One Kool Katana
One Kool Katana
CALIFORNIA SPECIALS
Started in Tokyo, finished In Southern California, an '83 Suzuki that's ready to rumble
OF THE JAPANESE SPORTBIKES built in the early 1980s, none had styling more radical than Suzuki's GS1000S and GS1100S Katanas. The Katana's shark-like appearance—the creation of German designer Hans Muth—was so far out, it was commonly regarded as either the ultimate eye candy or an exercise in total tastelessness.
Nowadays, early Katanas have the distinction of being one of the few modern Japanese collectibles. In fact, demand is great enough in Japan that Suzuki currently builds replica 250, 400, 750 and 1 lOOcc versions for the domestic market.
For Shinji Mori, a 27-year-old diehard Suzuki enthusiast from Gardena, the 1989 purchase of a new ’83 Eurospec 1100 Katana has evolved into a livelihood. Mori is employed by MTIA International (310/538-3625), a small company specializing in Katana parts.
Prior to relocating to the States from Tokyo in 1994, Mori began shaipening the appearance and performance of his Katana. Tokyo influence is quite evident in the use of bolt-on frame bracing flanking either side of the motor. Other details completed in Japan include the braced swingarm and beautifully crafted Italian GCB front end. Shibata Wonder Stuff applied the wild, UFO-theme paintwork.
Stock wheels were replaced with lightweight Machesini hoops in 18 x 2.5-inch front and 18 x 3.75-inch rear sizes. Performance Machine four-pis-
ton billet calipers and 13-inch floating rotors improved braking performance, while WP rear shocks upped the ride quality. Billet rearsets and polished engine sidecovers came next.
Mori and his Super Katana are now full-fledged members of the California sportbike scene. “It’s an old bike,” admits Mori, “but I want to ride in the canyons with guys on ZX-1 Is and GSX-R1100s. That’s the reason I modify.” Future plans include carbon-fiber bodywork and a lightweight exhaust system. For the time being, Mori is content with the power of the motor, which benefits from blueprinting, Keihin CR smooth-bores and a Vance & Hines exhaust.
What’s it like to ride? “Lighter, stronger and more comfortable than stock,” says Mori with a smile, “just like a ’90s bike.” -Don Canet
