My New Project

[bgibbs08]

I just got this from a friend for $500. Garaged Kept and runs like new. Didn't even know what it was until I looked the VIN up. I also have the original picture taken by the original owner. This bike is sweet and I can't wait to fix it up. I only have one question for all the other Kat owners out there.

I have side fairings that go to my bike that I don't see on any other bike out there. I'm not sure if they are after market or were made by the previous owner. (original owner and only owner died years ago). I don't know if anyone else has side Fairings. So I was wondering if anyone else does. I'll post some pics when I put it all together.

Plans:

strip down and clean entire frame
dip engine for outer cleaning (engine was drained and garage kept)
replace engine seals
powder coat frame to original color
strip gas tank, fenders, fairings
Paint original colors except for Suzuki name
Replace Headlight with HID
Replace turn signals with LED
Replace gauges with Digital gauges in original faceplate

Can't wait until this bike is finished and I get to ride it.

[Scout]

Welcome aboard.

Post a pic or two of the side fairings. I don't own a vintage Katana, but I've seen enough of them to think whatever side fairings you got must have been custom made.

[DarkFury]

Welcome and good luck. Post some pixs of fairings

[gammarider]

Side fairings

Hi,

I believe you have a set of fiberglass aftermarket full fairings that were offered in the eighties by one maybe two different manufacturers.



Very rare. Only seen one set in person myself.

[bgibbs08]

side fairings

Yes...those are exactly the fairings I have. Sweet!
When I first pulled them out of the box I thought that they went to a different bike because everywhere I looked I only find this bike without them. Thanks for the pic and update.

[Slofuze]

Welcometo KR. That's one good deal you got. Gibbs I was going to post the same thing...

[Scout]

Wow! Those fairings look really good on the old Kats.

[bgibbs08]

Yeah...now seeing them on the bike really makes me want to have them on mine. I kept seeing every bike without them and just wanted to make it original. I'll send more pics as I move along. Thanks!

[Mel Wainwright]

Just take care with those side fairings. Remember the bike is air cooled and the fairing might affect the air flow over the engine especially in traffic perhaps with disastrous results. There are a lot of Katanas here in South Africa and I have not seen any with side fairings. Might have something to do with the warm weather we have here. Just a thought but they do look great. Regards
Mel

[Kreylyn]

Doesn't the bike have an oil cooler? If it does, then it shouldn't be much of a problem. Most of the time air flow is going to be from straight on, and the fairings don't get in the way of that really. -

If it doesn't, or even if it does but it's too small then there are lots of reasonably priced aftermarket options to put an oil cooler on, or even increase the size if you do have one.

Krey

[bgibbs08]

I do believe it is oil cooled. The fairings create a scoop in the front so driving shouldn't be an issue. I can see since I am in Arizona how it could over heat due to the side fairings. Well, Guess I could just take them off during the summer months. Just use quick release bolts.

[1982SZ]

Nice find!!

[kat600rdr]

What a great find and love the fairings. If you want I'll give you 600.00 for it right now j/k

[Don Giablo]

It is air-cooled kids.
El G

[Kreylyn]

It is air-cooled kids.
El G

Unless that extra cooler added on the front in the pics is an oil cooler aftermarket... huh... might be oil cooled then, eh?

Krey