For Sale: 1983 Suzuki GSX / Katana 750
Update 9.16.2011: Back on eBay!
Update 01.02.2012: Not everyone’s cup of tea but we like it, and it’s back on eBay. Links updated. -dc
Named after the famed Samurai sword, the Suzuki Katana was cutting edge in terms of style and performance. While most folks flocked to the Katana 1000 and the later 1100, there was another, smaller Katana cut from the same cloth: the 750.
The 750 was never as popular as its bigger brother, and thus fewer bikes were made. Obvious differences – besides engine capacity – included the color palette. While the original Katana 1000 was silver/black and the ’82 was silver/blue, the 750 was available in this striking silver/red color combination. This particular bike includes the very rare (and very period correct) Lockhart lowers. While not stock, they certainly enhanced the look of the bike, and are very hard to come by today.
From the seller:
This will be an incredible find for some lucky person. I bought this bike from the original owner back in 2002 after looking for this bike for about 5 years previous. It is the last bike out of my 80’s superbike collection.This is a completely original 83 Katana 750 with an original aftermarket Lockhart lower. This bike is incredible and runs fantastic. It turns heads and is going to be in the International Motorcycle Show “Classic Bikes Display” on the east coast in 2012. (If the new owner wants to display it). These bikes (1100,1000,750 Katana) were only sold for one year in the US and the 750 was the rarest of the three.
The bike has been very well maintained, Tires and chain have low miles on them. Clean gas tank. Battery Tender included
Although not as desirable in the showrooms, I would expect this “baby” Katana to pull its own weight and then some in the collector market. Given the scarcity of these smaller models, coupled with the rabid marketplace interest in early Katanas, this should be a fun one to watch.
The current auction price is only just above $2k, and the reserve has not yet been met. Anything below $4k would be an utter bargain on this bike, and I expect it to bring much more upon auction close. Bidding has been relatively brisk, so there is definite interest in this machine. Check it out, and let us know what you think. Click here to jump over to the auction. Good luck, and be sure and let us know if you win!
MI
Very cool old Kat! I’ve got an ’82 1100 in my garage and just love it.
You are a lucky man, David. That is definitely on my “collection” list for someday. I won’t even argue if it is an 1100, 1000 or 750!
your favorite cynic is back, and we have a winner! UGLIEST BIKE EVER!
I used to have a 94 with a 750 racing motor that was more then a handful. Loved that bike…
well, if one HAD to own a can of tuna, this one would be okay, i guess. i mean, if someone FORCED you to own one. otherwise, i’m with tony, except that this is not the ugliest bike ever. the later generations of those cans of tuna were even worse.
What’s not to like? It’s a classic with a unique styling like no other. They should make a new retro model. I’m sure it would sell nicely.