Update 9.6.2023: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
Presenting an extraordinary find: a 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 available for sale on eBay from Bob Benyo. This remarkable bike serves as a nostalgic tribute to the cutting-edge technology of its time. With its spacecraft-like appearance and reliance on conventional engineering, the Katana made a bold statement that captured the attention of the world. Suzuki seized the spotlight, showcasing a series of successful models, including the groundbreaking GSX-R. However, during the early 1980s, it was the Katana that stole the headlines and became the center of attention.
1983 Suzuki Katana for sale on eBay
Renowned designer Hans Muth was responsible for the Katana’s radical and dynamic design. Angular lines and a compact windscreen conveyed a sense of movement. While the Katana was not renowned for its comfort akin to the Gold Wing, it was on par with the high-performance bikes that would emerge in the following decade (Ducati, we’re looking at you). Power originated from an evolved version of the powerful GS engine, equipped with double overhead cams and four-valve heads. Yet, it was raw power rather than advanced technology that took center stage. The impressive 1074cc engine featured substantial 72mm pistons housed in air-cooled cylinders, fueled by four Mikuni carburetors. The compression ratio stood at 9.5:1. In its stock form, the Katana churned out approximately 110 horsepower (when new). The remainder of the bike featured a sturdy steel double-loop frame and a dual-shock swing arm setup. Notably, the brakes were notable for their time, with 275mm discs and double-piston calipers up front. Suzuki proudly declared the Katana as the fastest production motorcycle in the world upon its introduction before the 1981 model year.
from the seller:
“Museum quality” worthy of the barber motorsports museum. Low reserve. Coming out of my personal mini museum is one of my low mileage 1983 Suzuki katana (only 79 miles since the restoration on a new Suzuki speedo cluster)( 7800 miles before the resto). She is in amazing “award winning” restored condition and has been my favorite katana for some time. Yes lucky me i have a few of these amazing pieces of history. This katana has been professionally built to run and look like she did in 1983. She underwent a full frame off restoration a few years ago. A show winner that has been parked in my front room of my mini museum.
The frame was completely striped and repainted in the correct silver and the wheels the same. The body work underwent the same meticulous restoration process as all my restorations do, over $7000 in professional oem paint and body work.. The brakes have been re-built with factory seals. The front forkes we rebuilt and the anti dive works perfectly.
being fully restored to original condition with the correct paint/polish finish and new factory bearings and seals. New Pirelli or Avon tyres will be installed (buyers choice).
The impossible to find factory exhaust is in amazing condition and has only been partially restored. The bike has 100 miles since the build.
This original engine had only 7800 miles on it and ran fine but we decided to overhaul it since we had it apart to re-paint. It has been professionally overhauled using only Suzuki factory parts and gaskets. It has all new seals and bearings , new pistons and rings, cylinders were re-honed, the head has been re-conditioned with all new valves and guides. New factory clutch basket and clutch, the carbs will be repainted the factory black this week, they were soda/hydro blasted and ultrasonically cleaned (we forgot to paint them back to black) and tuned to perfection. The engine was then painted to factory new.
I have been building, restoring, customizing, repairing, racing, and collecting unique bikes since graduating from American motorcycle institute “ami” in 1980. I only have the best bikes in my collection. I was just awarded motorcycle collector of the year at the Boca Raton concours d’ elegance 2023. So i guess i know vintage bikes 🙂
There is over $35,000 parts and labor invested into the restoration and build of this bike so take advantage of this deal on my impossible to find museum quality 1983 Katana . I just sold 2 modified katana’s for around 15k each this bike is easily worth double!!! Don’t miss out!!! Tell your wife this bike a sound investment!!! It will appreciate 15% to 20% every year unlike your wifes handbag and shoe collection and this is fun to ride!!!
Don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to own a perfect example of a 1983 katana!!!! Add her to your own museum…….
Please call with any questions 954-816-0806 Bob
The earliest generation Katanas remain highly sought-after among collectors. One of the reasons for their desirability is the striking contrast they offer compared to the UJM sport bike. Additionally, a sense of nostalgia contributes to their appeal, as many riders were unable to afford these powerful machines during their initial release (due to being in high school, not even born yet, etc.), whereas that may be a possibility for some today. If you find yourself in that category, and if you’re not specifically looking for a brand new, completely original OEM model, here presents an exceptional opportunity to fulfill that long-held dream. Building a comparable bike today would be far more expensive.
