Waltari's 1982 Suzuki 1157 Katana Project

[waltari]

Currently building a 82 Katana with a 2002 B12 1157cc motor. After searching for about a year, I turned up this rolling chassis that had been collecting dust down in a remote part of Arizona. Took almost two months to work out getting it delivered but I think the wait was worth it...seems like it'll be a good fit.

http://images.us.viewbook.com/208b130e77645927a1d3f08d2504f96c.jpg

The previous owner had it set up for drag racing with a gsxr USD front end, a gsxr rear rim, and drag struts. The plan is to brace the frame, install the B12 motor, upgrade the suspension, and electrics and turn it into something that looks and performs like a yoshi factory race bike.

[waltari]

Here is the frame after stripping to down and removing most of the excess lugs/braces I was going to use. After inspecting the frame, I found about 6 welds with hairline cracks. Considering most of the welds I found on the 82 were either undercut or chicken shit, I decided to reweld most ofthe frame. So after spending some time jigging it up to ensure it wouldn't twist, I started in. Much happier with the end results.

http://images.us.viewbook.com/946d4dba341fd12a74f4c10b9f1585bd.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/5f76672afca7b17760874ede7318fc53.jpg

[waltari]

My new rear swingarm...ZRX1100 unit. A bit lighter than the stock arm and the tube matches the kat frame pretty well.

http://images.us.viewbook.com/f8cf83b32d2653d2be93e669c53d61f2.jpg

[waltari]

After a bit of pivot tube milling it's fitted. The ZRX shocks are nice and beefy but a bit too long so I've got some NTC shocks coming from Japan.

http://images.us.viewbook.com/70ac60a02cb95d54de7dac6e97343563.jpg

[waltari]

Here's the rear with the NTC shocks...much better. Also plan on using 5 spoke rims from an Aprilia Mille

http://images.us.viewbook.com/a8021f759d71ad402e8cf40baed57ea7.jpg

[waltari]

http://www.castordesignstudio.com/gsx1100sz/82%20kat%20LS%20with%20marchesinis%202.jpg

[stinkenbom]

Bloody good effort mate,like it a lot. Check out oldskoolsuzuki for engine mount templates.
Keep up the good work
Stink

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by stinkenbom

Bloody good effort mate,like it a lot. Check out oldskoolsuzuki for engine mount templates.
Keep up the good work
Stink


Actually I used the mounts off oldskool and their shite. If you use the gsxr into gsx mounting dimensions, it places the engine too far back and the header won't clear the front downtube crossbrace. Also, the front and lower will bolt up but both rear are about 10mm off. Modified the ones I made using their dimensions and later found out about the header issue. I wanted to use a titanium header I have but now I'm back to extended a set of a stainless headers to make something fit. Might try fabbing a set of 2" extensions sp I can use the titanium header. If I had looked closer when grabbing the dimenions off oldskool, I would have noticed the gsxr/Kat they have pictured right above the diagrams has spacers between the header and the head...

http://oldskoolsuzuki.info/patrick/hardcorekats/articles/gsxr_enginemounts/images/enginemounts01.jpg

[waltari]

Here's the photos of my frame back from the powder coater and installing the B12...another pisser with the Oldskool mounting dimensions, with the engine stilling centered, pod filters won't clear the side panels (at least not the K&Ns I have. Guess I'll have to switch to the smaller individual oval K&N's or just fab a custom airbox.

http://images.us.viewbook.com/a0d9d1aa5c931283d65b42ec17c181a3.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/f918fbe039bc3adbb4d57f393d972f75.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/cc7458e72a15306b01b1125f44eddfc3.jpg

[shift1313]

that things looking hot waltari. I think i saw your in CA right. Im on the east coast. Do you plan on using the stock body like the yoshi bike?

One comment on your welds. I looks like to me that you need to slow down just a little bit. I use to rush it so i didnt heat soak pieces and warp them but you get that ovalised puddle. now i just do a little at a time then let it cool a bit.

i love those 5spoke rims on there
what color is it going to be?

[waltari]

Yep...going to use the stock bodywork except I removed the stock filler on the tank and replaced it with a gsxr race non-locking cap. Not sure on the color...originally I was thinking stock katana silver with a few of the race decals here and there, but I'm not totally sold yet. You're right about the welds...If I had more time I would have spread it out over a could days but since time was limited I compromised...definitely still better than how they were [8D]

[waltari]

Here's the tank (still in progress)...

http://images.us.viewbook.com/5c17ba34419975603bcc98e4e2ba039a.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/f1082a6bd86e89b4ebe8e7e8f6cdbda8.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1d54794aabb150e7ba75693d66920b05.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/e80d84b28eb2d58e83b7d17baf818eda.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1bb7aec17d107332d8dbdd214e9753b7.jpg

[Large]

Yummy

[TurboKat]

[:p]

[shift1313]

very cool. that tank looks like a lot of work:) but that filler is great. I didnt meant anything by it, the welds look like they will hold no problem. Some of the welds on these old 80s frames are crap, i look at my gpz and wonder how its still together sometimes.

have you thought about an accent ring on the lip of your rims? would look great with a red or yellow or white line.

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by shift1313

very cool. that tank looks like a lot of work:) but that filler is great. I didnt meant anything by it, the welds look like they will hold no problem. Some of the welds on these old 80s frames are crap, i look at my gpz and wonder how its still together sometimes.

have you thought about an accent ring on the lip of your rims? would look great with a red or yellow or white line.


The filler is actually just a skim coat over the ssteel ring I welded in. There were a few small dings in the sides of the tank so they're going bye bye. Gotta love block sanding :D

[Hillsy]

Now THAT is how you put an engine into a frame..;)

Nice work waltari - that ZRX swingarm looks like factory.

[Rocket]

Fine piece of work there mate.
I'd love a Katana like that.

[crazymofo]

fucking nice matty, once again, your screwing together a tough build mate, well done.

cheers.joe.

Nice to see this behavour[8D]The one thing i had problems with (2day) was when i dropped the tank on tha bastard tap hits the top of my carbs[}:)]so i fitted a sideways static exit with an inline cutoff;)pain in the arse[:X]keep going mate that will be a giggle to ride[8D]

[speeddemon]

That is a real top effort mate:D:D:D:D

Wish I could weld like that[V]

[BANDITROD]

looks to be coming along nicely mate good job:D

[evad]

Sick looking build mate, will look great when shes all done

[gibbo]

Bonza mate:D Bloody beaudy[8D] What is that front emd off mate[?]

[Gix11]

Hey Waltari. Liking this build a lot mate. Not a real big Kat fan when they are standard restored but this bastard's going to be unreal. Keep the progress coming mate. Higly interesting. By the way, welcome aboard.

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by gibbo

Bonza mate:D Bloody beaudy[8D] What is that front emd off mate[?]


Frontend is a complete rebuilt zero miles 2002 GSXR1000. Wheel is from an Aprilia Mille and it'll be getting brembo calipers as soon as I machine up the adaptors.

Thanks for the good words...I'm havin a good time building it! Hey Joe...when are you coming to the states? :D

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by Gix11

Hey Waltari. Liking this build a lot mate. Not a real big Kat fan when they are standard restored but this bastard's going to be unreal. Keep the progress coming mate. Higly interesting. By the way, welcome aboard.


A bunch of blokes were trying to tell me to do a stock restoration, but there was no way I was going that route. Glad you like it...working on the mockups and ap100 drawings for the new aluminum battery box and undertray this week.

[chopiesel]

yeh im not a huge fan of kats either, a mate here is building one with late model gixxer forks, swingarm and wheels and im really liking it, im liking this one too!

[dudad]

WALTARIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!! Ive been trying to get ahold of you man! This is blackkatnwv from katriders.com. I finally pretty much got the bike finished and Ive had it running a few times but havent gotten to ride it yet do to a shift linkage piece. Anyways I had a question about the front end on the other kat you did.....was the axle for the front wheel slightly inset inside the fork leg? It was a tight tight fit getting the forks into the triple tree set. The lower went on smooth but once I tried putting the top on it seemed like it wasnt going to go. Anyway check out my thread in here Teapot Fighter.

I absolutely love that old school kat build. I wish I had the skill/money and time to do something like that

[Vcook]

love the build, great stuff!!

[waltari]

Latest update...rolling chassis didn't come with any kind of battery box and I wanted to use battery that matched the CCA of the bandit motor. Did a mockup of a larger battery box and rear undertray in davie board. Then translated the mockups into AP100 drawings so I could punch out blanks in .063 aluminum. I've now got both the battery box and rear tray punched, formed, and welded. Just need to get a bit of rubber to put under/around the battery and form up a couple small bolt on brackets and I'm ready to route all the wiring. Makes for pretty easy access to all the components and gives me a bit of underseat storage to boot. Tried to make the battery box side profile flow with the lines of the side panels and bracing...anyway heres the pics.


Printout of the AP100 drawing with basic dimensions

http://images.us.viewbook.com/449dd56709394239639367a5eba1088c.jpg

[waltari]

What the parts look like in the flat after being punched on the Amada

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1f240ac540e44d0f5dc0efce602c8491.jpg



The implement of destruction (or maybe just the bending brake)

http://images.us.viewbook.com/7d5cdc76610689ac4a7cf5653af74377.jpg



First bend on the rear tray

http://images.us.viewbook.com/f940b6795e454e5fdf4b1465462ec381.jpg

[waltari]

Rear tray fully formed and ready to weld the corners

http://images.us.viewbook.com/92993e2ee402ca1aba8214be7d260e19.jpg



Tray on bike

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1476e5671d12e43c4856edd152686a1c.jpg

[waltari]

Rear tray and battery box


http://images.us.viewbook.com/041b30972a205bd43eda9054dc4b8272.jpg

[g-style]

Lookin' sweeet good job so far keep postin'. might wanna post it over on customfighters.com too (american site)
:D

.....G.....

[fimpBIKES]

nice and neat

my kat battery useta always get soaked in the rain [xx(]

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by g-style

Lookin' sweeet good job so far keep postin'. might wanna post it over on customfighters.com too (american site)
:D

.....G.....


I thought about it, but honestly, I can't stand trying to look at thier website. The black and green hurts my eyes:D

[ozzy1100]

great build waltri i love builds with the details looked after , that rear tray and bat box isnt as easy popeple like 2 think ,
you have pulle dthem off great whole bike is looking shit hot

[Blackkat]

looks great your build is moving along at a great rate.
good work on the under tray and battery box.

[Jockney Rebel]

nice one mate i lurrvee old kats when they get this treatment ..youve given me an idea ...i wonder if a zrx swing arm would fit me cb900 cos i like the tube it would suit the rest of my frame..you couldnt measure it for me [^] btw welcome the 'other 'side of life:D

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by aussiecat

looks great your build is moving along at a great rate.
good work on the under tray and battery box.


Going alot faster now:D One thing I decided I didn't want to do on this bike was paint it as I HATE painting. Spoke with my painter this past week and I'll be dropping the bodywork of with him this coming friday. 2-3 weeks and it should have some new skin!

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by frankenbiker

nice one mate i lurrvee old kats when they get this treatment ..youve given me an idea ...i wonder if a zrx swing arm would fit me cb900 cos i like the tube it would suit the rest of my frame..you couldnt measure it for me [^] btw welcome the 'other 'side of life:D


From memory, I believe the stock zrx1100 arm measures 9 1/4" or 235 mm at the pivot but I machined it down to the width of the stock katana arm.

[HueyonaBlade]

quote:Originally posted by g-style

Lookin' sweeet good job so far keep postin'. might wanna post it over on customfighters.com too (american site)
:D

.....G.....

Hey Fark off M8 stop trying to poach our members![}:)]

[waltari]

So...when I got my katana, the windscreen was trashed. Totally scratched and cracked around all the bolt mounting holes. First attached photo shows what a stock one is supposed to look like (with lame rubber trim attached).

http://images.us.viewbook.com/c4c8a2aa729c92316394510e58a369e6.jpg

Not wanting to pay Suzuki $200USD for a new one and being a glutton for punishment I decided I'd make my own. Prior to leaving the foundry, I cast a wax from the inside of my trashed windscreen and cast it in bronze to be used as a form for producing a new one for myself. (photos 2,3 are the casting shell, 4th is the bronze form)

Cost of wax and bronze form $0

http://images.us.viewbook.com/2001006f6fdacafc8f4bc1457def3c5c.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/a06d4fb68e84d1079149b36208ec59aa.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/c60c8d80d1f86111b99ac36de1bd85ca.jpg


I went to a store called TAP plastics to see if they could form a new one over my bronze form. Apparently they don't form things in plastic though they boast they are in fact a plastic fabrication shop. Anyway, picked the guys brain for a while and left with a scrap of tinted impact resistant plastic to try it on my own.

Cost of plastic $0 (guy felt sorry for me a let me have it)

So, knowing I couldn't form it in my gas oven (heat + acrylic = offgas + flame = explosion) the form a plastic have sat in my garage for months. The other day at work, a guy I work with appears with some freshly formed acrylic???? I ask him what's up and he's busy in the back room heat forming this stuff in our electric forming oven. WE HAVE AN ELECTRIC FORMING OVEN?

I tell him my game plan and he says he thinks we can do it. So first off, the right way to do it would be to have a vacuum bag setup ready with my form inside, acrylic trimmed slightly oversized. Heat until leathery, inside in bag over form, start vacuum pump and remove all air...presto. One problem...we/I don't have a vacuum bag setup.
(though I would like to get one soon for yet more bad ideas).

Problem is, the windscreen I'm molding has compound curves and thus needs to stretch a bit. Well...after three tries, the final one using three of us pulling it around the form and a fourth guy cooling it wih air...I am the proud new owner of a tinted reproduction 82 katana windscreen. Just need to take cut airtools in this weekend and trim the excess and sand, scrape, polish the edges. (Last photo)

http://images.us.viewbook.com/e2fc1f37a4a24cd24a5678dfc8df9718.jpg

Just going to do the one for now...if I do get a vacuum bag setup, I'll considering making and selling some reproductions on the net. Without the bagging setup though...any kind of mass production ideas are just insane.

[ozzy1100]

now that is some shit hot work cost $0 and looks great what more could you want

[crazymofo]

nice work matt, i think your onto something with selling repro's, theres bugger all you can buy at a half reasonalbe price.

cheers.joe.

[fimpBIKES]

why would want the screen on?

everyone knows they look better and go harder with em off [:X]

[Gix11]

Nice work Waltari. You definitely have a hand for quality workmanship - which is the main reason I'm looking forward to seeing the finished build. Keep the progress work shots coming in mate.

[waltari]

The finished windscreen...still want to buff out a couple spots but not bad for homemade[:p]

http://images.us.viewbook.com/d55402a1cda162bf2c6fe54e1b824c05.jpg

[waltari]

Spent part of today getting a few thing taken care of before the bodywork goes out to the painter (no desire to do that myself!)
Had to trim the upper fairng a bit more to give a little extra fork clearance, front fender is from an 04 gsxr but I've cut it down and modded quite a bit. Went back and drilled a hole in the top and bottom of the fuel tank and welded in a steel drain tube into the gas cap recepticle...honestly forgot to put one in when welding in the gsxr style filler...oh well, a little back tracking never hurt anyone[8D]

Here is an update photo...hopefully in the next couple days I'll be able to drop everything off with the painter and then the fun begins...startin to look like a kat again!

http://images.us.viewbook.com/8df1c1b5cf86765020df1149aba3209e.jpg

[fimpBIKES]

it hurts me to say it,
but thats a nice lookin screen mate!


what colour??

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by fimpBIKES

it hurts me to say it,
but thats a nice lookin screen mate!


what colour??


Thanks M8! Definitely have an itch now to get my vacuum setup together and try an easier method of production. The screen is a smoked impact resistant material from a local supplier. As for the bike, though some people might say it's uninspired, I'm going to have it painted stock kat silver/black and then I have my own graphics that will be going over that base. Think somewher between an ealy Yoshi Kat factory racebike and the 1135R.

[crazymofo]

matt, looking fucking great, nice work, the blacked out frame and swinger are sweet. and i completely agree, go for the stock silver kat color (is there any other option? lol)

cheers.joe.

[Jockney Rebel]

quote:Originally posted by waltari


quote:Originally posted by frankenbiker

nice one mate i lurrvee old kats when they get this treatment ..youve given me an idea ...i wonder if a zrx swing arm would fit me cb900 cos i like the tube it would suit the rest of my frame..you couldnt measure it for me [^] btw welcome the 'other 'side of life:D


From memory, I believe the stock zrx1100 arm measures 9 1/4" or 235 mm at the pivot but I machined it down to the width of the stock katana arm.
cheers mate ...now ive had to take the engine out i might just do a few other things i was puttin off

[shift1313]

great work waltari!! Thats an awesome job on that windscreen. Im sure with a vac bag setup you could knock those things out pretty cheap and make a killing on them. The undertail and battery tray are great as well, very nice clean work. I have to say though the only thing im not liking is the front fender. im not sure why. Dont get me wrong it doesnt look bad and it fits with the bike.

Great Job!, whats the paint going to be?

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by shift1313

great work waltari!! Thats an awesome job on that windscreen. Im sure with a vac bag setup you could knock those things out pretty cheap and make a killing on them. The undertail and battery tray are great as well, very nice clean work. I have to say though the only thing im not liking is the front fender. im not sure why. Dont get me wrong it doesnt look bad and it fits with the bike.

Great Job!, whats the paint going to be?


Honestly, I'm not sure about the fender either. I never picked up a 2002 gsxr front fender to match the forks so I just fitted an 04 I had laying around. Looked bizarre before I trimmed it back, now it looks OK but still not sure if it's ultimatel what I want. Figured it'll do for now so I'm sending it off to the painter. I have a 93 gsxr fender which looks better stylewise but doesn;t even really com close to fitting the 02 forks...

Paint is going to stick to the stock silver/black but think somewhere between yoshimura factory bike and the 1135r

[cavey]

The whole project looks the nuts m8. That arm looks a perfect match to the frame. Is your trade in sheet metal?

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by cavey

The whole project looks the nuts m8. That arm looks a perfect match to the frame. Is your trade in sheet metal?


Not really...I've been doing everything from building wiring neon signs, to casting and welding 40ft tall bronze monuments for the last 10 years. Tend to pick up a little knowledge of everything along the way. Case in point...right now I'm the TIG welder for a custom lighting manufacturer. I do however get called upon to to help with the CNC Punch, press brake, mill, and lathe quite regularily. The guys have been pretty good about showing me the ropes in sheetmetal and spinning so I guess add more knowledge to the kettle. Glad you're digg'in the project...hope to be done in the near future and riding the beast!

[Blackkat]

does the bottom tripple clamp bolt hit the fairing bracket?

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by aussiecat

does the bottom tripple clamp bolt hit the fairing bracket?


Yep...I milled it a bit and countersunk a slightly shorter bolt. Funny thing is, it only hits the lower bolt of the lower triple clamp...top bolt clears.

Latest news....I'm annoyed and pissed off and likely going to machine new motor mounts. I used the GSXR to GSX motor mount dimensions off Old Skool Suzuki when I machined my first set. They placed the motor centered in the frame side to side and front to back. The plates lined up for the most part though the rear dimensions were off and two of the holes had to be oblonged for them to fit.

Well....thought all was fine until I went to install the exhaust and guess what...the engine is too feckin far back in the frame. Header fouls a crossbrace on the two front downtubes of the frame. Go back, double check the dimensions page on old skool and notice the bike pictured using the plates has home made fucking extensions on the exhaust ports:(

Posted up a few notes questioning the dimensions and the same people that first recommended them basically changed their tune and said well...those dimensions are just starting points. NO their complete fucking wrong! Should have just done them from scratch myself from the start[B)]

Anyway...that changed my plans, decided I couldn't use the titanium header I was planning to and I was going to have to cut and extend a stainless header I had in the shed. Then, last night, I thought to myself, the one last thing I never did was install the fuel tap. I went out to bolt it on and check before I took the parts off to the painter and guess what...the tap hits the left most oil fitting on the valve cover:( (and that is with using a pingle tap with an offset plate)

So now I can turn the tap sideways and it'll just clear the oil lines or I can blank off the tap hole on the tank, machine a new one and weld in nuts for the tap to bolt in further back...

or......I can just machine new fucking motor mount plates! I think I'm goin to do the later...that way I know it'll be RIGHT and I'll solve the tap problem and actually be able to use the titanium header I wanted to.

Can you tell I'm a bit frustrated[}:)]

[Benz]

Bloody glad I didn't use those drawings when I was putting my Kat together. As it turns out I kept the GSX motor in anyways.....but I did download the drawings from OSS, thinking I had the oilcooled into aircooled changeover sussed.
Great looking Kat Waltari, keep up the good work mate

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by Benz

Bloody glad I didn't use those drawings when I was putting my Kat together. As it turns out I kept the GSX motor in anyways.....but I did download the drawings from OSS, thinking I had the oilcooled into aircooled changeover sussed.
Great looking Kat Waltari, keep up the good work mate



Thanks...I'll be posting up GOOD dimensions in DXF, AP100, and JPEG formats (for those non tech people) as I get them done of the next week or two (whenever I can steal some time):D

[fimpBIKES]

smart move

depending on your exhaust set-up extending the headers couldve caused clashed with your footpegs and your can-mount holes might not line up

best to start over, would appreciate if u could post up dimensions of what u go for in the end

[Hillsy]

Just keep in mind that moving the engine forward in the chassis will extend the chain length because it moves the front sprocket away from the swingarm pivot. This may give you some dramas with chains rubbing on your swingarm, chain stretching, etc under load.
I've seen this with a 750EF motor in a Kat chassis - the chain would tighten up quite dramatically under load / shock compression (= quickly worn chains)

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by fimpBIKES

smart move

depending on your exhaust set-up extending the headers couldve caused clashed with your footpegs and your can-mount holes might not line up

best to start over, would appreciate if u could post up dimensions of what u go for in the end


:DHA...can mount holes line up....thats a good one, like I'd be using a stock exhaust of some kind;) Seriously though, I think it's the best route. Already got the kat stripped back down to frame and motor tonight. Tomorrow i'm going to mockup one set of the mounts and go from there. Definitely post up some drawings when I'm done and I KNOW they work;)

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by Hillsy

Just keep in mind that moving the engine forward in the chassis will extend the chain length because it moves the front sprocket away from the swingarm pivot. This may give you some dramas with chains rubbing on your swingarm, chain stretching, etc under load.
I've seen this with a 750EF motor in a Kat chassis - the chain would tighten up quite dramatically under load / shock compression (= quickly worn chains)


Already considered that but you're right, it could be a concern. Took measurements tonight and everything will work fine for where I plan on placing it. Luckily I never cutout the links or installed the masterlink on my brand new chain so the little extra length needed is not a problem and angles will all still be good.

[hmmmnz]

well done, its looking good, i especially like the screen,
any more update pics?/

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by hmmmnz

well done, its looking good, i especially like the screen,
any more update pics?/


Update pics??? Just posted the last ones a few days ago;) Current update...bodywork is being dropped off with my painter tomorrow, I've got the bike stripped back down to frame/motor/suspensions and I ripped out the lower motor mounts to mill some new ones that reposition the engine forward about an inch. Once I have those, this weekend I'll install them and take dimensions for the otehr new ones. Painter needs the bodywork for about 3 weeks so by then I should have the new mounts made, powder coated, installed and the rest of the wiring done.:D

[waltari]

Dropped off the bodywork with the painter today. Should have it back in three weeks;) Made the new lower mounts out of 6061 yesterday...plan on installing them this weekend so I can take the dimensions for the otehr 6 plates.

[waltari]

Stopped by my painter this afternoon to check out and approve final bodywork prior to him starting the actual painting. Mainly he was going to even out the gap around the vortex fuel cap base as the gsxr filler I transplanted had a decent and slightly uneven gap from the factory.

I think Robert did a killer job of reducing it and evening it out. Tank looks rough as it has a primer and guide coat on it and still requires the final block sanding but I approve and the applying of color should start this weekend.

Here is how the tank started out life....

http://images.us.viewbook.com/5c17ba34419975603bcc98e4e2ba039a.jpg




And here it is as of today....

http://images.us.viewbook.com/d9c635e6f31d195f27f9d51d794ad4f5.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1eb4911c765276d2fe759a4c7407360f.jpg

[slamdog]

That is absolutely outstanding mate I love what you are doing.
I am hanging out to see her finished.

[Gix11]

Fuck yea. This thing is great mate, every bit you add impresses me.

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by Gix11

Fuck yea. This thing is great mate, every bit you add impresses me.


Thanks M8...I'll be impressed when I'm riding it![8D] Trying to get together the last order or misc small bit and bobs (fuel tap gasket, etc) I'll need for final assembly so it'll all be here when I get the bodywork back. Glad you guys like it...I'm liking it more more even every time I walk into the shed!:D

[ozzy1100]

i love the filler update looks so much beter with the lip too
going well waltari

[waltari]

So what does this have to do with my katana?

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2000-2003/2003-Ferrari-360-Coupe-Silver-Front-Angle-st.jpg

Well that would be the color of the silver...2001 Ferrari Alpine Silver metalic...picked the colors a few days ago...never knew there was so many silvers to choose from. Most of the bikes my painter does are high end Italian jobs so naturally this was one of the colors he had in stock. Looks great in person! Not long now!!!

[waltari]

Not alot new other than I got my "second" set of motor mounting plates back from the powder coaters and got them installed. Now I'm working on routing the wiring and getting the carbs jetted before the bodywork come back this coming week (or sooner I hope)

[waltari]

Got my paint back last night...looks great in person especially in the sunlight. Ummm Ferrari Silver....graphics should be here in a day or two...finishing up the wiring between getting sidetracked and then on it goes! Here's a peak...

http://images.us.viewbook.com/39692bca4c27ee177eec5fdda2a40a29.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/cb7941d369b403259da5c2d08dbd98ee.jpg

[iopnr]

thats looking great hangin to see how she looks on the bike thats come up a treat

[Gix11]

Fucking love that colour mate! It's a perfect colour for that bike. What colour are the decals going to be?

[Hillsy]

Yeah - great colour. And didn't that filler cap turn out well!!.

[waltari]

quote:Originally posted by Gix11

Fucking love that colour mate! It's a perfect colour for that bike. What colour are the decals going to be?


Tank will be getting a red/black yoshimura logo over the top of a white suzuki, most other decals will be white or light gray (trying to go subtle). You should see the color in person...killer! The metal flake is just big enough to give it some life/depth in the sunlight, those Italians are spot on their shit sometimes:D

[Watto]

looks great mate - can't wait to see it on the bike[8D]

[ozzy1100]

love that siver ...shit this is turning out a great bike

[Benz]

Fuggen beaudyfull[:p]
After all that crap with the engine mounts,I think you've done the right thing, the engine's weight will be a bit further forward,and the bonus being the front end will be more planted.;)
Great project mate, you're doing a bang up job of it too[8D]

[BANDITROD]

thats fuckin tops mate awsome paint job

[waltari]

Latest update...ran out of time to finish the katana before the move. Wound up crating it and sticking on the truck with us for the drive north. Between, getting settled, getting the shop up and running, and a trip we have to make back to California next week, looks like I won't be able to get back to the bike for at least a month...makes me very sad.

Right before I closed up the crate...

http://images.us.viewbook.com/f476707f0a4c348f79527f39f7c560ba.jpg


http://images.us.viewbook.com/77eac88adc03fd92185b6a1d6987cd91.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/0213f421fc3fdb9c99ea9b9ab15776ec.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/289c29ad60e1d0681065287001ce2875.jpg

[crazymofo]

fuck thats awesome matt, you've done a brilliant job thus far.

nice work

cheers.joe.

[Gix11]

Fuck me Matt, I thought we'd lost you mate!? Good to see you back. Keep us posted with the build photos mate - she's looking good.

Did you see Razorback's new Kat?:

http://www.streetfighters.com.au/forum/upload/47671430392509.jpg

http://www.streetfighters.com.au/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8927

[outlaw6660]

@ waltari
Thats a very very nice katana!!
didn`t see something like this befor!
Top job did you make there!!!
respect!!

[kookaburra]

very nice Kat Walt , i never used to like Kats but they are groing on me and that is a nice speciman

[Fish]

Dood, That is a sweet kat you got there, love the paint and the new filler cap. simply stunning![8D]

[zx12argh]

Hows it going to go faster with no chain mate [:p]
Looking good!

[oldskool]

Walt you are fuckin grouse mate what a fuckin champ great work AAA+++

[radiobloke]

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice

want it!!

[Weaselman]

champ that is dead set rockin

[oldskool]

FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!


Art my friend............................................ .................Where friends ..Right?

[fimpBIKES]

Got to be the best Kat in the US by now!



did anyone see the 1.6L kat at the AFR on sunday
YUM!

[Gix11]

quote:Originally posted by fimpBIKES

Got to be the best Kat in the US by now!



did anyone see the 1.6L kat at the AFR on sunday
YUM!


The guy with the drag kat (if he's the same guy you mean - the one that smoked it up and did that mad dance of the line with no traction) said he'd bring his 2L one if we do it again next year!

[waltari]

Not quite finished with the 1157 but I had to run to Canada yesterday to pickup another sad Katana that needed a home. Not sure if we used a big enough fork lift to load it in the truck!

http://images.us.viewbook.com/1856503ae11348ee9f4fee055e6bcb93.jpg

http://images.us.viewbook.com/51ad45f7d0c325abfe1de6517eed3d85.jpg

[Gix11]

She was unloved hey mate? Thta back tyre is square from sitting for so long. ....and you're right, you could have used a bigger forklift mate. How far north are you if Canada ain't far?