Description
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.
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: GSX11003482, engine #: GS110X134989. It came to Iconic as an import; prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 51,052 kilometers (31,722 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil and oil filter, clean and sync the carbs, flush the brake fluid, replace the spark plugs, and install new Bridgestone Battlax BT-46 tires with date codes of
Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Good
Tire Years – Front: 2023; Rear: 2022
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100%, New
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear: 38PSI
Brake Life – Front: 70%; Rear: 80%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: New
Engine Oil – level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride: Ok
Modifications:
Aftermarket paint.
OEM chin spoilers.
Top triple cover.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
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. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Katana stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
