Bought an '89 Katana 750

[gearhead13]

I bought an '89 Katana 750 for cheap in non-running condition. 34k km or 21k miles. Hasnt been run in maybe a decade. Dead battery, but with a battery hooked up all lights worked and it turned over (not seized). It has the Dot head, some scrapes and rust, but 99% stock and complete. Gas tank has rust, it got into the carbs too as I learned after taking them apart.
Did a compression test, one cylinder was down at 30 psi. Checked and set valve lash, cleaned the plugs, threw on the set of carbs from my GS and she fired right up
Ran it for maybe 1/2 hour total, letting it cool down in between. Did another compression test on that same cylinder after it cooled down and it improved all the way to 120 psi.

 

[gearhead13]

Started flushing the brake fluid today, started with the rear, then went to the front and took off the cap, and YUCK, what was in there looked like used motor oil, and had gooey slime at the bottom. So, I used a syringe to suck it out, cleaned it out with paper towel and put in fresh instead of running that crap through the system.

 

[esmithers]

Nice bike... i found those have problem bending the 1st or 2nd shift fork and having to split the case. just something to be leary about.

 

[SVSooke]

So you bought that Kan-o-tuna Seen it on UsedVic but no $$ to even have a look.At first glance I thought some PO did a REALLY bad welding job to replace the fuel filler,then I realized it was the clear coat peeling :lol:

 

[gearhead13]

So you bought that Kan-o-tuna Seen it on UsedVic but no $$ to even have a look.At first glance I thought some PO did a REALLY bad welding job to replace the fuel filler,then I realized it was the clear coat peeling :lol:

Ya, for the price, even if it had major issues I could part it out, but seeing as how it runs decent, I am going to ride it. Just not sure what to do with the GS because we dont really have room for two bikes I am quite/very tired of wrenching on the GS anyway.

 

[srsupertrap]

Started flushing the brake fluid today, started with the rear, then went to the front and took off the cap, and YUCK, what was in there looked like used motor oil, and had gooey slime at the bottom. So, I used a syringe to suck it out, cleaned it out with paper towel and put in fresh instead of running that crap through the system.

Make sure the return bypass port on the bottom of M/C housing is not clogged too with gooey slime otherwise during your first ride(s) the front brakes will build up pressure resulting in a liquid locked brake lever

Not a good thing when riding

 

[gearhead13]

Make sure the return bypass port on the bottom of M/C housing is not clogged too with gooey slime otherwise during your first ride(s) the front brakes will build up pressure resulting in a liquid locked brake lever

Not a good thing when riding

Ya, I had that happen on my GS, not fun. I was able to flush new fluid through all 4 bleed screws no problem, and I wiped all the crap out of the master so I think I am ok.

 

[Guest]

Swap

Swap

You know, you can swap the GSXR1100 Crank, clutch basket rods, pistons, cylinder, studs, and cam chain into the short stroke cases. The you have a 6 speed 1127/750 Katana.
G

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Nice Bikes!

Nice Bikes!

I've had 2 of those…still have the second.
Sounds like you know a thing or two, so I'm not gonna chime in, 'cept for a link to http://www.katriders.com/vb/index.php
Enjoy!

 

[Guest]

A 'busa front end (with the front wheel) and a rear wheel from a "post" ('98 and newer of the gsx 600/750's yours is a "pre") are an easy swap (my kids 600 we did this sprng) for 120/160 tires. Looks great too. They are straight style three spoke wheels that are so simular that they look like they came from the same bike.

 

[gearhead13]

Went for my first ride on it today, took it easy on the old/really old tires. I have new rubber on the way. Runs really well. So different than the GS with the fairing not turning with the handlebars. Handles very nice on the highway, wanders a little at city speeds, hoping its the old tires. Has real nice brakes up front dual opposed front pistons.

 

[blowerbike]

these bikes run very good and made good HP.
a common problem was shattered output shaft bearings.
i live in a smaller area and i have had 2 come in with this problem.
both was 1989's.
just an FYI.

 

[Guest]

these bikes run very good and made good HP.
a common problem was shattered output shaft bearings.
i live in a smaller area and i have had 2 come in with this problem.
both was 1989's.
just an FYI.

Would that be the one right behind the countershaft sprocket?

 

[blowerbike]

Would that be the one right behind the countershaft sprocket?

yes sir...

 

[Guest]

May i ask, why did they fail? I'm currently freshening up one of these before installing it into my '83 750es. Not that there is much '83 left of it anymore. I had to chop off some of the bottom of the fuel tank cause the carbs sit up so high with the DOT head.

 

[blowerbike]

May i ask, why did they fail? I'm currently freshening up one of these before installing it into my '83 750es. Not that there is much '83 left of it anymore. I had to chop off some of the bottom of the fuel tank cause the carbs sit up so high with the DOT head.

pm sent as not to clog up OP's thread.

 

[gearhead13]

You know, you can swap the GSXR1100 Crank, clutch basket rods, pistons, cylinder, studs, and cam chain into the short stroke cases. The you have a 6 speed 1127/750 Katana.
G

Sounds interesting Any more info on that or a write up?
My top end isnt in too great shape, and if I have to take it apart might be fun to upgrade.
Been watching ebay and there doesnt seem like much 1127 stuff for sale, does the 1052 stuff work too?

 

[Guest]

Not hard. Change studs for the cylinder too. Or you could just swap in a whole engine. Why bother with a 1052. The 1127 has bigger ports and carbs. I would sell you mine but an trading it for some work. It has the 6-speed conversion and RS38 carbs, header, several oil pans and a forked rocker head and cams as extra. Into it for $2500 so it's no cheap.
Laters
Greg