Reawakening the KATANA: SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANA Custom

• GSX1100S
• Katana

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Webike's Opinion

Here is a "SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANA" custom by Webike community user "kfactory". This Katana started its life as an early-model 750 and spent nearly 20 years in storage, completely unused. The owner recalls, "One day, I looked at my Katana sitting in the garage, covered in rust and dust... it was in terrible shape. I couldn't just let it turn into scrap metal. After all, this was the bike I had once dreamed of owning. I wanted to feel the wind on it again." With that determination, he spent four painstaking years bringing it back to life, finally making it roadworthy once more.

Aside from paint and welding, he handled every aspect of the restoration himself, never once relying on a bike shop. It took time, but the result was worth it—everywhere he goes, the bike turns heads, and the satisfaction of seeing it on the road makes all the effort worthwhile. He plans to keep refining the build while paying just as much attention to the hidden details as to the ones in plain sight, staying true to the motto he's always lived by.

With his advanced mechanical skills, the owner especially felt the impact of the PMC SWORD-Matrix wheels. The difference in weight was evident right away. In fact, after replacing them, he found that the braking force reached the chassis much faster than before. It was a welcome surprise. Some of his standout custom-made parts include the tank cover and top bridge. A devoted Yoshimura enthusiast, he followed the brand's philosophy to the letter, upgrading these components into his very own Yoshimura-inspired versions. He also proudly calls himself a carbon fiber fanatic, having converted the entire exterior to carbon. He even made the side covers twice because the first set didn't meet his standards, so he started over from scratch.

During the pandemic, with more time on his hands, he went all in on maintenance, overhauling the engine, brakes, and front and rear suspension while greasing up every critical part. The difference in performance was clear, making the effort all the more rewarding.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Exhaust	YOSHIMURA Titanium Exhaust ONISHI HEAT MAGIC Carbon Silencer (with Yoshimura Emblem) One-Off Titanium Silencer Bracket
Brake	brembo Caliper (Front) NISSIN Master Cylinder antlion Lever Caliper for GSXR1100
Handles	Wheelie Custom-Made Top Bridge (Wing Type) YOSHIMURA Grips
Frame	Reinforced at 16 points & Reinforcement Bar Nishimura Powder Coating
Bodyworks	One-Off Tank Cover Front Wide Cowl Rear Carbon Cowl One-Off Carbon Starter Cover YOSHIMURA Magnesium Head Side Covers Magical Racing Carbon Mirrors 1135R Type Seat One-Off Rear Carbon Inner Fender One-Off Under-Seat Accessory Storage (FRP)
Drive Parts	SUNSTAR Front Sprocket 15T SUNSTAR Rear Sprocket 45T DID Chain 530ZVM2
Engine	NGK Power Cable (Plug Cord) NGK Platinum Plug MIKUNI Air Filter TNK Stainless Clutch Wire 1100cc Engine (Overhaul)
Oil Cooler	EARLS 8-Row Oil Cooler
Suspension	OHLINS Rear Suspension OHLINS Front Springs
Rearsets	KAWASAKI Rearsets for ZXR One-Off Step Mounts
Wheels	PMC Forged Aluminum Wheel SWORD-Matrix
Accessories	YOSHIMURA Oil Gauge