Suzuki GSX1100S Katana prototype

I have put some Suzuki GSX1100S Katana prototype and pre-launch pictures on this page. Please send me more stuff to put here.

Target Design Katana sketch from 1980. Click to enlarge.


The 1980 GSX1100S Katana prototype. Click to enlarge.


The first production model, 1982 GSX1100SZ Katana.

Here's another interesting pre-launch version, from an Australian Katana ad, February 1982. Click to enlarge. Notice the wire wheels! Scanned and sent to me by Steve, New Zealand. Published in Two Wheels, February 1982, Australia.

Here's some rare pictures of another GSX1100S Katana prototype, a pre-launch model from early 1981 Comments within the pictures point out some differences between the prototype and the actual production model. Sorry, no larger images available.

Engine. The air filter box has covered with a chrome plate like on the E models. On the production model they were black. Tailpiece. The tail had different form. You can see the difference guite easily if you compare the two larger photos above (see even pictures below). Seat (the pictures below). The production model's seat has a different form. The early model of the seat was almost straight (less scooped) with higher seat height as the result. The production model was more cup-shaped. Exhaust pipes (the pictures below). No more 4-1 system as on the earlier prototype.

Meters (the picture above). The speedometer table was green on this protype of the GSX1100S Katana. Also the master cylinder is different. Screen. The form of the windshield was different on the pre-production model. By the way, in the picture on the left you can also see the front of a blue-white 1979 GS1000S Wes Cooley replica. Mudguard (the picture below). The rear end of the mudguard was not painted black as on the production models.

Space Invader. 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana advert from the back cover of the 1981 UK motorcycle show brochure. The bike is in the picture it is a pre-launch (in UK) model with many non-production details - seat color, screen form, slightly different frame etc. Click to enlarge.

The hot one. 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana brochure from UK (late 1980) with provisional specifications. The 1100 picture is same as the Cologne show bike - note the 4-1 exhaust, lack of screen and quite different seat. Click to enlarge.

More: GSX1100S Katana pages

More: All Suzuki models

The 1980 GSX1100S Katana pre-launch brochure and advert scans courtesy of Garry Kemp, UK.

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