Katana Owners Club U.K.

Hi all,

just registered today (had to find my club number - shame on me I had forgotten it !-)

Fine weather for riding last week in France (up to 18°C here), while the 400 was still in the workshop. Japanese contacts don't seem to be able to find the frame measurements so we are stuck

Anyone with a straight 400 and willing to find a motorcycle repair shop to take 3D measures ? I'd pay for the job of course !

Cheers,
Alexandre

Hi Alex,
18 degrees?!?! You're being spoilt!!!

Isn't Tony Foale with his workshop down in Spain? He's an expert in these kind of things...

Blix wrote:I'm sure someone on here had a 400 frame for sale, maybe easier to measure that,

Oh hi Alexandre

That'll be Dave..

Hi Alexandre,

wish we had temp like that

As Jez said it's Dave with the 400 frame for sale, he's F3GSX on here now. I know he's working away a lot at the moment but give him a shout.

mick,

why not measure yours and give him the racer set up

hee hee

H

Hi Alex !
What is it you need measurements for mate? Mine's laid up for a couple of weeks waiting for something but I can take any measurements you need at the weekend if that helps.
What could help more is like Chris and Jez said mate, Try Dave (F3GSX) I'm sure he's out in FGrance/Belgium for the next two weeks but I couldn't tell you if he still has his spare frame for sale.
Bon soir mon ami
Mark

Hi guys,
thanks for your welcome !

Of course the 18°C are gone now, but it was a nice break in the winter

About the 400 frame, the measures needed are the ones that can help put the steering column back to its factory position ; safest way being to check its position in regard to the swingarm axis. Only info given by Suzuki is the angle (25°40) but it is not enough !

My workshop uses this CCD + Laser system : http://www.scheibner.de/max_system.php?lang=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The reference points needed are the same as those on this drawing (red circles) :


Of course it is nearly impossible to measure theses points at home, especially if the bike is complete

I'll contact F3GSX, as he might be able to help if his frame is dismantled and provided it never took a shunt !

BTW, this week a beautiful article about my Kat collection appeared in "Moto Legende". I doubt you get the mag in UK, but have a check at your nearest WHSmith anyway

Alexandre

Hi Steve,
I did not really consider the option, as the frame number is indeed the one I homologated here. I did not notice the frame was bent before sending it to the workshop. Also we already stripped the paint, so there is not much work needed before applying a new coat of paint.
Of course, putting the column back to the factory position is easy... if you have the measures available !!!
BTW the lower stem axis was remarkably bent, and I tought the bike was a great ride !
I'd probably be a poor racing/setup rider
Ho-hum...