Description
Additional photos of this Suzuki Katana 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 truly an Iconic Motorbike.
The Katana (also known as the GSX1100S) had enough poke to back up the interesting styling thanks to 111 horsepower, enough for a top speed of 140 miles per hour (at least in stock form).
This example is VIN: GS110X541756. It came to us from a collection in Japan through our friends at GJC Trading..
The odometer shows 26,443 kilometers (16,430 miles).
Abhi took Adam out in this rig for our Sunday ride earlier this week.
View this post on Instagram
And yes, he flew the chair a couple of times as well…
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we had Angel buff and polish the paint.
Modifications:
Leading link front fork setup with KYB shocks.
Aftermarket sidecar. The dash says Dapho DSII but we have not been able to identify the manufacturer.
Sidecar linkages.
NHK steering stabilizer.
Marshall exhaust.
OEM chin spoilers.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop K155F and Goodyear Belted Radial (sidecar) tires with date codes of 3821, 0422, and 0922 (sidecar).
The sale includes one ignition key and one Yamaha-branded key for the sidecar trunk.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any Katana stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
