The 1982 Suzuki Katana is a beautiful example of a manufacturer using the time-honored tradition of raiding the parts bin to make a machine whose impact multiplied the sum of its parts. With its running gear filched from the GS line, the 1982 Katana was a race-bred little brother to the GS1100 bruiser, but it was the Katana’s origami creases that told the real story.
1982 Suzuki Katana for sale on eBay
The bikes were powerful, and did end up in AMA competition, but more than that, they lit the way for bike makers before the dawn of the fully-faired superbike era. The bikini fairing and exposed engine are still very early-1980s, but the aggressive lines, sculpted fuel tank and space boot-aping front fender hint at what was just a few years on the horizon.
This 1982 Suzuki Katana is a legit collectors piece, both for its immaculate partially restored condition and its early production number. According to the seller, this is 749th Katana to roll off the line. It has been beautifully looked after, with near-perfect paint, recently shined brightwork and flawless upholstery on the iconic seat. The carbs and brakes have recently been rebuilt and the brakes were treated to a fresh powder coat.
From the eBay listing:
I’m selling my beautiful Katana out of my personal collection! It is #749 out of the first 1000 of production! The bike runs and rides awesome, it will start and idle 90% on the 1st time with very little choke! This bike was totally gone through buy R&R Restorations recently! New, brakes, battery and tires probably have at the most 500 miles. The carbs, front and rear calipers and anti dive have all been professionally rebuilt, and calipers [powder coated. With only 20K miles I hate to see it go, but its time for someone else to enjoy it as I did! The bike come with a money back guarantee! That guarantee is, if the bike is any less then shown in the pictures you can send it back. I have taken a lot of close up photos please look at them all! However, your deposit is none refundable and buyer is responsible for return shipping! This is a beautiful bike that will turn head anywhere you ride it! The bike took 2 1st place awards at rice-o-rama. Best in show and under 1000 cc’s. If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Please free to make and reasonable offer! I don’t have to sell it, just what to make room for another!
I’m looking to sell the bike, it is listed locally and I reserve the right to end the auction at anytime! Please, reasonable offers only! However, all will be looked at! Like to move the bike to a new owner!
The buyer is completely responsible for shipping and the arrangements if needed! I will help the shipper in any way possible!
At $15,000, the seller is looking to get everything he can out of this machine, but you’re not too likely to come across another this clean and early any time soon.
This has always nagged me – why didn’t US model come with the fins under the chin? Does anyone know?
wow, thats in concourse level condition, definately something for collectors to look at
15 grand? Am I the only one that thinks that’s insane?
No you are not.
Concours comdition Yes but,
The frame is supposed to match the body work
Suzuki silver # 16 other than that nice. Stock pipes are unobtainable and add value.
Katanas are on the rise in value The Suzuki UK classic katana race bike helped with that .
I’m biased mine’s an 1981 1000 UK spec homologation bike # 44 with the factory smoothbore carbs super rare owned it since 85.
I turned down an offer of $ 18000 .
Man, how times change. 4 years ago you were lucky to get $3K for a very nice example of one of these (with flatslide carbs). Not much of a rider’s bike unless you enjoy straight lines.
Concourse condition perhaps, however, it’s far from being original.
Cheap aftermarket mirrors/handle grips, black frame, polished handles/forks, missing black paint on front brake reservoir, incorrect brake/clutch lever colour and missing rubber covers on the front suspension adjusters.
Purists looking for an original condition Katana would probably not be too keen on this one.
Nonetheless, not a bad example. Pity about the price though.