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• Auction House:
  Donington Auctions
• Sale Name:
  Collectors' Motorcycles, Cars & Horse Drawn Carriages - Featuring the Private Museum of Racing Driver Bryan Thomson
• Sale Date:
  20 Jun 2021 ~ 2pm (AEST)
• Lot #:
  10
• Lot Description:
  1982 SUZUKI GSX750SZ 'KATANA' - 750cc version of the legendary Suzuki Katana (One owner motorcycle for over 38 years)
  750cc version of the legendary Suzuki Katana. One owner motorcycle for over 38 years
• Notes:
  When Suzuki released the radical Katana at the end of 1981 for the 1982 Model Year it was originally available in 1100, 1000 (for the US), 750, 650 and 550cc versions. The GSX750SZ Katana was based on the GSX750E and Suzuki claimed it to be the fastest 750cc production bike available in 1982. While the four-valve GSX750E engine was already no slouch, for the 750 Katana Suzukis engineers lightened the valve train, removed some weight from the flywheel, installed new cams, improved the valve seats, fitted a new inductive ignition, larger 34mm Mikuni CV carburettors and a new four-into two black chrome exhaust system. Although the one-piece crank and bore and stroke of 67x53mm were unchanged the higher compression (9.8:1) pistons received new rings. The 747cc four produced 81 horsepower at 9,200rpm. The 750 Katana shared its frame and suspension with the 1100, including the 1,520mm wheelbase and 28.5-degree steering rake. The 750s cast wheels were 19-inch on the front and a slightly narrower 2.15x17-inch on the rear. At 228kg the 750 weighed 5kg less than the 1100 and visually only the single colour blue vinyl seat distinguished the 750 Katana from the 1100 with its two-tone seat. As a sports bike the 750 Katana was outstanding, offering European-style handling with Japanese power and useability. Kel Wearne in February 1982 Two Wheels said, "The 750 is the gem in the Katana line-up-flash and fast with panache; without the brutal schizoid nature lurking under the throttle of the 1100; and closer to café than the nice but clean and prosaic 650." The Katana has now earned a cult status, and while style may have predominated over function that hasnt diminished its appeal. The Katana remains a tribute to an era when motorcycle manufacturers were prepared to stretch the boundaries, unleashing outlandish machines on an unsuspecting public without any guarantee of commercial success. The Katana didnt sell in vast quantities, but it is now considered one of the most memorable and collectable Suzukis of the 1980s. This Suzuki GSX750SZ Katana was sold new to Joe Cundrai on 4/11/81 by Suzuki Shepparton. Bryan purchased the bike as the second owner from local friend Joe and soon after, lent the bike to another friend who dropped it. The front handlebar was broken, and Bryan sourced a replacement second-hand speedo unit and fitted higher aftermarket Rod Tingate handlebars. This mishap happened soon after purchase with about 5,000km on the odometer. The second-hand odometer was displaying 53,000 when fitted and is now reading 61,339 kms. The bike has covered an estimated 13,300km since new, with 8,300km during Bryans ownership. This bike is featured on pages 62 and 63 of issue No. 15 Sep/Oct 2009 of Old Bike Australasia, along with its big brother the GSX1100S Katana. Previously registered in Victoria, this registration has lapsed, and the motorcycle is sold unregistered. This motorcycle is sold unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$11,000 - 16,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.