Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 Project. 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.”
In the US, the Katana was originally available with a 1100 motor, though in late ’81 they introduced a 1000cc version for homologation racing purposes.
This example is VIN: JS1GT72A0C2100686, Engine #: GS10X-101062. The seller acquired it three years ago “from a collector in Atlanta that drove to Wisconsin to pick this up because he was searching high and low for a 1000.” He is letting it go as he is out of room and has too many projects.
The odometer shows 4,755 miles, however the speedo cable is missing (and the dash glass is cracked). True mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller has not performed any maintenance.
The seller notes that the tire sizes are not stock for a Katana and these may be GS wheels. The front is 100/90-19 and the rear is 120/90-18.
The sale includes two keys, both of which work the ignition, seat, tank, and helmet locks.
Inside of the tank:
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Glendale, California, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Wisconsin title. Have any Katana stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
