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/sh...0-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/sh...0-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


Another one with some of their handy work

[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:Me]

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.