1984 Suzuki Katana GSX750S3

Description

1984 Suzuki GSX750S3 Katana

Never sold in the USA - a very rare mostly original and very restorable bike.

I purchased this Katana in 2013 with the intention of doing afull restore to stock.The GSX750S3 and S4 Katanas were sold in many markets including Canada Japan Australia and New Zealand but they were never sold in the USA. Often referred to as a 'popup' due to the unique headlight arrangement they share a lot in common mechanically with the GS750ES model but have unique bodywork and other features. This particular bike was imported from Japan in the late eighties - it has travelled 54K kilometers but the instruments are metric so the mileage is around 33K miles. The bike is mostly original with only a few exceptions. It is worthy of a restoration and you are unlikely to see another one. I believe there are only a handful of this model in the USA (I've never seen another one).

Mechanically the bike is very sound. It fires up quickly and runs smoothly with no smoke leaksor unusual noises (see video below). The brakes and suspension work well and all lights and electrical systems work as they should. The bike is fitted with a 'Big Crank' AGM battery and the charging system works properly. The popup headlight works smoothly with no pauses or noises (see video below) and the instrument cluster gauges and warning lights all work as they should. The new owner will want to go over all systems before serious road use and perishable items (tires etc.) should be inspected and replaced as needed. I have not ridden the bike any serious distances while I have owned it but it has always run well and never left me stranded.

Cosmetically there is some work needed. The bike has 30+ years of scratches and marks on the bodywork and frame. All of the paint is original but every panel would need to be repaired and painted to be nice. The front fender has no cracks or breaks and will only require paint - the same is true of the rear tail panel. The tank is clean inside but it has a couple of shallow dents that will need to be repaired prior to painting. Both side covers are cracked (common for this model) but a NOS set of OEM Suzuki covers are included in the sale. The front fairing has numerous scratches and prior repairs but it will clean up fine with preparation and paint. The fairing mirrors are specific to this model and often missing or damaged - the ones on this bike are very nice. Replacement decals are available from numerous vendors (BDesigns for example) so the new owner will be able to restore the bodywork to stock appearance if they wish. There are no rips or tears in the seat and all of the helmet locks and seat removal locks work as they should.

The bike is mostlyoriginal with the following changes being made by prior owners;

The stock clip-ons have been removed and replaced withstraight handlebars -fortunately the stock clip-ons were kept and are included in the sale. The air box has been replaced with aftermarket pods - but the stock air box is also included in the sale. The front brake lines have been replaced with aftermarket braided lines. The rear mufflers have been replaced with mufflers from an unknown make and model bike - they are in good condition and sound fine (see video below) but I would replace them with an OEM system or a nice aftermarket 4-1.

The followingadditional itemsare included in the sale;

• Factory clip-on handlebars and mounts with clutch and brake master cylinders (used).
• NOS Suzuki OEM LH and RH side plastic covers.
• OEM LH and RH engine covers - will need painted or powder coated gold (used).
• Replacement fairing screen with no cracks or breaks (used).
• 1/12 Scale Tamiya GSX750S3 Model Kit.

This bike is very rare in the USA and is worthy of a full restoration. However it is mechanically very sound and the new owner could choose to address the cosmetic issues while it was being ridden if they wished to. The bike would only need perishable items inspected and replaced where needed and minor servicingwork performed to be road ready.I never planned to sell this bike when Ipurchased it - however ill health forces me to do so and the sale is a very reluctant one. It is probably the rarest bike I have ever owned.

A short video of the bike running can be found here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpgrBIIJLkg

This is a used motorcycle - no warranty is expressed or implied.Please ask any questions you have before bidding and do not bid unless you have the funds to complete the purchase.I encourage anyone interested in the bike to have the bike inspected or inspect the bike personally. I will do my best to answer any questions - phone number on request to serious parties. Shipping is the responsibility of the new owner - I will not crate the bike however I will help the shipper in any way I can. Bike can also be picked up in Hollidaysburg PA.

Bike willNOT leave the premises until ALL funds have cleared. PA Title is clear and in my name.

All sales are final.

Also published at eBay.com