This 1982 Suzuki Katana is an early modified example of a Japanese street-bike legend, with just two owners since new and a thorough restoration and enhancement. It is powered by an air-cooled 998cc inline-four-cylinder engine which sends power to the rear wheel. It features a five-speed transmission. The odometer currently displays 1,600 miles since the restoration, though its true mileage is unknown. Suzuki’s Katana is a sports tourer bike which was first introduced in the early 1980s. Its inception came about after Suzuki’s German importer was convinced by Target Design (a German company) to improve the looks and styling of its European-only 650/4 model.

Target’s chief engineer previously worked at BMW and was responsible for the R90S and R100S. The end result was the heavily-stylised Katana, with a blended wedge-style fairing and a scooped two-tier saddle. The Katana was arguably the first Suzuki motorbike where styling was made as important as a bike’s dynamic abilities. Modification shops seized the opportunity to make the Katana even faster, with multiple firms offering aftermarket equipment to increase performance. Today, Suzuki continues to offer newer versions using the Katana name.

This bike has undergone significant restoration since new and is now painted in white with red accents. The frame is painted powder-coated black and its front forks are finished in gold. It features a reupholstered two-seat bench, aluminium rearsets, a quarter fairing, tinted windscreen, 5.8-gallon tank, side stand, and a removed rear fender. Other additions include an inverted set of forks from a 1996 GSX-R, a Moto GP Werks exhaust, a Suzuki Bandit swingarm, and dual-adjustable YSS shocks.

The entire package rides on a set of 17-inch three-spoke wheels from a Suzuki Bandit, which come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Power 3 tyres. Manufactured by Suzuki in Japan and delivered new to the United States, this bike’s history is as follows. The current owner acquired the bike out of Texas, USA in 2022 after its original owner underwent a thorough restoration almost 15 years ago. This restoration fitted new parts such as 34mm Mikuni flatside carburettors, K&N pod filter, KOSO gauge cluster, digital speedo, and triple disc brakes. The current owner has only spent 15 minutes riding it; it has then sat as part of a private collection.

The bike has full import approval and documentation. In his care the current owner replaced the oil and filter, replaced the battery, and fitted a radial brake master cylinder. In terms of presentation and condition, the bike shows in brilliant order throughout. Since its repaint the bike’s panels all show in undamaged condition and red accents pop in the sunlight. The owner notes some minor scratches in the paint and a dent is seen in the underside of the exhaust.

There is one minor crack in the right-side seat upholstery, but wear and tear is limited on the handlebar grips. As per Trading Garage’s Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage have completed the following checks, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research, they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is currently unregistered.