Buying adivse

[17again]

being new to the world of kats just looking for info on what i need to look out for when buying one?

i am checking with you guys before i go out and buy one.

any advise would be great thanks.

[fossie]

Right before we start, you ask specifically about an S2 .....this is a Japan market only 750 katana manufactured in 1983 with a 16" front wheel . Are you after one of these particularly?
These are rare in standard form now as the British/ European need for cubes mean many now have larger cc or Bandit engines fitted.
Personally I have an S2 in standard form and it carries both my missus and I with camping gear no issues.

So a brief idea of prices in the real world is sumantic and hinges on what the buyer is willing to pay

But as a guide.
GSX 750 S1 1981-2 jap market .or European import ..original form ..£ 2500 .....modified depends on job done..more or less the same but more likely, less.

GSX750 S2 1983-4. Japan market only ..original form £2750 Modified as above.

However we believe some have sold for nearer £4000 .....BUT... Nobody has even seen these bikes again or can't disprove the got their mate to bid to raise the price theory.

Both these models are basically the 1100 frame but with a 750 engine fitted and obviously carbs to suit. Though they have 18" rear wheels on the S1 and footpegs brakes etc like the 1100.
The S2 uses the footpegs etc from the esd range along with the brakes and 16" front wheel the rear 17". You either like the quick turn of the 16" or hate it...personal taste.

What to look for? These bikes are 35 years at least old therefore many keepers and errr restorerers/ mechanics
99% or body kit is still available easy.... Charging system can be faulty but again easy fix.
Again what do you require ? A buy and ride or a show pony.

[17again]

thanks

i just thought the 750 as they look cheaper. i didnt know they were japan imports

there was a 750 on ebay the other with so mods looked nice but i missed it. £4500


i have found another 750 1983 restored for £5000 ( with a uk speedo) guessing this will be wrong

ebay prices tend to be higher like normal.

i would hate to buy one and then find out of the info later.

[fossie]

As said, in 750,s if it has 19" front , it could have Japanese market but could also been European,
16" front definatley Jap. We in theUK only recieved the 750 as a grey import from these markets from 1990 to about 1998 when the grey market reduced a lot .

The £ prices are what they want , and to be honest if the buyer is happy to pay it , it's all good.
The prices of 750 are indeed lower than 1100/1000, as said before because of the U.K. S need to have more cubes....to travel at the same rate as everyone else ....However this also keeps UK prices up, so can be a better buy if you are really , really , really worried about residual prices .

[17again]

ok thanks for the advise.

so there are two front wheel types 16 and 19

most be massive difference in feeling.

[PaulD]

I’ve got the 1100 with 19” front and also a borrowed pop up with 16” front. When I first rode the pop up I thought the front tyre was massively over inflated it felt so weird and after the 1100 they way it turned in so quick was quite frightening. A few months down the line and hardly notice the difference? The only thing I’m not keen on with the 750 is the way you have to rev it to get anywhere, a bit like a two stroke. The 1100 is a grunt monster and only really needs two gears, it makes you very lazy with the gearbox.

[17again]

thanks paul good advise.

still not sure weather to go 750 or 1100 now.

i am riding two stokes now and they like to be revved so a bit low down power would be nice.

then a gain maybe the 750 will have more low down than a rd 350 vpvs anyway.

[Kryten]

I have a 750SZ/S1 (JDM 19”/18” front/rear wheels 180KMH clocks) and as Fossie says for real world roads it does the business. Went to Denmark last year with no problems. Been out on runs on my own and with other bikes and not been left behind and it is more than capable of causing significant damage to your licence!

I have Continental ContiClassicAttack radials on the standard size rims (although I have spoked wheels). Handling is great in an ‘80s fashion.

The 1100 is the same only more torque/power but more money. So don’t dismiss the 750.

Also there are some good bikes available in Europe as UB said. KMH speedos are no issue as you just do a bit of mental arithmetic.

The other thing of course is that a 750 will take an 1100 motor easily enough.

But if you do that you end up upgrading the suspension, brakes, wheels......

[spondonchris]

Those prices you are quoting for 750's are way over what you should be paying IMO. You should be able to get a half decent 1100 for that money.
I would look for an 1100 as they are at least a UK model, have decent power for the age and IMO if you buy a 750 you will end up wanting an 1100 anyway
Your powervalve will leave any kat for dead through a decent twisty road anyway haha. I will probably get grief for that comment

[fossie]

A picture of an S2 .....this is for sale in Japan at the moment for £1450, so if you add shipping etc you will only come to £2500.
This one is in the rare gunmetal colour way

The 750 is definatley gruntier than the ypvs,

I would definatley look overseas for a Kat , wether 750 or 1100, it really is no hassle, we can arrange someone to look at it for you if needed .
I bought one last year from near Denmark, it cost £250 plus VAT to get it collected , stored and delivered to my door.
Add £175 to tax and register and mot. It'll still come in cheaper than here.