1983 Katana 1100 GSXR conversion

[gs1000racer]

Hey all,

I know this has been before, but it's still difficult to find all the information in one place, so I am going to post pics of my GSXR suspension conversion on my Kat.

I bought this 1983 Katana 750 (1100 engine) a few months ago for $500. It came with a GS750 parts bike with a Katana 750 engine in it. So, when I can actually do an accurate compression test, I will be able to find out which engine to install (I'm not planning to complete an engine rebuild at this moment.

Here is a list of the parts I have purchased thus far:

CBR 954 triples (already have the steering stops and correct bearings)
1997 GSXR 750 forks tuned by PPS suspension
1997 GSXR 750 front wheel and axle
1994 GSXR 750 rear wheel and axle (5.5 inch wheel)
99-07 Hayabusa rotors and calipers (a direct fit to the 1997 forks and wheel)

What I still need:
Clipons (TL1000S)
Controls (I'm using NOS Busa parts)
Electronic gauges
Custom muffler system (I have a working header)
Bandit swinger (modified for the dual shocks, of course)
Some sort of aftermarket shocks (?)
Chain and sprocket conversion (including offset engine sprocket)
Paint, powdercoating, etc...
Master cylinder (late model GSXR?)
Steel braided brake lines
Seat re-covered
Oh, yeah, have engine bead blasted to look new again
New tires (ouch)

That's all I can think of atm, but I'm sure there will be more.

I know there is a LOT of work to go, so I'm bracing myself for all the work and heartache to come.

This is a picture of what I am trying to mimic with my final bike...

Any ideas of how to get around certain problems are welcome and encouraged. Actual pics to come!

My goal:

The beast:

 

[rapidray]

COOL project! I specialize in 16 valve engines & do a LOT of engine & cylinder head builds. Call me at 714--356-7845 if I can ever help. Even if just to answer questions. Good luck & keep in mind we all like to see PHOTOS!!! Ray.

 

[Billy Ricks]

You'll have all the help you need here. Lots of people have done the conversions so just about any issue you might come across will have been dealt with by someone.

 

[gs1000racer]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I will need all the help I can get. I may just leave the stock swingarm, but don't know what you all think about that... Is it too weak? I have an uncle who welds professionally and was thinking about possible bracing. It would be much less expensive than a Bandit swinger and mounts, etc.

 

[steve murdoch]

Great, another project to follow.
99% of your questions can probably be answered here but if not you can contact Katman. http://www.suzuki-katana.com/ . He lives up the street from you.

 

[gs1000racer]

Yeah, Rob and I have been chatting already. Very knowledgeable guy. He is prolly already sick of all my emails .

I will post pics in a minute or so...

 

[gs1000racer]

More pics. Are they too big for everyone? I sized them down, but I dunno...

 

[gs1000racer]

Aaaand, more pics...

 

[gs1000racer]

And, even more pics...

 

[GateKeeper]

Subscribed.....

Gonna follow this one, looks like it's gonna be a fun build

 

[Greg B]

Just suggestions;
1. Don't cut the passenger peg hangers off. They are part of why a Katana looks the way it does. Find a way to get every thing to fit.
2. Stay away from a high muffler on the exhaust. Just doesn't look right with the rest of the lines of the bike.
These are just my opinions, nothing less, nothing more.

 

[Smokinapankake]

Just suggestions;
1. Don't cut the passenger peg hangers off. They are part of why a Katana looks the way it does. Find a way to get every thing to fit.
2. Stay away from a high muffler on the exhaust. Just doesn't look right with the rest of the lines of the bike.
These are just my opinions, nothing less, nothing more.

YES!!! Finally the voice of reason! Only other thing I might add is please please please try not to stick the azz of that thing up in the air like every other stupid cookie-cutter sportbike out there. These are KATANA'S, the grandfather of modern sportbikes, not plasti-repli-racers so therefore deserve some measure of respect.

Looks like a cool build; subscribed!

 

[gs1000racer]

Just suggestions;
1. Don't cut the passenger peg hangers off. They are part of why a Katana looks the way it does. Find a way to get every thing to fit.
2. Stay away from a high muffler on the exhaust. Just doesn't look right with the rest of the lines of the bike.
These are just my opinions, nothing less, nothing more.

I agree with you. I want to keep them, too. After all, my wife is going to start riding with me.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[gs1000racer]

YES!!! Finally the voice of reason! Only other thing I might add is please please please try not to stick the azz of that thing up in the air like every other stupid cookie-cutter sportbike out there. These are KATANA'S, the grandfather of modern sportbikes, not plasti-repli-racers so therefore deserve some measure of respect.

Looks like a cool build; subscribed!

Good point. I don't want the back end too high for reasons of handling. I hear that it can really make the steering twitchy if you don't have enough angle at the steering head.

Thanks!

 

[El Giablo]

You are on your way. Have fun. El G.

 

[gs1000racer]

You are on your way. Have fun. El G.

Thanks! I already am! I also looked at the pics of your Kat. Pretty neat! What wheels are you running? Are those Buell?

Progress Notes:
I just managed to drill out the stupid phillips screws that keep the left side engine/sprocket cover on. They were all rounded out, so the drill was the only option. After the cover popped off, the screws just came right out. Now to find some nice stainless allen-head bolts.

After that, I pulled the last engine mount bolt and now the motor is ready to come out. I will post pics tonight or tomorrow.

I also cleaned up the front calipers and rotors and the look shiny and new!

Anyway pics to come of the work thus far...

 

[gs1000racer]

Progress notes:

Here are my shiny nice Busa calipers!

Found some really clean GSXR rotors for 60 bones. Basically new with some shelf wear.

This came out of my engine. The oil looked absolutely NASTY!!

 

[Smokinapankake]

Looks like some red overspray on the jugs?

Keep at it; you're on your way!

 

[GateKeeper]

Looks like some red overspray on the jugs?

Keep at it; you're on your way!

probably when the PO did the paint on the cover, not taking it off and probably not masking very well, to prevent the over spray....

 

[gs1000racer]

probably when the PO did the paint on the cover, not taking it off and probably not masking very well, to prevent the over spray....

Actually, the paint is only on the engine cover. It looks like it is not the original piece.

Progress notes:

I got the last of the motor mounts out, and now to get that stinking heavy motor out of the frame.

Any ideas? I don't want to wreck the engine covers if I can help it...

Thanks!