Restored Katana raises thousands for MS charity

An early Suzuki Katana, recommissioned during the Covid-19 lockdowns, raised thousands for the MS Society UK charity during an auction at the National Motorcycle Museum on July 20.

The 1982 GSX1100 went for £12,650 and was built by former owner John Martin, who decided to restore a bike to raise funds following his wife’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Having founded the Air Cooled Suzuki (ACS) group online, Martin was able to gather parts from around the UK to finish the stunning build – which has now been ridden by TV presenter Henry Cole for ITV4’s The Motorbike Show.

Sadly, John passed away in November 2021. Writing about the bike, he had previously said: “My wife Florence is suffering with Primary Progressive MS. There is no cure or medication for it at the moment.

“Yet she keeps a positive attitude and finds the time to raise money for the MS Society charity. She has managed to write a book and have it published. I figured, if she can do this whilst she’s suffering I can surely do something to help.”