650 Katana and a GS550

[Rodders]

Well, somehow I have ended up with this '82 650 Katana:

and this GS550:

The 650 hammers and just needs a tidy up. That is a new green paint job. At this stage the only thing I am really thinking of doing to the 650 is re-paint it black and polish the engine up.

I rode the 650 the three hundred and something kilometres home from picking it up and what a fun bike to ride. Goes like stink and lots of fun in the twisty bits. ;D

I have all the bits and pieces for the 550 so I am planning to cafe it. I have a seat hump, rear sets etc from another project so I am planning to tackle this bike later.

 

[redlinedave]

nice score

 

[Big R]

Ya man, that is some Suzuki goodness there. There's a 550 that just showed up on our local clist, I already tried to get the local members to jump on it.....

 

[VonYinzer]

Nice score... Ive been more and more interested in finding a nice 80s sportbike one of these days...

 

[TEMP3ST]

I agree with Von, I've been trying to find myself one of those old Katana's. Nice lookin bikes there Capt.

 

[Rodders]

Thanks guys, I've got a good idea of how I want the 550 to look. I can take my time to work on it as I have the 650 to ride ;-)

I would like to change the look of the Kat as well but am not quite sure what direction to take.

Any suggestions?

 

[Makr]

Leave the Katana alone.

 

[Big R]

I say since it was already painted once, paint it a different color. Maybe get a belly pan and a Katana fairing from airtech.

And give it to me.

 

[Rodders]

Loaded Gun/Dime City Cycles rearsets are on. I made the heel plates. i'm happy with the gear change side heel plate but I butchered the brake side plate so will re-make it.

Next job is to strip the old girl down and re-paint.

 

[TEMP3ST]

What color?!?! Secret?

 

[Rodders]

Black.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Leave the Katana alone.

Can't believe I am saying it but... Being a recent Suzuki convert myself I have been doing a lot of research on the old GS's and have to agree with Makr. Don't do anything to the early Kat that can't be undone and put back to stock... insanely desireable.
Now that 550 is a different story It looks a hell of a lot like my 750 the day I brought her home (LINKY)
loudest143 turned me onto www.thegsresources.com that place has crazy amounts of info.

 

[Rodders]

Started another build thread in the Fight Club.
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=21822.msg229240#new

I asked around, had a good long think about it,,,,,, and cut the arse end off it ;D

Looks a lot better and I am much happier with how it looks.