Upgraded Suzuki Katana 1100cc lucky find

[IronPawz]

I've been trying to collect parts to modernise my 7/11 Katana for ages. Even created some posts around it. Finally I noted a 92 GSXR track bike on trademe and talking to the seller it turns out he had and was willing to part with his Katana which (as a hard core engineer) he'd built up some 10 years ago.

I drove more than 2000kms to pick up both the Katana and 92 GSXR in a hire van and now they are home. Turns out my Katana will be back this week also (new clutch). The builder was good enough to create a thread of the build which is still available here http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?80503-Building-a-KiwiKat&highlight=katanakid
It is in reverse order in some browsers. It details the framing etc. That forum has a demo paint mock up however the bike is mostly in primer or just steel now.

The 1150 Engine with the smoothbores really turns on. It is likely I will take it to the first track day at Manfeild for a run. I'm quite keen to get a colour scheme sorted but I lean towards the traditional it is far from decided. The tail looks best in real life and is quite a change up being CBR600 F4i I kind of like the slim version of the original tail personally but I am going to just live with it as it is (who knows long term).

Here are some images as it was when first built mocked up like a Ford GT40 colour scheme (and I note Repsol being used for the colour not KTM as some have noted when seeing it). Not sure I like that colour either really but keeping an open mind (and limited budget I've gone a little nuts recently) It might be around for a while.

Pics coming in new post given this timed out my logon.

[IronPawz]

These are as it was when built and I will add some as it is shortly (which is the same but primer and steel)

[IronPawz]

Current State Photos

[IronPawz]

Couple more as is plus one of the cold Kiwi seeing as I dropped by bringing them home. I slept out front in a Van having got there at 1:15 am. Amazed to see a bike turn up at 1:30am and another after 2am (nice one next year I hope to take the Kat there).

[IronPawz]

Shit really? No one? I thought there might at least be some interest in terms of Katman not liking the seat, colours, mods. Kiwibiker has nothing to say about an old school Kat do up... Oww I was really kind of looking forward to discussing possible colour schemes, additional options etc. I was thinking it might have been a bit of a sensation but if I am the only person totally in love with notion of modding the old Suzy beasts (other than the man who built it clearly) so be it. Even its mods are classic Suzuki mods (all in the family other than the after market swing arm).

Might be more of a record for myself then.

Next step is certification now slotted to start next week. I'm taking it to Bruce Lewis from Motor Cycle Inspection services. Bruce is ex-Wellington Motorcycles and I recommend him mechanically and for inspections as a good guy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-lewis-04817860 He will help me work it through. I also need to sort out a colour scheme and get it painted before going in (time is always an issue for me at this time of the year). So I've been looking about. Company colours are black and red but that is hard to suite a Kat and I do love traditional silver. Perhaps it will just start out in base primer.

I might try revive the original GS Forums thread for some ideas. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?80503-Building-a-KiwiKat&highlight=katanakid

Kind of disappointed this was such a no interest thread.

[AllanB]

Good find some of the mods you had desired are done.

It's all personal opinion - I'm not keen on the rear end/seat set-up as it pulls away from the look that was so much 'Katana' me - I'd be retrofitting some form of more original seat unit, not necessarily dead stock but offering homage to the original.

Colours ........ need attention! He may have been a skilled engineer but possibly a colour blind one - those wheels!

I saw one repainted in a deep metallic grey years back - looked fantastic and would go well with the gold forks.

[Big Dog]

I'm following. Little to add as yet.

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[IronPawz]

Good find some of the mods you had desired are done.

It's all personal opinion - I'm not keen on the rear end/seat set-up as it pulls away from the look that was so much 'Katana' me - I'd be retrofitting some form of more original seat unit, not necessarily dead stock but offering homage to the original.

Colours ........ need attention! He may have been a skilled engineer but possibly a colour blind one - those wheels!

I saw one repainted in a deep metallic grey years back - looked fantastic and would go well with the gold forks.


Yes I keep looking at some of the great examples of the original seat modernised http://www.bikeexif.com/suzuki-katana where really they just trim the space underneath. They need something to take the plastics on the side (there the choke dial is) back I think but I personally like that look so much more given it is Katana. Overtime I would have to go there realistically. For now it is fine (comfortable and good passenger setup and well existing and therefore cost effective).

Also on the repsole I cannot live with it long term so agree again. I love the builders interest in the Ford concept and as a track bike why not but as a high Km's commuter it is just to modern and not Kat enough. I like orange on fords (so not a car man now days anyway) but not Katana.

Presently the colours are just primer and metal / bog other than the wheels so as the seller said it is open to do what you like. I can tell what I willl do, toy with the ideas of company colours (black / red) which I've always like (old school gothic tenancies at heart) but go for Kat silver because that is what Katana is, silver. I'd be interested in any reference to deep metallic silver if you have one.

What I've generally always wanted it something essentially Katana, traditional but with that sneaky awesome of 90's USD forks and (the holey of holeys) an internal shock (what a scoop, thank you KatanaKid!). I hope to entice the man to joining in the discussion here he is truly an engineer and perhaps some people here might use his skills also.

But yes personally seat and colours more traditional, agreed.

[Katman]

I thought there might at least be some interest in terms of Katman not liking the seat, colours, mods.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

If you decide to go back to an original seat though, I have a spare base and foam that you're welcome to.

[98tls]

Happy for ya mate what a great find,i to would be looking at something more oem in the seat dept sometime down the track,as for colours am thinking a Gunmetal grey or similar,doing nightshift at the moment so dont check in here on a regular basis during the week but rest assured will follow the thread with interest.As i said what a find :clap: and a great starting point to having a truly unique bike,will make a point of scouring the net over the weekend for a pic of the one i came across awhile back in Gunmetal...really looked the goods.

[98tls]

Fwiw colour wise i like the look of this....

[bmwilly]

[QUOTE=IronPawz;1130998688]Shit really? No one? I thought there might at least be some interest in terms of Katman not liking the seat, colours, mods. Kiwibiker has nothing to say about an old school Kat do up... Oww I was really kind of looking forward to discussing possible colour schemes, additional options etc. I was thinking it might have been a bit of a sensation but if I am the only person totally in love with notion of modding the old Suzy beasts (other than the man who built it clearly) so be it. Even its mods are classic Suzuki mods (all in the family other than the after market swing arm).

Might be more of a record for myself then.

Next step is certification now slotted to start next week. I'm taking it to Bruce Lewis from Motor Cycle Inspection services. Bruce is ex-Wellington Motorcycles and I recommend him mechanically and for inspections as a good guy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-lewis-04817860 He will help me work it through. I also need to sort out a colour scheme and get it painted before going in (time is always an issue for me at this time of the year). So I've been looking about. Company colours are black and red but that is hard to suite a Kat and I do love traditional silver. Perhaps it will just start out in base primer.

I might try revive the original GS Forums thread for some ideas. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?80503-Building-a-KiwiKat&highlight=katanakid

Kind of disappointed this was such a no interest thread.
I am watching with great interest , I agree with others , that orange has to go.Really surprised it hasn't been complied before now .

[HenryDorsetCase]

I like those bikes and very nearly owned one back in the day. Until I test rode it and realised that I was lying flat on the tank with my tiny stubby little arms straight out locked at the elbows. I bought my GPz750 soon after and was very happy with it.

I really dislike the original seat - it is stupidly big and way too bulky visually (IMO) If they just commited to a single seat (which is cool) and shortened it up it would be way better. Personally I dont like that modern tail on it but its your bike and your call.

My recent favourite modded one is the MACCO one.


http://www.bikeexif.com/suzuki-katana-custom

Something like a KZ650 or Z900 seat works with those lines IMO.

Or there is this which is freakin' awesome:

http://silodrome.com/suzuki-katana/

Thats a tail that works.

[Big Dog]

Or there is this which is freakin' awesome:

http://silodrome.com/suzuki-katana/

Thats a tail that works.

The decals on the choke made me laugh.

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[sidecar bob]

Im very interested in the thread. Being a owner of the same Katana 1100 for 33 years now & owning a GSX1100 race bike (for others to use ) & also in the process of building a stunning Katana 1100 pre 82 race bike.
As I said, maybe you could go to a standard tailpiece, because currently, it appears to represent two era's, with the front half looking 80's & the rear half early 2000's
Keep the thread updated, there are a bunch of interested people, im sure.

[IronPawz]

You took the words right out of my mouth.

If you decide to go back to an original seat though, I have a spare base and foam that you're welcome to.

That Sir is a great offer and I'd be really keen. I think over time the seat will just continue to not be Katana and the seat just really is a part of the bike like the tank (I cannot imagine any other tank doing the job). Functionally it is great and will do for certification. It would be good on the track also.

I've booked it in for Taupo 30th track day (nanna in Group 4) so I better at least primer the tank before then. Thanks that is a really generous offer given I know you like the Kat straight. I'd never cut up an original which is why I like getting them pre-done so I can mess with them.

[IronPawz]

Fwiw colour wise i like the look of this....

Huh, same motor GSX1135 and very similar swingarm with internal shock. Not crazy on the black and red down the middle (especially the lines on the tank seem wrong). The way people leave the side plastics just hanging in space under the seat over time looks wrong to me also. I might just be tempted to make that area more as it was. There is the cool of empty space, light weight concept but it just kind of ends.

The original also sort of ends there it just have black things in that space. Also the modernised ones get a nice visual space between seat and tire I guess due to smaller rims? Or do they raise the seat (I'm not tall). Mmmm my original 7/11 comes back next week I'll have to spend time with them side by side. I'm not really adverse to a primarily traditional colour scheme (slightly darker great does look good mind could consider some options there).

Pays to keep in mind for me I want to put some high KM's a year on the old girl so function is really important. Gun metal grey, sounds so good.

[Katman]

Is the 7/11 tidy enough to take back to original looking? - now that you've got the new one.

That's a project thread I'd follow.

[IronPawz]

I like those bikes and very nearly owned one back in the day. Until I test rode it and realised that I was lying flat on the tank with my tiny stubby little arms straight out locked at the elbows. I bought my GPz750 soon after and was very happy with it.

I really dislike the original seat - it is stupidly big and way too bulky visually (IMO) If they just commited to a single seat (which is cool) and shortened it up it would be way better. Personally I dont like that modern tail on it but its your bike and your call.

My recent favourite modded one is the MACCO one.


http://www.bikeexif.com/suzuki-katana-custom

Something like a KZ650 or Z900 seat works with those lines IMO.

Or there is this which is freakin' awesome:

http://silodrome.com/suzuki-katana/

Thats a tail that works.

That first one really turns a Katana into a GS Suzuki (and I just never loved them like the GSX or the Kat) they look cool as a cafe racer but the idea of a cafe racer Katana is to me just wrong. Appreciate the comments mind you have to keep an open mind. I would see no point in turning the iconic Kat into a GS Cafe racer personally.

As for the Icon Katana it is a wet dream on two wheels and I LOVE it and have for ages I've watched this so many times.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSXNRZou7Ws
Still that is the full retard Kat where $$ is no object and it is just a track machine. That seat needs a lot to pull off and it would probably be pretty terrible 2 hours a day riding. If I ever dedicated a track Katana that could be the ticket it is the dogs nuts, still manages to be Katana (which is another good reason to consider the Kat standard colours) and makes me sigh every time!

Yeah the seat is just to modern. It is really nicely done and comfortable but.. Also I've completely agreed on the repsol Orange it does not fit off the track and it has to go. Gloss black would probably be ok I've never been a fan of the original Kat wheels (other than the wire ones which are sweet).
Fat wire wheels... That would be cool.

[IronPawz]

The decals on the choke made me laugh.

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Don't - choke - cock yeah that is classic. My choke switch has been setup as a seat release which is a cool feature. Might have to think of something for that also.

[IronPawz]

Im very interested in the thread. Being a owner of the same Katana 1100 for 33 years now & owning a GSX1100 race bike (for others to use ) & also in the process of building a stunning Katana 1100 pre 82 race bike.
As I said, maybe you could go to a standard tailpiece, because currently, it appears to represent two era's, with the front half looking 80's & the rear half early 2000's
Keep the thread updated, there are a bunch of interested people, im sure.

Thanks I jumped the gun on my early comment. Great collection there! Hope there are some images coming on your build. Also fantastic to see other Kat lovers about (GSX1100 in general for that matter). The builder mentioned the back shock was never as stiff as he hoped even fully adjusted and he'd planned to have it rebuilt.

Yeah the tail put on in 2005/6 would have been really modern then but that era is harder to love now (if you like the earlier classics and the current race bikes are different again). I probably sounds stupid but at one stage I was quite keen to cover a cat seat in really dark NZ possum fur (even selectively shot a few and skinned them, I don't kill anything without a purpose). I still kind of like that idea (as a removable thing) and possibly a rabbit addition just because it would look caveman (not as a regular thing).

[IronPawz]

A colour scheme I don't overly like for my bike but I kind of link in itself. I do like what is happening in the background mind in terms of the other Kat.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1156156817.htm

[IronPawz]

This is the type of bike the motor comes from GSX 1135 EFG. That one is on trademe at the moment, 1987 with a real 5,428kms from new.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-1155673998.htm

Edit - F - unky old bus in amazing condition for $7,900. Seems to me it should have been something older (1983 GSX1100) or newer (198X GSXR1100) to keep in that km's and condition. Still that is the donor motor in standard form with 85,000kms smoothies and decent exhaust.

[Big Dog]

Don't - choke - cock yeah that is classic. My choke switch has been setup as a seat release which is a cool feature. Might have to think of something for that also.
I read it as "choke the chicken" our don't...

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[HenryDorsetCase]

Fat wire wheels... That would be cool.

not sure about rim sizes but I've seen a few customs using Ducati Sportclassic wheels. 17 inch rims I think and in sizes that fit modern ish rubber. There are also a pair of spoked wheels sitting in the local Ducati stealership which I think are options on the Scrambler range.

I believe that Suzuki hub and disc spacing is similar across a lot of models so you could have stock Suzi hubs maybe with 17 inch rims etc.

you would have to have a real good measure up for disc spacing and all that. plus lower to the ground - ground clearance issues which might be a problem for a track bike....

[98tls]

Huh, same motor GSX1135 and very similar swingarm with internal shock. Not crazy on the black and red down the middle (especially the lines on the tank seem wrong). The way people leave the side plastics just hanging in space under the seat over time looks wrong to me also. I might just be tempted to make that area more as it was. There is the cool of empty space, light weight concept but it just kind of ends.

The original also sort of ends there it just have black things in that space. Also the modernised ones get a nice visual space between seat and tire I guess due to smaller rims? Or do they raise the seat (I'm not tall). Mmmm my original 7/11 comes back next week I'll have to spend time with them side by side. I'm not really adverse to a primarily traditional colour scheme (slightly darker great does look good mind could consider some options there).

Pays to keep in mind for me I want to put some high KM's a year on the old girl so function is really important. Gun metal grey, sounds so good.

Was thinking the same colour as these rims i bought for the TL,bodywork in this colour and possibly paint your rims black or even do them to in this.http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/tlme/LEVELSRACEWAY060Medium2Large.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/tlme/media/LEVELSRACEWAY060Medium2Large.jpg.html)

[IronPawz]

Is the 7/11 tidy enough to take back to original looking? - now that you've got the new one.

That's a project thread I'd follow.

The 7/11 is totally original other than the 530 chain and the Engine is apparently a GSX1100E but there is no way (as I understand it) to identify any of the GSX motors of that time from a GSX E / SZ and several others. Some had bigger gets in the carbies but the engine numbers as all something like GS110X. So it is standard. The paint job is reasonable but not perfect. Carbies are standard looking with the normal air box. Standard wheels, oh it does have a 4 into 1 with an exhaust I never liked (to loud but looks ok not to modern).

I'll get some images of it up next week and I might well sell it. Might well sell the 92GSXR or swap it for a smaller more setup track bike (I want to learn more than go fast I want a knee down).

I'll go see if I have some decent pics of the 7/11 on my laptop (verses wifes I am using). I'd love to do it up like a black pipe original with wire wheels.

[IronPawz]

Was thinking the same colour as these rims i bought for the TL,bodywork in this colour and possibly paint your rims black or even do them to in this.

That is a very nice colour for a Kat. Perhaps a few Japanese stickers typical of some well sorted Katana.

The builder of this Kat also said he could cast the alternator side covers (yosh). I think if some people would be interested in these he could certainly do it (make larger mold from his template so they shrink to correct size he explained it all to me). I'd certainly be interested, not sure of price but if people are interested I can ask.

This is his GSX1100SZ and the GSX1135EFG engine that is in the bike side by side. I do love that cover they are part of Katana history.

324368

[IronPawz]

Is the 7/11 tidy enough to take back to original looking? - now that you've got the new one.

That's a project thread I'd follow.

Some a picture of my 7/11 they are old but nothing has changed other than clutch getting sorted out.
The other shows it in the buff and the stable at that time. The RF is gone and lets not mention that Red stain on my reputation and memory.

[98tls]

Cool,ive got a Yosh clutch cover for the TL in the shed somewhere,bloke in Germany cast some clear covers so bought one of them,years back bought a genuine Yoshi ECU adjuster,plug in and play,bit primitive by todays standards but works.

[AllanB]

I can't find a decent image of the metallic grey I was thing of but if you are looking for colours in this shade pop around to a couple of expensive European car yards for inspiration - I've recently seen in the local Maserati dealer a stunning colour - BMW's Audis etc tend to like their greys/silvers as well. The dealer will give you the paint code from the car if you find one or two you like.

My Honda Hornet 900 had a very nice titanium paint on some of the engine cases which worked will with the bodies gloss metallic paint.

There is always Ducati Red ;) Looks stunning on my ...... Ducati!

[AllanB]

not sure about rim sizes but I've seen a few customs using Ducati Sportclassic wheels. 17 inch rims I think and in sizes that fit modern ish rubber. There are also a pair of spoked wheels sitting in the local Ducati stealership which I think are options on the Scrambler range.

I believe that Suzuki hub and disc spacing is similar across a lot of models so you could have stock Suzi hubs maybe with 17 inch rims etc.

you would have to have a real good measure up for disc spacing and all that. plus lower to the ground - ground clearance issues which might be a problem for a track bike....

There were a pair of Ducati Sport Classic wheels/brake disks etc on TM recently - asking a couple of grand for the pair. Rims to run 180/120

A Google shows Scrambler spoked wheel sets in the USA for $1500US. How much NZ.....?

There are companies that supply spoke hub sets for converting Katanas (Klasmo springs to mind) - not cheap, but those high end builds we drool over on the internet cost a fortune!



The bike you have purchased as lots of goodness on it, a excellent base to finish. Seat - somewhere in my collection of images I remember a Katana with a slimmed down version of the stock seat - the passenger part had been tapered rearwards significantly reducing the visual impact of the stock unit.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The bike you have purchased as lots of goodness on it, a excellent base to finish. Seat - somewhere in my collection of images I remember a Katana with a slimmed down version of the stock seat - the passenger part had been tapered rearwards significantly reducing the visual impact of the stock unit.

maybe an AC Sanctuary one? Them Japanese custom place know how to build 'em fo shizzle.


My beef with the stock seat is that it has all the visual delicacy of a loaf of shitty supermarket bread in a gaudy plastic bag.

http://www.bikeexif.com/ac-sanctuary-katana

The ICON one is still my favourite. Fuck all you haters. ;-)

[AllanB]

maybe an AC Sanctuary one? Them Japanese custom place know how to build 'em fo shizzle.


My beef with the stock seat is that it has all the visual delicacy of a loaf of shitty supermarket bread in a gaudy plastic bag.

http://www.bikeexif.com/ac-sanctuary-katana

The ICON one is still my favourite. Fuck all you haters. ;-)

No that one but it's better than many. One I was thinking off had been worked a lot - rear light was a small red square half the size for the stock one and the rear tail had been pulled it to suit. Shit I have such a tail light off a old Honda somewhere in my shed off a small postie bike or similar.

Custom bike scene - lots of goodness going on and some stuff that annoys me like: pipe wrap, Firestone tyres, clip-ons and forward pegs, lobster bend exhaust just for the sake of it when the curve is easily obtainable via a nice mandrel bend. In fact I've seen straigh sections welded up from multiple pieces just for a fashion look .....

[98tls]

There were a pair of Ducati Sport Classic wheels/brake disks etc on TM recently - asking a couple of grand for the pair. Rims to run 180/120

A Google shows Scrambler spoked wheel sets in the USA for $1500US. How much NZ.....?

There are companies that supply spoke hub sets for converting Katanas (Klasmo springs to mind) - not cheap, but those high end builds we drool over on the internet cost a fortune!



The bike you have purchased as lots of goodness on it, a excellent base to finish. Seat - somewhere in my collection of images I remember a Katana with a slimmed down version of the stock seat - the passenger part had been tapered rearwards significantly reducing the visual impact of the stock unit.

Awhile back bought a set of retro Ducati rims for $1300 Aus on a whim,should have waited the $s just getting better n better...

[IronPawz]

Cool,ive got a Yosh clutch cover for the TL in the shed somewhere,bloke in Germany cast some clear covers so bought one of them,years back bought a genuine Yoshi ECU adjuster,plug in and play,bit primitive by todays standards but works.

Very nice. Love those old School do ups and touches of class from the day.

[IronPawz]

I can't find a decent image of the metallic grey I was thing of but if you are looking for colours in this shade pop around to a couple of expensive European car yards for inspiration - I've recently seen in the local Maserati dealer a stunning colour - BMW's Audis etc tend to like their greys/silvers as well. The dealer will give you the paint code from the car if you find one or two you like.

My Honda Hornet 900 had a very nice titanium paint on some of the engine cases which worked will with the bodies gloss metallic paint.

There is always Ducati Red ;) Looks stunning on my ...... Ducati!

Ducati red on a Kat I'm pretty sure that is a form of blasphemy! Yes cars good call. I'd call any grey a bit of a yawn on a car (they are all grey/silver or white is seems) but on a Kat could be really good. Even the original silver leaned a little to gun metal probably work well. I'm thinking I'm more one colour than two tone generally also. The wheels likely black of could be a darker shade of same grey. Not very daring to be sure but I'm more 'off tradition' than daring in preference.

[jellywrestler]

Ducati red on a Kat I'm pretty sure that is a form of blasphemy! Yes cars good call. I'd call any grey a bit of a yawn on a car (they are all grey/silver or white is seems) but on a Kat could be really good. Even the original silver leaned a little to gun metal probably work well. I'm thinking I'm more one colour than two tone generally also. The wheels likely black of could be a darker shade of same grey. Not very daring to be sure but I'm more 'off tradition' than daring in preference.

nver liked the early kats, plain colour, once they added either blue or red over the top they were much sweeter and accentuated the lines too

[IronPawz]

There were a pair of Ducati Sport Classic wheels/brake disks etc on TM recently - asking a couple of grand for the pair. Rims to run 180/120
A Google shows Scrambler spoked wheel sets in the USA for $1500US. How much NZ.....?

There are companies that supply spoke hub sets for converting Katanas (Klasmo springs to mind) - not cheap, but those high end builds we drool over on the internet cost a fortune!

The bike you have purchased as lots of goodness on it, a excellent base to finish. Seat - somewhere in my collection of images I remember a Katana with a slimmed down version of the stock seat - the passenger part had been tapered rearwards significantly reducing the visual impact of the stock unit.

Fat spoke I still very much like this idea. I could stretch the budget a little. I'm going to sell the Blade (been giving it beans in the commute recently just to enjoy it until it is gone, really very clinical and fantastic machines but I'll not miss it riding my 'grey ghost').

I always though the stock seat is quite slim looking anyway. The modernised look makes more space between it and the wheel which visually slims it down. Plus I need to sit on it 2 hours a day and 4 hours at times riding with friends etc. Might even get the wife on the back again one day. That current seat is REALLY comfortable.

[IronPawz]

maybe an AC Sanctuary one? Them Japanese custom place know how to build 'em fo shizzle.
My beef with the stock seat is that it has all the visual delicacy of a loaf of shitty supermarket bread in a gaudy plastic bag.

http://www.bikeexif.com/ac-sanctuary-katana

The ICON one is still my favourite. Fuck all you haters. ;-)

Yeah I LOVE the ICON (I'd live with the seat its not totally me but on that bike it is totally part of the look). That AC one is great I'd say that is pretty stock with just a nicer designed cover and a minor reduction of the plastic underneath (I'm no expert just looks that way). Mmm the Icon seat... It is blasphemous for sure but then I can live with that. I like that fact that the ICON is so modernised and manages to still be 100% recognisable as Katana more so I think than the current setup on my bike. Perhaps it is just because I've spent so much time looking at it and have become familiar.

[IronPawz]

nver liked the early kats, plain colour, once they added either blue or red over the top they were much sweeter and accentuated the lines too

Somethings I think the tone looses the lines in the tank but I'll be looking. Most likely it will live on the road in some primer colour for a while. This bike is going to get ridden. It will also probably change colour over the years. Be good to see some more options in the flesh, photos just loose a lot of the reality which might be my problem. I've not seen a two tone with my own peepers.

[IronPawz]

Original Kat is apparently a little weepy from the fork seals. They where new a few years back and not ridden a lot since so hopefully they settle down with some riding. So it is still in the shop at the moment.

My mechanic mentioned something about an additional spring in the Smooties to stop them staying open, sounds like a plan (they are a bit scary coming into a corner when they don't shut off right away). The engineer mentioned the suction holds them open so it makes sense some spring arrangement could help.

Some other things the engineer gave me with the bike. The fork ring for a steering damper (I'd consider it if it can be mostly hidden away and was useful so opinions welcome here). Set of cast break disks. He mentioned they are great on track but tend to stick in the wet (so keen to get some track rims set them up with sticky tires and swap them out for race days).

Lastly I brought a 'race' battery for the 92 Gixx it is crazy light. The bike starts but I need to change the gas and oil it smokes like a bitch. If that and say some moreys does not fix it then it is probably to smokey for the track (we will see it came as is with no history so on my own head, plus I really just wanted the forks and wheels!)

[jellywrestler]

The fork ring for a steering damper (I'd consider it if it can be mostly hidden away and was useful so opinions welcome here).

it may surprise you but a steering damper is a safety device, if you're going for looks above safety that'll end in tears.

[IronPawz]

it may surprise you but a steering damper is a safety device, if you're going for looks above safety that'll end in tears.

I'm not interested in looks at of a damper all. In fact I don't think they would suite the Kat and therefore if it is actually useful in terms of the road and or track to have it in a way that could still be hidden then I'm all for it. I've had bikes shake their head under power and I assume that is what they are all about, preventing that shake. I suppose it goes like this, ride it, see if it does tend to shake, consider a damper.

I'm more interested in function than looks but this is really the only bike I've totally coveted and for the first time I do feel some look consciousness, but not over safety. I NEVER clean my fireblade (couldn't care less) but I will probably clean the Kat.

If I gave the impression I'm into a damper for the looks that was just poor wording on my part. I think it would look stupid but I'd live with it for enough good reason (like with that suspension on that bike if you want to put it on the track you really need one, then I'd do it and if I could and still make it work hide it if possible).

[jellywrestler]

If I gave the impression I'm into a damper for the looks that was just poor wording on my part. .

you gave me the impression that unless it fitted in with the look you wouldn't use it. remember the geometry/suspension has been altered and may or may not be more prone to needing one.

[HenryDorsetCase]

it may surprise you but a steering damper is a safety device, if you're going for looks above safety that'll end in tears.

stock the thing is as long as an oil tanker with a 19 inch front wheel and more rake and trail than you could shake a stick at. So it wouldnt need a steering damper, right?

If you shorten the front end, jack up the back and fuck around with the geometry then it might but not sure OP is still doing that.?

[johannvr]

Saw this elsewhere recently & thought it not too bad for a relatively "stock" look... ?

[IronPawz]

I'll catch myself up on this one later tonight. I've been riding the old Kat in and out (great fun bit of an adjustment from the Blade). I might do a completely unreasonable comparison! I'll be getting the new Kat in for a look re-certification process tomorrow. I even rode the Kats back to back so will compare there also (new Kat is just so much faster, brutal fire breathing dragon).

Been fun having on in the traffic. It is horribly load I really really hate that so KEEN as to fix that (ideas for cheap exhaust on original Kat that does not look to shit or cost to much would be good). I will read all and post on latter, I've not read anything new yet so looking forward to that.

[IronPawz]

you gave me the impression that unless it fitted in with the look you wouldn't use it. remember the geometry/suspension has been altered and may or may not be more prone to needing one.

Right. Yeah sounds like something I'd be thinking and you are right if it needs one then it will just have to get one. I'll find out on the track next week in Taupo! Keeping in mind I am no pro and will be going slow in group 4 and try load it up within my abilities and desire not to kill it as the day goes on. If it shakes the head then it will get a damper for sure (or more knowledge riding to see what it needs).

I remember the RF900 having a good shake of the head on certain bits of road giving it the beans but it stayed the course.

[IronPawz]

stock the thing is as long as an oil tanker with a 19 inch front wheel and more rake and trail than you could shake a stick at. So it wouldnt need a steering damper, right?

If you shorten the front end, jack up the back and fuck around with the geometry then it might but not sure OP is still doing that.?

I'll get some photos up later of the two together and do a measure to see if they are much different given the mods. It looks shorter between the wheels but could just be that smashingly comfortable seat.

[IronPawz]

Saw this elsewhere recently & thought it not too bad for a relatively "stock" look... ?

Kind of cool is that a gun mount at the front :). That would be handy for right hand lane squatters.

The first big paint mission will be me this weekend with some spray cans doing a prime on the tank just to keep the rain off the bog. Oh it looks pretty rusty in the tank so I will revisit my other thread where people talk about cleaning out the rust. Mmmm Coke maybe? Works for old coins?

[IronPawz]

OK so it would seem at least 2 cm shorter in the wheelbase (the new Kat being shorter than the original) but that is a fairly rough measure it is shorter but could be 1-3cm shorter in my basic estimation (not much room in there to do a better job).

Some more pics of them together

[IronPawz]

The original Katana is suppose to have a GSX1100E Engine that was re-jetted to the Katana 1100SZ jets and therefore should be identical with a standard about 111HP. When I brought it I had the bike shop compression test it and it was a little down across the line and within 10PSI across them all. I've never ridden a proper 1100SZ and I cannot confirm the carbies etc so it might not be a full 1100SZ as it is, so I compare just the two bikes I have a 2016 Fireblade and a 7/11 Kat at least with some GSX1100 engine and normal GSX carbies with unknown jets.

1: No surprise the handling is a lot heavier and slower (no really)
2: The breaks are not great on the Kat I make plenty of room for breaking
3: The down low type power (not in the rev range) is powers of magnitude less
4: Power at decent rev in the Kat's range, I don't know it is to loud so I need a clear road to make that much noise
5: 4 gears take some getting use to (I am for ever trying to find that next gear all the time every ride)
6: You need to use the choke and you have to warm it up also it runs a bit erratic has not gas, heat, gear, clock etc gauges (no really 1983)

However riding the new Kat it is SO MUCH nicer. Breaks are decent (not blade but more weight etc). The Power is MUCH more like the blade. It comes on more aggressively and it wants to stay on but it is pretty decent and through the range more. I've not yet really taken it into the red through a few gears and I am sure it will run out of rev miles before 13,500 but I can live with it.

The real question is can I actually give up the Blade and sell it and accept I cannot chew through the traffic like I would?

Probably. Even after a few days on the standard Kat I started to take it through the traffic more and open it up more, filter etc.
This leads me to an interesting thought. I might have to paint the new one non-descriptive. It is a commuter not a show pony or trailer queen and I do tend to piss people off at times (cages). So glossy black with gun metal wheels might still look good and keep me off anyone's shit list (2 hours same commute every work day similar times). Make it not to loud and less recognisable but still nice. I am leaning this way for practical reasons. I do still like gun metal grey idea and that is likely generic enough to be less noticed. Certainly the traditional colours make me feel very identifiable and that is not a good thing.

Be great to see how I go on the track, nanna all day? God forbid I dump it! Or will I get into it and get some game on (my game is not flash on the blade even but I mean game for me). We will see.

[jasonu]

OK so it would seem at least 2 cm shorter in the wheelbase (the new Kat being shorter than the original) but that is a fairly rough measure it is shorter but could be 1-3cm shorter in my basic estimation (not much room in there to do a better job).

Some more pics of them together

2cm could be just the way the chains on each bike are adjusted.

Oh and it's 'brakes' not breaks...

[jellywrestler]

2cm could be just the way the chains on each bike are adjusted.

Oh and it's 'brakes' not breaks...

there's also height of important points changing the rake and trail.

[IronPawz]

2cm could be just the way the chains on each bike are adjusted.

Oh and it's 'brakes' not breaks...

Gimme a brake

[IronPawz]

The original 7/11 verses the modified 7/11

The new one is amazing to ride compared to the old one. It very handles well at general speeds, feels very light and flickable.
The front tire is very pointy so it wants to turn in on a sharper corner but a new tire should sort that out.
Power is MUCH better through the range but the old bike is not a good compare to a good fresh 1100SZ in fact I remember the original bike seemed to perform better so perhaps it needs a tune up and just as likely a rebuild and possibly jets (not sure what they are potentially not true 1100SZ).

So the bones are good, really good. Also not being painted in the new supports and strengthening may be a bonus to certification (can see the welds which are all very good).

The chain has contacted the back tire (may need thinner tire) and is close to the frame (will have to see if that is ok). At least it is with the man who knows these things (and will be certified to certify bikes when the NZTA get through their list). He's been involved in plenty of custom bikes.

It was a real joy to ride today, great big smile all the way. Little hard on my wrist (throttle not position, position is great) but either it will be adapted or I will adapt. No real doing anything in a hurry so lots still to discover in Taupo next Friday. I am much happier about getting on the track now (so I might well change up to group 3 through the day all going well).

Back tire is a bit old but with good tread. Builder suggested it might be getting hard. Really I should change it but god it has been expensive recently! Just put a back foot on the Blade, just paid for clutch on old Kat etc. The floating mortgage portion is taking on water!

Still not killing the bike is always cheaper than cheeping out on something like tires.

Fuck the mortgage and ride on.

[sidecar bob]

5: 4 gears take some getting use to (I am for ever trying to find that next gear all the time every ride)


You may need to either go back & count the gears again, or get the gearbox fixed.

[IronPawz]

You may need to either go back & count the gears again, or get the gearbox fixed.

Shit it really does have 5 gears

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsx1100s_katana%2081.htm

I've ridden it a few 1000 kms (not loads like other bikes but a few). Hell in the last 7 days I've ridden it (5 * 75 = 375) and all that time (had the bike for some years) I thought it was a 4 speed. Mentally deficient? I have to wonder. Just spend some time in the shed dry shifting it out of disbelief of my own stupidity. Really that seals it from now on I am not listening to anything I say. I might ride a lot but clearly I know little (at least I don't pretend otherwise).

The 7/11 has a odd issue where the rev counter shows much higher than what it can be or is clearly doing by ear. Is that a feature of a 750 electrics and a 1100 engine? I don't know but given you cannot understand RPM by gear and I just change up and take no notice (until it runs out of gears) I just never counted them and had it in mind there where 4.

I amaze myself (and not in a good way).

[IronPawz]

You may need to either go back & count the gears again, or get the gearbox fixed.

Come to think of it I seem to try change up from top on every bike I've owned even after all those KM's. That includes the blade at times (especially if changing between bikes a bit) it has 6 gears so perhaps there is little hope, switching about bikes, that will ever change (I don't do it if I stick to one bike for an extended period).

I can claim some level of being good at certain things. It would appear however it comes at a cost to other things..

[sidecar bob]

Come to think of it I seem to try change up from top on every bike I've owned even after all those KM's. That includes the blade at times (especially if changing between bikes a bit) it has 6 gears so perhaps there is little hope, switching about bikes, that will ever change (I don't do it if I stick to one bike for an extended period).

I can claim some level of being good at certain things. It would appear however it comes at a cost to other things..

They are so torquey that they always feel like they have a gear to go.
Mine is on its third top gear set, it was an 1135 for years & is now a 1170, the top gear roll on grunt is massive & destroys them.
Sometimes I change down to roll on just to save top gear.

[IronPawz]

Nothing much to add at the moment. Bike is still in the shop (had slightly crushed floats which are getting fixed). I may not be able to take it to Taupo (which is a complete shit) as my friend with Van cannot go after all so I might have to ride up (which means taking the Blade given the 1988 rego on the Kat).

There is a chance we will scare up a Trailer (looking to buy cheep ideally three bike trailer between three of us if anyone has one). If so then the Kat will go to Taupo if not then next time (I'd rather start it out on Mainfield anyway it is an easier track and I've no skills).

Also decided to sell the original 7/11. I just don't ride it now I can and have riding the new one (2 hours a day on the original Kat verses the Blade yeah I'm a pussy it is just uncomfortable by comparison and I cannot ride it like a tard as much).

More to come when it is available.

[IronPawz]

Very nice I might have to get one of these!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/performance/auction-1174380140.htm