Description
Additional photos of this 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 are available here for your perusal.
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. Either way, it’s why bikes like the Katana are very important in the history of motorcycles.
Suzuki’s Marketing Manager in Germany told his 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. In fact, the fairing might remind you of a similar Muth creation – the BMW R65LS.
The result was an industry-defining machine that still captures hearts today. Suzuki recently released a new Katana to try and bring back some of the magic, but the original was one of the motorcycle featured in the Guggenheims’ Art of the Motorcycle exhibition and for good reason. It’s a truly Iconic Motorbike.
The Katana (also known as the GS1000SZ) had enough poke to back up the interesting styling thanks to 90 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, enough for a top speed of 140 miles per hour.
This example (VIN: JS1GT72A4C2101484, Engine #: GS10X-101678) presents a rare opportunity to acquire a completely original Katana.
The odometer shows 14,944 miles.
Per the seller, this Katana was serviced in December of 2020 by Pete at Melrose Moto with a fuel flush, oil change, new tires, and a carb rebuild.
He notes that the original owner was in Salem, Oregon, and he covered 9,000 miles with it. The second owner was in Corvallis, Oregon – he acquired it in 1995 and put 3,000 miles on it. The seller is the third owner, and he has owned it since 1998.
Early Katanas has suede seats that age poorly. Suzuki shifted to PVC seats in later years of production as a workaround. The seller specially calls out that “this example has an exceptionally clean original suede seat.”
Cosmetic Blemishes:
This Katana presents quite well for a completely original Katana – the seller notes that it was “properly stored in a purified air bubble for ten years in the good dry air of Julian, California.” We note minor cosmetic imperfections, as to be expected with the age and mileage. Photos of all known cosmetic blemishes are included in the album up top, here are the most significant:
The seller notes that there are no mechanical issues. As is common with these bikes, it is a little cold-blooded when first fired up and it takes a little time for cylinder #2 to warm up.
The sale includes a GS1100S service manual, GS1000S service manual, Clymer service/repair handbook, Haynes owner’s workshop manual, the original Suzuki owner’s manual, three floppy disks with photos of the bike from the original owner, and two keys.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean California title with registration current through June 2021.
The seller sums up his Katana with a rave: “it rides beautifully and I find the over-built motor to be pure 80’s mechanical joy. It’s a real symphony that always provides an ear to ear grin at any speed but really comes into its own experiencing the broad fast curves of Mulholland Highway.” Have any Katana stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
