83 GS650M Katana Shaft drive restoration

[mrgladfelter]

Hello Everyone,

Ive been itching for a new project, and Ive had my Katana for 3 years now, so I decided Ill try and restore it back to original as best as I can. Unfortunately, it was my beginner bike so it has some damage to be fixed....and previous owner painted it in a horrendous color combo (see pictures, youll know what I mean!)

Whats been done (previous owner):
bored 100cc's over
4-1 hindle exhaust (need new muffler, any ideas?)
high flow filter

Done by me so far:
Igniter, coils
reg/rec
new gaskets for the leaks

To be done:
Headlamp bucket and trim (spill)
brake and cluttch, levers
throttle/speedo/tach cables
grips
katana headlight fairing (need to find)
magneto/crankcase emblems (need to find)
front/rear tires
mirrors
fuel level sensor (maybe, but doubt I can find a working one)
Tank sandblasting/ dent repair
paint

So Im sure I can find 80% of the parts I need, but the rare ones are soo hard to find, and Ive heard repeatedly my bike is very rare in my area, so no luck on used or wrecked ones here....any ideas? Ill post pics as I go, but its cold as hell here right now so its going to be a work in progress in non-heated garage!

[Smokinapankake]

I don't think the 650 Katana's had a headlight fairing like the 1000 and 1100's did.

Your bike is rare in your area because the 650 Kat's are rare everywhere. Neat bikes and your project should be a fun one.

I personally don't think the colors are that bad....

Here's a link to some info:

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzuki/all_suzuki_models.html

Scroll down to Suzuki GS series, then to GS 650G Katana and you'll find scans of sales brochures with some good pics.


Edit: My bad. Looks like the 83 did have a headlight fairing.

[landshark]

Took Delivery of a 650 Kat this morning, look forward to seeing how you go with it.

[Redneck]

First of all welcome, and your in the right place for help and advice.

I am with Smokinapankake the color scheme is not bad, makes it stand out. I would have used a darker yellow not such a neon color but then again that is me. Especially if you blacked out the exhaust. If you look at my thread you will find that I am the Anti-Chrome guy.

I have been looking for an old Katana or ES I am looking more for the 1000 and 1100cc variety but at this point I would consider a 750. lol. But those are just hopes and dreams till I get the Shadow Bike done.

Paul

[brslk]

It's been a few years (probably 15) but I drove down to Calgary for some parts for an old Nighthawk 450 that I couldn't find anywhere else.
It was a used cycle salvage place called TJ's cycle.

They had a nicely sorted warehouse and a massive yard.

I could be retarded and they are long gone but just thought I'd let you know.

I did manage to get the dent free tank I was looking for there for a great price but on the ride home my wallet containing about $400 in left over parts buying cash fell out of my pocket somewhere between Calgary and Red Deer where I stopped for lunch.
That was unfortunate and awkward.

Bruce.