Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1984 Suzuki Katana 750. Additional photos 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.
Bennett’s summed up the Katana quite simply: “Before 1979 motorcycle design was simple…and then Suzuki launched the Katana and everything changed. It’s impossible to overstate the impact this bike had at the time, even if it was more about the conversations than the sales figures… The first Japanese bike with an aerodynamic, frame-mounted fairing, first with proper racing clip-on bars and the first one to break the traditional look of a motorcycle. Journalists at the time were convinced it was too futuristic for the public to understand it, but Suzuki countered that by also playing the oldest trick in motorcycling’s book – making it the most powerful and fastest bike you could buy.”
The original Katana was introduced to America as a 1,000+cc motorcycle, but did you know that Suzuki offered it in a variety of displacements around the world – 250, 400, 550, 600, and 750? Here’s a rare chance to acquire one of the last option, which was introduced in Japan in 1981 and expanded to other markets in 1982.
The following year, Suzuki brought out the GSX750S Katana Mark 2 – changes included 16″ front/17″ rear wheels, slightly larger dimensions (though the wheelbase remained the same), and a slight bump in power up to 72 hp. By 1983, Suzuki had implemented their Anti-Nose Dive Forks (ANDF) on several models. This ’84 model features one of the most rare and unique features a motorcycle could have – a pop up headlight.
This example is VIN: GR72A115588. The seller acquired the bike four years ago in England and is selling to fund a new purchase.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 800 miles. The odometer shows 43,829 km (27,234 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller states, “I’ve had the rear brake rebuilt and carbs refurbished. The original choke dial looks great but is useless so I use a cable tie to open the carbs manually to start the bike when cold.”
Modifications:
Gold frame and cylinder heads.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax tires which are aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Montana title. Have any Katana 750 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
