![]() A quick glance at bikes available from other manufacturers at the time shows us deep in the era of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle, and the Big Four were clearly following, not leading, when it came to styling. Introduced in Europe in 1981, the Suzuki GSX1100S “Katana” and its littler siblings like this rare, apparently very late-production GSX400S stunned the motorcycle buying public. Previously registered in Victoria, this registration has lapsed, and the motorcycle is sold unregistered.This entry has been published on and links to eBay may have been updated to point to similar bikes of interest. 15 Sep/ Oct 2009 of Old Bike Australasia, along with its big brother the GSX1100S Katana. This bike is featured on pages 62 and 63 of issue No. ![]() The bike has covered an estimated 13, 300km since new, with 8, 300km during Bryan’s ownership. The second-hand odometer was displaying 53, 000 when fitted and is now reading 61, 339 km’s. This mishap happened soon after purchase with about 5, 000km on the odometer. The front handlebar was broken, and Bryan sourced a replacement second-hand speedo unit and fitted higher aftermarket Rod Tingate handlebars. Bryan purchased the bike as the second owner from local friend Joe and soon after, lent the bike to another friend who dropped it. This Suzuki GSX750SZ Katana was sold new to Joe Cundrai on 4/ 11/ 81 by Suzuki Shepparton. The Katana didn’t sell in vast quantities, but it is now considered one of the most memorable and collectable Suzuki’s of the 1980s. The Katana remains a tribute to an era when motorcycle manufacturers were prepared to stretch the boundaries, unleashing outlandish machines on an unsuspecting public without any guarantee of commercial success. Kel Wearne in February 1982 Two Wheels said, “The 750 is the gem in the Katana line-up-flash and fast with panache without the brutal schizoid nature lurking under the throttle of the 1100 and closer to café than the nice but clean and prosaic 650.” The Katana has now earned a cult status, and while style may have predominated over function that hasn’t diminished its appeal. As a sports bike the 750 Katana was outstanding, offering European-style handling with Japanese power and useability. At 228kg the 750 weighed 5kg less than the 1100 and visually only the single colour blue vinyl seat distinguished the 750 Katana from the 1100 with its two-tone seat. The 750’s cast wheels were 19-inch on the front and a slightly narrower 2. The 750 Katana shared its frame and suspension with the 1100, including the 1, 520mm wheelbase and 28. ![]() The 747cc four produced 81 horsepower at 9, 200rpm. Although the one-piece crank and bore and stroke of 67x53mm were unchanged the higher compression (9. While the four-valve GSX750E engine was already no slouch, for the 750 Katana Suzuki’s engineers lightened the valve train, removed some weight from the flywheel, installed new cams, improved the valve seats, fitted a new inductive ignition, larger 34mm Mikuni CV carburettors and a new four-into two black chrome exhaust system. The GSX750SZ Katana was based on the GSX750E and Suzuki claimed it to be the fastest 750cc production bike available in 1982. When Suzuki released the radical Katana at the end of 1981 for the 1982 Model Year it was originally available in 1100, 1000 (for the US), 750, 650 and 550cc versions. Offered by Donington Auctions - Collector Motorcycle & Car Auction - Featuring the Private Museum of Racing Driver Bryan Thomson - Sydney NSW June 20th 2pm AEST. 750cc version of the legendary Suzuki Katana.
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