Katana Owners Club U.K.

A little searching on eBay has netted me a set of GSXR 750 (93) Wheels, Forks, yokes, bars, calipers front and rear (2 bikes worth) so though I still plan to ride it standard for a while I will want to fit the stuff at some point this year, whilst keeping the bike as original as possible such that it could be reverted if required.
DSC_1537 by jeznewsome, on Flickr

Since I had the rear while out yesterday anyway to replace some sprocket fasteners and lock washers I offered the rear wheel up and have a few questions for those that have been there before:

• - I would like to retain an 'upper' position for the rear caliper if possible, though I have GSXR calipers (both upper and lower mount) and the carrier plate. Is there an easy route to fabrication of a 'bent' torque arm that will clear both the forward edge of the larger tyre and also the RHS Rear shock?
  
  - I will be fitting a 530 chain and sprockets (inc a 5/8" front offset?) and believe that appropriate gearing is 17/48 or 49?
  
  - Anyone got some advice on the length of chain required (nos links) or is it a case of buying a 120 link chain and just cutting appropriately?
  
  - Spacer dimensions I'll work out once I have the C&S and torque arm sorted out, but any advice / guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and there'll be a similar set of questions undoubtedly when I offer up the front end!

For 530 sprockets generally 17/48 is the standard, but I went 17/49 after a few calculations, but now find this a bit to revvy for me. I will probably go for 17/48 or maybe even 47. I bought a 120 link chain and found I used 114 links.
This however was based on a 17" rear with 130/90 tyre so if your tyre is a lower profile then you may need to adjust. Here are some useful sites:

https://gsxkatana.wordpress.com/2011/05 ... onversion/ - mentions the GSXR 5.5 rim
http://www.suzuki-katana.com/katana_gearing.html - some GSXR stuff there
https://www.gearingcommander.com/
https://www.rbracing-rsr.com/calcsprocketdiam.html

Someone else will have to answer the brake torque arm question!

Rob

That TNK arm is lovely.......sadly it appears that they are discontinued

But it is a good idea and the design may alleviate the need for a bend even the brake caliper on top. Certainly food for thought though might be tricky to get made (expensive too)

I'll have a look at bandit torque arms but I am fancying something alloy. I'll keep looking.

Thanks.

If you are doing this don't forget to start a thread in the Project section so we can see how you are doing
Good info for anyone else thinking about it as well.

UB

Roger

Hmmm...... Might be heading for the wheel change sooner rather than later. Currently sat on the bike by the side of the road with a completely flat rear tyre.

As noted when I picked the bike up it was fitted with tubes...... So no chance of a roadside repair.... DOH.

RAC called.......... I guess I could be here some time!

Sent from my G8341 using Tapatalk

Hope you got back OK, without too much delay.

Took well over 2 hrs before recovery came but the guy was sensible with the bike and everything in one piece when I got home (apart from the air in the rear tyre).

2019-04-30_10-19-25 by jeznewsome, on Flickr

Fairly sure that I have been very lucky and not had a puncture since my 650 Kat 28 years ago.

It is the downside of the RAC , with motorcycle they have no other way but 3rd party collection, my work bikes through the company are RAC ....longest wait 11 hrs ....my shortest 5 hrs.!
The recovery through Peter James is SOS ....the guy who comes out first carries you on .

Obviously get tubeless ASAP eh! They do fit.

fossie wrote:Obviously get tubeless ASAP eh! They do fit.

Yup first thing that I'll do once we get back from Hols in Ireland.