It’s tough to beat the big air-cooled fours of the 80s — especially when they get the restomod treatment from a skilled builder such as ACP Customs of Ontario, Canada, who built the Suzuki GSX1100S you see here.
The original 1982 Suzuki Katana hit the scene with radical styling, offering angular lines, a humpback tank, and two-tone seat. Fortunately, the bike could walk the walk, with the 1983 version scorching down the quarter mile in just 11.05 seconds at nearly 124 mph — the fastest stock bike that Cycle World had tested at that point.
ACP Customs took this 1982 GSX1100S from basket case to display at the North American Motorcycle Supershow in Toronto. Below, they give us the full story on the build.
Suzuki Katana Restomod: In the Builder’s Words
(Words by Lana of ACP Customs. Highlights by us.)
We have a restomod that may be of interest. It is a 1982 Suzuki GSX1100s Katana. We were happy to tackle this “basket case” project and restore the bike with a modern twist.
The frame has been braced to help prevent twisting. The suspension was heavily modified to include Ohlins suspension, with custom ACP designed and milled top and bottom triple trees. A full Brembo braking system, with master cylinder, levers, rotors and calipers was also used.
Over racing braced swing arm, along with a set of custom Dymag magnesium wheels to complete the chassis upgrades.
The drive line was also upgraded. The engine was bored out to 1200cc, with a Ward top-end oiling kit, Earl’s oil cooler, and Keihin Flat-side FCR carbs.
Ohno racing engine cover, with a Yoshimura sprocket cover complete some of the lightweight and cosmetic changes to the engine. Finally, the engine is finished with a hand-bent titanium full exhaust system by Nitro Racing.
The electronics have also been modernized. Dynag ignition and coils with a full motogadget system; including m-unit, m-lock and motoscope pro.
Despite all of the changes, the bike is still recognizable as the iconic Katana. The original body pieces were used, finished with Porsche silver paint and OEM decals. Carbon fiber accent pieces add the finishing touch to modernize this bike.
It is a build that we love and that appears to be very popular. We were lucky enough to bring the bike to the North American Motorcycle Supershow in Toronto, and the bike brought a smile to many faces and we heard many stories about this bike. The nostalgia for this bike is great to see.
Hi There. I was wondering how I could get a digital copy of these pictures. The bike belongs to my dad and was hoping to print some of the pictures for him. Thx.
Of course, Amy! Just sent you an email about this! 🙂
Hi Guys,
You have done a fantastic job with this build.
I’ve just picked up one and planning on doing some mods
I’ve got an Ohlins front end but having trouble finding triple clamps. Can you please let me know we’re you got them from
Thanks
Hi
I am planning to switch my Katana to the same suspension front and rear, I wish you can help me to get more specifications- details if you can (dicks- weels- calipers-swing arm- hand bar) because there is a lot of types and details l cannot get it from your wonderful page.
Thank you ????????
The best one I have ever seen. Is it for sale? I got 50k burning a hole in my pocket. I love that they kept the stock colors and bodywork. Wonderful!
Stunner! In grade 8 a friend and myself spent more than a few lunch hours sitting on one. The dealer must of had a heart of gold to put up us.