Finished...my 1983 Katana Resto-Mod 1428 big block

[Quasimodo]

Nice. What's the big red button do?

[TheCafeKid]

I'll be back in a minute. I have to go change my underwear...

[emjay]

Hitman, where in New England are you? I'd love to see this masterpiece in person.

Nice. What's the big red button do?

Kill switch - watch his vid.

[Quasimodo]

...

Kill switch - watch his vid.

Ah, yes, of course. Sorry. Darn corporate firewall won't let me go to Youtube.

[Hitman Customs]

There is no greater accomplishment than to be recognized for the work you do, and what each and everyone of you do to make your motorcycles your own, thanks again glad to see its a hit.

The bike will be at Marcus Dairy for Super Sunday event on 4-18 in Danbury Conn. along with several others I have done, weather providing. Would be great to meet anyone from the forum.

I built this bike to represent what a Katana could be made into. And to provide an insight to everyone even in Europe where I have seen so many of these done up.

This is a street bike which will see very limited use. It will be in a series of GS's that hopefully will bring interest for the resto-moded GS motorcycle to main stream market. Much like the resto-moded cars. Its a big plan, but I also enjoy building them, so if it doesn't work out, then atleast I gave it a shot.

[pete]

I'm totally sick of seeing the Harley-esque V Twin brigade and their "custom" bikes which are basically just a Harley with a different frame and bolt on bits that are totally boring because everyone does them now.

I much prefer the Jesse James style (from what I've seen) where he's not phased by taking Hondas and so forth and doing wild things with them. Roland Sands is another who seems to be a little different and interesting.

I really like what you've done with this, it's very impressive and, even better... it's unique!

I can see you enjoyed building it just by looking at it, and I hope it is another step towards your goal of bringing these bikes to the main stream market.

I'm not sure what the Super Sunday event is, but if it's a show then I hope this wins you awards and sets people's minds and eyes on fire.

[madjack57754]

Nice! Can see a strong drag influence.

[TeamDar]

Nice. What's the big red button do?

It has to ground the magneto to stop the spark. No 12 volts required once the motor spins to life therefore no ignition switch.

[pmcburney]

I've got to ask (this was the first thing that came to mind when I saw your bike)...

Why have you increased the complexity of the charging and ignition systems?

I kind-of understand 'customs' (I don't get them personally though), and for the most part it seems customizing folk like to simplify things, especially where OEM is fairly obvious and clunky.

To my thinking, you've regressed back to a magneto and external alternator when there are perfectly good hidden OEM items which do the same job.
Or is it a drag thing?

Nice paint though...


Cheers
Paul

[mayor]

Bad Ass Katana..

I saw this bike in person and it's the sickest Katana i've ever seen. If you live in the New England area you should check out this BEAST !!!! AWESOME JOB HITMAN.......

[Hitman Customs]

I've got to ask (this was the first thing that came to mind when I saw your bike)...

Why have you increased the complexity of the charging and ignition systems?

I kind-of understand 'customs' (I don't get them personally though), and for the most part it seems customizing folk like to simplify things, especially where OEM is fairly obvious and clunky.

To my thinking, you've regressed back to a magneto and external alternator when there are perfectly good hidden OEM items which do the same job.
Or is it a drag thing?

Nice paint though...


Cheers
Paul

Perfectly good question. Here is the answer. The outboard alternator is a fix to common problem on a GS motor... which is the heavy fast spinning magnet-rotor. No real problem with a stock GS motor but add power to them and that rotor wants to fly off the end of the crank = very bad day! Plus having that much weight on the end of the crank is not a good idea anyway for big power engines.
As for the mag, thats just a cool old school factor that you just don't see on a street bike, plus watching two belts spinning on either side of that motor... well you get the idea.
This bike also has two batteries hidden in the tail for 24 volt starting, as you can hear in the video clip, it spins over that 1428 like its a 600. The magneto has a control box to operate a rev limiter, shift light and two step. The red shut down button... is exactly as TeamDar stated, it grounds the mag to kill the motor.
The medals on the triple trees are authentic WWII Japanese medals given to Japanese solders for wounded in battle and those who served in the China conflict.
The color is House of Kolor's Tangerine Candy over Orion silver base. The center is black diamond.
Actually simplifying and improving upon existing design and function while still maintaining a classic appearance is in essence what most GS owners like to do to their bikes. I like a drag race look because I grew up around drag racing motorcycles. Not everyone's taste and functionality is limited for street use but I enjoy these bikes just cruising down the street with more power then you know what to do with! Thanks Paul

[nastyjones]

I think you might be the guy I emailed a couple of months ago about the alternator unit. I really like the idea of using a late model unit on my 80 gs1100. Who ever I talked to said it wouldn't work for the street which is what i wanted to do.
Let's put our collective minds together & discuss this. Would it work on the street. You would have to fab a bracket to hold the alternator, then figure out the drive belt & sprockets, then electrical. Would it be do-able?

[Skateguy50]

I recall checking out the build thread on this one, the swingarm came out awesome.

I need to see this in person some time, if you care coming to any of the rallys around or having it in any local shows let me know. Missed the one you posted on this thread already.

[kdo58]

bump for those who have never seen this,

[Nessism]

bump for those who have never seen this,

Holy hell! Awesome bike! Thanks for bumping this back!