Post Sale Update: This Katana sold for $7,600 after 21 bids on eBay.
The Suzuki Katana is a very distinctive bike designed by Hans Muth (the fairing might remind you of a similar Muth creation – the BMW R65LS). In the late 70s and early 80s, Japanese manufacturers were selling standard bikes as fast as they could make them. And while most of the bikes were technically sound, they all started to emulate each other, creating the UJM (first coined by Cycle magazine). Some considered it efficient, others considered it boring. With the exception of the CB series that started it all, I tend to fall in the latter camp. Which is why bikes like the original Suzuki Katana are very important in the history of motorcycles.
Suzuki’s Marketing Manager in Germany said to Japanese management, “We had the most technically advanced bikes, but their design was uninteresting!” In response, Suzuki hired a three person team called Target Design, led by the ex-chief of BMW’s styling, Hans Muth to update the ‘company image’. This was his first creation, which was an immediate show-stopper at the Cologne Motor Show in 1980. For all the information you would probably want on the Katana, check out Suzuki-Katana.com.
This specific Suzuki Katana GSX1100 (VIN: JS1GU72A6D2100643) has been restored and modified over a 10 year period with some upgrades to the motor – Wiseco 1160 piston kit, ported and polished head, Yoshimura cams, Falicon-rebuilt crank, APE clutch basket, Dyna ignition, and plenty more. Other upgrades include stainless brake lines, EBC brake discs, GSX-R front master cylinder, Works shocks, Pirelli tires, and the one thing I’d get rid of: Rizoma blinkers. The bike is said to have 600 miles on it since it was restored.
Find this Katana for sale in Valencia, California with bidding up to $6,105 and the reserve not yet met