1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana Specifications

Name: 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana
Brand: Suzuki

Classic • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana Overview

Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana is a classic motorcycle, displacing 1074 cc. Power comes from an In-line four engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Bore and stroke come in at 72 x 66 mm. On the performance side, it delivers. Top speed is factory-quoted at 228 km/h. On the road, the 1983 GSX 1100S Katana tips the scales at 272 kg and carries a 21-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 76 kg heavier than the average classic motorcycle in our database. The full 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana compared with other bikes in the Classic category

We checked the recorded figures for the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana against up to 909 bikes in the Classic category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 5 of the other 437 bikes in the Classic category have a higher top speed than the 228 km/h of the GSX 1100S Katana.
With 272 kg, the GSX 1100S Katana has the joint 26th heaviest wet weight of 466 bikes in the Classic category, 39% above the category average of 196 kg.
Engine displacement of 1074 cc is larger than that of 846 of the other 908 bikes in the Classic category.
Narrowing the field to the 199 models within five model years of it, the top speed of 228 km/h is higher than that of 197 of the other 198.

Versus the 1982 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 1982 model: wet weight, displacement and top speed all match.

1983 GSX 1100S Katana - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the dual disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
Large fuel range: A 21-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.

Considerations

Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Valve clearance checks

With DOHC valve gear, the GSX 1100S Katana needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from dual disc - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Final drive maintenance

The GSX 1100S Katana uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Handling the weight at a standstill

272 kg puts the GSX 1100S Katana toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

GSX 1100S Katana - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana with its 1074 cc classic, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 43 years old, this classic is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy GSX 1100S Katana should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the GSX 1100S Katana's 1074 cc in-line four like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 9.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used GSX 1100S Katana since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.

1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana have?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses an In-line four engine with 1074 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has a factory-quoted top speed of 228 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana weigh?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana weighs 272 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has a 21-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 350-420 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana have?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses dual disc at the front and single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana use?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana runs 3.50-19 front and 4.50-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What is the compression ratio of the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana?

The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana runs a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Always use the minimum octane rating specified in the owner's manual.

Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana Spec Evolution

The Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana was produced across 6 model years (1981-1992). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1981	1982	1983	1984	1990	1992
Wet Weight	272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs	272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs	272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs	272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs	243 kg / 535 lbs	243 kg / 535 lbs
Engine Type	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four	In-line four	-	-
Top Speed	228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph	228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph	228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph	228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph	220 km/h / 136.4 mph	220 km/h / 136.4 mph
Fuel Capacity	24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons	21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons	21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons	21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons	22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal	22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Brakes - Front	Dual disc	Dual disc	Dual disc	Dual disc	2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers	2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliper	Single 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Model	-	-	-	-	1985 - 89	1990 - 93
Final Drive	Chain	Chain	Chain	Chain	Chain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 links	Chain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 links

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph

Weight

272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons

Full 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana Specifications

Fuel Capacity 21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons

Wet Weight 272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs

Top Speed 228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph

Bore x Stroke (in,) 2.8 x 2.6 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 72.0 x 66.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 1074.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 65.54 cubic inches

Engine Type In-line four

Fuel Control DOHC

Stroke 4

Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Valve System 4

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 5-speed

Brakes - Front Dual disc

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Tyres - Front 3.50-19

Tyres - Rear 4.50-17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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GSX 1100S Katana Years

1990 1983 1982

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Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - other years

1990 1983 1982

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