Katana Owners Club U.K.

Hello new to this site and katana ownership, I have bought a 1983 GSX1100 and it needs the top end putting back onto the engine.


Any specialist or some one that knows their way around katana engines in the Manchester area ?


Thanks
Dave.

I'd help you but I'm way down in Devon. Johnr knows and is nearer but I don't know how far from Manchester, or if he has the time.

If your reasonably mechanically minded and can read a manual (proper Suzuki one is by far the best) it's not that hard to do yourself, if you have a go and get stuck you can always ask on here.

Jmac has become expert in this operation, he is near MC FC. Not on here all the time , but more frequently lately , if he can help he will.

There are also others in Manchester area. But time is a major constraint , I'm sure you will hear soon.

why was the top end taken off it in the first place? head only or head and barrels?

Head & barrels wants putting back on, the bike has had a complete rebuild from frame up inc the engine.

I have a scan of a Suzuki manual for the EFE type of bikes. Enginewise not essentially different to Katana. Problem is: very big .pdf file. Can't send via email.

would be worth trying yourself if you have the tools. Have you built other engines? As Pop Kat said, if you get a manual its step by step instructions.

without meaning to make it more complicated, if the heads already off its well worth thinking about doing valve stem oil seals as well

Thanks for the comments I would rather pay someone to do it.

To be honest any mechanic you are paying won't be happy to just put the head back on if it has been completely stripped, he will want to do it from scratch simply because there is no knowing what was done before.
If you just want the head putting back on etc you will have agree that there is no come back.

Why was it stripped in the first place,? Was it because there was a problem and while the engine is out may as well repaint everything. , or was it a case of looking scabby so. Strip to clean and paint.
Do you know the chap that stripped it or has it had other owners while it has been in bits.... This usually means lost bits.
Were cheaper aftermarket gaskets used , were all the o rings placed in the respective places.

Is the engine bottom end in the frame?

Not trying to be negative. Just being the voice of realism.