MotoSpecs

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 136.4 mph
Weight
243 kg / 535 lbs
1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.
Power
148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph
Weight
192 kg / 423 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-1998
Model1985 - 89-
Make ModelSuzuki GSX 1100S KatanaYamaha YZF1000 R1
Dimensions
Seat Height775 mm / 30.5 in813 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase1520 mm / 59.8 in1395 mm / 54.9 in
Ground Clearance175 mm / 6.9 in 140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1195 mm / 47.0 in1095 mm / 43.1 in
Length2260 mm / 89.0 in2035 mm / 80.1 in
Turning Circle3.5 m / 11.5 ft-
Width715 mm / 28.1 in695 mm / 27.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight232 kg / 511 lbs177 kg / 390.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal18 Litres / US 4.7 gal
Oil Capacity3.2 L / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535 lbs192 kg / 423 lbs
Performance
Top Speed220 km/h / 136.4 mph277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph
Braking (60 km/h - 0)-12.7 m / 36.7 m
Max Power83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque97.1 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 70.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm11.0 kgf-m / 108.3 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 191 km/h / 119 mph10.3 sec / 222.7 km/h
Engine
Displacement1074 cc / 65.5 cu in998 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.
Air FilterDual element (Paper and polyurethane)-
Bore x Stroke72 x 66 mm74 x 58 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Mineral, 20W/40
Engine Weight / Gudgeon Pin Diameter-Engine weight 65.3kg 17mm diameter gudgeons
Exhaust-Alloy muffler
Fuel Consumption6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.6 US mpg / 44 Imp mpg17.2 km/lit
Fuel Induction4 x Mikuni BS34SS4 x 40mm Mikuni CV Downdraft carburetors
Fuel Reserve5 L / 1.3 US gal / 1.1 Imp gal-
IgnitionTransistorizedDigital TCI
Ignition Timing15° BTDC below 1500 rpm / 32° BTDC above 2350 rpm-
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK D8EA (in E-01,24,25,30,34), NGK DR8ES-L (the others) - gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)NGK, CR9E
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A2-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plateWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final DriveChain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 linksChain
Final Drive Ratio2.800:1 (42/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 (35/15) / 2nd 1.777 (32/18) / 3rd 1.380 (29/21) / 4th 1.125 (27/24) / 5th 0.961 (25/26)1st 39/15 (2.600) 2nd 35/19 (1.842) 3rd 30/20 (1.500) 4th 28/21 (1.333) 5th 30/25 (1.200) 6th 29/26 (1.115)
Primary Drive Ratios1.775:1 (87/49)-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, double cradle frameAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, oil damped, spring 4-way adjustable with anti-dive41mm inverted telescopic forks
Suspension - RearDual shock oil damped, damper 4-way, spring 5-way adjustableTruss-type Aluminium swinging arm Monocross system
Rake29°24°
Trail118 mm / 4.65 in91 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.91 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear109 mm / 4.29 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Charging SystemThree-phase A.C. generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 298mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front3.50 - V19120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear4.50 - V17190/50 ZR17
Wheels - Front-3.50-17
Wheels - Rear-6.00-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana

The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana edges out the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, greater ground clearance and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 813 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1074 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 175 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 192 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 109 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is lighter at 192 kg compared to 243 kg for the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - a difference of 51 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 sits higher at 813 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 18 litres for the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
Both are strong choices. The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana years All Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 years
Build your own comparison →