Katana Owners Club U.K.

About a year ago, things were set in motion to change the engine in my Katana from air to oil. It's been a (very) slow process, but it's almost complete now, just a few minor bits and bobs need completing, so should have it on the road, just in time for winter.

I'm afraid I haven't done any of the work myself, which is why it looks pretty good.

It's a 1200 bandit engine, 2001 model, with only 7,000 done on it. I bought the whole bike as the carbs and some electrical parts were needed. Managed to get my money back by selling the left over bits on eBay.

Looks very nice.

Why did you change the engine ?

Pete

Do u want to sell the old lump

The old engine was going to be expensive to repair. The bores, pistons and valves were all shot. I did sell it though about nine months ago (with the pistons and valves in a box).

who gives a chuff if you have not done all the work yourself, it still looks a very nice bike mate

It was. The engine was a bit rough when I got it. It had already been bored out at sometime and had Yoshimura pistons.

I love the look of the bike and wanted a bike that was going to remain reliable for some years. That was the main reason for fitting the low mileage Bandit engine in. The engine was run on a Dyno before it was taken out of the Bandit to go in the Kat. The engine has the 1216 Wiseco kit installed, Dyna 2000 Ignition and Stage 3 Dynajet, all transferred over to the Kat.

Don't keep us in suspense Ash,what kind of power was it making??

Don't know what the engine produces yet. It is going back on the Dyno before I get it back to make sure everything is set up correctly, hopefully I will find out then. I'm not that bothered about lots of power I would rather have a reliable engine, that will last for a good few years.

I agree with Blix about the engine. I have no idea who built the bike, but he must have had some pretty good skills and a good eye for detail, however there are a few points such as the engine and other small things such as the original oil cooler touched the mudguard on full compression of the suspension, there was no rubbing plate on the swinging arm for the chain, (both these have been sorted) plus a few other minor niggles.

Hey ash, did that swing arm slide straight in without fouling the pillion peg mounts?