Country:
USA
Region:
KY
Make:
Suzuki
City:
Louisville
Zip:
40203
Model:
GSX750S3 Katana
Year:
1984
Mileage:
54590
Miles
Color:
White
Condition:
Used
Engine:
750
cc
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 a full 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, leaks or 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 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. 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 mostly original with the following changes being made by prior owners;
The stock clip-ons have been removed and replaced with straight 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 but I would replace them with an OEM system or a nice aftermarket 4-1.
The following additional items are 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 servicing work performed to be road ready.
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 a full 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, leaks or 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 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. 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 mostly original with the following changes being made by prior owners;
The stock clip-ons have been removed and replaced with straight 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 but I would replace them with an OEM system or a nice aftermarket 4-1.
The following additional items are 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 servicing work performed to be road ready.
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