'92 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana

[IanDMacDonald]

My boss's neighbor is selling a '92 Katana 1100 with an aftermarket Corbin seat, luggage, etc. Since I cannot afford an FJR or ST at the moment, I'm contemplating the purchase of this bike as a touring bike. I gave-up looking for an FJ1200 in good condition, at a cheap price. The price on the bike is $1,500. Opinions?

[motoman]

My boss's neighbor is selling a '92 Katana 1100 with an aftermarket Corbin seat, luggage, etc. Since I cannot afford an FJR or ST at the moment, I'm contemplating the purchase of this bike as a touring bike. I gave-up looking for an FJ1200 in good condition, at a cheap price. The price on the bike is $1,500. Opinions?

The Suzy's are good bikes. Age dictates IMMEEDIATELY removing that tupperware(out of sight, out of mind) and unplugging and physically cleaning plug-ins. Pay particualr atten. to the larger VR plug-in and such. Frying one of these on ANY of the 90's Jap manufacturers WILL be an actual melting of the VR. Make sure IT'S mounting surface is clean, as that is also a heat-sink for the reg. If it has a 'meltdown', a whole loota' other stuff goes south with it......and it's costly, even if you do it yourself!

[madmax-im]

Theres an FJ1200 around here forsale for $2400...prolly negotiable since its been forsale for a few months now...a Katana is more sport than tour but you're a young fella you can take it...

[Prisoner6]

I seem to remember hearing, back in the day, that these big Kats had a couple of fairly common issues.

One was clutch slippage/drag ...

The other was a charging system that was prone to "overcharging" ... which led to, well, you know ... fried components.

And the riding position on the Kat is not really conducive to LD touring comfort ...

IMO, it would have to be in very good shape to warrant that price. I would think no more than $1,000 ... depending, of course, on condition? ... and mileage?

[IanDMacDonald]

I seem to remember hearing, back in the day, that these big Kats had a couple of fairly common issues.

One was clutch slippage/drag ...

The other was a charging system that was prone to "overcharging" ... which led to, well, you know ... fried components.

And the riding position on the Kat is not really conducive to LD touring comfort ...

IMO, it would have to be in very good shape to warrant that price. I would think no more than $1,000 ... depending, of course, on condition? ... and mileage?

Lol, I wonder if the whole biking world is as-cheap as us XS riders? I don't think u'll find good-running, well-maintained sport bikes for less than $1500-ever. Even if some NADA guide says otherwise, people set the worth of their bikes, and just fanaggle on the price.

[Prisoner6]

Lol, I wonder if the whole biking world is as-cheap as us XS riders? I don't think u'll find good-running, well-maintained sport bikes for less than $1500-ever. Even if some NADA guide says otherwise, people set the worth of their bikes, and just fanaggle on the price.

Hi, Ian -

Of course, people can put whatever price they want on their bikes ...

But this vintage of Katana would not likely be considered "collectible" by most anyone ... someone would have to be enamored with this particular bike to pay a premium for it.

And I would not consider myself "cheap" by any means ... I paid a pretty penny for my SF , and most of the other bikes I've owned were purchased brand new off the showroom floor ...

But I would be hard pressed to pay $1,500 for a '92 Katana 1100, unless it was in great shape.

Just my $.02

[IanDMacDonald]

I agree with you Marco. I don't think many older bikes are worth much, including the XS's. However, looking at CL ads in the motorcycle section every single day for the last six years, I have not seen one "Liter" bike go cheap, unless it had issues. I'll speak for Michigan alone when I say that any decent, running bike starts at $1k. So, coming across a well-maintained, single-owner, 1127cc sport bike at 130+ hp with Corbin seat, and Krauser bags is well-worth $1500 in my opinion.

[Prisoner6]

... coming across a well-maintained, single-owner, 1127cc sport bike at 130+ hp with Corbin seat, and Krauser bags is well-worth $1500 in my opinion.

Hey, Ian -

As far as the XS11 is concerned ... it does appear, based on several Ebay auctions over the last couple of years, that values for good/very good examples are appreciating.

It may mean the collectibility for the XS11 is starting to ramp up ... that's encouraging!

As for the '92 Kat ... values for these bikes are not increasing. But, if it has indeed been well-maintained mechanically, and is otherwise (as I mentioned before) in great shape (cosmetically, etc.) ...

Then yes, I would agree with your quote above ... and would most likely pay $1,500 for the bike ... or maybe even a bit more!


Now ... if you want to talk about Katanas that are appreciating, how about an early 80's Katana 1100?

I've always liked that bike, with it's Hans Muth design!




I believe this pic is a 1982 Australian model ... note the wire wheels!

[IanDMacDonald]

Ewwwwww Marco, lol. That is one fugly bike, lol. My favorite Suzzy is one I've always desired: '83 GS1100ES (The red one, of course)

Btw, I'm picking the Katana up tomorrow evening. Gf gave me the blessing as a worthy buy.

[Prisoner6]

Ewwwwww Marco, lol. That is one fugly bike, lol. My favorite Suzzy is one I've always desired: '83 GS1100ES (The red one, of course)

Btw, I'm picking the Katana up tomorrow evening. Gf gave me the blessing as a worthy buy.

Proof that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!

I, too, have always liked the '82-'83 E's and ES's ... almost bought a 1983 E about 4 years ago ... I've been kicking myself ever since for not snatching it up.

Congrats on the new acquisition!

[IanDMacDonald]

Could not pass it up. Their forum is a little harder to follow, despite the same forum setup. Just not organized by bike. The bike came with a Corbin seat, along with stock. Krauser side bags, and extra parts, paint, etc. Still enjoy riding the XS11, so it's not going into some corner. I bought the bike ONLY for it's touring abilities. The XS will of-course come to the rallies. Just another addition to the stable. It rides okay. Not super-smooth. It's 23 years old. The fairing is super-noisy. The power-adjustable windshield is cool. Other than that, nothing fancy.

[Prisoner6]

Could not pass it up ... ... The bike came with a Corbin seat, along with stock. Krauser side bags, and extra parts, paint, etc ...

Looks good, Ian!

[WMarshy]

I think you did great for $1500 on that bike if thats what you paid. It definitely has a more agressive riding position. I've always been a fan of the ZRX1100/1200 myself. Nice bike though.

[IanDMacDonald]

Gotta admit, this bike is not all that fun to ride. Nowhere close to the enjoyment of my XS or other bikes.

[madmax-im]

Gotta admit, this bike is not all that fun to ride. Nowhere close to the enjoyment of my XS or other bikes.

no doubt it isnt as comfortable either...and my experience with inheriting a Corbin with a bike has been nothing short of disasaterous...on 3 separate times that I bought bikes a Corbin Gunfighter was on there...so very hard and formed for someone else...I always took them off to be replaced with stock seats or better aftermarket seats. I have never liked them and if I tried to ride with them I could never ride more than 100 miles and my whole body would be screaming to get off...I hope you do better than I have...
BTW it is a nice looking bike but I would not have bought this with the intent to tour...YMMV