1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
Suzuki released the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana in 1981 with a 1075cc DOHC inline-4 powerplant making 111hp — a definitive sport bike.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- DOHC inline-4
- Displacement
- 1075 cc
- Cylinders
- 4
- Power
- 111 hp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque
- 95.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 72.0 × 66.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- 4x Mikuni carburetors
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double cradle
- Front Suspension
- Air-assisted fork
- Rear Suspension
- Monoshock
- Front Brake
- Dual disc
- Rear Brake
- Single disc
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 230 km/h (143 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 232 kg (511 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 252 kg (556 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 790 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1510 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 20.0 L
History & Story
The 1981 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was introduced by Suzuki as a sport bike aimed at riders seeking sport bike performance and style. Manufactured in Japan, it represented Suzuki's vision for the four-cylinder sport bike market during the 1980s.
Powering the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is a 1075cc DOHC inline-4 producing 111hp. This four-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through 4x Mikuni carburetors. A 5-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Weighing 232 kg (511 lbs) dry, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana uses a steel double cradle frame, air-assisted fork front suspension, and monoshock rear suspension. The braking system comprises dual disc front and single disc rear units.
Performance-wise, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana achieves a claimed top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 20.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for sport bike duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Today, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is considered a highly sought-after classic that commands strong prices among collectors worldwide. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of Suzuki motorcycling from 1980s.
Powering the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is a 1075cc DOHC inline-4 producing 111hp. This four-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through 4x Mikuni carburetors. A 5-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Weighing 232 kg (511 lbs) dry, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana uses a steel double cradle frame, air-assisted fork front suspension, and monoshock rear suspension. The braking system comprises dual disc front and single disc rear units.
Performance-wise, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana achieves a claimed top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 20.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for sport bike duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Today, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is considered a highly sought-after classic that commands strong prices among collectors worldwide. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of Suzuki motorcycling from 1980s.
Known Issues
- Cam chain tensioner rattle
- Petcock vacuum diaphragm failure
Fun Facts
- The 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was one of the largest-displacement motorcycles of its era
- With 111hp, the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was considered extremely powerful when launched
- Pristine examples of the 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana can command six-figure prices at auction
- The 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is considered one of the most collectible motorcycles from Suzuki
- The 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana is widely regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 9/10
Resources & Parts
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