Older Suzuki 400/750 Katanas

**Tigadee** · 15th March 2012, 08:26

I was admiring the older 1980s-1992 Suzuki Katanas and loving the look of them - those clean sharp 'jet-fighter' lines, incredibly low handlebars and aggressive stance... And so I just wondered if they were any good?

Reliable? Quick (I'd guess so)? Comfortable? Economical (probably not, aye)? Easy to fix in this day and age? Fun?

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th March 2012, 08:32

If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have the GSXR. And all the other-brand copies...
No doubt Katman will be along shortly to tell you they are the shizz. But only if they have wire-wheels.

**Tigadee** · 15th March 2012, 08:55

"Wire wheels"?

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th March 2012, 09:41

**James Deuce** · 15th March 2012, 10:30

Here's a picture of my old 400 that I resurrected from a rusty heap.

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th March 2012, 12:06

And a beauty it was, Jim. A veritable feast of pleasure to ride, too.
I wonder what became of it?

**avgas** · 15th March 2012, 12:08

I still think the old pop-up is one of the sexiest motorcycles to date.

**Tigadee** · 15th March 2012, 12:16

All beautiful but have to agree with AVgas, the pop-up is unique and sexy!

And with streamlined indicators too:

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Spokes, son, spokes.

Doh!

My bad...

**Katman** · 15th March 2012, 14:32

Originally Posted by Tigadee

And so I just wondered if they were any good?

The one that you have pictured is a 250.

As has been said the 400 is a great bike to ride. I'm looking forward to getting mine out on a trackday.

**Maha** · 15th March 2012, 14:36

Some had red seats?

**Katman** · 15th March 2012, 14:41

Originally Posted by Maha

Some had red seats?

The 550 and 650 had two tone red and black seats.

The '83 and '84 1100's (we didn't get them here in NZ) had two tone red and cream seats.

**Maha** · 15th March 2012, 14:45

Originally Posted by Katman

The 550 and 650 had two tone red and black seats.

The '83 and '84 1100's (we didn't get them here in NZ) had two tone red and cream seats.

Not sure what year it was but maybe 83'-84'? I worked with a bloke who had a Katana with that seat combo thing going on.
The bike itself looked so radical by comparison.