The GS 1000 S classic revisited

[John Kat]

After restoring a GS 1000 EC and a GS 1000 ST, I decided to go for another challenge: build my own revisited version of this classic bike.
The guidelines I set for myself were the following
1) Make no modifications to the structural part of the frame to study as a side project the effects of the suspension modifications on road holding
2) Use Suzuki parts if at all possible and preferably from one single model
3) Keep the spirit of the GS 1000.

In practice this meant :
1) Upgrading the suspension, wheels and brakes from a GSX R 1100K ( 1989)
2) Upgrading the exhaust to a 4 into 2 "inboard" of the frame tubes.

Well here's the result:

 

[chuck hahn]

whatever floats your boat dude .. if it wasnt for the tank and engine nothing there would suggest that it was a Suzuki at first glance.

 

[Nessism]

What exhaust is that? GS1100E? Looks good.

 

[John Kat]

The exhaust header is a slightly modified 1100 Katana ( to bring cylinders 2 and 3 closer together) and the cans are from an aftermarket supplier.
I believe Sito but I'm not sure...

The main issue to use these was to relocate the side-stand.

 

[Agemax]

looks lovely but just my opinion, could you not remanufacture the exhaust mounts on the rear? they kind of look lonely and out of place

 

[John Kat]

I agree, the exhaust mounts are on the cheap side
I might do an upgrade later on but you must realize that I had to delete the rear frame mounts in order for the GSX R swingarm to move freely.
As you can see on the picture, there is not much room left but at least the chain cleared the frame and...the tire.

 

[Agemax]

I agree, the exhaust mounts are on the cheap side
I might do an upgrade later on but you must realize that I had to delete the rear frame mounts in order for the GSX R swingarm to move freely.
As you can see on the picture, there is not much room left but at least the chain cleared the frame and...the tire.

when i monoshocked my gs i rewelded a new bracket on the exhaust and bolted it to the footrest hanger

 

[John Kat]

Good idea but maybe not on a brand new exhaust...

 

[Agemax]

Good idea but maybe not on a brand new exhaust...

true, grinding and welding a new exhaust is not a good idea! i got a harris 4 into 1 rac pipe on mine

 

[still_bluenoser]

Oops, I thought you didn't have shocks yet and those were struts for taking pictures :lol:


Beautiful bike! Not a fan of monoshocks, but really is a great looking bike.

Very inspiring.

Get that battery box powder coated though...

 

[still_bluenoser]

The guidelines I set for myself were the following
1) Make no modifications to the structural part of the frame to study as a side project the effects of the suspension modifications on road holding

So would you consider the monoshock installation a deviation from this guideline?

The load carrying design of the bike is now changed completely is it not?

 

[John Kat]

To me the monoshock doesn't really change the loads imposed upon the two loops of the bike's frame. I agree however that the entry point of the load is substantially different. I don't have the tools ( nor the skills) to do a "finite element analysis" of the frame now and then but at least I will be able to make a fair comparaison between the new and old setup.
Specifically, I'm trying to determine what will cure the weave that takes place in medium to fast bends when you cut the throttle.
I believe the weave has disappeared since I upgraded my suspension components but I need to get dry roads to make a fair comparaison.
Here's a detailed picture that shows how the monoshock is hooked to the frame

 

[still_bluenoser]

Looks really good. I'd like to know the make of those pipes too, they really are nice.

 

[John Kat]

The silencers are marked " Mach " and below " Hokasuya".
I ordered them in France from an Italian company called Sito/Leo Vince.
Here's the reference on their web site:
http://www.leovince.com/fr/catalogue-suzuki/sito_suzuki_gsx_1100_s_katana/290

 

[John Kat]

Sorry, these are not the Leo Vince exhausts but the Marving exhausts for the 1100 Katana.They are actually shorter than the original Katana exhausts.
Here's the reference on their web site: http://www.marving.com/faces/home.j...rche_cgrfnbr=382438&cilindrata_cgrfnbr=514004

 

[kranker1450]

Nice job, looks great! What rear sets did you use? Are they off of the gsxr also?

Thanks Krank

 

[John Kat]

Sorry for the delay in answering...I've been fighting with the anti-dive of my Katana 1100:evil:
The rearsets are also from the GSX R 1100 K ( 1989).
I believe however that the right footpeg is from the 750 model while the left is from an 1100
To be fixed later!

 

[gjohnson]

What type of finish is that on the exhaust? Nice looking tank btw too.

 

[John Kat]

The exhaust is covered with "black chrome" like the original Katana 1100 headers I'm using.
The tank is a standard GS 1000 S (this model had no screws to attach the Suzuki emblem as it used a decal instead).