Built to Endure: SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANA Custom by TG-RUN

• GSX1100S
• Katana

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TG-RUN's GSX1100S KATANA

Here is an air-cooled Katana by Technical Garage RUN. It was originally built as a Complete Upgrade Custom by TG-RUN and the owner had enjoyed riding it for 5 or 6 years. After an accident, it needed to be restored, and so, it was given a new look at the same time.

The biggest change was the body color, from silver to black. Many of the base exterior parts are now made of carbon, the fuel tank has been replaced with an aluminum one, and the turn signals are now smaller. Changes were mainly made to the exterior, but the reason only exterior parts needed replacement is because the base of this bike was originally built as a Complete Upgrade Custom and had all the necessary work done already (new consumable parts, torque management during assembly, etc.). Since the shop already knew what kind of work had been done, and what the bike was like when it was in good shape, they had no trouble getting it back to that state. If they were to make any changes or additions, they could start from that reset state, i.e., they already had a complete custom to work with.

For the air-cooled Katana, what's important is to understand that it's a bike that was developed more than 40 years ago. Even the Final Edition was released 25 years ago, so it has to be looked at as a "vintage" bike and augmented to get it up to today's standards.

First, the front brakes. The master cylinder, calipers, brake pads, and matching discs. The entire system, so to speak, is replaced with a modern and reliable one to ensure braking power. This also improves control. Next, upgrading the front and rear suspensions is essential to take advantage of this new braking power. The rear shocks and, ideally, the front forks will be replaced, but depending on the owner's preference and needs, internal tuning (internal spring modification and resetting) may be done instead, as with the bike introduced here. Moving on, modern, reliable tires are then installed to enhance the performance of the modified suspension system. Mr. Sugimoto, the representative of TG-RUN, always pushes these upgrades because they are truly indispensable for riding a Katana nowadays. There is no doubt about that.

To take it to the next level, the frame should be renewed and repainted, the electrical system rebuilt, the engine overhauled, and the exterior painted early on. The carburetor should also be overhauled, and the same goes for replacement of insulators and other rubber parts. Stock parts for maintenance are starting to be discontinued or rising in price, so you should secure what you need as soon as possible.

If this work is done, the Katana can be ridden for a long time to come, just like this bike. Though it was an unexpected turn of events, the accident helped to prove that this bike would last. The owner has had a great relationship with TG-RUN and this bike since the very first time he came to the shop looking for a Katana to customize. For those looking to keep riding the original Katana in this day and age, this kind of relationship with a shop that will look after you and your bike is truly indispensable.

Handle

The Magical Racing NK-1 Mirrors using TYPE-1 heads, Brembo Racing Master Cylinder, 50mm offset stock top bridge, stock forged clip-on handlebars, and YOSHIMURA PRO-GRESS2 Meter were all installed when the Complete Upgrade Custom was originally built. The clutch holder is by GALE SPEED.

Bodyworks

The smoked windshield and base are by Magical Racing. The upper cowl, cowl lips, and oil cooler shrouds were also changed from stock to Magical Racing carbon.

The stock Final Edition fuel tank has been replaced with a TG-RUN & Beater Aluminum Fuel Tank. It is lighter in weight and there is no need to worry about rusting.

The TG-RUN Sport & Comfort seat has been carried over from the original Complete Upgrade Custom specs. The seat cowl and side covers are now carbon fiber made by OHNO-SPEED.

Engine

The 1074cc engine was kept at stock specs and in pristine condition. A TG-RUN Billet Engine Mount Kit machined from A2017 aluminum is used to load the engine in the specified position and improve handling, which is another addition carried over from the time of the original complete build. Similarly, the frame had already been revised.

The BS34 carburetor is stock, the insulator is new, and other auxiliary parts were kept in good condition, just like the engine.

Chassis

The WOODSTOCK Machined Aluminum Step Kit improves operability.

The stock front forks are φ37mm and have been reset with new springs, etc. The front brakes, made up of Brembo Racing CNC 4P calipers and SUNSTAR Works Expand discs remain the same as the original custom specs.

The rear brake and aluminum swingarm are stock Katana, and the rear shock is an Ohlins Fully Adjustable. The exhaust system is a K-Factory Full Titanium.

The 2.75-18/4.00-18 size wheels are forged aluminum PMC SWORD-Heritage. The drive chain is converted to RK's 525XXW.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Engine	TG-RUN Billet Engine Mount Kit for GSX1100S Katana YOSHIMURA Aluminum Engine Cover
Brake	brembo Racing Radial Brake Master Cylinder (19 x 18) brembo P4-40RB CNC Brake Caliper P4 30/34 40mm SUNSTAR Works Expand Front Disc Rotor
Wheels	PMC Forged Aluminum Wheel SWORD-Heritage, Front PMC Forged Aluminum Wheel SWORD-Heritage, Rear
Suspension	OHLINS Fully Adjustable Shocks
Steps	WOODSTOCK Rearsets Kit for GSX1100S '00
Drive System	RK 525XXW Drive Chain
Handle / Steering	GALE SPEED Wire Clutch Holder Kit YOSHIMURA PRO-GRESS2 Multi-temp Meter Magical Racing NK1 Mirror TYPE-1
Seat	TG-RUN Sport & Comfort Seat
Bodyworks	Magical Racing Windshield Magical Racing Windshield Base Magical Racing Light Cover Magical Racing Upper Cowl Magical Racing Cowl Lip Magical Racing Oil Cooler Shroud Magical Racing Front Fender TG-RUN & Beater Aluminum Fuel Tank for SUZUKI GSX1100S Katana OHNO-SPEED Frame Cover OHNO-SPEED Tail Cowl

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends