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.
The seller of this example (VIN: JS1GT72AXC2101571) acquired it ten years ago from a private party in Minnesota.
Since then he’s covered approximately 1,000 miles, and the odometer shows 14,501 miles.
Modifications:
Aftermarket turn signals.
Steel braided front brake lines.
The seller states that there are no known cosmetic blemishes or mechanical issues. He says that it’s in “great overall condition. It starts instantly, runs extremely smooth and strong, and needs nothing.”
Currently located in Red Lodge, Montana, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Montana title.
Have any Katana stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
Additional Information
Location
Red Lodge, Montana
Year
1982
Make
Suzuki
Model
Katana
Mileage
14,501
VIN
JS1GT72AXC2101571
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
Montana
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
VIN Report
https://cyclevin.com/JS1GT72AXC2101571.pdf
Total Bids Placed: 25
Auction has ended.
Auction expired without reaching reserve price.
Highest bidder was: d*****t
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
d*****t
August 3, 2021 11:03 am PDT
$9,500
f*****e
August 3, 2021 11:03 am PDT
$9,400
d*****t
August 3, 2021 11:01 am PDT
$9,300
c*******7
August 3, 2021 11:01 am PDT
$9,205
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:59 am PDT
$9,200
d*****t
August 3, 2021 10:59 am PDT
$9,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
d*****t
August 3, 2021 10:59 am PDT
$9,088
f*****e
August 3, 2021 10:58 am PDT
$8,988
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:57 am PDT
$8,888
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
d*****t
August 3, 2021 10:57 am PDT
$8,800
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:55 am PDT
$8,700
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
f*****e
August 3, 2021 10:55 am PDT
$8,600
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:49 am PDT
$8,500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
f*****e
August 3, 2021 10:49 am PDT
$8,400
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:49 am PDT
$8,300
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
f*****e
August 3, 2021 10:49 am PDT
$8,200
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:11 am PDT
$8,100
d*****t
August 3, 2021 10:11 am PDT
$8,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
d*****t
August 3, 2021 10:03 am PDT
$7,100
c*******7
August 3, 2021 10:03 am PDT
$7,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*******7
July 31, 2021 11:20 am PDT
$5,600
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
d*****t
July 31, 2021 11:20 am PDT
$5,500
c*******7
July 28, 2021 1:17 pm PDT
$5,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
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