Things People Find In Barns: 1982 Suzuki Katana 750 W/682 Miles
People will put the damnedest things in barns won’t they? I really doubt this was found in a barn but it sure sounds better than finding it under a tarp in a carport. Obviously this isn’t as lust worthy as a mint 1100 Katana but with this mileage it truly is a rare find.
How can a bike designed in the early 80’s still look futuristic? I think this is another of those bikes that if they would modernize the suspension and brakes and toss injection in there, would sell with no problem. The Japanese stuff has become way too cookie cutter this days.
Here is the scoop:
Up for auction is this Canadian version of a 1982 Suzuki GS 750 Katana with 1100 original km’s ( 682 U.S miles ). A true barn find in its original condition, paint is in excellent condition, there is a very minor scratch on the top of the tank and another near the right lower side from being moved around in storage over the years, both very small and insignificant. The engine covers are also beginning to oxidize from sitting for quite some time but could easily be restored without much effort. there is some small speckled rust around the foot pegs and rear frame area but absolutely no pitting, very minor. The carbs have been flushed the bike fires right up but could probably use a thorough cleaning. It has new tires, original a key and a clear Oklahoma title. This is a real gem of a classic 80’s Hans Muth designed Katana, definitely has some collector value with the extremely low mileage. A rare find indeed!
Who gets to 682 miles and says, “Yep, that’s enough!” and puts it away? I would understand if it had zero miles. It’s all to your benefit now.
That oxidation really isn’t bad at all, especially if it sat outside. I think I’d be more curious about how all the rubber bits have held up. Metal is relatively easy to bring back to life.
Ian
So whats the price?
Current bid is $3,200 but the reserve hasn’t been met.
“How can a bike designed in the early 80′s still look futuristic? I think this is another of those bikes that if they would modernize the suspension and brakes and toss injection in there, would sell with no problem.”
I believe that Suzuki did just that in the late 90’s early 2000’s – I seem to recall the Katana being reissued complete with twin shocks and all – and I dont mean the pop-up light 750 Katana, but thi spukka old school version.
It would still make the ultimate semi-naked bike with som emodern running gear.
When I was a teenager, all the cool older brothers and bad-influence uncles rode an 1100 or 750 Katana.
It was just the bad boy ‘Zuki of the day.
My Brother literally has an ’82 Katana 1100 in his barn. We were in the middle of restoring it but got distracted many years ago by a 1995 Ducati 916 Corsa (One of 50 hand made by Cagiva). I think he gave up on it because of parts availability & will end up parting out… real shame. Anyway the ’82 Katana is a barbaric thing to ride, but it can do wheelies and burnouts and straight line speed with the best of them & its easy on the eyes.
How much the final price?