Team Classic Suzuki reveal lockdown Katana build based on GSX-R1000 WSB racer

Team Classic Suzuki have been keeping busy during lockdowns by creating the ultimate custom Katana streetfighter – mating its iconic angular looks with the frame and engine from a GSX-R1000 World Superbike racer.

At the heart of the big Kat lies a WSB-spec 999cc four-cylinder engine, previously used by the Alstare team during the 2008 season and now fully refreshed by Team Classic Suzuki’s Nathan Colombi to produce around 200bhp at the rear wheel. Keeping that performance in check is a Yoshimura EM Pro electronics kit.

Related articles on MCN

• New ride to Dakar for classic adventure bikes
• 2019 Suzuki Katana 1000 bike review
• Team Classic Suzuki replica GSX-R1000R

The four-pot motor retains its World Superbike-grade headers, which are now joined to a link pipe and end can provided by Racefit. Oh yeah, it’ll be loud. These are shrouded by a factory radiator and oil cooler and flanked by aluminium water and oil pipes.

Keeping all of this in place is an Alstare WSB frame, which shares the same dimensions as the 2008 road bike. This is then bolted to a chunky, oversized rear swingarm and bespoke subframe, courtesy of Alpha Performance Fabrication. Both elements have been designed to facilitate the use of Öhlins twin shocks – paying tribute to the original Katana.

Also paying tribute is the look, which uses a mixture of adapted racing parts and new-old stock Katana bodywork to stunning effect. At the rear end is an LED taillight, which is joined to a seat unit that began life as a track-spec component. It also had to be modified to wrap around the chunky WSB fuel tank. The seat itself comes from Italian firm Race Seats and is finished with a Katana logo.

Upfront, is a standard Katana nose, taken from Suzuki’s Vintage Parts scheme. This has been widened by an inch to fit. Light carbon panelling completes the look.

Away from the body, the one-off special rolls on Dymag CH3 magnesium rims, which are also used on the team’s XR69 race replica machines. These are then shod with Brembo discs, calipers and pads for some serious topping power. For a neater look at the back, the rear caliper is sandwiched between the swingarm and rim, hidden from view.

Team Classic Suzuki have a long, successful history with the Katana, including a class win at the European Endurance Classic championship at Oschersleben, in Germany.