Posts by Category: Suzuki

Suzuki October 25, 2018 posted by Donn

2nd Life – 1983 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana

RSBFS normally shies away from buffed-up resto-mods, but this long term transformation is understated, very true to the original - and a looker. This owner has polished where appropriate, but powder-coated in many cases, with a nice performance rebuild of the 1100cc four.

1983 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana for sale on eBay

On the radical side, the German firm Target Design penned their edgy 111 hp flagship, as the headlight fairing slashes its way toward 136 mph. Suzuki's twin-swirl combustion chamber ( TSCC ) and forged engine internals made all that power more reliable. Ergonomics are long and low, rake and trail numbers optimized for high speed work. Forks had anti-dive but were not adjustable, while dual rear shocks had five selections for preload and rebound.

Evidently restored by the original owner, this Kat has some serious mods in the engine and could be shown as a light custom. Some normally bright parts have been powder coated black while forks and calipers ( and float bowls ! ) have been polished. With stripes, the paint is celebratory compared to the original. The owner says this in the eBay auction:

The bike starts and runs great, and has about 600 miles on it since being restored.

Engine assembled by Scott Horner / Heads Up Performance

Wiseco 1160 piston kit

Heads Up Performance ported and polished head

Yoshimura stage two cams

Crank rebuilt by Falicon

New OEM rods, oil pump

Vance & Hines Super Hub rebuilt by APE Performance

APE Billet clutch basket assy, Valve job w/ bronze valve guides, Undercut trans gears, Heavy duty cam chain,

Manual cam chain tensioner, Adjustable cam sprockets, cam chain guide

Vortex Overhead oiling kit

Dyna ignition, green coils, HT wires

Paint by AT. Markus

New GSXR front master cyl & OEM rear

Stainless brake lines/fittings

Powder coated frame and all brackets

Bolts stainless, new OEM or black oxide finish

EBC Pro-lite brake disks

Works shocks

Pirelli Sport Demon tires

Rizoma Blinkers and Grips

New seals/bearings

With four days to run, bidding is active and has almost reached the original MSRP, at a level now reserved for singles and scooters. It's a lot of bike, with the forward riding position better for higher speeds. The detailed restoration on this Katana shows well, and the engine upgrade backs the design up with plenty of oomph.

-donn

Suzuki October 20, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Clean, Low-Mileage Slingshot: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750 for Sale

Suzuki’s GSX-R750 revolutionized the sportbike game by bringing racebike handling and technology to the masses. There were obviously plenty of other sportbikes available at the time, like Honda’s VF1000F and Kawasaki’s GPz900R, but none seemed to capture the style of the era quite as well the Suzuki, with its endurance-racing bodywork and striking blue-and-white graphics. It didn’t hurt that it had the performance to back up the race-bred style.

Interestingly for a cutting-edge sportbike, the original "oil-boiler" GSX-R's engine almost seems like it was a step backwards, as it was not water-cooled. Instead, the GSX-R’s designers took a page out of Colin Chapman’s book, and used an oil and air-cooling system to save both weight and complexity. Luckily, they left out Lotus’ factory-installed mechanical and electrical gremlins… Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System or “SACS” used a high-capacity oil pump and a large oil-cooler to do the same job as a radiator, and the package made 112hp in the second-generation version seen here.

The second-generation of the GSX-R was introduced in 1988 and affectionately known as the “Slingshot,” owing to the unusual design of the semi-flat slide Mikuni BST36SS carburetors. The Slingshot actually had one less cc than the original bike, because of a more oversquare bore and stroke that resulted in 748cc. The updated engine could rev higher and made more power, but naturally less torque, and increased weight meant some customers weren’t especially happy about the change: the extremely rare homologation GSX-R750RK actually switched back to the original bore and stroke dimensions to restore some of the lost torque at the request of race teams.

The new version kept the oil-cooling though, and the perimeter aluminum frame, along with revised styling, suspension, and 17” wheels that make it look and perform more like a modern motorcycle. I’m not generally a huge fan of Japanese sportbikes, but the second-generation GSX-R750 and 1100 are on my short list of favorite motorcycles. Okay, it’s technically a pretty long list, but this is still a really cool bike.

I don't especially like the heavy four-into-two exhaust system seen here, but it is original and should add to the value for collectors. "Showroom condition" is an overused term and is often applied to bikes that are very nice, but far from the way they rolled off the dealer floor. It shouldn't be subjective: aftermarket turn signals, exhausts, and even period-correct performance-upgrades technically disqualify a bike. But as a non-expert on Gixxers, this one looks like it might fit the description, or at least come pretty close.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750 for Sale

Rare opportunity to obtain an original 89 GSX-R750 in mint condition with original exhausts and components.

8880 miles from new, runs perfectly and needs nothing

Originally Purchased from local Suzuki Service Manager and collector, maintained in a climate-controlled garage.

One small scratch on the rear left tailpiece otherwise in excellent condition throughout.

Recent tires and battery

No oil or gas leaks whatsoever, no stains, engine is smooth

Buyer responsible for shipping arrangements and costs.

Please do not bid if you do not intend to purchase.

The curse of the "everyman sportbike" was the very reliability and affordability that made them so ubiquitous: most owners didn't bother to cherish them as they would a more exotic, or maybe more fragile machine, and they were ridden, flogged mercilessly, and discarded when they were worn out or when a new generation was introduced, then "customized" horribly by their second or third owners as the obsolete version became more affordable. These days, clean examples of Suzuki's oil-cooled GSX-Rs are quickly snapped up by collectors. Just a few years ago, you could get one of these for a few grand, but prices are shooting up quickly, especially for nice, low-mileage bikes like this one. Don't scoff too loudly at the $9,500 Buy It Now price, since bidding is already up above $7,000 with plenty of time left on the auction.

-tad

Clean, Low-Mileage Slingshot: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750 for Sale

Suzuki October 13, 2018 posted by Donn

Bird of Prey – 2000 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa

Named for its technique of high speed dives hunting for ( Honda ) blackbirds, the Hayabusa was Suzuki's bid for the limelight and production model speed records. This unrestricted example brings low miles and a rare stock appearance to a straightaway near you.

2000 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa for sale on eBay

First produced in 1999, the 'Busa threw 1298cc displacement at the issue, along with the SRAD ram air system, to boast 175 hp. A gear driven counterbalance was used and allowed the engine to be secured directly to the frame, increasing chassis strength. A robust twin spar frame supported fully adjustable forks and monoshock. Aerodynamics ruled most of the fairing and openings, which wasn't immediately popular but achieved the goal of high speed stability. The bike was pretty big all over, but still under 500 lbs. with half a tank.

This Ohio owner has resisted the customization urge and preserved his Hayabusa beautifully. No mention of maintenance, but in this condition and under 6,000 miles, anything but fluids and tires would be a surprise. From the eBay auction:

Selling a beautiful 2000 Suzuki Hayabusa. It has 5721 adult ridden miles on her. Comes with a set of Yoshimura slip ons. This bike is an unrestricted model capable of nearly 200 MPH! This is a true Japanese classic that is getting difficult to find in this condition, with under 6K miles on the clock. You may pick her up locally, or I will assist with shipping.

Not messing with success, Suzuki didn't make much except graphic revisions to the Hayabusa until 2008's big revision. The early model was a favorite of drag racers and customizers who did everything the factory would never do. As flagship it was blessed with excellent build quality, and reviewers also praised the rather necessary excellent brakes. The press urged riders not to battle it out in the twisties, but wait until the right wrist could be exercised and pass at will...

-donn

Bird of Prey – 2000 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa

Suzuki October 4, 2018 posted by Donn

Winter is Coming – 1982 Suzuki GS1100E in Canada

Suzuki had a bit of a horsepower dynasty going in the early 1980's, their DOHC air-cooled fours having plenty of power and potential for lots more. The GS1100E was their very sporty standard, years before naked superbikes became a thing.

1982 Suzuki GS1100E ( Canada ) for sale on eBay

Looking a little staid in the factory tan metallic, the GS1100E had a nice tank-into-seat flow that echoed the Katana. The normal looking twin-downtube frame was beefier than usual, and the Kayaba forks and twin shocks look routine but are multi-adjustable. Even the 1075cc engine could masquerade, until closer examination of the specs revealed a narrow valve angle and their Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber. On the ES it was tuned for 108 hp and 63 ft.-lbs. torque. For 1982 a slightly lower seat height and pegs a couple of inches back gave a sportier feel. Though its stability and weight made the -E's home on the boulevard and dragstrip, it got high marks on the back roads.

This GS was imported to Saskatchewan from the U.S. and should be an easy border crossing back, and while it doesn't look pampered there is a garage. A recent battery and tires are mentioned, though nice detail would do a world of good. From the eBay auction:

Try to find one in this condition near you. It is rare in North America.

It is already an Antique and it's probably only going up in price in the future.

I bought this bike a couple years ago in Boise / Idaho and brought it across.

I did all the paperwork and had the safety inspection for Saskatchewan done on it. A few minor repairs and two new tires and it was safe to drive.

Now the tires have maybe 500 km on them - that's how little I actually drove the bike.

It has 27960 on the clock and I assume that this is in miles since the bike comes from the States.

The bike itself is in great condition I'd say. That's what the mechanic told me when he got the bike ready for this season after winter.

The bike starts good and drives good, the lights are all working including signal lights. The battery is new from this spring.

I even have a short video how easy it starts cold - I could send it to you.

The early eighties were alive with variations on the UJM, and Suzuki had the market blanketed from the king-and-queen seat on the GL to the bikini fairing on the ES. As a 1982, the -E was the best part of a Katana and could still blend into the background. And then post an 11-second quarter.

-donn

Winter is Coming – 1982 Suzuki GS1100E in Canada

Suzuki October 2, 2018 posted by Donn

Rolling Art – 1984 Bimota SB4S

Back on eBay with some new pictures after last year's - RSBFS post - and auction which did not meet the reserve - Donn

Massimo Tamburrini was still at Bimota when the ground-pounding SB4S was introduced, using the 1,075cc Katana air/oil-cooled engine. Though power is similar between the Suzuki GSX-1100S and the SB4S at around 112hp, Bimota holds a clear advantage in weight and top speed. The northwest-based SB4S has recent maintenance and no apparent damage.

1984 Bimota SB4S for sale on eBay

Bimota's artwork begins with the complex trellis frame, continues to the milled side connectors, and is covered by the full fairing and flowing tank/seat console. With the tuner's airbox and 4-into-2 exhaust, the overhead cams for Suzuki's big four hulk behind the bodywork. Classic Ceriani right-side-up forks and DeCarbon monoshock are adjustable and support 16" Campagnolo wheels. Not expected to be all that light as an unlimited GT, the SB4S is still 75 lbs. lighter than the Katana, and long gearing allows a top speed increase to 155 or so.

This SB4S's kmh odometer translates to just under 10,000 miles, and provided the recent service included carburetor cleaning, appears to need nothing more than a spa day, and tires. The pearl white fairings with red graphics look undamaged, and the rest looks complete and original. From the eBay auction:

1984 Bimota SB4S. Very rare full fairing, tube frame, one of 106 ever made, beautiful white pearl paint, new battery recent tune up and fluid change, bike runs perfect, no issues. This is a pristine example of a early tube frame Bimota. It’s a jewel.

At this stage in Bimota's life the SB4 was also available as a kit, with the buyer supplying a GSX1100S for parts. Seeing a home-built SB4 might be just as rare, but the factory-built SB4S is one of just a couple of hundred, rarer still with full fairing. Not to mention cherry pearlescent paint. The 16-inchers lend a funny look to the SB4S, but the fairing is roomy and can take the rider as far ( or farther ) than common sense allows...

-donn

Suzuki September 27, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ VJ22 for Sale

Update 11.3.2018: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

By the time the early 1990s rolled around, four-stroke performance motorcycles like Suzuki's GSX-R750 had gotten more powerful, more refined, and much heavier. Seriously, the GSX-R1100 of 1993 weighed in at 560lbs wet! Luckily, two stroke sportbikes at least remained pretty svelte. Although a little bit heavier than the original versions from the late 1980s, they still hovered right around 300lbs, which gave bikes like this Featured Listing 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ excellent handling and decent acceleration, in spite of the limited power from the dirty little v-twin.

The RGV250Γ Gamma naturally used a twin-spar aluminum frame as was common in the class, along with a 249cc, liquid-cooled two-stroke 90° v-twin controlled by Suzuki's own electronic power-valve and ignition control system they dubbed "SAPC," an acronym for "Suzuki Advanced Power Control." The result was around 55hp in de-restricted form, although the original Japanese market bikes were limited to just 45hp.

This VJ22 is the second generation of the bike that followed the original VJ21 and was eventually superseded by the VJ23 that had very different looks and used an entirely new 70° two-stroke v-twin. Style for the VJ22 was similar to the earlier VJ21, but featured a distinctive braced swingarm and 17" wheels front and rear, instead of the 18" rear found on the VJ21.

Today's bike offers up retina-searing graphics that might have been considered dated and unfashionable until recently, but waves of nostalgia for 90s sportbikes have made this style cool again. Or at least have made it okay to admit that you always thought these vibrant colors were cool. It can be tricky to judge condition from photos, but this bike appears to be in exceptional shape, especially considering the age of the bike. Aside from that, it's been thoughtfully modified, properly maintained, and appears to be ready to go terrorize the local canyons or your local bike night with ring-a-ding noises and heavy two-stroke smoke.

From the Seller: 1994 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22 for Sale

Australia model 17 digit VIN

34mm carbs

De-restricted SAPC

Box original bodywork

Racetech suspension

Bike is fully serviced: carb clean and sync

Oil pump bleed

Fresh 2t Motul 710

New spark plugs

Idaho plates

Located in Redondo Beach, California.
$9,500 obo

Well the 17-digit VIN should make it a bit easier to register in some states, which makes this one appealing to folks who want to ride their bikes and not just collect, display, or track them. Yes, it already has an Idaho registration, but I'm not sure how strict the Idaho DMV is and some states might still give you trouble without the right number of digits in your VIN. The asking price for this little two-stroke? $11,000. It's not one of the famous race-replica editions, but this example is ready-to-ride and looks very 90s with those neon graphics.

-tad