Sgt. Vos' Katana

Here are some pics from a bike I build earlier for a friend of mine. Besides his Hog, this is what keeps him happy between international peace keeping operations. He used to get a kick out of it, lending my dragbike’s megaphone and blast it around town. Myself, of course, would never think of doing such an awful thing. I think it’s worth too fill these excellent pages.

He bought the Kat about ten years ago when one could still be picked up for a decent price. It used to have a tuned, high compression 1170 GSX engine, but after more than 100K, the crank went and we swapped it for a 1100F engine. With the 1170 mill, it also went on the Dyno once in Leiden at a Streetfighters day, where it put the Dyno PC on tilt. While the operators were still moaning about megaphone shockwaves, and Dyna-coils EMC, it produced a healthy, though ear shattering 132 RWHP.

What sets this bike apart I think, is the immaculate cleanness of it. The owner resisted applying a loud paint job etc, but tried to keep the original looks of it. By non bikers, this bike is more than once been mistaken for a new one and offers for it are made regularly right on the spot.

The serg. is more than happy with the current power from the, beside ignition, carbs and exhaust, stock engine. It also handles and rides as sweet as a baby.

GJG.

Specifications:

Owner: Sgt. Maarten Vos
1980 GSX 1100S Katana.

Engine: Stock GSX1100F, Mikuni RS38 carbs, Dyna coils and silicone leads, Goodridge oil cooler and lines, Cobra stainless steel 4-1.

Front end: ’89 GSXR 750 forks, wheel, brakes and mudguard. Billet risers. Chrome drag-bar. Tinted windscreen. Fairing slightly modified for larger fork stanchions.

Rear end: GSXR wheel and brake. GSXR swinging arm, modified for twin shock conversion. Öhlins shocks (Shocking expensive!). Footrests sub frames, “softly persuaded” to clear the wider swinging arm. Rear brake pump assy modified. One-of tie rod for brake.

Miscellaneous: Frame swinging arm pivot widened for GSXR swinger. Special made engine and cooler mounts. One-of chain guard. GSX600F sprocket cover for cable operated clutch. Modified battery holder. Goodridge brake lines.

Sweet Pictures: