My Katana 1428 SD
After 12 Suzukis from the first Suzuki GT550 back in 1976, I now have one of the rarest of them all:
a 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100SD.
I remember the first look of the Katana in 1982. I was on a tour in southern Norway with my GS1000.
The new 1100EZ had just arrived to the dealers, and I was going to buy a new bike.
I had the choice between the EZ and the Katana, but I went for the EZ because of the long distance home.
I cant say that this was a mistake, but I surely know that if I had chosen the Katana I wouldnt have had
12 bikes this far.
The Katana I have today is an import bike from USA. I have the original reg.papers from the first
owner, and I`m sure this bike will be in my possession for a long time.
I have collected all the mags. from the early 80s that had a rewiew or test of the bike, but I`m missing
original Suzuki brochures and books on the bike, so if anyone can help...THANKS.
My bike:
Chassis:
Widened rear rim, 5 inch, running 170/60-17 Michelin Macadam 90x.
To do this I had to use GPZ750 offset front sprocket, and move the rear sprocket with spacers.
Up front I have mounted a fork-brace from Paoli, and Daytona steering damper.
I also have Goodrich carbo-line brake hoses, wich made a huge difference in braking.
Ohlins twin shocks rear and Progressive susp.springs front.
The rear tire was so much lower that I also had to lower the front apx 30mm.
Engine:
I have done much work in the engine dept. First I took out the oiginal engine and put it aside.
I want to keep this original for future use, and nothing is removed from it. I had another engine from an 1100ES
with a bad crankshaft bearing that I wanted to use.
The gearbox was undercutted, and the clutch basket was replaced with a Superhub type.
Inner part was also modified to take extra plates, both steel and fiber.
Stronger springs and new oilpump gears, 20% up flow. Oil cooler from 1150ES.
Bought a new original Suzuki welded crankshaft and put all the bottom parts together.
Also had a 1428cc Arias Big Block, running Wiseco pistons 11,8:1 comp.
Parts went together and the cyl.head was ported by myself, dont know the flow, enaught I think.
In went some Cam Motion G2 cams, degreed to 110 as suggested.
In with the engine, using Mikuni RS36 / K&N separate filters and Vance & Hines megafon.
The engine is STRONG, this summer I went to MC-EXPRESS Racing in Sweden to test the engine.
160,2 RWHP / 145,5 Nm is not bad for a nearly 20year old horse? (See RWHP list)
First gear is useless, if the rear tyre hooks, I`m on my back in a split second.
Second gear is fun, 2000rpm, and on the gas, up with the wheel as long as I dare...
Shifting into 3. gear, up it comes again, not so violent, but...FUN...
The only thing that beat cubic inches is more cubic inches.
I`m very pleased with my Katana, the only thing I want, is better brakes up front.
I have some plans to upgrade to a Bandit1200 front end, dont want the upside down type...
Want to keep the apperance of the bike as original as possible.