New to me Katana

R

Ray S

Hi Folks,

Ive just acquired a new to me Katana. I reside in Brisbane and this was a one owner bike from the Gold Cost. Pretty beat up from the elements but mostly intact.

GDNI3436-2.jpg

A couple of confusing elements to this bike though. It has 1983 paint scheme, except fairing was repainted incorrectly. I'm told that it is as it came from the dealer. Has 1983 style footrests (aluminium) and black engine etc. All looks to be 1983. Purchased new with wire wheels. VIN GS110X1013** is in the range for SXZ wire wheel bikes. But as I understand it SXZ were 1982 only.

So I'm a little confused on how to proceed here other than to refresh it to 1983 specs, but remain confused about the SXZ status. VIN and compliance plate look good to me. REVS check comes up with the details as they are. Of course after 40 years who knows what has happened except the (one) owner says it is as he bought it.

I'd appreciate thoughts on this. I'll have questions as I go with the rebuild and will post those as I go. Plan is to refresh it using as many of the existing parts as possible, but clearly there will be new bits required also and a lot of refurbishment. I plan on buying stuff until the end of the year and getting started on the refresh about then. Couple of other projects on the go currently.

Regards
Ray
 
Nice one Ray - she will look a treat once refurbed!!
Welcome to the site. I cant comment on the details you are seeking, but im sure someone more knowledgeable than me can provide some insight.

Cheers
Rusty
 
Congratulations. A bit of love (and money) and it will come up a treat. If you are restoring, don't forget photos, lots of photos. :D
 
Suzuki dont change there models buy year date, they change models in approx Aug, so an 83 spec bike may be plated from 8/82 onwards. My original 1983 SD1100 is plated 11/82

According to my parts manual it has; Frame numbers GS110X-522093 onwards are SZ, GS110X-535683 onwards are SD. There is info on this site in relation to specific ww numbers.

Possibly your bike has had a rebuild or 2 over its life ??

Hope that helps.

Welcome to the Kat house
 
Thanks for the input folks. Bit of a mystery. Definititely has the GS110X- 1----- series numbers. Very confusing. That frame # sits in the middle of the 100388 - 1011324 VIN range listed by Suzuki for SXZ models. Agree that anything could have happened over 40 years rebuild and modification-wise. Dont want to misrepresent it or build back to misleading specifications. In any case, got a nice Kat with wire wheels. Texted with the seller today and unlike the story I got from his mate who wrangled the deal, its not a one owner bike owned from new. The previous owner bought in mid-90s from Western Motorcycles in Penrith. So, really all bets are off as to its origins.

Anyway, an adventure ahead. I guess Mick Hone will generate some revenue from me over the next year. :)

I'll post as things progress.

Thanks for adding me in to the group.
Ray
 
Hi Ray.
Nice work tracking down an sxz, just been restoring mine over the past 10 months and actually put it on club rego today. I'm in Sydney and had to track down a heap of parts and have my wire wheels restored with new alloy rims with stainless spokes. The Guys on this site have been awesome in helping me track info and tips.
Welcome.
Cheers.
Bill.
 
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