GS1000 Alloy Spoke Rim Markings

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Yeah yeah I know what your thinking, what is it with this bloke and spoke wheels? Could someone help me out by letting me know the exact markings stamped on the GS1000 alloy spoke rims? It is not just the size details Iam after it is the entire text including the maker, I have spokes on my 82 Kat and they are stamped:

TAKASAGO J 19 x 1.85 DOT 102 Japan 12 81

TAKASAGO J 18 x 2.50 DOT 103 Japan 2 82.

This could be another one for you 8trackmind? After the markings for the 18 and 17 inch rear rims, cheers.

Hi there psyguy do you know what Bruno has stamped on his rims, keep it clean!

[katalica]

Hey,
My 82 1000 kat has ENKEI SUZUKI J 19X1.85 DOT MADE IN JAPAN FU
ENKEI SUZUKI 17XMT2.50 DOT MADE IN JAPAN N
I will tell you that the back wheel was replaced of a bike where it was originally identical to original kat wheel, except gold in color. I do have a spare bike at home with original wheels, it's a 1100 import bike and will post the id #'s on it tomorrow. Hope this helps 8-[

[KGB]

You guys, meaning the Australians have a huge following for Kats.
And that is very, very good.

One of our mebers here Dink, is also in Aus, somewhere

You may want to contact him about your Kats questions.

Not trying to deter you from here by any means, just thought
a "local" may be easier.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Hi katalica, thanks for the reply thats the info Iam looking for. Great to hear from a TDK (Target Design Katana) owner in the States. Are the rims on your Kat and the import 1100 both wire wheel rims? Do you know which country the 1100 import is from? If its a genuine wire wheel 1100 Katana its a pretty rare machine so take care of it! Also if the rear rim is an 18 inch model it may be from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa as these were the only countries to import the genuine wire wheel Katanas with the 18" rear. Looking forward to the details tomorrow, cheers.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Hi KGB, yeah seems there are a few Kat owners over here, and many others that cry in their beer because they sold, traded or pranged their baby at some stage and haven't been able to replace it. My interest in the TDK's is not just for our E24 models, I would like to know more about other countries models as well. Its facinating to see all various specifications for each country and learn about them, love those Kats wherever they are! Cheers mate.

[katalica]

Good morning !
Took a look at the import bike which is a European model 1100sz gs110xd523*** and it also has the same exact marking as my 82 1000sz bike, just the standard 5 double or (10) spoke standard wheels. I wish I had a wire wheeled machine , I think they look classy ! You're right it is interesting to find out all the differences between these Beast. Look forward to learning more on this subject . Keep us posted. Cheers !
Steve

[Steve]

Could someone help me out by letting me know the exact markings stamped on the GS1000 alloy spoke rims? It is not just the size details Iam after it is the entire text including the maker,
TAKASAGO J 19 x 1.85 DOT 102 Japan 12 81

TAKASAGO J 18 x 2.50 DOT 103 Japan 2 82.

I don't know anything about Kats in particular, but I'll take a stab at this.

Obviously, the maker is Takasago. Interesting note: evidently they no longer make rims. Currently known as a manufacturer of flavors and aromas. :shock:
Motorcycle rims have the designation "J". Not sure what it means, that's just the way they are. I think it has to do with the bead configuration.
The 19 and 18 inch sizes you have figured out.
The 19-inch rim is 1.85 inches wide.
The 18-inch rim is 2.50 inches wide.
They are both approved by DOT, presumably the United States DOT.
The 102 and 103 might be weight carrying codes.
They were made in Japan.
The 19-inch rim was manufactured in December, 1981.
The 18-inch rim was manufactured in February, 1982.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Hi katalica,
I was hoping your import was a wire wheel model its the markings on the wire wheel rims that Iam after, not the alloy (mag wheel) rims at this stage. Like you say the wire wheels are a good look and some Kats have been fitted with GS1000 wire wheels to look the part. If I knew the marking on the GS1000 wire rim it may have helped identify Katanas that had been converted with the GS rims. Thanks for reply, cheers.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the reply. Had the same thought about the markings and also have not worked out the "J" and the "102" , "103" yet. If you read my reply to katalica above it explains why Iam chasing the GS1000 rim stamps. In a perfect world the contract to supply the GS1000 wire wheels will be from another supplier to the wire wheels on the 81 and 82 Katanas. I'd like to think its that simple, cheers.

P.S. Hmmmm vanilla flavoured wheels!