Posts tagged as “Katana”

Featured Listing: 1982 Suzuki Katana GS1000SZ

Published September 13, 2021 by William

Update 9.20.21: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Update 9.13.21: Price reduced to $12,000. Contact Chris with your interest. Oh and don’t miss his Bimota SB6R either! -dc

Many have fond memories of the glorious excess of the 1980s. A time when more was better, and yet seldom enough. Currently there is a new found appreciation of some of the iconic design and memorable machines from the era. Take the Suzuki Katana, long held in high esteem with a cult following. Suzuki recently announced it would be revive the name in a modern take on the classic design. The original Katana was a defining bike in many ways for Suzuki. All of this has caused a surge of interest in the original Katana, and rightfully so.

The 1982 example featured here is no run of the mill Katana, but rather the rare and sought after 1000cc version of the bike. In an attempt to further broaden the appeal of the Katana line, Suzuki decided to take the bike racing. The rules stipulated that they could not use the 1100 variant sold it many markets, so they reduced the bore size 2.6mm to bring the displacement to 998cc. The reduction in engine size did little to effect the power. With 90hp on tap and a top speed of over 140mph no one doubted the performance credentials.

In the words of the seller:

This 10,872 mile 1982 Suzuki Katana GS1000SZ has been resurrected with the intent being to treat the project as a bike that was ridden and maintained as an owner would have over the years using skill and quality OEM parts, not as a museum show piece. As such, the heart of the motorcycle was left intact. The frame has not been painted and still retains the original sticker near the left rear foot area and wear from the previous owner. The motor has not been removed, but has had a light cosmetic treatment and is a 10k mile running unit. All mechanical issues with this bike were addressed with OEM Suzuki parts whenever available. The bike was started and ran to assess the mechanical status.

The clutch made some excessive noise so the entire clutch, from the primary drive (no longer available, thanks Mick Hone Suzuki AUS) fiber and steel clutch plates, new pressure plate, as well as all springs, bearings and washers replaced with OEM parts.

The carburetors were then removed and disassembled, sonically cleaned and rebuilt. The tank is solid and the fuel has been rinsed out. A new Suzuki petcock with a new gasket and fresh fuel line installed. Carbs are jetted with the jets it ran on. Has a factory airbox, K&N filter and the Air/Fuel mixture screws 2 1/2 turns out. Clutch and carb work was performed by Jeremy Lanier of Lanier Racing.

I would like to thank Jeremy Lanier of Lanier Racing for his assistance, expertise and wit, also Mick Hone from Suzuki Australia for shipping some hard to find vintage Suzuki parts to the USA and Seminole Powersports North for the great parts and service departments.

The bike has patina and wear from previous years of use, specifically the frame and swing arm that were not disassembled or painted. There are lots of hours of work and plenty of dollars in parts spent on this 39 soon to be 40 year old bike. If you have any questions on the build or my reputation as a seller and member of the motorcycle community, do your due diligence. I have been building GSX-R’s for over 30 plus years and have built a number of various sport bikes sold on this site.

Ready to assist in the shipping logistics, but buyer is responsible for setting up arrangements

Interested buyers can contact me directly with any questions or legitimate offers on this bike or any other build you would like to commission.

gsxronly.com

Detailed list of parts used and work completed:

The bike sits in a dry, ready to start state. Oil in the crankcase, no fuel in the tank or carbs.

(Fuel last for about 2-3 weeks stagnant here in the Florida summer)

New Yuasa battery,

New Michelin Pilot tires,

New chain and sprockets

Powder coated wheels with new wheel bearings

New replica seat cover

Freshly painted tank and bodywork using PPG products including liberal amounts of DCU2021 clear if you wish to wet sand and buff to a show finish

New OEM Coils/ Caps and NGK plugs

New airbox rubber and clamps (air side), as well as the fuel side intake rubber inlets making carb removal and service a non drama event

All new OEM engine side covers, some not available anymore

Powder coated rotor carriers

New left side switch gear

New Suzuki mirrors

New Suzuki tail light

New throttle cable

New OEM front and rear turn signals

New OEM hand grips

Triple tree bearings

Clutch pivot shaft bearing

Rebuilt front and rear master brake cylinders (Suzuki dealer)

Vintage Vance and Hines exhaust

Complete list of parts and receipts for verification of all work performed.

Not only is this bike a rare and interesting version of a desirable motorcycle, it is in beautiful shape and sure to offer loads of enjoyment to a future owner. The bike has been tastefully modified and lovingly looked after by a knowledgeable owner with a long history with the brand. The seller is a long time supporter of RSBFS and we are over the moon that he has trusted us with the listing of another one of his amazing bikes.

Bike is listed at ~~$14,500~~ $12,000 with a Clear Florida Title

Contact:

Chris Perkins

gsxronly@aol.com

407-492-5854

Special thanks to Anna Jannotti for her professional expertise and phenomenal photographic skills.

Rescued & Rodded: 1982 Suzuki Katana 1100

Published July 15, 2021 by Mike

Let’s start right out in the open: this is not your ordinary 1982 Suzuki Katana. While the Katana was made available in both 1000cc and 1100cc models (the former with an eye towards homologation for racing), this was originally the smaller of the two – an even liter. But much like the automotive world where there is no replacement for displacement, this owner performed a bit of surgery on his steed, swapping in a GS1100 motor for a bigger bang. And while RSBFS generally tends to post only original examples, the Katana is rare enough today – and the conversion looks solid enough – to allow this one to fly under the radar. At the end of the day this is not likely to bring in quite as much as a fully original Katana, but as a resto-mod rider it might just fit the bill. The seller has a lot to say, and I’ll let him pick it up here.

1982 Suzuki Katana 1100 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1982 SUZUKI KATANA GS1000SZ

This beautiful 1982 GS1000SZ with a 1983 GS1100SD motor is coming out of my private collection!

It is in excellent condition with low miles! I have owned many Katana’s and GS’s this one is awesome, love to ride this one! The bike has been set up period correct the way it would have been in 1982. Could be easily be converted back to all stock OEM if you could find a stock exhaust.

I have only put less than 1000 miles on it in the last few years and have enjoyed miles. So, I hate say it is time to sell a few bikes!

More from the seller:
The speedometer was replaced. With only about 15K miles she doesn’t need anything, just a new rider! I had tank (fuel tank is rust free) and bodywork painted with new OEM paint so there are no chips, dents, scratches or even scuff markets! The full Vance & Hines exhaust system in perfect condition and sounds awesome, when you start her up it will instantly bring you back to 1982!

The tires only have a few hundred miles on them. The seat is a brand-new custom seat cover black and silver to match the bike and motor! The bike has new brakes (front and rear calipers completely professionally rebuilt), carburetors professionally rebuilt with a stage 3 Dyno-S and synchronized with K&N pod filters (carburetors ultrasonic cleaned), chain, sprockets, fork seals where all replace last year with all OEM parts with very few miles on them! Steel braided brake lines where installed a few years ago!

More from the seller:
The Motor came from a very low miles (3800 miles) 1983 GS1100SD when it made room for a drag motor back in the day. I wanted the 1100 motor and I think it looks awesome with the black motor which is a much better motor!

This Katana looks, runs and rides better then it did when it rolled of the showroom floor back in the day!

Early generation Katanas are wonderful pieces of history. Outrageous styling nearly overwhelms the massive lump of 16-valve, air cooled inline four. This was a brute back in 1982, and the 19″ front hoop, small-ish brakes and antiquated dual-shock suspension highlight how far motorcycling has come in the last 40 years. There was very little that was cutting edge when the Katana hit the showrooms, but it made a massive splash due to the gamble Suzuki took with the styling (credit Hans Muth and his team for the design). Today this is an iconic bike that is instantly recognizable – even when modified.

Today’s example, as recounted by the seller, is a bit of a hot rodded Kat amongst the pigeons. The 1100 motor in black looks fantastic and is a natural fit given that Suzuki also build models in that capacity. Some of the mods might not be to everyone’s liking (polishing, turn signals, tail treatment), but from a go-fast perspective this is right on the retro money. And speaking of money, interested parties need to bring a fair amount. The Buy It Now price for this beast is one buck shy of 13 grand. With Katana pricing on the rise, Summer firmly in full swing and the general condition of the bike, the seller has set the bar high. Offers are welcome, so there may be room to move. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Original Hot Rod: 1982 Suzuki 1000 Katana

Published July 2, 2021 by Mike

The original Suzuki Katana is one of those bikes that will always stand out from the crowd. Even 40 years later (yes, it has been that long). Today this is still an iconic silhouette that captures the eye – and the imagination. From a performance perspective, the Katana was practically a relic when released. It had an evolution of the mighty 1,000cc air-cooled GS motor, but aside from new-fangled front forks which incorporated crude (by today’s standards) anti-dive circuitry, nothing much was actually new. That is not to call the Katana just another pretty face, but it really was the angular design that made this model stick in the public’s mind. Today, they are very collectable. Which brings us to this nicely restored 1982 model. The seller has a lot to say about the bike and a long list of what was addressed. I will allow him to pick it up from here:

1982 Suzuki GS1000SZ Katana for sale on eBay

From the seller:
For sale out of my personal collection is my beautiful 1982 GS1000SZ Katana. The bike is very, very rare it is one of the first 1000 manufactured #000819. This is where the superbike history begins. If you don’t the History of the 1st one thousand produced, let me know and I will tell you all about it! The bike runs and rides awesome and everything works as it should. Bikes start right up and idle with very little choke needed!

More from the seller:
With only 11285 miles she didn’t need much at all, however, 2 years ago I opted to have it fully restored by RJT Cycles & Restorations. The old girl deserved it. RJT Cycles & Restorations specialize 1980 to 1986 GS and Katanas. They did a spectacular job, it looks as good if not better than the day it left the showroom in 1982. No chips, scratches or even a scuff on the in the original factory painted tank and bodywork, not one chip. With a period, correct Vance & Hines full exhaust in perfect condition and sounds like a symphony when she starts up. It willing bring you right back to 1982 with the push of the start button. The handle grips are original and in perfect condition. The frame was professionally painted with (OEM 13L) specially order from Suzuki in Japan is flawless also with scratches to speak of. RJT Restoration did a fantastic job, it is a piece of artwork!

More from the seller:
I brought in over the winter for service to RJT Cycles & Restorations. They went through the entire bike thoroughly. The carburetors where ultrasonic cleaned and completely rebuilt with all OEM parts. Installed dialed in and synchronized on the bike. They also rebuilt front and rear master brake cylinders and anti-dive until with OEM parts.

While I the care of RJT Cycles & Restorations I took the opportunity to have a lot parts powder coated and polished for low maintenance. Powder coating was done perfectly by Competitive Edge Coating. I hate to see this bike go, but I have enjoyed this piece of motorcycle superbike history immensely for years. It is time for you to give this piece of art work and history a new home and enjoy it as I have.

More from the seller:
Powder Coated parts;
Front Calipers & Bracket
Front & Rear Calipers
Rear Brake master cylinder
Battery Box
Air Box Cover
Fuse Panel
Kick stand
Center stand
Swing Arm & Polished
Torque link Bar
Firing frame

Brand New with zero miles
Tires Front & Back
Brakes Front & Back
Fork Seals
Battery
Oil Change
Brake fluid flashed and changed
Throttle cable
Clutch cable
Choke cable
Brand New Black steel braded brake lines front & rear
So much more!

More from the seller:
This bike has a money back guarantee! I have taken a lot of close-up photos of the good, bad and the ugly so please look at them all very carefully before you bid! The money back guarantee is, you will have 7 days to inspect the bike and if is not as described or is anything less then what is shown in the pictures or as have described you can send it back. However, your deposit is none refundable, and buyer is responsible for return shipping! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Please feel free to make a reasonable offer.

The internet seems to agree that this is one good looking bike, as there are many watchers to the auction. There have been few bids thus far (one at the time of writing), and a reserve that is still firmly in place. There are several days remaining on this one, so it is essentially still all to play for. If you are looking for a NOS museum piece, you might wish to look elsewhere as some of the work done on this magnificent looking Katana utilizes different methods than the factory did 40 years ago. But there is no doubting that it is clean, and overall appears to be in fantastic shape. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

7 Responses.

Featured Listing – 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100

Published May 14, 2021 by Mike

Found in New Jersey, today’s awesome 1983 Suzuki Katana is a throwback to what was the state of the art. Looking like a space ship – but rolling on caveman technology – the Katana made a serious statement to the world. This was a major score for Suzuki, and the entire world watched as the Hamamatsu manufacturer leapt to the front of the line with a string of successful models, including the forthcoming (and game changing) GSX-R. But in the first half of the 1980s it was the Katana making news and stealing the show.

Featured Listing: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for sale on eBay

The radical lines of the Katana were penned by designer Hans Muth. They evoked a sense of motion with angular lines and a short, stubby windscreen. By all accounts the new Katana was not Gold Wing comfortable, but was no worse than the hyper sports bikes to come in the next decade (here’s looking at you, Ducati). Power came from an evolution of the big GS mill, with DOHC and four valve heads, but that is where brute force took over from technology. The big 72mm slugs displaced 1074cc, and slide in air cooled bores. These were fed by a brace of four Mikuni carbs, with the mixture squished to a compression ration of 9.5:1. All told, expect 110-ish HP from a stock unit (when new). The rest of the bike consisted of a steel double loop frame, and a twin shock swing arm arrangement. Brakes were big for the day, with 275mm disks up front and double piston calipers. When introduced ahead of the 1981 model year, Suzuki claimed the Katana was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

From the seller:
1983 Suzuki GSX / Katana 1100. Listing for my father who has owned it since 1987. The engine was taken out and rebuilt in the 1990’s. It has a 1166cc big bore kit, Stage 2 port and polished head, megacycle cams, springs, and retainers, super hub clutch basket, 36mm mikuni RS carbs. Ohlins shocks, braced swing arm, powder coated wheels, large aftermarket performance machine front brakes, brand new Michelin tires, yoshimura header, dyna coils and MSD ignition box. We have most of the original parts for it including the original carburetors, shocks, seat, center stand, air box, swing arm, and a spare gas tank that is dented. Everything operates on the motorcycle except for the tachometer because of the MSD spark box. The box has an adjustable rev limiter. The motorcycle only has about 3000 miles on the rebuilt engine and has never been raced. Runs and stops great.

This particular Katana has benefitted from some very period-correct mods as well as newer technology. Read carefully through the seller’s description to find the deeper details, but essentially the GS motor responds well to a big-bore kit. This comes straight out of the dragstrip mentality of “bigger is better,” and by all counts the 1166cc upgrade is relatively conservative. The Yoshimura headers, the Kerker can, the braced swing arm, the upgraded carbs and the new cams are all old school trickery to make the Katana even faster (and thanks to upgraded brakes, it stops better too!); it all looks the part today. Even the MSD ignition seems to fit, itself a far better solution than the early-style, weak transistorized unit of the stocker. Sadly, said upgrade fails to communicate with the analog rev counter, making the tach inop. Many of the original parts are included in the sale, which is a plus for the collector.

The seller notes that this bike has been in the family for a long time – since 1987. That is great loyalty and longevity for what was initially thought of as a motorcycle oddity. Thankfully Suzuki experienced great success with the model, which spawned many variants including smaller capacities, different bodywork, and of course models crafted using similar design language (GS550 and XN85 Turbo, to name two). The Katana name was reused many times over the years as well, although never with such the impact as the original. This fantastic looking beast is prowling for a new garage or man cave to call home. And who wouldn’t want this sitting somewhere where it could be seen? Anthony can be reached by email here and is asking $15,000.

Rare and Wonderful: 1982 Suzuki GS550 Katana

Published September 11, 2020 by Mike

When the original GS1100 Katana hit the motorcycle show circuit ahead of it’s launch, the world gaped. The Katana was like nothing the motorcycling community had ever seen. It was also tremendously popular on the showroom floor, and consumers flocked to Suzuki’s flagship sport bike – advertised to be the fastest in the world in 1981. Keen to capitalize on the popularity, Suzuki utilized the Katana brand name and applied it to a number of very different motorcycles, including today’s example of a 1982 GS 550 Katana. Looking nothing like it’s bigger sibling, the 550 had much more in common with the previous years’ GS model – but as Katana was the word of the day, many models within the Suzuki lineup were so branded.

1982 Suzuki GS550 Katana for sale on eBay

While the competition was coming up with all new middleweight offerings in the 550cc category, Suzuki essentially restyled an existing model to make it look newer and more exciting than it really was. Thankfully, the reality was much better than the “lipstick on a pig” analogy might suggest. Because the GS 550 that preceded the Katana nameplate was actually a pretty solid motorcycle. The air cooled, two valve inline four cylinder engine produced 50+ ponies (specs vary from 50 to 54 hp), and while the steel backbone frame might not have been cutting edge in light of the perimeter frames and the aluminum cradles to come, it was reasonably rigid albeit somewhat heavy. With 450+ pounds (dry) of mass to push around, the 550 Katana did not have the punch of the bigger bike, but remains a loved and respected middleweight for the day. Those days were short, however, as the 1980s ignited a technology storm that brought all existing sport bikes to their knees.

From the seller:
1982 Suzuki GS550 Katana with only 325 miles. (Mileage may increase slightly as owner frequently rides bike). Reported to have been donated to college where it sat mostly neglected for 30+ years. Current owner purchased bike with only 147 miles in 2019. Restoration consisted of replacing battery, cleaning and replacing all O-rings and fuel line nipples in carbs, changing brake fluid and engine oil, replacing petcock on fuel tank, replacing gas cap gasket, replacing front fork seals, replacing mirrors (not OEM), lubing chain & cables, and considerable cleaning of entire bike. Bike now runs like new and all systems perform perfectly. There are no known mechanical or electrical problems with bike.

Owner has added hard-to-find OEM fairing, a voltmeter & on/off switch, headlight on/off switch, headlight modulator, and rear wheel splash guard. The bike has not been modified / damaged in any way with the installation of these parts and all may be easily removed.

Fairing / cowling assy part no: 94400-34300-13L

The bike is an extremely nice survivor but it is not a show quality machine. There are a few cosmetic problems remaining ; the starter cover has lost some finish as has the left side engine cover. There may be some insignificant flaws elsewhere. In spite of these “warts” the bike always receives many favorable reviews from the general public.

Sale includes tool kit (mostly complete), owners manual, and related literature.

Clear Florida title in owner’s name.

It seems unbelievable that a mid-displacement standard from 38 years ago could have so few miles, and look so good. The seller notes it is not perfect, but one could expect something this old to look a lot worse from just sitting around. The bodywork looks to be in great condition, and the addition of the bikini fairing and the extra mudguard just seem to enhance the age-old good looks of the bike. It looks like the seller has recommissioned the bike from sitting around, including a run-through of the fuel system (undoubtedly necessary if the bike had fuel in it during its dormant phase).

This bike is a real time period piece; it is a Katana in name, but not ever considered THE Katana. It was a sport bike, but never really THE sport bike of the period. But today it looks fantastic, and is exactly what you might want if you are looking for a rider that is a bit different, yet still as capable as a twin shock blast from the past might hope to be. Opening bid for this one is a mere $3,495, with zero takers thus far. The bike is located in Florida, and thus is in the continental US (for those unwilling/unable to travel outside of our borders). Check out all the details here, and revel in this future classic today. Good luck, and stay safe!!

4 Responses.

Featured Listing: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

Published August 17, 2020 by Tad Diemer

Update 8.17.2020: This Katana has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Introduced in 1981, Suzuki’s Katana looked so radical and futuristic that it polarized the motorcycling community. Since the GSX-R that followed a couple years later really set the standard in terms of styling for pretty much every sportbike that followed, the Katana ended up with a kind of retro-futurist vibe, a bike from an era that only really happened in the minds of the designer. The bones were very traditional, with a twin-shock rear suspension, a 19″ front wheel, and Suzuki’s well-developed but hardly cutting-edge inline four. There’s obviously nothing wrong with 111hp and wind tunnel tested aerodynamics, but those looks were the biggest attraction both then and now. And those looks are on display in this gorgeously restored example.

1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for sale on eBay

The striking styling was done by BMW designer Hans Muth and Target Design, and aerodynamics developed using Science! gave a claimed 147mph top speed. Later bikes featured a pop-up headlight that was always intended for the bike, and I’ve always loved the compact gauge cluster that tucks in behind the minimalist screen. The rest of the bike was based on conventional, workmanlike components and proven technology from Suzuki’s vast catalog.

The engine was plenty stout and very reliable: an air/oil-cooled 1074cc dual overhead cam inline four with 16-valve heads and Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber technology powered the beast, hung in a twin-shock cradle frame that provided stable handling for the hulking, 535lb wet bike. Anti-dive forks up front were a nod to modern technology, although they never worked all that well.

After its introduction in 1981, the bike made it to US shores in 1982 fitted with a 998cc version of the TSCC engine to qualify for Superbike racing, with the full-sized 1074 arriving in 1983. At the time, performance would have been quickly superseded by the GSX-R that soon followed, but those wild looks and musclebike performance make it a fast-appreciating collectible today.

From the Seller: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

When I took on this project, I approached it as if I were the original owner maintaining the bike as a rider that was well cared for over the years. Trying to strike a balance on original finishes and as preserved as possible. The upper fairing, tank, side vents and side panels are new Suzuki parts. The upper and tank, not sold anymore, are NOS. The tank has never had gas in it. The bike was run with an external bottle prior to final assembly. When the bike arrived in the shop, it had 19K on the odometer and was documented for title purposes at that time. Upon inspection, sometime around 1985 or so the original gauges were damaged and a Katana 750 set was installed and improperly hardwired on the bike. A new, complete wiring harness was purchased and installed. The proper replacement set of 1100 gauges from Japan were sourced that show 18,820 miles indicated. Title will reflect 19k, as the bike came in. Bike last titled in 1987.

Anything that had to come off the bike to be addressed was replaced or repaired to original spec (except carb jetting, K&N and V&H pipe). For example, the tires were replaced so, the wheels were powder coated and new bearings installed. The motor was not pulled from the frame, nor was the frame or swingarm painted. All original patina is present on the frame, including the fragile VIN sticker on the left side. I choose not to paint the frame and swingarm because it is original once. If the new owner wishes to paint the frame and swingarm, that would be their choice and can be handled in this shop. I have the original parts including the old gauge set that were taken off the bike, as well as the rear shocks.

New parts:

Michelin Pilot tires

Ohlins S36P rear shocks

Suzuki wheel bearings

Suzuki NOS tank and upper fairing

Suzuki side panels, left and right

Suzuki fuel petcock

Suzuki mirrors, pair

Suzuki OEM hand grips, pair

Suzuki switch gear left and right

Suzuki front turn signals

Suzuki Ignition coils

Suzuki rear master cylinder

Suzuki rectifier

Suzuki Igniter

Suzuki tail lens

Suzuki signal generator

Suzuki relays

Suzuki oil filter

Suzuki clutch lever

Suzuki clutch cable

Seat cover, replica

K&N air filter

EBC front pads

Replica front windshield

SuperSprox Chainwheels

RK Gold chain

Battery

NGK plugs

Vance and Hines Supersport exhaust

Rebuilt original carbs, all new O rings, gaskets, needle valves

Halogen bulb

Powder coated wheels

Clean Florida title in my name ready to go. Not built to reside in a museum, although it is not far from getting there. Built to ride. The front fork set up is original, no leaks, but not rebuilt. If the bike ends up with me, I will be replacing it with a GSX-R1100 USD unit and a 17in wheel. Runs very well, crisp throttle and ready to go. New Michelin Pilot tires, EBC brake pads

Asking $10,900

I would consider partial trade for RG500 or RZ500 trades with cash from my side, for similar condition bike. If you need to know more about my work, check out gsxronly.com and look here as well. https://jalopnik.com/get-your-hands-on-an-early-suzuki-gsx-r-while-you-still-1794407221

Thanks for the interest.

The seller has posted bikes with us in the past, and all look to have been of the highest caliber, and this one is no exception: unless a pure, time-capsule museum-piece is your goal, you’re unlikely to find a first-generation Katana nicer than this one.

-tad

Sharp Sword: 1982 Suzuki Katana

Published October 23, 2019 by Aaron

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.

7 Responses.

Spring has Sprung – 1982 Suzuki GSX-1100SXZ Katana

Published October 8, 2019 by Donn

– At least in the seller’s Cape Town home. This low-mile Katana is an excellent original and unusual -SXZ variant that was only offered south of the equator.

1982 Suzuki GSX-1100SXZ ( South Africa ) for sale on eBay

As 1980 approached, Suzuki was having its way on the track and in the showroom, and the SXZ was specified by the New Zealand importer to homologate the model for racing down that way. Beside the radical look of the Hans Muth design, these Katanas came with spoked wheels ( 18-inch rear ), bigger brakes, carburettors and exhaust, and performance camshafts. Actual tech for the time meant air cooling, right-side-up forks, and twin shocks. Even with power bumped up from the usual -S’s 111 hp, the 500-plus pound dry weight was undeniable. But it made for a great endurance racer and GT.

This owner has had some knowledge of the SXZ’s special lineage, and preserved it beautifully. Some close-up details would be nice, but metals and finishes look close to faultless in what’s shown here. Most bikes closing in on their 40th birthday have had some degree of customization, but this Katana is very original.

I am the second owner of this very special Katana for the past twenty-six years.

The mileage is low for the age of the vehicle.

In total, she has done just over 17,000 Km (10,493 miles) of which I have done about 7,500 Km (4,630 miles) during my 26 years of ownership.

She is in mint condition, well maintained and recently serviced.

The factory’s change to an 18-inch rear wheel is puzzling, maybe it was deemed the easiest way to increase ground clearance and decrease the rake angle, lending more quickness to the steering head. The up-and-coming GSX-R put the kibosh on the Katana’s racing career, but the model has had a lasting impact on Suzuki’s stable, being revived this year as a 2020 model. For a fan with the time and resources for an international purchase, this looks like a special opportunity.

-donn

10 Responses.