Katana Owners Club U.K.

...None But the Brave!
Advertising, must be getting to me

But on the other hand, you’ll need to be brave to bring this one back...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-katan ... SwaL5ey-sb

Mike looks about the same.

I didn't know Kat's came in shaft drive.

Bikeazoid wrote: ↑

Mon May 25, 2020 8:39 pm

Mike looks about the same.

I didn't know Kat's came in shaft drive.

The first Katana was the 650 . ....and yep US got them from 82 until 85 .

Either make it run and ride it as a rat or accept it as a potential money pit.

Fossie, I know we got the 650, but I'm pretty sure it was chain here, was were some of them shaft drive?

550 was chain drive, based on the old gs550e engine. 650 (actually 673cc) was shaft drive, bodywork from the 550 mostly fits it all, but seats arent all compatable, depends on the original market the bike was sold into.

Bikeazoid wrote: ↑

Tue May 26, 2020 5:27 pm

Fossie, I know we got the 650, but I'm pretty sure it was chain here, was were some of them shaft drive?

The US got the GS650L this was a shaft drive custom style Harleyesk....shouldn't have even been allowed to leave the drawing board ....a cracking engine spoiled by an American style with ape bars!
Also The US received the GS650M ....it was called the 650 G everywhere else ...this was a Katana in Silver , then Red/ Silver ..then Black /silver.
Also GS650 GT...This was a normal looking bike and indeed a cracking bike.
Now the US also got a weird thing Gs650E ..this one was chain drive and shares nothing except tank and panels with the 650...it was actually a GS 750 sleeved down to fit in with some states laws.
(Also in Canada)

I just saw this. I'm still learning the notifications part.

We also got a GS550E Chain drive, blue and white.

Fun note on it. My Buddie had one, he had to take the side cover off to jump it using the starter solinoid. I started it using the push button, and it started right up. He said "WHAT THE HELL!" Then he tried it, no go. Turns out the bike he had before he didn't have to pull the clutch in to start it, but this one you did.

All 550 were chain drive, the E was only a US denotation to distinguish from the ugly Americaisation of high bars , smaller back wheel and chopped pillion seat.
It was used on most models in the 80's and just meant Euro standard.