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Sabotage Bikes resurrects a sun-scorched 650 Katana…
The Suzuki Katana brought on fairly the stir upon its introduction in 1981. Designed by Hans Muth, BMW’s former chief of styling, the Katana was one of many first mass-produced Japanese bikes to make use of a European Design (ED). Muth immersed himself in Japanese tradition, notably the work Zen within the Artwork of Archery — a guide that gave Robert Pirsig inspiration for Zen and the Artwork of Motorbike Upkeep.
When presenting the daring, sharp-edged design to Osamu Suzuki, Muth mentioned:
“The sword first serves as a weapon, however a katana additionally has a mythological that means in Japan. Should you don’t deal with it proper, its sharpness might be deadly. The identical is true for a motorbike.” -Hans Muth through Cycle World
Whereas Muth’s “ED2” design led to the novel big-bore 16-valve GSX1100S Katana, his workforce’s unique design (ED1) was for a extra subdued 550cc mannequin, which might be dropped at manufacturing because the GS550M Katana and GS650G Katana.
Launched in 1981, the Katana 650 was a shaft-drive, purpose-built machine with an air-cooled 673cc DOHC inline 4 that made 73 hp and 42 lb-ft of torque, good for a 13.2-second 1/4 mile and prime pace of 124 mph.
“The consequence might not look all that Italian but it surely does have a sure one thing and it’s sooner than all the things in its class and most 750s.” -MCN, 1981
When this ’81 GS650 Katana confirmed up at Australia’s Sabotage Bikes, it was a sun-scorched wreck, a sufferer of practically a decade’s neglect. At first, Giles and Andy weren’t certain it was price it to revive the child Kat…
“Then we heard the story. The proprietor purchased the bike model new from the showroom. Which is uncommon to listen to nowadays, particularly with a 1981 bike. He was within the navy again then and travelled throughout Australia with the bike, dropping in to completely different naval bases, and customarily travelling the nation.”
What adopted was a restoration on a monumental scale: each final nut, washer, bracket, grommet, seal, bearing, and piece of bodywork wanted consideration. The Sabotage boys give us the complete particulars under, however suffice to say even they might hardly consider the transformation — this was much less a restoration than a resurrection. Says Giles of the using expertise:
“Like using a miracle. Others would have bought it for elements or simply scrapped it. Fortunately our consumer had a sentimental attachment to the bike sufficient to need to fund the restoration.”
Under, we discuss to Giles and Andy of Sabotage Bikes for the complete story on the restoration, and a particular thanks goes out to Andrew Jones of Machines That Dream for bringing us this story and the unbelievable gallery of images. Take pleasure in!
Katana 650 Resto: Builder Interview
• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.
We spend our time creating extremely customized bikes, with a strict deal with classic and trendy classic-styled bikes. Our goal is to design the bikes with a nod to their classic roots, however with a contemporary and funky twist. We do nearly all the things in-house, making as a lot as potential from scratch, or modifying elements to go well with.
We’re two guys who met by probability within the automotive park of Bunnings (how very Australian!) once we each occurred to be on our 70’s Hondas.
For over 6 years we’ve put our expertise collectively in order that we are able to restore and customise bikes nearly utterly ourselves. We need to push the restrict with what might be achieved with our expertise, instruments and willpower.
• What’s the make, mannequin, and 12 months of the bike?
1981 Suzuki GS650 Katana.
• Why was this bike constructed/restored?
The proprietor introduced us the bike after he’d left it uncared for for properly over a decade within the QLD solar. We even questioned why hassle. Then we heard the story. The proprietor purchased the bike model new from the showroom. Which is uncommon to listen to nowadays, particularly with a 1981 bike. He was within the navy again then and travelled throughout Australia with the bike, dropping in to completely different naval bases, and customarily travelling the nation.
After he bought married and had kids, the bike was ridden much less and fewer. While the bike was full and in unique situation, the years of being left didn’t fare properly. The Queensland solar is brutal. A mate of ours who got here by our store just a few days after the Katana had been dropped off requested, “What occurred to this one, was it set on hearth?”
We knew we had our work reduce out. Each single nut, washer, bracket, grommet, all the things wanted appreciable consideration earlier than re-fitting it to the bike.
• What was the design idea and what influenced the construct?
The transient was to carry it again to the situation it was when the proprietor purchased it, utilizing and retaining as a lot of the unique or OEM elements as potential.
• What customized work was accomplished to the bike?
Not lots truly. Nevertheless we used nearly each ability now we have to get this bike again to shmicko situation: fabricating and welding new mounts to the exhaust headers, fibreglassing the just about destroyed seat pan, seat upholstery, re-wiring the bike, and so forth, and so forth.
• Are you able to inform us what it’s prefer to trip this bike?
Like using a miracle. Others would have bought it for elements or simply scrapped it. Fortunately our consumer had a sentimental attachment to the bike sufficient to need to fund the restoration.
• Was there something accomplished throughout this restoration that you’re notably happy with?
That we agreed to tackle the job, and accomplished it. It actually was a monumental restoration. While a eager eye will level out just a few non-OEM finishes, it is a near-factory restoration, from what was a really destroyed bike.
The fork stanchions needed to be re-hard-chromed; the engine was completely stripped, vapour blasted, honed, valves lapped, and rebuilt based on spec; the paintwork was meticulously accomplished by Smith Ideas; the brake calipers and discs at the moment are cerakoted for longevity and color matched as shut as potential to the unique paint; body blasted and powder coated; wiring harness stripped down, repaired, re-soldered, and reinstated with some elements changed with new; sourcing the proper color vinyl for the seat; the record goes on, and on.
Extra Particulars
Comply with the Builder
Instagram: @sabotagemotorcycles
Pictures by Andrew Jones: @machines_that_dream
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