Modifying the Katana...

[Kat_Pilot750]

Hey everyone,

So I'm trying to make my Katana a little unique by swapping out the stock mirrors for the gsxr turn signal mirrors, which requires some adjustment to the body work or custom mounts (right now they are "custom mounted" to get an idea of the angles and to allow functionality).  I pretty much have the positions worked out but still need to do the fine tune adjustments to get them just right.  So my question for you is, when I get around to doing the additional wiring (gonna be a while), should I have the stock turn signals be running lights and mirrors be turn signals or vice versa? With the mirrors as running lights I would imagine it would look similar to the 2008+ cbr 1000 at night (the top corners of their turn signal mirrors are running lights) and would add visibility.  I'm sure the stock signals acting as running lights would also add a fair amount of night time visibility, but not as much since they are closer to the headlight.

Second, I raised the rear 2" and now my centerstand is too short to actually get the rear tire off the ground.  Does anybody know the dimensions of the V-strom centerstand?  Because it's a taller bike, I am hoping that 1) it would fit the 1998-2006 katana and 2) it is taller and would do the trick.

Any input on either project would rock.  Thanks a lot

Chris

[veefer800canuck]

You could remove the stock centerstand, take it to a welder, and have then cut and extend the legs of the stand the necessary amount.

Then spraypaint it and reinstall!

With the mirrors, I would have BOTH of them act as signals, as this will give cagers a better idea of if/when you are turning.


Oh, and while you are in the modifying mood, perhaps slip in a motor from a GSXR1100.  

[Kat_Pilot750]

I actually thought about having both act as turn signals but thought it might look a little weird.  Ultimately I'd have to see all my options in action.  One design goal I have is to make the wiring with all stock suzuki connections so if I sell it and the next owner wants them set up the other way (running lights vs turn signals) they just have to take off the fairings and simply switch plugs.  yay for human factors engineering haha

For the centerstand, I keep hearing that same response.  Nobody seems to know centerstand dimensions...or i'm just fixated on finding an OEM suzuki part replacement.  

Oh believe you me if only I had the cash it would either be a Bandit 1200 or gsxr1100.  But for the time and money, I'd almost rather upgrade to a vfr 800 or sprint.  They have all the features of the Kat plus the almighty fuel injection!

[CosmicCowboy]

Oh, and while you are in the modifying mood, perhaps slip in a motor from a GSXR1100.  

I'd have to do some digging, but I'm reasonably certain I've heard of wedging a Bandit 1200 motor in to the Kat 750.

[Kat_Pilot750]

Yep, the b12 and gixxer11 motors fit into the kat's big a$$ frame...if you can find them

[Frankienuckles]

A friend of mine has a '94 katana 600 that he put a gsxr 750 motor in and it was an easy, easy swap. Much nicer motor too... He also painted it himself, much better looking now than the stock black with pink & purple.. IMHO

[TonyKZ1]

Looks pretty good, well except for the flames (but that's just my opinion). I've read of a few swaps like this over on the Katana site. I guess it works out pretty well. I assume it was the older air/oil cooled GSXR 750 motor that he put in it.
Tony