Please Note: This bike is a part of the Whistler Collection.
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 is VIN: JS1GT72A4C2102103. The seller acquired it in 2011 from a private party in Plano, Texas.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 46 miles. The odometer shows 9,247 miles.
Maintenance:
“Full restoration by Grand Touring Garage.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues and that it “is ready to ride.” The seller provided photographs of some of the documentation that comes with the bike including this letter from Grand Touring Garage.
Per the previous owner, “the engine in this motorcycle is the original engine. The engine case with serial number was replaced under factory warrantee as described in attached letter from Stephen Frank, the previous owner.”
Modifications:
Yoshimura 4 into 1 exhaust.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Sport Demon tires with date codes of 3505 and 1106.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Two slight scuffs on nose LH side.
Scuff on RH side cover just above carb.
Light scuff around ignition key unit.
Paint on front brake master reservoir is eaten a bit by DOT fluid at top cap.
Paint on rear brake reservoir is a little eaten by fluid.”
Currently located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Montana title and Canadian import paperwork.
Have any Katana GS1000SZ stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
