Gs and a Katana frames

[Pauly]

Hi, is there much difference between a gs750 frame and a Kat frame? Thanks 

[Blubber]

Mostly the mounts for the model specific bodywork rear foorpegsholders and airbox are different

 

Engine stuff is pretty much the same.

 

@arnouthas a EX or ET frame with Kat bodywork en a 1135 engine.  Try the projects section for his trial and error stuff

[buff]

Was told back in the day someone from a main Suzuki dealership the 1100's had thicker wall tubing than the 750's, once you've chopped a few about you realise its not the case. Just extra bracing on the bigger stuff .  Definitely put GS tanks on 750/1100 EX/ET  frames and EX tanks on ESD frames just by switching brackets.

[R1guy]

10 hours ago, Pauly said:

Hi, is there much difference between a gs750 frame and a Kat frame? Thanks 

I’m assuming the real question is “can I build a cheap Kat using a gsSeven’fiddy frame?”

Short answer is yes(but “cheap” is a relative term. )Try and find a “cheap” Kat tank .

Edited June 13, 2020 by R1guy

[johnr]

36 minutes ago, R1guy said:

I’m assuming the real question is “can I build a cheap Kat using a gsSeven’fiddy frame?”

Short answer is yes(but “cheap” is a relative term. )Try and find a “cheap” Kat tank .

chuck in clocks, seat, tailpiece and you might as well have bought a kat!

[R1guy]

10 minutes ago, johnr said:

chuck in clocks, seat, tailpiece and you might as well have bought a kat!

But this is OSS- surely we’re not expecting a standard Kat?

The only Kat bits on this are fuel tank and  windscreen brackets. Everything else is from some other bike or reproduction .

[Pauly]

3 hours ago, R1guy said:

I’m assuming the real question is “can I build a cheap Kat using a gsSeven’fiddy frame?”

Short answer is yes(but “cheap” is a relative term. )Try and find a “cheap” Kat tank .

I already have a 750 Kat, that I was going to put a B12 motor in. I was toying with the idea of buying another frame ( there’s aGS one advertised near me, hence the question), and building that into a pretend Kat, whilst keeping the real Kat as is/restoring when I can. The tank, is the biggest/expensive part (as mentioned), but most of the other parts are fairly easily available ( as copies), but that doesn’t bother me (too much). 

It is more expense, work and hassle, but I’m just trying to gauge the problems, before I jump in and commit.

Appreciate the comments, thanks

[jameskat]

My next project on is turning a gs750 frame into a katana (with an air cooled motor), got the frame and there is a lot differences, headstock takes different bearings in my frame 48mm od top and bottom versus 47mm top and 55mm bottom, but this can be sorted buy different bearings. The lock stop is different (offset tab versus plates on the frame). Lower engine mounts tab and plate, loads of brackets and reinforcements missing, side stand brackets different, some kinks in tubes by the side stand and on the opposite frame rail. Swing arm pivot looks smaller diameter. Not got to this project yet so could be loads more, if I had to get a frame now, I think I would hold out for a gsx frame because this is going to be a lot of work.

[Dezza]

11 hours ago, R1guy said:

But this is OSS- surely we’re not expecting a standard Kat?

The only Kat bits on this are fuel tank and  windscreen brackets. Everything else is from some other bike or reproduction .

So what actually defines a 'Kat'? As long as it's got the right looking bodywork? We all know what isn't a Kat but what IS a Kat?

[R1guy]

Silhouette 

18 minutes ago, Dezza said:

So what actually defines a 'Kat'? As long as it's got the right looking bodywork? We all know what isn't a Kat but what IS a Kat?

Silhouette 

[Pauly]

1 hour ago, jameskat said:

My next project on is turning a gs750 frame into a katana (with an air cooled motor), got the frame and there is a lot differences, headstock takes different bearings in my frame 48mm od top and bottom versus 47mm top and 55mm bottom, but this can be sorted buy different bearings. The lock stop is different (offset tab versus plates on the frame). Lower engine mounts tab and plate, loads of brackets and reinforcements missing, side stand brackets different, some kinks in tubes by the side stand and on the opposite frame rail. Swing arm pivot looks smaller diameter. Not got to this project yet so could be loads more, if I had to get a frame now, I think I would hold out for a gsx frame because this is going to be a lot of work.

This is what I was wondering.......might look for a gsx frame too! Thanks

 

11 minutes ago, R1guy said:

Silhouette 

Silhouette 

Thats prob what I should of said in the beginning, a Kat silhouette...

[Duckndive]

Mine uses an 1100 ESD Frame 

  

[Pauly]

Bought a Gsx 750 frame that someone had started to mod for a bobber.........there is a fare bit of difference, but I guess I need to pull my finger out and get on with things......

[Cooch]

GS110X-529678

Do you know how to decipher this frame number. The above combo is on the compliance plate, but the last 6 digits are stamped on the frame. 529678.

I believe I have a 1981 1100 Katana, just wondering what the frame code will reveal.

 

Rgds

Lorne

[johnr]

On 11/29/2024 at 10:56 PM, Cooch said:

GS110X-529678

Do you know how to decipher this frame number. The above combo is on the compliance plate, but the last 6 digits are stamped on the frame. 529678.

I believe I have a 1981 1100 Katana, just wondering what the frame code will reveal.

 

Rgds

Lorne

Post a pic of the frame and we will tell you what it is if it's Kat.

[Supa]

What is a Kat?

For me its the targa design that set this bike apart from all that preceded it, and set the new bench mark for what followed.

After all we can swap motors, we can totally change the suspension and brakes. We can even change the colour.

Its the body kit Targa design added to a standard gsx1100/750 suzuki.   So we can change everything but the body work. Because no Katana body work, then its just another Japanese bike.

[PeterKaa]

On 1/3/2025 at 6:08 AM, Supa said:

What is a Kat?

For me its the targa design that set this bike apart from all that preceded it, and set the new bench mark for what followed.

After all we can swap motors, we can totally change the suspension and brakes. We can even change the colour.

Its the body kit Targa design added to a standard gsx1100/750 suzuki.   So we can change everything but the body work. Because no Katana body work, then its just another Japanese bike.

Well.. I am looking to convert a Kat to a GS1000 Cooley looking thing - just another UJM :-)

In the spirit of this thread, will the GS1000 tank fit a GSX (kat11) frame, other than some bracketry at the rear tank mount?

[Supa]

Yes. Should simply fit straight on

[Supa]

Rather than use a KAT why not just a garden variety GSX1100 or 750. You gotta get body work anyway and the Kat holds more value?

[PeterKaa]

37 minutes ago, Supa said:

Yes. Should simply fit straight on

Thanks, have been looking around a lot to try and confirm this.

 

22 minutes ago, Supa said:

Rather than use a KAT why not just a garden variety GSX1100 or 750. You gotta get body work anyway and the Kat holds more value?

I have a spare Kat that seems fit for my bastard Cooley rep plan.

Braced svingarm, 18/18” PVM wheels, 16v EFE engine so on so forth.

Finding another frame to build things into rather than using a good condition roller isn’t really economical time and money -wise.

[Supa]

Understand. You have a great base for the build