Suzuki GS description
LOW MILEAGE COLLECTORS SUPERBIKE
BACKGROUND: This is a 1982 SUZUKI GS1000SZ Katana, the 1st Superbike/Crotchrocket. In 1980 at the Cologne motorcycle show, the world saw it's first Katana. With it's advanced and aggressive body styling, which broke from the more traditional motorcycle styling leading up to that time, it was sure to be a show stealer, and it was! To gain entry for the bike in Production racing, Suzuki released a 1000cc version. These are very rare (and expensive) and can mainly be distinguished from the 1100 by the use of 32mm slide carbs. These Kats were very popular with Special builders in the eighties because they were so tuneable! It was a low production model and years ahead of it's time in design and performance. Suzuki hired an outside firm for the first time to design this particular motorcycle. It was styled by the Anglo-German firm Target Design. It was revolutionary in it's styling AND performance. In a nutshell it was Fast, Refined, and Reliable. This is a 16 valve, 4 cylinder, 4 carb beauty. At the time it was noted for it's radical combination of nose fairing, low handlebars, humped fuel tank, and combined seat/side panels which gave it a superbly raw, aggressive image. Estimates vary as exactly how many were produced/imported but to the best of my knowledge 500 units or one to a dealer at the time seems to be the accepted number. Bottom line, it is definitely a collectable item, especially for those who know exactly what this is. Mine is a highly detailed and slightly customized example of this motorcycle that is sure to please!
PARTICULARS:
This is a low mileage example that so don't run across these days. The 8,761 miles is a testament as to how nice it is and the fact that it has been completely gone through adds to this fact. Just for the record, it has never been involved in any accidents/mishaps and has never been down at any time. It has always been stored inside with the rest of my bikes and is covered all the time. Over the years I have painstakingly done the following: Powdercoated the frame in red (that sparkles in the direct sunlight) as well as the engine side covers and carb tops and a few other parts for continuity. Many other parts have been have been professionally polished and the triple tree was powdercoated in black as were the wheels. The seat has been reupholstered in red. The other body parts have been painted red with a thin red pinstripe in some locations (tank, fairing, rear end) Front fender, fairing, tank, side panels, rear end have new paint and have a high shine with multiple coats of "Best In Show" wax. The exhaust is a Vance & Hines 4 into 1 and appropriate to the year. There have really been no mechanical modifications, just tuning (by Joe's Cycle) but the Powercommander dyno mapping shows 159 MPH and true 95.9 HP, not BHP. (Print outs of this are available) The side markers, front and rear were replaced with small carbon fiber looking models for that sleek appearance as the original ones were too large and ugly. Matching sport mirrors were installed for the same reason, but do not appear in the pics. The rear shocks are adjustable, so you can go tune the suspension in for your riding style. For enhanced braking, custom made braided steel brake lines have been added to the rear. Hand grips are red spongy foam for better feeling and comfort. It has a red windscreen from Gustosfan that are no longer available. It has a Lockhart Intercooler and has Cruise Control. The stock air box was removed in favor of K&N super flow individual air cleamers ($200. if you can find them) The tires are Dunlop Elite SP with red lettering. This bike is a real head-turner and could be a show bike with a bit more work. Many new parts were were installed as reconditioning was done. The choke works perfectly. I hope I haven't left anything out, but I might have? This bike is a pleasure to own and ride and I hope it goes to someone who appreciates it as much as I do. Please serious, qualified buyers ONLY! No teenagers, test pilots, etc. The bike runs perfectly as is! Full tank of gas, all it needs is a new owner/rider.
ADDED INFORMATION:
New since October 2013: New clutch, new clutch springs, new clutch cable. New spark plugs & rubber caps. Oil change & filter etc,. New front brake resivoir and new brake fluid. New nuts & washers on rear sprocket. New red foam grips. Complete tune-up, new complete dyno mapping (all done at Joe's Cycle. Freshly inspected. The only person that has ever wrenched on this bike is myself and Joe @ Joe's Cycle!
PS-This bike is also for sale locally and elsewhere and as such this listing may be ended at any time. Price is FIRM, so please don't come around with $4,400. and a pack of Juicy Fruit as it's not going to happen!