Icon Motosports Adds 80s Touch To The Notorious Suzuki Katana

The bike was inspired from the 80s Gundam, a famous televised anime series from Japan

• The build was completed in just 30 days.
• It features cosmetic and performance upgrades.
• Other notable bits include an updated suspension, forged 17-inch Galespeed wheels and 3D Ultra Sport tyres.
• Weighs 11.3kg less compared than the standard Katana.

Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Suzuki has partnered with Icon Motosports, makers of protective motorcycle apparel, to build a one-off custom Katana in just 30 days, a task that would usually take the latter 12-18 month to pull off. Nonetheless, the blokes were up for the challenge. This overhauled Katana features a unique custom body kit, performance and mechanical upgrades, all while losing a substantial amount of weight. 

It all started with a concept, and in this case inspired by Gobots, Gundams, and the tight cybergirls of Robotech. The Katana's design language (old and new) has always resembled a starship. The goal was to style the Katana to look like a fully mechanised transformer. 

Since the original Hans Muth-designed GSX-1100 Katana was one of the most iconic bikes from the 1980s, design director Kurt Walter knew the aesthetics of the bike had to ooze 80s styling with punchy neon colours. This, however, would be balanced off with serious performance upgrades.

Other noticeable changes include multiple fueling options via twin endurance-style fuel ports. It even features new handlebars from Driven Racing and a lightweight Magura Hymec hydraulic clutch and a Magura HC3 brake master cylinder.

Moving on, it gets a premium suspension upgrade which includes  a 43mm USD fork borrowed from a 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10 and a Nitron remote piggyback monoshock. Icon Motosports also managed to salvage forged 17-inch Galespeed wheels imported from Japan and solid brake rotors from EBC specifically designed for this build. The package comes together with the addition of top-shelf 3D Ultra Sport tyres from Avon. 

Leo Vince who designs and manufactures performance two-wheeler exhausts, sent over a batch of potential setups which were eventually modified into the underbelly of the Katana. According to Kurt, most of the Yamaha MT-07's exhaust made the cut for the custom exhaust kit. And the lack of a catalytic converter meant the bike weighed around 11.3kg less compared than the standard model.

The time crunch didn’t call for any engine mods, so this custom Katana uses a motor derived from the GSX-R1000 which puts out around 150-odd ponies. 

The new Katana equipped with the GSX-R1000 heart and mechanicals has only been reeling in positive reviews from journalists overseas. While the stock bike looks gorgeous as is, Icon Motosports has brought about its own personal touch with the 80s vibe.

Source: Bikeexif