ARAKI SPL.'s KATANA
"A while ago I was riding a ZX-14R and a ZRX1200DAEG Final Edition, but the frame of the DAEG got bent when I was riding on a mountain pass. So I was considering switching to a Z900RS, but then I heard that the KATANA was coming out, so I pre-ordered one," said Mr. Araki, the owner of this KATANA. When asked why he chose the KATANA, he said, "I always wanted to ride an air-cooled KATANA, the GSX1100S. But there are no good ones available now, and the price is only going up, so I thought it would be a good idea to get the new model." When he gets a new bike he always changes things like the exhaust and steps right away, so he had no hesitation when it came to customizing. However, because he acquired the bike too early, aftermarket parts were not yet available.
"First, I made a windshield by myself, then gradually tried out products from various companies, and finally settled on the current glass-edge windshield with YOSHIMURA Wind Armor bracket. The front and rear fenders, as well as the under cowl, are from Magical Racing and originally for the GSX-R1000R. I also installed the fender eliminator kit from my previous DAEG. Since the clutch was heavy, I modified and converted it to hydraulic using parts from the GSX-R1000K7/K8." Adding a touch of flair to this setup is the dazzling white full paint job. "Actually, I have two sets, the first set is gunmetal. The one currently on is the second set. Though I was initially considering making it just one color, I had pinstripes added to the sides of the cowl and a wide stripe on the tank, giving it a stylish look," said Araki. To further enhance ride comfort he also installed OVER handlebars and OVER x Nitron shocks. And interestingly enough, he said that he finds himself riding this KATANA more frequently than bikes he acquired later, such as the Z900RS and the current Hayabusa.
Handle
The handlebars are by OVER, enhancing ease of handling. The clutch was modified using parts from the GSX-R1000K7/K8 and converted to hydraulic operation to achieve a lighter feel, with a Brembo RCS Master Cylinder. The front brake master cylinder is also a Brembo RCS.
Bodyworks
After trying various options, including a custom-made windshield, the owner settled on a glass-edge windshield mounted with a YOSHIMURA Wind Armor bracket. For the exterior, he enjoys swapping between gunmetal and this white color. The side stripes (with the added accent of the line breaking at the end) and the wide stripe on the tank cover effectively showcase the KATANA's design.
The seat was custom-made to alleviate discomfort. As a fender eliminator kit was not available when the bike was acquired initially, the one used previously on the owner's DAEG was installed.
Engine
The engine is stock KATANA, and the hydraulic clutch release is K-FACTORY. The radiator core guard is by TRICK STAR.
The left and right engine cover sliders are from the GSX-S1000, and the cone-shaped engine sliders attached to the frame are made by K-FACTORY.
Chassis
The steps are K-FACTORY Riding Steps, and for the under cowl, Magical Racing's carbon version for the GSX-S1000 (2016 GSX-S1000 Street Bodywork) was installed.
For the front and rear wheels, forged aluminum GALE SPEED Type-SB1 were chosen for the lightest weight, with the same size as stock at 3.50-17/6.00-17. The front and rear fenders were replaced with Magical Racing fenders originally for the 2009-2016 GSX-R1000, and the springs in the front forks were also changed.
The rear brake is stock. The exhaust is a combination of K-FACTORY Titanium + MAVERICK silencer, and an AELLA Over Suspension is equipped at the end of the swingarm to stabilize rear movement.
To enhance performance while maintaining a subdued appearance, OVER x NITRON shocks with a brown body and black spring are installed for the rear suspension. Magical Racing's carbon model for the 2009-2016 GSX-R1000 was also selected for the rear fender.
Gallery
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Specifications
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | K-FACTORY Engine Slider BABYFACE (Sato Racing) Engine Slider TRICK STAR Radiator Core Guard |
| Exhaust | K-FACTORY CLR-RG Exhaust Pipe MAVERICK MV97 Silencer |
| Frame | AELLA Over Suspension |
| Brake | brembo 14RCS Radial Brake Master Cylinder |
| Wheels | GALE SPEED [TYPE-SB1 Front] Aluminum Forged Wheel GALE SPEED [TYPE-SB1 Rear] Aluminum Forged Wheel |
| Suspension | HYPERPRO Front Spring OVER RACING [OVER x NITRON] Mono Shock RACE PRO |
| Steps | K-FACTORY Riding Step |
| Drive System | EK CHAIN ThreeD 52 (BK;GP) Drive Chain MAGICAL RACING 2009-2016 GSX-R1000 Street Bodywork Chain Guard Twill Weave Carbon |
| Handle / Steering | OVER RACING Sports Riding Handlebar Kit brembo 16RCS Radial Clutch Master Cylinder SIMOTA Naked Style Carbon Mirror Oval Type |
| Bodyworks | YOSHIMURA Wind Armor MAGICAL RACING 2016 GSX-S1000 Street Bodywork Under Cowl Twill Weave Carbon Magical Racing Front Fender Magical Racing Rear Fender |
Original Source of this Article
Heritage & Legends