From Pristine to Perfect: SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANA Custom by BrightLogic

• GSX1100S
• Katana

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BrightLogic's GSX1100S KATANA

Bright Logic never has a lack of air-cooled SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANAs, and they have vast experience in customizing them. Some of the bikes are brought in by customers, while others are purchased by the shop and modified to be used as custom bases. In the latter case, the frame is checked, refurbished, and modified if necessary. The engine is checked in the same way, and the suspension is often upgraded, for a base that is still close to stock, but with a little bit extra. In addition, they also replace bearings and seals with new ones, and carefully carry out work that is key to improving the condition of the bike.

"If we post the progress on our blog, we often have customers come to us before we're even finished asking to purchase the bike and then continue customizing it to their liking," says Mr. Takenaka, the shop's representative.

"This custom uses the Final Edition as the base. The customer brought it to us, and it was so pristine and in such good condition that it seemed a shame to do anything to it. But he wanted to customize it, so we decided on these specs after much discussion. The main focus was to change the front and rear wheels to 18-inch MAGTAN. We also strengthened the brakes and changed the suspension. We managed to get it to a point where the owner commented that it was 'just the right ride quality for a KATANA and much lighter than before' after he took it for a test ride," said Takenaka.

In this case, the base, including the exterior, was in very good condition, and being a Final Edition with only about 2,000km mileage, Mr. Takenaka suggested making only modifications that could be changed back, since the market price would be no less than 2 to 3 million yen if the bike was kept as is. The stem from the Final Edition was kept, and the bottom cases for the front forks were changed to ones for the GSX1100SR, since there were no commercially available caliper supports for the Final Edition at the time. The swingarm was chosen for its smooth installation, precise straight lines and right angles, and thickness that was just right and not too thick. A newly made rear shock lower extension adapter was also installed to raise the tail height slightly. The steps and exhaust were also chosen to be compatible with the Final Edition, and can be installed without any difficulty. This attention to detail, including the bike's height and posture, gives it a beautiful custom look. The mechanical aspects can be left to the professionals, and with a properly prepared foundation, the range of enjoyment in customization can be expanded even further.

Handle

With less than 2,500km of mileage, the bike was pristine throughout, with no fading of the resin parts, and the engine was also in good condition. With the plan to be able to change everything back to its original form, the frame and engine have not been modified, and the stem also remains stock Final Edition.

The handlebars are stock KATANA forged aluminum clip-ons (for ø37mm forks), and the square-type mirrors also remain KATANA stock. The front brake master cylinder has been replaced with a Brembo radial pump with a foldable lever. The bolts are also changed to cap types.

Intake & Exhaust

The exhaust is a YOSHIMURA "banana pipe" Titanium 4-in-1 Exhaust + Aluminum Silencer (currently discontinued), compatible with the Final Edition. Although this exhaust is meant to be used with the matching steps, it can be installed without modification to the bike, so it fits the concept of this custom perfectly. The builder having knowledge of such parts comes in handy here.

Chassis

The steps are from YOSHIMURA, also compatible with the Final Edition (and also currently discontinued). They are installed on a bracket mount. The pillion step section serves as a bracket for the exhaust and is used in conjunction with the YOSHIMURA exhaust mentioned above. The engine and frame were kept as stock.

The aluminum square swingarm is made by ADVANTAGE. The reason for this choice is that the installation/operation accuracy is high, and the main pipe and other components are of a good size to maintain the balance of the overall look. The rear shock is an Ohlins SU131, and a lower extension adapter was created for this custom.

The front and rear wheels are MAGTAN JB4s, which have been changed from the stock size of 1.85-19/2.50-17 to 3.00-18/4.50-18. The front calipers are Brembo 4P, but there are no aftermarket supports available for the Final Edition, so the bottom cases of the front forks have been changed to those for the SR. The discs are SUNSTAR and brake lines have been replaced with stainless mesh.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Exhaust	YOSHIMURA Hand Bent Titanium Cyclone for Final Edition
Frame	ADVANTAGE Swingarm GSX1100S Type-A
Brake	brembo RMC Billet Brake Master Cylinder brembo Axial Mount Brake Caliper P4 30 / 34 40mm SUNSTAR Neo Classic Front Disc Rotor SUNSTAR Works Expand Rear Disc Rotor brembo P2-RS84 Rear Brake Caliper P2 34 84mm
Wheels	JB POWER (BITO R&D) MAGTAN Forged Magnesium Wheel JB4
Suspension	OHLINS Rear Suspension Legend-Twin
Steps	YOSHIMURA Step Kit
Drive System	RK JAPAN 50XXW

About BrightLogic

BrightLogic has been established by ex-YOSHIMURA technicians with abundant experience of racing. They provide customizing parts which improve the performance level of circuit vehicles as well as all types of motorcycles.

BrightLogic brand page

Original Source of this Article

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