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Posts tagged as “Suzuki”

Opposite of Boring – 1983 Suzuki GSX 1260 Katana

Published May 17, 2023 by Mike
Mike 2

A bit of an overbore? Heck yes! A bit boring? Never! The legendary Suzuki Katana from the early 1980s continues to defy description. Essentially a period GS model with funny bodywork, the Katana pushed Suzuki into a class of its own and anointed the Hamamatsu factory as King of the Hot Rods. Today’s RSBFS find is a 1983 Katana 1100 model that has had some very cool resto-mods and a few more cubic centimeters ADDED. The seller should be well known on these pages, as his bikes have been featured more than a few times. As always, this one is beautiful and well presented. If you lust after a Katana but don’t really want that vintage vibe, check this one out:

1983 Suzuki GSX 1260 Katana for sale on eBay

From the seller:
COMING OUT OF MY PERSONAL COLLECTION IS ONE OF MY LOW MILAGE 1983 SUZUKI KATANA 1100’s. SHE IS IN AMAZING RESTORED CONDITION AND HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE KATANA’s TO RIDE. YES LUCKY ME I HAVE A FEW OF THESE AMAZING PIECES OF HISTORY. THIS KATANA HAS BEEN PROFESSIONALLY BUILT TO RUN LIKE A MORE MODERN BIKE. SHE UNDERWENT A FRAME OFF FULL RESTORATION A FEW YEARS AGO AND IS STILL A SHOW WINNER. 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. WITH ONLY A MINOR BLEMISH HERE OR THERE NOTHING TO EVEN POINT OUT. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO LARGE OVER SIZED FRONT DISCS WITH DUAL PISTON CALIPERS AND SS BRAKE LINES. SHE HAS NEW MICHELIN PILOT ACTIV TYRES AND IS SPORTING OHLINS REAR SHOCKS. THE FRONT FORKES WE REBUILT AND THE ANTI DIVE WORKS PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE HAS 1200 MILES SINCE THE BUILD.

THE ENGINE HAS BEEN SET UP WITH JE 1260 CC PISTON KIT, MILD PORTING AND POLISHING OF THE HEAD, STREET CAMS, HD CLUTCH BASKET AND CLUTCH, UNDERCUT TRANSMISSION, AND A SET OF MIKUNI FLAT SLIDE CARBS WITH K&N PODS,, DYNA IGNITION WITH HIGH OUTPUT COILS AND A MSD MC1, A PERIOD CORRECT KERKER 4 INTO 1 HEADER THAT SOUNDS AWSOME.

THIS BIKE IS TUNED TO PERFECTION, SHE RUNS AS STONG AS ANY MODERN BUSA OR NINJA.

More from the seller:
I HAVE BEEN BUILDING, 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 MOTOR CYCLE COLLECTOR OF THE YEAR AT THE BOCA RATON CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE 2023. SO I GUESS I KNOW BIKES 🙂

THERE IS OVER $30,000 INVESTED INTO THE RESTORATION OF THIS BIKE SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS DEAL. DON’T MISS OUT SHE WILL ONLY APPRECIATE UNLIKE YOUR WIFES HANDBAG AND SHOE COLLECTION AND THIS IS FUN TO RIDE!!!

The earliest generation Katanas continue to be hot property in the collector world. Part of the reason is that the bike is such a visceral standout from the UJM sport bike. Another factor is the nostalgic element, as many riders were not in a position to purchase one of these monsters back in the day (still in high school, not even born, etc), while that may be possible for some today. So if you fall into that category – and if you are not in the market for a zero mile, perfectly original OEM example – here is a fantastic opportunity to fulfill that dream. You could not build this for the price today. Check out all of the details on this hot rodded hot rod RIGHT HERE. Good luck, and make sure to tell them you found it on RSBFS!


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Track Day Tuesday – 1982 Suzuki Katana GS 1260 Race Bike

Published April 18, 2023 by Mike
Mike 3

Welcome to Track Day Tuesday – and do we have a doozy for you! Start with one of the most stunning examples of styling that came out of the 1980s, and then stuff it full of 1260cc honest to goodness, old-school GS four-cylinder power. Upgrade the suspension with beefier parts. Upgrade the brakes with bigger and better components. Give it some interesting history and what you have is the stuff of track day dreams (or nightmares, if the thought of a 171 HP Katana scares you a bit). Check this bad boy out!

1982 Suzuki Katana GS 1260 Race Bike for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1982 Suzuki Katana GS 1260 Race bike. Excellent condition. Completely rebuilt engine built by Frank Lyons PNW Machining. 171 HP EVERYTHING NEW!. Custom 1150 ported head. Pearson Crank, Web Cams #212, Katana rods, JE Pistons, 28mm/24mm Stainless Kibblewhite valves/ springs. Custom Slipper Clutch. Can be started by remote hand held starter or rollers.CR37mm Keihins. Dynatek 2000i Ignition. Custom adjustable triple tree with extra slugs. Braced swing arm. Custom Race Tech shocks G3, New 41mm forks springs and oil. EBC rotors, new pads Raced at the famous Phillip Island Circuit in Australia at the International Challenge. This bike is ready to race or track day!

Everywhere you look there are custom parts. The slipper clutch with custom cover is one focal point, as is the custom exhaust, the hollow 3-spoke wheels and the upgraded instrument cluster. The custom belly pan keeps it legal on the track, as does copious amounts of safety wire. Everything on this bike appears to be built for the purpose – and completely sano. Purists will decry the lack of OEM originality as well as a potential plummet in collector value, but to me this is a period hot rod that just looks right with some newer bits of tech bolted on. Located in sometimes sunny Portland, Oregon, this monster of a machine has a few more days at auction, with bidding up to a mere $3k (reserve not met). Check out all of the details here, and get ready to impress during your next track day event. Good Luck!!!


3 Responses.

I Think I’m Turning Japanese – 1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma

Published March 16, 2023 by Mike
Mike 0

Spring has not yet sprung, but the ring-a-ding-ding sounds of our favorite smokers continue this week with a very cool RG500 Gamma. We don’t see enough of these square-four monsters on these pages, and rarer still in the black & red livery. This particular bike is on the ground in Japan, purportedly a full-power example out of Australia. It doesn’t matter to me what flag it runs under, because as an American this is one awesome looking 38 year old piece of forbidden fruit.

1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma for sale on eBay

The RG500 magic starts with the engine – which is actually TWO engines. Think of the RG as a pair of independent, parallel-twin, 250cc two stokes, complete with independent rotary valve induction (there is a very thin, Mikuni flat slide attached to every cylinder), exhaust and crankshaft. Now stack those two on top of each other, one right behind the other. Connect the two cranks via gearing, and route that whole hot mess through the gearbox. You end up with a very powerful, very compact and dense package that can be placed far forward in the chassis for optimal weight distribution. And speaking of chassis, that would be a double down tube cradle style affair, exquisitely constructed in aluminum alloy. A 38mm, air adjustable front fork and Full Floater single rear shock complete the package.

From the seller:
SUZUKI RG500G GAMMA(Type HM31A, motor type M301)Export car full power (Australian specification) There is an aluminum caution plate on the left side of the frame. (Year 1985)500cc 2-stroke square 4-cylinder full power engine It is a very valuable vehicle. First year registration date in Japan (April 1994)

*Restore & Custom*The engine has been fully overhauled at a specialty shop (there is a list of work, change parts, etc.).
* Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay kit, etc., harness wiring, other electrical system refresh (work, change parts, etc. list available).
* Restoration around the car body (work, change parts etc. list available).In addition, customization and maintenance at the shop
* Racing chamber for Sugaya 500 Gamma (at that time).
*Equipped with carburetor O/H setting and oil check valve.
* Ohlins rear shock (separate tank with height adjustment).
* O/H with white power front fork springs and hard OL.
* Change to external aluminum F sprocket outer plate.

More from the seller:
Restore & custom
The engine is full overhauled at a specialty shop (listed, changed parts, etc.).
*New speedometer at the same time as engine O/H.
Current mileage 6533km (30400km before O/H) There is a possibility that the odometer will increase due to handling.
*Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay making, harness wiring, and other electrical refresh (list of work, change parts, etc.).
#Restore around the body (list of work, change parts, etc.).
*Sugaya 500 Gamma Racing Chamber (at that time).
*Cabretta O/H setting, oil check valve is installed.
*Orleans -made rear shock (separate tank, vehicle height adjustment).
*O/H with white power front fork spring and hard OL.
* Changed to external aluminum F sprocket outa plate.
* Changed to XAM front sprocket, aluminum rear sprocket, 520 chain.
* Brembo front master cylinder
* Mesh brake hose before and after.
* Yamaha TZR High Slottle / OW type thin handle switch.
* Seat leather reupholstered
* Various bearings around the body, dust seal replacement.
* Suzuki genuine key x 2 (main key, gasoline tank opener, gasoline tank cap, same seat).
* At the time of sale, such as the body, front and rear wheels, exterior, it is almost for Suzuki genuine export. (FRP non-genuine under cowl)
* The inside of the gasoline tank seems to be rusted.
There is no big wound due to falls or accidents.
* Although it was stored indoors, there may be scratches, cracks, rust, dirt, etc. Be sure to check the image for used cars, and ask if you do not know.
* No issues with riding at the moment.
* Accessories other than the main unit (used goods include scratches, rust, dirt, etc.
* Buyers are responsible for paying transportation costs, taxes.
* An export cancellation registration certificate is attached.
* Tandem seat and manufacturer genuine 500 racing stand (at that time). If you wish,we will ship separately.

A full power RG500 is published as 95 HP – which is a fair amount of poke for a sub 350 pound (dry) machine. This gives the big RG its bona fide GP replica status, and general reputation as the fastest of the street-going two strokes. This one is safely tucked away in Japan, indicates nearly 23,000 miles on the KM clocks, and has been cared for and maintained in a manner that allows it to show very well indeed. Paperwork, shipping, taxes and importation hurdles notwithstanding, this auction has an opening ask of $36,500 USD (no takers yet) and a BIN of $48,000 USD. Check out all of the details here – including a walk around video – and Good Luck!!

MI

Two Stroke Three Peat! 1992 Suzuki RGV250 with CA title

Published March 9, 2023 by Mike
Mike 5

Another day, another really cool 250cc smoker. And this one is properly titled and plated in the uber-restrictive state of California! While not as original/pristine as the earlier bikes, this 1992 Suzuki RGV250 is still one hot scoot ready for the canyons or the local race track.

1992 Suzuki RGV250 with CA title for sale on eBay

Like the Yamaha TZRs posted earlier this week, Suzuki moved away from a parallel twin to a V-twin format, providing tidy packaging and a more compact engine assembly. This allows for better placement in the chassis to maximize handling. And speaking of handling, as today’s seller has placed the registration on official non-operational status and used the bike as a track steed, he has also upgraded suspension and brakes. I recommend you read his advert text (below) carefully to see what is in store.

From the seller:
VJ22 RGV250 “M” model. This one is currently titled and registered Non-Op in CA with no fees. This bike has been upgraded with Andreani front cartridges and a Nitron R2 rear shock. It has a newer Tyga windscreen, a Tyga rear set, and Venhill steel braided brake lines. It currently has Dunlop Q3+ tires that have very few miles on them. The metal thing over the speedo is a lap timer mount for an AIM Solo lap timer. What is pictured comes with the bike, the lap timer does not. It is bolted on and can easily be removed if you don’t want it.

This bike was used as more of a track bike by me, which is why it was registered non-op. Starts easy, runs well. These little two strokes are screamers and are absolutely a blast to ride flat out. I am too big for it and not flexible enough to ride this bike anymore, a little age and several injuries. I would like to fund some upgrades to my track R6. I kept it CA titled and clear because these things are pretty dang rare to have on the streets in CA and always draw a crowd. “Mileage” is in kilometers, so the bike has a legit 7115 kms on it.

More from the seller:
The previous owner had an off in 1998 and it sat until I bought it in 2018. The only damage to the bike was body damage, hence the paint. I rebuilt the bike with the upgrades and used it as a track bike. There are some portions of the body that were fused with acetone prior to sanding and painting and with a close-up inspection, it is noticeable. With the Tyga rear set, the rear brake pressure is pretty light. I am not huge on stomping on the rear brake, but if your into that sort of thing you may need to work out a rear master cylinder that is a different diameter or something.

I would prefer a local pick up or I can meet somewhere, but if buyer wants to arrange shipping I will work with your shipper and entertain a bank transfer. I have some spares and take off parts. Mirrors, silencers, the factory rear set, the blinkers, stuff like that; it will all come with the bike. Pitbull stand is not included, but I will include a Pitbull head-lift stand insert that works with this bike.

Bike is located in Camarillo, CA

So while not really in the collector realm due to the non-original aspects, the RGV250 is still a very desirable model, providing a rare experience here in the US. This particular example has the ultra rare CA title, has seen some extensive upgrades for track day usage, and depending upon where the auction ends it looks to be a pretty interesting option for the pre-mix crowd. No bids with a $5k opening ask and only a couple days to go. Interested readers should check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

Find Suzuki RGV250 parts on eBay!


5 Responses.

Obrut Rides Again – 1983 Suzuki XN85

Published March 1, 2023 by Mike
Mike 0

Ah, the Turbo wars of the early 1980s. The best of the bad old days, when manufactures jumped on the technology bandwagon in the search for 1,000cc HP from a midsized motor. All four of the major Japanese brands offered a Turbo bike for at least 1 or two years, and perhaps the most rare of those was the Suzuki XN85. Pattered after the mighty Katana in design, the XN85 was both advanced and avant garde combined with a healthy dose of existing reality.

1983 Suzuki XN85 for sale on eBay

Powered by a 650cc inline four cylinder with air cooling, the XN85 pioneered the air-oil cooling technology that would make the revolutionary GSX-R750 a possibility. It also relied on computer controlled fuel injection to help manage fuel levels at boost, preventing a catastrophic meltdown by avoiding lean conditions and detonation. A Full Floater adjustable single shock rear suspension worked in conjunction with the anti-dive front fork and 16″ GP-inspired front wheel to create one of the best handling motorcycles of the era. It also had more “Turbo” stickers than you could throw a stick at, just in case someone glanced at the bike from an angle and could not instantly identify it as a turbo-powered machine.

From the seller:
1983 Suzuki Collector condition!
Comparable to, but much more rare than, Honda CX 500 Turbo, and Yamah Seca 650 Turbo, and Kawasaki GPZ 750 TurboONLY 1,153 EVER MADE BETWEEN 1983 and 1985

The XN85 was named due to the HP levels attained (presumably at the crank). Unlike the Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo that came out 2 years later, the Suzuki was not the fastest at the dragstrip. But unlike the Honda and Yamaha turbos, this was a real sport bike meant for hard cornering and general mayhem. To that extent, the Suzuki Turbo was a winner – except it wasn’t. Like all Turbo bikes, the XN85 was heavier, more complex and much more expensive than other models with comparable (or better) performance. Sales lagged from the onset, and got worse from there. Today this is a collector’s item in a relic sort of sense; there were not very many to start with, today there are even fewer left.

This auction has nearly run its course, with a lone bid at $8,000 US. This is higher than we typically see for these bikes, but most rare items do rise over time. There are 15k+ miles on the clocks, and the bike is located in Colorado. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

MI

Cheap as Chips – 1998 Bimota SB6R

Published February 22, 2023 by Mike
Mike 2

One time RSBFS contributor and long-term RSBFS friend Marty pointed out this pretty SB6R in the UK with the following note: “Back in the day, the joke on RSBFS was that Bimota SB6’s couldn’t be counted as a Rare Sport Bike because there were always ones for sale on eBay and other sites. Sadly those days are gone…” And this was generally true; the Bimota SB6 series was one of the most popular bikes from the Rimini brand, and were regularly found on eBay and other sites. Today that is not longer true, and one has to look considerably longer to find a decent example (if any at all). And to top it off, today’s SB6 variant is the desired R-spec model. So quicker than you can say “Robert is your father’s brother” let’s dig into it.

1998 Bimota SB6R for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1998 BIMOTA SB6R (not to be confused with the cheaper SB6)
For sale is this HPI CLEAR SB6R
Vehicle Registration Mark: P*** ***.
HPI Category: This bike is HPI clear with no outstanding finance.
V5 present: Yes, the V5 and owners manual are here.
Keys: 1x Genuine Bimota key.
Does bike run: YES and it sounds really good.
Mileage: Just 1562 miles (backed up by MOT history) although I cannot guarantee it. Close inspection of the hidden areas of the bike suggest that it may be true as its very clean.
MOT: All of our bikes are untested and sold as projects. Despite this Im happy to get it through a MOT for the FULL asking price.

More from the seller:
Bad points/Damage: This bike has a few light marks around it from usage. The right hand mirror, right edge of the petrol tank and the right hand frame spar all have some scratching on (see pics). This was all done before I bought the bike so I cant explain it. Please study the pics as this description is just a guide!

More from the seller:
Good points/Extras: This is a Genuine UK bike from new and has just 2 former keepers. Ive ridden it and it goes well. Being the R model it has loads of carbon fibre (including the entire subframe) and has the uprated motor over the standard SB6. It is very low mileage (although I cannot guarantee it) and these rare bikes are currently appreciating in value. I am in no rush to sell this bike as its a lovely thing to own and it wont go down in value.

For those not well versed in their Bimota nomenclature, the “S” in the SB6R stands for Suzuki. In this case, the power is supplied by Suzuki’s mighty 156 HP GSX-R1100 drivetrain. This is the 6th generation of Suzuki-powered Bimotas (the B6 in the title), offering Bimota’s sublime aluminum twin-beam frame and that beautiful embossed aluminum swing arm. The huge front forks are Paioli, rear shock is Ohlins, and the beefy big brakes are, as expected, top-shelf from Brembo. The rest is pretty much carbon fiber.

Located in the west midlands area of the UK (think more Birmingham than London), today’s SB6R is being offered as a 2 owner bike with only 1,562 miles on the LCD counter. This bike has seen some use, and exhibits some minor bumps and bruises. The current ask is £11,000 – which equates to about $13,300 in US greenbacks. You can check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

MI


2 Responses.

Featured Listing – 1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100W!

Published February 10, 2023 by Mike
Mike 0

Update 2.10.23: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The legend that is the Suzuki GSX-R began stateside in 1986. The original air/oil cooled slab sided model was followed by the Slingshot era, denoting rounder flanks and tweaks to the engine tuning. And when the air/oil cooling had reached its maximum efficiency, traditional water cooling was finally introduced in a quest for more power. From the mid 1980s through the late 1990s the big Gixxer went through many iterations and changes, gaining some weight along the way and evolving into a different machine altogether. And with the collection world crying out for original Slabbies, and the rise in valuation of the Slingshot models, the latter year water pumpers will not be far behind. Today’s Featured Listing is just that: A beautiful 1996 GSX-R1100. The seller (a long time RSBFS reader) has included a lot of information and pictures on this bike, so I’ll let him take it away:

1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100 for sale on eBay!

From the seller:
1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100W
VIN: JS1GU75A4T2101204
NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 3
CURRENT MILEAGE: 9303 (May very slightly due to us test riding the bikes, generally less than 200 miles)

This particular example is one of the last years of the GSXR1100W (Water Cooled) models and is arguably one of the best color schemes of the 90’s only offered one year. The water cooled version of the GSXR 1100 was made from 93-98 and the last 4 years of its model run came with an upgraded racing inspired over braced aluminum swingarm and a reduction in weight that made this the most powerful of all the 1100s as well the lightest and fastest of the W generation. These bikes are fast becoming as collectible as their predecessors the original 1986 “Slab side” and subsequent 1988 “Slingshot” oil cooled models with values now reaching over $10000 for any fully restored or clean original survivor. This one is wearing its factory original paint and plastic and is as clean as any that would be sitting in a museum or private collection. Aside from a few VERY minor chips on the right side fairing and the leading edge of the silencer and an extremely minor scratch in the clearcoat of the fuel tank on the right side where your leg rests against this bike is flawless and would still be clean enough for any avid Suzuki collector to leave in their living room or personal museum.

More from the seller:
UPGRAGES:
Vance and Hines full SSR exhaust $1000
Dynojet stage 1 jet kit $125
K&N air filter $75
Zero gravity blue tinted windscreen $75
Clear alternatives integrated tail light $125
Flush mount LED front signals $25
Rear fender eliminator kit $50
OEM factory solo seat cowl $400
Factory rear shock upgraded to a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 OEM shock $200

Total Upgrade Parts Cost (Without labor or shipping) $1675!!!

NOTE: FACTORY PASSENGER SEAT IN LIKE NEW CONDITION AS WELL AS FACTORY SHOCK, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHT, AND REAR FENDER WILL BE INCLUDED – WE DO NOT HAVE THE FACTORY EXHAUST OR WINDSCREEN BUT THOSE CAN BE SOURCED IF A COLLECTOR IS LOOKING TO PUT IT BACK TO FACTORY ORIGINAL CONDITION!

More from the seller:
If you look under the plastic you will see the paint on the engine looks factory fresh and is not discolored or faded in the least. There is NO rust or oxidation anywhere on this bike and its still wearing its factory chain as the OEM blue master link shows. This is a great bike to take to your cars and coffee as these were common enough any superbike nut over 30 remembers them from their childhood but they are so uncommon to see in this condition nowadays it always draws a crowd with its lively paint scheme and graphics that exude typical 90’s Suzuki style. Everything on this one is period correct from the Zero Gravity windscreen to the full Vance and Hines exhaust and smoked clear alternatives tail light and lockhart phillips mini signals.

This bike could very easily be put back to factory original if someone so desired that was adding it to a museum but as a gorgeous fair weather weekend rider it has the perfect blend of performance upgrades that would have been appropriate at the time back in the late 90’s which makes for a much nicer look, sound, and ride. The rear shock was replaced with a newer unit off a 2007 GSXR 1000 for improved ride quality but we do have the original stock shock as well to go with it. We do not have the stock exhaust or windscreen but those items are still readily available on ebay used if a collector wanted to source them. The bike does have a GENUINE OEM CORRECT COLOR OPTIONAL SEAT COWL as shown which cost $400 NOS from Europe as they haven’t been available in the US for many years and is a VERY rare piece. The original passenger seat in excellent condition is included as well. This is a very rare opportunity to own a piece of supersport history and one of the rarest members of the GSX-R family of racebikes.

It is rare to find such a clean and well preserved example of the latter years of the GSX-R1100 line. As the seller correctly states, many of these fell into the hands of riders who used them as stunter bikes and overpowered street hooligan antics. As is common with more mass produced models, values fell as time went on. But we see time and again, well cared for examples begin to rise in valuation as the supply of clean bikes dwindles. This is no thrashed and abused example, and it shows. And the fact that it can all be put back to stock with the included parts – save exhaust and windscreen – shows it.

This auction is going on now, with a Buy It Now of $8,950 – or best offer. You can also jump to the seller’s website (www.blackmarketbikez.com) for more information. Look through the pictures, do your own research, and you will likely come to the same conclusion: these late generation water cooled Gixxers are the next in line for collector status. Get in while you can, because the slab-sided ship has already sailed and the Slingshot boat is leaving the dock. Arguably the best of the last-gen models, this 1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100 is beautifully sorted and perfectly suited for the collector / rider set. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

MI