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...ight=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...ight=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.

Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC

[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 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...ight=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.

Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC

[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.