Katana prototype

**Paul in NZ** · 26th February 2016, 14:45

Well not quite a prototype but the inspiration - bugger me - I never knew that...

even if you don't like katanas - its quite interesting so click on da link

http://www.bike-urious.com/1-of-5-ta...v-agusta-750s/

**jellywrestler** · 26th February 2016, 16:49

so really all they used was that fugly front guard....

**jasonu** · 26th February 2016, 18:58

So they are responsible for one of the most uncomfortable big Jappas ever made.

**jellywrestler** · 26th February 2016, 19:08

Originally Posted by jasonu

So they are responsible for one of the most uncomfortable big Jappas ever made.

they may have been uncomfortable but in those days there were fuck all cops around and you just went pretty quick to wherever you were going and didn't worry about that shit.

**sidecar bob** · 26th February 2016, 21:47

Originally Posted by jasonu

So they are responsible for one of the most uncomfortable big Jappas ever made.

I'd strongly disagree & I've owned the same one for 32 years.

**Paul in NZ** · 27th February 2016, 19:32

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

I'd strongly disagree & I've owned the same one for 32 years.

You have ridden though? Right??

(sorry - couldn't help myself)

**Grumph** · 27th February 2016, 19:47

I'd reckon a lot of inspiration for some of the shapes came from Italian race bikes of the 50's. The small top fairing with bars through it is similar to the Guzzi 500 V twin and several of the faired lightweights of the time too. Morini, Mondial and MV too. Even draws from the early Gilera 500 four.

But as they say, there's nothing new under the sun...

**sidecar bob** · 27th February 2016, 20:36

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

You have ridden though? Right??

(sorry - couldn't help myself)

I've done over 100,000km on that one. I've done more Kay's on that than all my other bikes combined.
When i bought it I had never owned a car & didn't own my first one until I'd had the katana for over three years.
I spent years chasing Scrivy around the country on his 1135ef at speeds that would easily make the six o'clock news if we got caught today.

**F5 Dave** · 27th February 2016, 21:39

I found my SZ quite comfortable even if it was a bit stretched out. Welly to Auckland no probs. Not so flash on gravel roads though compared to the cooking models which were honeys in the gravel.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 27th February 2016, 21:59

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

I've done over 100,000km on that one. I've done more Kay's on that than all my other bikes combined.
When i bought it I had never owned a car & didn't own my first one until I'd had the katana for over three years.
I spent years chasing Scrivy around the country on his 1135ef at speeds that would easily make the six o'clock news if we got caught today.

I did a "advanced riding course" when I was living in Wellington so maybe 85 or 86?

I had my GPz750A3, and the instructor was on a wire wheel 1100 Kat. Other participants were on stuff that was common then: GPz900 CB900F Rolladoor, GSX750 and 1100.

It was supposed to be "roadcraft" on the Saturday which basically consisted of a hot lap of the lower North Island. It was INSANE like the cannonball run.... Then a massive pissup.

Then the Sunday at Manfield doing "advanced cornering and braking".

one of my best weekends ever on a motorbike. Looking back it was a bit silly. Amazing thing, no fallers. No accidents on road or track. Given the state of the protective gear of the time probably just as well. My naturalwear leather jacket and jeans and leather pants unifor wouldnt have stood it. I had John Woodley boots which were cool except they were like ladies fashion boots.. no armour, no padding except a little disc of plastic over the ankle bone. Had a zip all the way down the back. They were bright red though so matched my bike.

**F5 Dave** · 28th February 2016, 05:47

That would have been NZMCA. Older chap grey thinning hair yeah? Did an instructors course with him later in the 80s. Name eludes me at present.
(Edit) Nick.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 28th February 2016, 08:07

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

That would have been NZMCA. Older chap grey thinning hair yeah? Did an instructors course with him later in the 80s. Name eludes me at present.
(Edit) Nick.

I can't remember his name but he was wicked fast. Some interesting roads round Martinborough and points north.