Suzuki GSX1100f (Katana)

[bljakkl]

I'm going to look at a 1988 Katana 1100 tomorrow.  I have read these were good sport touring bikes in the day.  Most of the bikes I have owned have been of the 1980's variety.  The last big bike I had was a 1986 concours, I am thinking that the Katana is going to be of a similar variety.  Anyone have any experience with them that you can share?  It's going to be a project bike.  One owner since new, 17k miles but has been sitting for the past 6 years.  I am pretty familiar with the maintenance that will be required, just looking for anyone who actually has riding experience on them.

Thanks,
Bryan

[retro]

Sorry, didn't see this til now. Did you get it? I have a 1989 Katana 1100. If you still have questions hit me up.

I love the bike but it's definitely 20 year old technology. Tires are getting hard to find, rubber is rotting from age and a dry climate, and getting replacement parts is getting to be a challenge.

Retro

[bljakkl]

Sorry, didn't check back on this thread for a while.  I got the bike.  Carbs needed to be completely redone.  Runs great now.  Ironically, I need new tires and am having a tough time finding some.  Bought the bike from the original owner, 15k miles.  Sitting for the past 10 years or so.  Back tire is decent, front is definately hard though.  Runs fantastic.  Rode it about 15 miles last night, think it's going to work good for me.
Now it's electrical.  The signals don't work at all.  And the brake light comes on when I release the lever, and goes off when I pull the lever.  Let me know any parts sources you might have.

Bryan

[Justin]

 Ironically, I need new tires and am having a tough time finding some.  

Front you might be able to find. Has a small rear rim, so probably cannot find decent modern sport rubber for it.

[Kat_Pilot750]

Another good resource to look at is KatRiders.  There are a bunch of people on there with 1100s and I am practically always able to find answers to questions with my '00 katana 750.  Hope you're enjoying your kat.

[retro]

Sorry, didn't check back on this thread for a while.  I got the bike.  Carbs needed to be completely redone.  Runs great now.  Ironically, I need new tires and am having a tough time finding some.  Bought the bike from the original owner, 15k miles.  Sitting for the past 10 years or so.  Back tire is decent, front is definately hard though.  Runs fantastic.  Rode it about 15 miles last night, think it's going to work good for me.
Now it's electrical.  The signals don't work at all.  And the brake light comes on when I release the lever, and goes off when I pull the lever.  Let me know any parts sources you might have.

Bryan

For tires:

Metzeler Lasertec Bias Sport Touring for front and rear Tire. PM me if you want my source that carries the right size for your rims; I'm not sure if we're allowed to post vendor links on here.

Justin is right though, there is no modern sport rubber for the older rim size we're running. I'm not a knee dragger though so these tires work well for me and the bike and I've ridden in all kinds of weather.

For parts ebay and KatRiders is your best bet. KatRiders helped me get my carb problems sorted out. There's a poster on KatRiders that has a good inventory of mechanicals, I'll see if I can find his email but clean bodywork is non-existent. Hope this helps.

Enjoy the ride. I love the ergos of mine and it's been a great bike to get me back into the sport after a 10 year layoff. Post pics if you can!

Retro

[bljakkl]

Apparently Avon Azarro's are still available for a radial.  Have a good condition radial on the back, so I'll probably go with one on the front as well.  I had a V-65 Sabre that I ran a decent set of bias ply on and they were fine with me.  Not a real corner carver either, I have a motard for that.  
So far the ergos are perfect for me.  Just forward enough to feel sporty, but not too bad.
 
Bought it from the original owner, 15k miles.  Original bill of sale, etc., etc.  Paint is good, windshield works.  Some cracks in the fairings and some scratches because the lowers were off for the last few years.  But overall in really nice shape.  Especially for $550.