute about 2.5 hours of riding a day. The back is evil and must be punished! So if you see a Kat between Kapiti and Wellington that is likely me, appologies if I cut you off thismorning as I did someone (mirror is getting replaced one missing).
Sounds like a whole lotta fun fella good for you,fwiw its been my experience that both aftermarket and oem is easier and cheaper to purchase overseas even with post price,a good idea to to join a site with likeminded nutters and reap the benefits of there experiences not to mention you will generally find theres clever buggers amongst them that simply make what cant be bought.

[T.W.R]

SBA in aussie know their stuff


One of the staffers bikes from a few years ago....180+hp
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20301&d=1132349921

Another one with some of their handy work
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20302&d=1132349921

[HenryDorsetCase]

^^^^ Wow. I have inappropriate trouser rustlings.

[AllanB]

Klasmo in Germany have goodies - expensive though.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I've always really disliked the back end of them. I like the cutout rider seat but that thing that is the size and shape of couple of breeze blocks duct taped together has always been ugly to me. But people want to keep the profile so whatever.

I was all set to buy a Katana brand new back in the day. Gonna trade my GPz750 for it, ride it forever: Look at the cool dash with the contra rotating needles! Remember Dave Hiscock not noticing the black flag they had out for him! Look at the cutting edge styling! Remember the Wire Wheel Katana with 180 hp!! All of them have at least that much and more!!! even the cast wheel 750's are 120hp!!!**

Until I rode one. I am not a tall man, and I have short-ish arms. I sat on the thing and my legs were OK (bit cramped up but liveable) but I was literally LYING on the fuel tank with my arms locked straight and the hugest crick in my neck.... I nearly bought it anyway but I am kind of glad I didnt. Often the myth is better than the reality


**not really

[FROSTY]

If ity was me I'd be going for modifications that look "factory" so tele's rather than USD. Frame bracing and wheels that are as close to factory look as possible.

[desmoto]

Hi, i have a 750 with a 1135 motor.Have bought a few goodies from TNK Engineering in Japan. Also F1 Engineering did a 520 conversion.Got a mate to brace the swingarm.Bike came with the 17inch wire wheels(probably the only reason i bought it).As said the GS forum is good aswell as Katana Australia forum.Pity Old Skool Suzuki isnt around anymore

[IronPawz]

Some great bikes in there. I've been all over the net looking at them for weeks now. I'm not tall either, lowered my Multistrada and it is still to tall for me to take the wife on (tip toes) but I will simply live with the Kat (it is getting better second commute to Welly today each ride is a little easier). Have back tire replaced tomorrow then I can get more of an idea of how it runs now (tire not good been going slow and steady). If I grind my nads into the tank I can sit up a wee bit (tends to open the eyes over bumps mind).

So maybe I don't need to go nuts on it (to show room levels). Even then I'd like some improvement, it is fair to say I don't know the bike well as it is. I'll check out the other forums mentioned, see if I can join a club, keep looking for someone local to work with on it. Maybe all I really need to do is update everything back to standard but new and ride it for a few years, learn more, and then look at potentially doing something to it.

It's not like I race and just about never ride with other people, still we will see. Get use to it how it is would be a good start. I've only been riding again for a few years almost all on a F650 followed by the Ducati (which I hate now with a passion for being so unreliable and butt ugly but hey it does ride well when it goes) so I'm not comparing it to GSX-R teapots and such (as I have never ridden them and always thought they lacked style).

Sooo that seals it, get it checked to ensure it is at least riding like it should, get use to it, likely be happy with most how it is, and if something needs replacing look to update it. Mean time keep eye out for one already done and it if comes up potentially buy that and sell this one (or keep it... probably keep it).

[Katman]

....so I'm not comparing it to GSX-R teapots.....

That's being a little harsh on the GSXR.

The GSXF is the teapot.

[Crasherfromwayback]

^^^^ Wow. I have inappropriate trouser rustlings.

You always do you old perv.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You always do you old perv.

its true....... I'm good with it.

[MVnut]

I've always really disliked the back end of them. I like the cutout rider seat but that thing that is the size and shape of couple of breeze blocks duct taped together has always been ugly to me. But people want to keep the profile so whatever.

I was all set to buy a Katana brand new back in the day. Gonna trade my GPz750 for it, ride it forever: Look at the cool dash with the contra rotating needles! Remember Dave Hiscock not noticing the black flag they had out for him! Look at the cutting edge styling! Remember the Wire Wheel Katana with 180 hp!! All of them have at least that much and more!!! even the cast wheel 750's are 120hp!!!**

Until I rode one. I am not a tall man, and I have short-ish arms. I sat on the thing and my legs were OK (bit cramped up but liveable) but I was literally LYING on the fuel tank with my arms locked straight and the hugest crick in my neck.... I nearly bought it anyway but I am kind of glad I didnt. Often the myth is better than the reality


**not really

The 750 Katana had 82hp, where in your wildest dreams did you think it had 120?? ............and wire wheel (read Wanganui Special) at 180, dream on !

[Katman]

The 750 Katana had 82hp, where in your wildest dreams did you think it had 120?? ............and wire wheel (read Wanganui Special) at 180, dream on !

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and suggest that the **not really at the end of the post indicates a tongue firmly in cheek.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The 750 Katana had 82hp, where in your wildest dreams did you think it had 120?? ............and wire wheel (read Wanganui Special) at 180, dream on !

Nah mate: I was talking to a guy in the pits who knew the guys that swept the floor of the guys uncle that tuned it, and he told me it was 180hp. At the wheel.

Seems legit.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and suggest that the **not really at the end of the post indicates a tongue firmly in cheek.

that does not sound like something that anyone sensible would do. What do you think this is, the internet?

[igor]

owned a 1983 wire wheel Katana GSX1100SXZ PLATE NUMBER 54LCE. They were only 120hp at rear wheel. We had it on a synopsis. bought in 83 from Consensus on beach road

also owner prior to that a GSX1100X which was also a wire wheeler. The Katana was superior in every way until the GSXR1100G


Man was that thing fun on a different level.

[IronPawz]

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and suggest that the **not really at the end of the post indicates a tongue firmly in cheek.

Katman hoped you might show up. So far I've got a new tire and did oil and filter. The original look and feel are growing on me every time I ride it. So it is not standard (1100 in 750) but I am abandoning ideas of modernising it quickly. If I really get that itch I might try harder to find one already done. It occurred to me I kind of hate my Ducati Multistrada now but two bikes are great so perhaps two Kats make more sense.

I do wonder if you run any 4-into-1 setups and could recommend a muffler that does not look to horrible? Mine has a straight pipe and it sounds terrible just crusing (like something smaller being thrashed).

My hotlist now is cleaning it up, sorting out the rev counter which reads about 3000 RPM higher than it should at all times (with a little variation but always high). Muffler for existing 4-into-1, new chain, new front tire (should have done it same time friend pointed out it looks good but is hard likely from sitting for some years). I do wonder about the 540 conversion to lower the rev's but likely that is just the current exhaust making it sound so load (I like a little noise but it is just to much).

Also keen on getting another 1100 engine, rebuilding that and swapping them out. The current engine runs well enough but no history and kind of noisy (will get it checked out mind). So thought you might now something around parts?
My back is getting use to it, road for a few hours today only killed me on way home. This is no shed ordainment I ride around 2.5 hours every day just going to work and back. Nice to see a Kat in the traffic (especially if I am riding it).

I've not seen another on the road for ages (at least 8 months). I see a sea of Harley. Hardly ever see 2003 style Multistrada but that makes a lot of sense to me.

BTW great handle. Some cracker threads from you in here.

[Crasherfromwayback]

owned a 1983 wire wheel Katana GSX1100SXZ PLATE NUMBER 54LCE. They were only 120hp at rear wheel. We had it on a synopsis. bought in 83 from Consensus on beach road

.

I'd be extremely surprised if any std wire wheel Kat does 120 at the rear wheel! I had a 1983 GPZ1100 as a kid that I think the factory claimed as 124HP (crank) that ate Katana's for breakky.

[Banditbandit]

ate Katana's for breakky.

Did you spit out the crunchie bits or just swallow anyway ???

[MVnut]

I'd be extremely surprised if any std wire wheel Kat does 120 at the rear wheel! I had a 1983 GPZ1100 as a kid that I think the factory claimed as 124HP (crank) that ate Katana's for breakky.

May have even been less than 124, I had the first 1981 GPZ1100 in NZ and I think Kawi claimed 108, I still have the owners manual somewhere (bike got stolen in 1983)

[Crasherfromwayback]

May have even been less than 124, I had the first 1981 GPZ1100 in NZ and I think Kawi claimed 108, I still have the owners manual somewhere (bike got stolen in 1983)

Yeah but the ZX1100 was quite a jump from the B1/2. I'll find my Cycle world with the test of it for ya.

[MVnut]

Yeah but the ZX1100 was quite a jump from the B1/2. I'll find my Cycle world with the test of it for ya.

Excellent !

[Crasherfromwayback]

Excellent !

Went ape shit when the 1170 Wiesco Big bore kit and Moriwaki 4-1 was fitted! Pity it had such shit brakes. 3 laps in at Gracefield and the lever was coming back to the bar. Fun.

My first ever road race.

295222

[T.W.R]

1983 sales pitch hp & torque figures

Suzuki GSX1100SZ : 111hp @ 8500rpm, 70.9lb/ft @ 6500rpm
Kawasaki Z1100GP : 120hp @ 8750rpm, 10.2kg/m @ 8000rpm
Honda CB1100R-D : 120hp @ 9000rpm, 10.0kg/m @ 7500rpm

[Crasherfromwayback]

1983 sales pitch hp & torque figures

Suzuki GSX1100SZ : 111hp @ 8500rpm, 70.9lb/ft @ 6500rpm
Kawasaki Z1100GP : 120hp @ 8750rpm, 10.2kg/m @ 8000rpm
Honda CB1100R-D : 120hp @ 9000rpm, 10.0kg/m @ 7500rpm

Ah...yeah 120 sounds right now. Was the GPZ900 118 or 124? I know there was one around that time with 124. Don't think it was the 750 Turbo...though may've been?

[T.W.R]

Ah...yeah 120 sounds right now. Was the GPZ900 118 or 124? I know there was one around that time with 124. Don't think it was the 750 Turbo...though may've been?

Pretty sure the 900 was 118, Id have to dig around and find the 84 stuff

Remembered the figures for the 1100 as it had the same hp as the Z13 and slightly less torque. Quoted as the 1st genuine 150mph bike.

[T.W.R]

Found

GPZ900R : 115hp @ 9500rpm
Z750Turbo : 112hp @ 9000rpm
Z1100A3 : 100hp @ 8000rpm
Z1100R : 114hp @ 8500rpm

[Crasherfromwayback]

Pretty sure the 900 was 118, Id have to dig around and find the 84 stuff

Remembered the figures for the 1100 as it had the same hp as the Z13 and slightly less torque. Quoted as the 1st genuine 150mph bike.

Yeah...was a blast to ride back in the day. Run a 10 sec 1/4 too. But didn't the 750 Turbo beat it as the first production bike to run a 10?

[IronPawz]

In all my reading I've not seen more than 111hp stated for outside Japan as standard. Getting the 2003 Multistrada HP was interesting as it is stated differently all over the place (it is about 90hp best I can tell).
I think some of the interesting numbers are 10.97 quarter mile coming in at 127mph for the Kat (verses 12.6 on the Multi which is after all not made for racing). The 750 seem most commonly stated around 78hp.
The Kat is cheap to get some more pony from mind and there is a world of detail and parts for that purpose (I should really say the older GSX1100). Heavy would be the next real improvement in the teapots generations.

I have a great "motivational" image somewhere saying "Ducati Multistrada" at least while you are riding it you don't have to look at it. That was my background image for ages. The Kat I can just sit back and stare at it in the shed producing 0HP it still spins my dials. Not so great looking from the back (KAT) the Multi actually looks really good from behind (only) so I have all the angles covered for now :)

[T.W.R]

Yeah...was a blast to ride back in the day. Run a 10 sec 1/4 too. But didn't the 750 Turbo beat it as the first production bike to run a 10?

:scratch: I'll really have to have a dig around in the books for that; The 11 is on the wants list though ;)

I thought Cycle World had PeeWee Gleeson on a V-Max as the 1st sub 10s 1/4....9.98

[Crasherfromwayback]

:scratch: I'll really have to have a dig around in the books for that; The 11 is on the wants list though ;)

I thought Cycle World had PeeWee Gleeson on a V-Max as the 1st sub 10s 1/4....9.98

Yeah just dug my Cycle and Cycle world mags out. Kawasaki's claim to fame is the first 10 sec run on a production bike with a road tester rather than a ring in hotshot drag racer like Gleeson. The GPZ made 104 HP at the rear wheel, more than 8hp more than the CB1100, and 13 more than the GS1100. Not too shabby. Katana be fucked. Sorry Steve...

[T.W.R]

Yeah just dug my Cycle and Cycle world mags out. Kawasaki's claim to fame is the first 10 sec run on a production bike with a road tester rather than a ring in hotshot drag racer like Gleeson. The GPZ made 104 HP at the rear wheel, more than 8hp more than the CB1100, and 13 more than the GS1100. Not too shabby. Katana be fucked. Sorry Steve...

Found the 1st CYCLE Dec 81 test on the GS1000SZ Katana

Measured HP & Torque figures

90.04hp @ 8500rpm
60.47lb/ft @ 7000rpm

Measured 1/4 mile & top speed

11.29sec @122.11mph
140.3mph

[IronPawz]

SBA in aussie know their stuff


One of the staffers bikes from a few years ago....180+hp
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20301&d=1132349921

Another one with some of their handy work
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20302&d=1132349921


Old thread I know but GODZ I love this bike, still have my old Kat in the same condition it was starting this thread and still want to get it setup like this. I might restart a discussion see if someone has some parts since then.

[98tls]

Go hard mate,ive an old TLS that ive thrown time n money at for years ie later model GSXR front end/Carrozzeria rims etc etc etc,dont regret a minute or $,its different and its cool as would be your Katana...have fun.

[Grumph]

Old thread I know but GODZ I love this bike, still have my old Kat in the same condition it was starting this thread and still want to get it setup like this. I might restart a discussion see if someone has some parts since then.

There's a 1000S local to me I've had a bit to do with. Search Kiwimacchi on the GSresources. GSXR 18in wheels and better brakes. Not hard to find those bits and they go in reasonably easy.
Motor - get an uprated clutch backplate and dial the cams to 106/108 lobe centers - you'll love it even more.

[IronPawz]

Go hard mate,ive an old TLS that ive thrown time n money at for years ie later model GSXR front end/Carrozzeria rims etc etc etc,dont regret a minute or $,its different and its cool as would be your Katana...have fun.

I went to the last bike day at Southwards and Chrome Rockers this year (two day open day at taupo then rode to Porirua picked up the Kat and took it to the show feel asleep in a doorway at show, all good times). Seeing other bikes like the TLS is a massive boost. I'm still having a hard time with the parts but I am getting ebay search more sorted and will just keep at it.

I'm also really keen to commute and do serious KMs on the Kat. Wellington has a few really sweet customs that are commonly in town I appreciate seeing each one and am keen to contribute. I flip out every time I see a Kat in the traffic or anything around that time or before.

[IronPawz]

There's a 1000S local to me I've had a bit to do with. Search Kiwimacchi on the GSresources. GSXR 18in wheels and better brakes. Not hard to find those bits and they go in reasonably easy.
Motor - get an uprated clutch backplate and dial the cams to 106/108 lobe centers - you'll love it even more.

This one?
http://s864.photobucket.com/user/walkerbowen/media/DSCF0675_zps6475a558.jpg.html

Lovely machine. There was a modernised GS1000 on trademe a while back with upside down forks etc it looked great. Some cafe / bike shop in AK that does this soft of thing often. If only it had been a KAT to that standard. It was cheap too considering the cost (dont remember details but was almost certainly below the cost of the job).

On the motor I'm determined to just have it running well enough, do the suspension and breaks / wheels then go to the motor (which might come out for something else). Divided on that one for now see if I can take the 4 speed for 2 hours a day.

[98tls]

I went to the last bike day at Southwards and Chrome Rockers this year (two day open day at taupo then rode to Porirua picked up the Kat and took it to the show feel asleep in a doorway at show, all good times). Seeing other bikes like the TLS is a massive boost. I'm still having a hard time with the parts but I am getting ebay search more sorted and will just keep at it.

I'm also really keen to commute and do serious KMs on the Kat. Wellington has a few really sweet customs that are commonly in town I appreciate seeing each one and am keen to contribute. I flip out every time I see a Kat in the traffic or anything around that time or before.

Pic of my TLS fwiw,in hindsight i kinda wish i had started with something a bit older but bought the thing started modding,things got well outta hand to the point it just became a money pit with no hope of ever recovering it :laugh:Thing i love about it is it still looks what it was but the later model front end/rims etc etc set it off with the + being its a far better ride than it ever was.As Grumph said theres plenty of stuff that will fit relatively easy to your Kat,GSXR front end on to the TL was a piece of piss ie shims on lower clamps,caliper spacers and longer bolts to fit calipers to the TLs bigger discs.http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/tlme/newhelmet001Medium_zps744fac0d.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/tlme/media/newhelmet001Medium_zps744fac0d.jpg.html)http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/tlme/gravesdam035Medium_zpsd76cb68f.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/tlme/media/gravesdam035Medium_zpsd76cb68f.jpg.html)

[Katman]

My collection.
323675

[98tls]

My collection.
323675

Very nice,will hunt out a pic of the old mans wire wheel he bought new back in the day.You ever had any yearning to buy a roughy and muck about with later model stuff on it Kat? Not everyones cuppa but just wondered.

[Katman]

Very nice,will hunt out a pic of the old mans wire wheel he bought new back in the day.You ever had any yearning to buy a roughy and muck about with later model stuff on it Kat? Not everyones cuppa but just wondered.

No, I'm strictly a purist.

Having said that, I did set about putting a single shock rear end into one for a friend a number of years ago - until I realised that I was doing all the work while he was drinking all the beer.

[jasonu]

My collection.
323675

and all as uncomfortable as the next (except possibly the 650).

[Crasherfromwayback]

My collection.
]

Gotta be one of the best Katana collections about. Shit pic though! Next time I'm in town, how 'bout we get em all out and take a few good pics?

[Katman]

Shit pic though!

That's Samsung for you.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's Samsung for you.

At least give them a fucking wash man!!!

[Katman]

and all as uncomfortable as the next (except possibly the 650).

That's why this one gets out more often than the Katanas these days.

323676

[Crasherfromwayback]

That's Samsung for you.

This was taken on my Samsung... :bleh:

323677

[jasonu]

That's why this one gets out more often than the Katanas these days.

323676

My mate had a GPZ550 of similar vintage. It went well and could be ridden on the long haul without any real complaints.

[Kickaha]

This was taken on my Samsung... :bleh:

Maybe Steve is just a shit photographer :laugh:

[Katman]

This was taken on my Samsung... :bleh:

Yeah, but I had to buy my own.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah, but I had a buy my own.

Lol. Therein lies the problem then!

[IronPawz]

Pic of my TLS fwiw,in hindsight i kinda wish i had started with something a bit older but bought the thing started modding,things got well outta hand to the point it just became a money pit with no hope of ever recovering it :laugh:Thing i love about it is it still looks what it was but the later model front end/rims etc etc set it off with the + being its a far better ride than it ever was.As Grumph said theres plenty of stuff that will fit relatively easy to your Kat,GSXR front end on to the TL was a piece of piss ie shims on lower clamps,caliper spacers and longer bolts to fit calipers to the TLs bigger discs.

Great looking machine. Really nicely done. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

[98tls]

Great looking machine. Really nicely done. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

Thanks fella,had the thing so long its part of the furniture round here.Look forward to seeing posts on your progress with the Kat.Dont get hung up on the $ we are here for a good time not a long time blah blah.

[IronPawz]

My collection.
323675


Dam that is such a great pic to see. I spoke to the chap with the moded 7/11 on Trademe he has a few also. That 650 is what started it for me when I got one years back and dreamed of the 1100 ever since. I don't feel bad about doing up a 7/11 but I'd not touch a sincere original. For me it is the breaks more than anything, going into Wellington daily in the tight slow traffic wide wheels etc would seem more like insurance.

If I swap out the motor (which was apparently an GSX1100E motor with Kat appropriate jets added) would make that engine available to something more original or the classic racing people. There really is just nothing like them and therefore some find them horrible. For me there is just nothing that compares for style. I really wish Suzuki would just make a new one!

The icon Katana on youtube is a single shock work of art.

[IronPawz]

Thanks fella,had the thing so long its part of the furniture round here.Look forward to seeing posts on your progress with the Kat. Don't get hung up on the $ we are here for a good time not a long time blah blah.

I'm prepared to spend solid coin on it. I figure it is no less than $15k to get close to what I want and more in the long run (engine mods in long run). I'd spend more than that on one right now if it was available. This would be a bike for life for me (and something as a dedicated open day bike on the side). I'd be keen to nanna the Kat around a few group 4 open days once I've more time on track (did 6 last year keen for more this year).

[Katman]

Lol. Therein lies the problem then!

It might also have something to do with the number of times I've dropped it.

[IronPawz]

It might also have something to do with the number of times I've dropped it.

Katman any idea if these will go on the Kat? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/wrecking-bikes/auction-1135210345.htm

If I look here (as I have so many times) http://www.suzuki-katana.com/katana_suspension.html they state the GSXR1100's that fit start in 1992 and the listed on trademe state they are for the 1990 and 1991 models. When I look here mind http://www.suzukicycles.org/GSX-R-series/GSX-R1100.shtml those two models are quite different bikes (but could have the same front end I cannot tell).

I guess the real question is will the GSXR L/M front forks do the job. Mmmm might not bye your thing I think I might just buy them given these parts never come up in NZ and I cannot find a better match on ebay anyway. I can see them being the first of many errors.

Who knows these things? The seller states they should fit. The trader name nick-1975 gives me some hope he knows his biz. Probably see if I can call him tomorrow. I'll be SO stocked if I can get the front end then I am really ready to start build that crazy Kat and put 40,000 kms a year on it as I do now on the great to ride but soul deficient Blade (sorry Blade lovers). My old RF900 almost killed me a few times and scared me all the way to a new Honda at the time but I've never really loved it (well maybe a little while no one was watching)...

[jasonu]

Katman any idea if these will go on the Kat? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/wrecking-bikes/auction-1135210345.htm

)...

You can make almost anything fit anything. It depends on how much you pay for the parts and how mych effort you are willing to put in.

[IronPawz]

You can make almost anything fit anything. It depends on how much you pay for the parts and how much effort you are willing to put in.

Fair point and thanks. As I understand it if things like the forks are to short you end up with telemetry issues or it gets to low risking contact. Problem is really I've no experience so I'm aiming at known conversions and those parts are just outside the only real standard I can find. Even then for the 1100 it talks about having to adjust the frame.

Previously talked to a few experienced builders who said 'get the parts and we can do it.' I'll sign up to some of the Katana groups and see if I can get some specifics. I'm quite prepared to spend some coin if I can just find parts that are known to work without serious (and needless should I have found more appropriate parts) cost. Doing it myself is not a practical option in terms of time or experience.

That trader offered to take them back which is a great offer (what a dude) in the scheme of things the price is good so sheeze probably I should just go for it (cut the loss later would not end the project anyway).