Welcome to Turbo Time – the long play edition!

Yes, as rare as these bike are in the US, here is the second XN85 Turbo we have found within a day. Listen up collectors: these don’t come along very often and they are not that expensive. If RSBFS history is any indication, the XN stream will dry up and we won’t see another until at least Thanksgiving. The postman may ring twice, but opportunity rare does the same.

From the seller:

The Suzuki XN85, released in early 1983, is a turbocharged motorcycle. It was designed as a sportbike. The name came from the fact that it produced 85 hp. It featured the first factory 16-inch front wheel, which was previously seen only on race bikes. It also had low clip-on handlebars, rearset foot pegs and a single shock rear suspension, called the Suzuki Full Floater.

The engine IS A 650 5 SPEED, with boost kicking in around the 5,000 rpm mark. It pulls strongly from that point. While the XN did not have the power of other sportbikes, it had extremely good handling.

THIS XN IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND SPORTS ALL THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRES AND BATTERY ARE IN GREAT SHAPE. SIMPLY, THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF SUZUKIS TURBO.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND ASK QUESTIONS.
TANK IS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SHADE THAN THE REST OF THE BIKE.

There is a clear Title.

This is a US-spec bike (not Canadian), which places it a bit more on the rare side. That being said, there is little price or desire difference between the two from a collector standpoint, so go with the best condition you can find. This particular bike has had some strong interest, with the bidding up to $4,350 (reserve not met) at the time of writing. This is still low money for a great handling motorcycle, and the fact that there were only ever a few hundred brought into the country only makes it better. To check out this distinctive booster from another era, click the link and jump over to the auction. A turbo spinning will keep you grinning!

MI

Does everybody know what time it is? Turbo Time!

That’s right folks – your favorite one hit wonders are back for a limited showing. Today’s example – a very sweet Suzuki XN85, offered in the US in extremely limited numbers and for one year only. Turbo badges and stickers aside, this 650cc air cooled four cylinder pumped out 85 ponies at the crank, and was generally regarded as one of the sharpest handling sportbikes of the era. Credit the 16″ front wheel for agility, and legendary designer Hans Muth for the sculpted bodywork.

From the seller:

This is a one owner XN85 turbo . I am selling this bike for my brother in-law as he doesnt have much experience on ebay. Very low miles and in very good running order.

Everything works on the bike all gauges and turbo work properly. Very low production of these bikes ( 300 in the US) as they where very expensive back in 1983. None listed on Ebay except for this one.

Buyer is responsible for pick up and or shipping. The bike can be brought to the US border near Montreal if need be.

The bikes has 41379 KM which is equivalent to 25711 Miles.

Factory turbo bikes are some of the easiest “rare” bikes to collect. For while there were very, very few sold in North America they are also not prohibitively expensive. These are sure to go up in value over time, but it may be a long, long time before they are worth real money. Beware that parts on these one year only models can be difficult to source, although there are quite a few crossover parts with the rest of the Suzuki lineup for regular wear items.

This Canadian example is available right now – with very reasonable pricing. The current bid is only $2,025 with reserve not met. The BIN is only $3,400. When was the last time that kind of scratch bought you a very cool and very rare motorcycle? For more information and pictures click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI

Quick – look at the pictures. Do you spot the rare bike? I’m beginning to doubt the rarity of these post-disco, pre-grunge “it came from the 80s” Suzuki Katanas. RSBFS went for ages without posting a single one, and then BANG! we suddenly find several. Such are the risks associated with bringing you the best of the rare bikes available on the internet; sometimes it is an HRC RC30, sometimes it is a Neiman Marcus “limited edition” offering, and sometimes it is something in between, like this 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000.

Designed by Hans Muth, the futuristic styling assured Suzuki of instant recognition and plenty of press. But the big Katana was perhaps too ahead of it’s time – and the bold angles and “big block” approach to power was already past; just around the corner the Ninja waited to change the game completely….

From the seller:
1982 Suzuki Katana 1000, all stock, 8476 original miles.
Clean title, original Tool kit, owners manual, all original keys. Original seat in photo, new seat from Suzuki also included.

New fork seals, progressive springs installed, anti-dive units replaced with block-off plates, anti-dive units included in sale.

Chrome and brightwork on engine is excellent. Everything works. No oil leaks.
Original exhaust. Black chrome in great condition, no pitting, very shiny. There are some scratches on the bottom right side exhaust shown in picture.

I replaced gas tank and fairing. Originals are included in sale. All work done by Suzuki dealer. engine #GS10X102258.

Bike looks, runs and rides excellent.

Whether you are buying to ride or buying to invest, you might want to take note. Complete Katanas in first year colors and complete with the stock seat, body panels and black chrome exhaust are becoming more and more rare. If unmolested is what grabs your eye, then you might wish to stare at this one for a while. It is certainly not perfect, but has seemed to survive the drag bike turned rat bike status of less fortunate machines.

Your chance to own this piece of stylistic history is now. This bike is located in the sunny State of California, and the auction has just begun. The opening ask is a bit high at $6,000, but Katanas in this condition will pass that mark at auction these days. There is a reserve in place as well, so time will tell us how high this seller hopes to go. Check out all of the info and pictures here. Good Luck!!

MI

This is a bad boy sportbike from another time. It is hard to believe that this bombshell dropped on U.S. shores 30 years ago! This bike still looks menacing and full of purpose and ready to tear up your favorite road. Credit legendary designer Hans Muth for the angles, and Suzuki for having the guts to produce it.

First generation Katanas such as this are pretty rare, and thus very popular when they do turn up for sale. This particular one seems to have had a minor refresh to get it ready for sale, yet it looks complete and has a significant number of bids thus far.

From the seller:
For sale is a very rare 1982 Suzuki gs1000sz Katana, this bike was completely restored, complete teardown

complete paintjob

all decals and engine badges are new old stock oem suzuki parts

new clutch cable, throttle cable

the seat is original, i just cleaned it and the seat strap is new old stock oem suzuki

forks were rebuilt new seals

frame,stands, battery box sandblasted and painted

engine cleaned and painted

carbs were rebuilt completely all new seals and

brand new battery

vance & hines exhaust( was bought off showroom floor with it on bike)

this was a 2 owner bike, the bike

this bike runs great, has 28600 miles

There are those that prefer the colors of the next year bike, or claim that the 1100 Katana is the more potent performer. While you cannot fault the reasoning, this first edition model will always be the most desired by collectors; this is the model that started it all.

Bidding has been pretty hot on this machine, and the current price is up to just over $4,000 with reserve still in place. Despite the number of bids the price is still a bit lower than expected, although I anticipate that to go up as the auction nears the end. For your chance to bid on this monster – or just to check out the pictures and the action – click on the link and jump on over. Don’t miss your chance to snag a piece of Suzuki history!

MI

For Sale: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100

Easily the most recognizable of the early Japanese sportbikes, the Suzuki Katana was a “love it or hate it” affair. Regardless of opinion, there is no doubt that the sharp-edged Katana made a bold statement. It continues to do so today, and the Hans Muth styling retains all of the aggression that made this bike stand out in the first place.

This is a second generation Katana, with the 1100 motor and the blue accented graphics. It may not be as desired as the original, first edition 1000cc machine, but there is no denying that this beauty is the definition of “survivor.” With a sub 14k miles logged on the unique instrument cluster, I would challenge RSBFS readers to find one of these monsters in this incredible, nearly original condition.

From the seller:
Here is a mint 1983 katana 1100, this is in imaculate condition. runs beautiful, exhaust is spotless,original factory paint, and has always been in heated storage. you would be hard pressed to find another one like it, be the one to one this historic piece of history.

These GS-based Katanas are stout machines. The motors have a lot of room to grow, and appear to be overbuilt as evidenced by the test of time. This was the powerplant to beat in the early 1980s, and while it lacks the top-end rush of the later four-valve GSX-R machines, it still holds up admirably today. The headers appear stock, but the slip-on is not. It is, however, a period correct modification.

This bike is located in the small state of Rhode Island – a place that this rocket could transit in a short matter of time, I would imagine. Interest in this bike has been high, and the current bid is up to $7,000 with reserve still in place. I suspect we may see a new Katana high water mark at the end of this one. For more details, pictures and to check out the bidding action, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI

For Sale: 1984 BMW R65 LS

The BMW R65LS was another attempt by BMW to enter into the “sporty” market without building an acutal sport bike (the likes of which would not appear until the revolutionary S1000RR). By restyling an otherwise stock R65 with unique fairing, handlebar, tail section, engine colored valve covers, snowflake wheels and dual rotors, legendary designer Hans Muth created a visually impacting boxer twin.

The R65LS is no more powerful than the standard R65 (which is to say, not at all), and while braking is enhanced with the dual Brembos up front, this model shares all the common BMW weaknesses when the pace quickens: long travel suspension pogos and wallows, the shaft drive jacking effect, moderate ground clearance, and very modest power. At a more relaxed pace the R65 is a gem to ride and has the kind of longevity that made BMW boxers famous.

From the seller:
BMW R65 LS

RED

28 YEARS OLD -TRULY A RARE FIND

ALL ORIGINAL

NO RESTORATIONS

836 MILES – WITH ORIGINAL TIRES

FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTOR

I AM PROVIDING SOME HISTORY

The R65LS was a limited edition model – one that did not sell particularly well. This particular example has travelled fewer than 1,000 miles since new. That makes this a true survivor in my book, and also highlights this as an extremely rare example of a relatively rare model. The colors all appear to be correct, and the bike looks to be in fantastic condition considering it is past its 28th birthday.

The R65LS might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I can tell you from experience that these bikes can take an amazing amount of abuse without so much as blinking. Economic, reliable and comfortable, this could be a great bike to collect and ride. The seller is asking a considerable amount for this nearly new LS model, with the latest bid over $4,600 and reserve still in place. For more info on the bike (the seller included a LOT of text) and more pictures, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI