Suzuki GSX750SD Katana

Suzuki GSX 750SD Katana

Make Model	Suzuki GSX 750SD Katana
Year	1983
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	747 cc / 45.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	67 x 53 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	9.4:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Oil Capacity	3.2 Litres / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt
Induction	4 x 32 mm Mikuni RS32SS carburetors.
Ignition	Transistorized
Ignition Timing	15º BTDC below 1500 rpm / 35º BTDC above 2350 rpm
Spark Plug	NGK D8EA (in E-01,24,25,30,34), NGK DR8ES-L (the others) - gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)
Battery	12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A2
Generator	Three-phase A.C. generator
Starting	Electric
Max Power	62.6 kW / 84 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	68 Nm / 6.93 kgf-m / 50.2 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Chain
Primary Reduction	2.162:1 (93/43)
Final Reduction	2.733:1 (41/15)
Gear Ratio	1st 2.571 (36/14) / 2nd 1.777 (32/18) / 3th 1.380 (29/21) / 4th 1.125 (27/24) / 5th 0.961 (25/26)
Final Drive	Chain Daido D.I.D 630V, 96 links
Frame	Steel, double cradle
Front Suspension	Telescopic, preload adjustable and hydraulic anti-dive.
Front Wheel Travel	150 mm / 5.91 in
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks, 5-way preload and 4-way rebound damping adjustable.
Rear Wheel Travel	109 mm / 4.29 in
Front Brakes	2 x 275mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 255 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	3.25 H16
Rear Tyre	4.00 H17
Caster	61º30"
Rake	30°
Trail	116 mm / 4.67 in
Dimensions	Length 2250 mm / 88.6 in Width 715 mm / 28.1 in Height 1195 mm / 47.0 in
Wheelbase	1520mm / 59.8 in.
Swat H eight	775 mm / 30.5 in
Ground Clearance	175mm / 6.9 in
Dry Weight	228 kg / 503 lbs
Fuel Capacity	22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Standing ¼ Mile	11.9 sec / 182 km/h / 113 mph
Top Speed	215 km/h 134 mph

Due to the overwhelming success of the 1100 Kat, Suzuki released a 750 machine, which to look at was almost identical to its larger brother. By 1983 they felt that some subtle changes were needed to keep pace with competition, on the technology front. Hence the mark II Katana was released. These had 16 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels and the power was upped to about 72hp, but to look at, it was near enough identical to its predecessor.

By 1985 Suzuki felt that the 750 Kat was due for an overhaul again and so the mark III version was born. This was a completely new model, not just a face-lift. Although it was designed by Suzuki themselves, it still kept the Hans Muth lines. Mechanically the engine had been replaced by the new 16-value unit from the GSX750E, and developed about 84 bhp. The running gear now had the Suzuki Full Floater suspension rear end and Positive Damping Forks at the front. Probably most noticeable of all however was the new fairing which now had a retractable (pop-up) headlight which helped give it an even sharper front end than the previous models.

The following info from Howie Drake, gives a little more insight into the different types of GSX750SE Katana in the UK (as far as he has been able to ascertain):

Ex Japan - Detuned from the standard GSX750ES, due to Japanese 750cc bhp limit, so only puts out about 70 bhp. You can tell these due to the Japanese warning light that illuminates if you go over 50 mph, replaced by a side stand warning light on non Japanese model. Suzuki UK imported approx. 75 of these as a special import.

Ex South Africa & Australia tuned from the standard GSX750ES with stage two cams and bigger carbs (although these have smaller main jets than the standard GSX750ES). These are supposed to be about 90 bhp and Suzuki UK imported 33 of these along with the Japanese model for their limited import.