Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: GS110X543680
Engine No: GS110X157115

Suzuki ended the nineteen seventies in a strong position in respect of the superbike market. The GS1000 maintained its position as one of the most desirable machines in its class with a reputation for good handling and excellent performance and the recently introduced GSX1100E had quickly established itself as the ultimate musclebike, however Suzuki recognised that their rivals would not allow their position to go unchallenged for long. As a consequence Suzuki commissioned a German design consultancy, Target Design, to evolve a design that would maintain the company's position at the head of the superbike field. The design that emerged, first seen by the public at the 1980 Cologne Show as a concept, has rightfully come to be regarded as one of the landmark machines in motorcycle history. Known as the Katana it featured a half fairing, fuel tank and seat unit designed with the aid of a wind tunnel that sought to combine the motorcycle and rider into one aerodynamically efficient package and which also looked like no other machine available. The machine was powered by the benchmark musclebike engine, the double overhead cam, four cylinder GSX1100 unit, generating 111 hp at 8500 rpm in the production Katana. A conventional double loop tubular steel frame was employed and the telescopic front forks were equipped with an anti-dive system. The styling of the production version that became available in September 1981 as a 1982 model season machine differed little from the prototypes shown the previous year. The saddle had a deeper "cut" for the rider and the tank top was higher creating an impression that the rider became a part of the bike. The exhaust system became a four into two unit instead of the four into one of the prototype. When tested the GSX1100 Katana was praised for its excellent handling, braking and comfort and proved to be the fastest production bike available at the time.
This example of one of the most desirable Japanese classics is offered in very good condition with German paperwork.