Project Katana

[SmokeDog]

Back in 07 i was t-boned on my Katana which left it totaled. But im sure some of you know that just the cost of the plastics alone will total a bike so i bought it back from the insurance company and it sat.

Well i finally decided to do something with it and i figured i would post it here. Hope you enjoy...

Here she is minus the plastics, i figured i would leave her naked and give her a little diet...

[SmokeDog]

So the first thing that came to mind that would shave some pounds is the removal of the subframe...






Here is the replacement, a subframe from an 02 GSXR1000...

[SmokeDog]

Here she is after the removal of the original subframe...







I was starting to think she would look good as a bobber LOL!!!

[SmokeDog]

Next step was to find the right height/angle for the new subframe and my custom rig seem to do the trick...




So i made some measurements and started welding mounting tabs...

[SmokeDog]

Here she is with the new subframe mounted, i plan on "boxing in" the section where i welded the mounting tabs...





And here with the skin mounted...

[SmokeDog]

Here she is after the removal of the instrument cluster and headlight...





And now with the dual headlight setup...

[Mr T81]

Cool project, I like when people change the look of a bike and make it their own

[dukeriley]

nice like the look.two thumbs up for the dual headlight.are you going to digitize the instrument cluster.or leave the old ones on.look at these..digi gauges http://trailtech.net/protectors_dashboards.html

[SmokeDog]

Originally Posted by dukeriley

nice like the look.two thumbs up for the dual headlight.are you going to digitize the instrument cluster.or leave the old ones on.look at these..digi gauges Protectors/Dashboards at Trail Tech Home

Im gonna try to use the original gauges but change the mounting position...

[SmokeDog]

I took her for a spin yesterday and she still rides pretty good. Looks like im gonna be ordering some spark plugs and a choke cable (stuck).

Here are some pics after the ride...

[SmokeDog]

I was ordering parts (choke cable, lights sparkplugs) and figured i would look on ebay for aftermarket stuff and im glad i did. I found taillights with smoked lenses and integrated turn signals/emergency lights!!! So i placed my order and here it is installed...

[HondaJim]

Cool. I have an F3 that I got cheap. It was fine mechanically but a cosmetic mess. It's fun to have a bike to play with. They can quickly strip your wallet, time, and patience. In the end you get something that is you.

[Lemonhead]

What Katana was it before the incident?

[Bigdaa]

Sooooooo, you gonna change your handle to "Toe Cutter Jr."?

[SmokeDog]

Originally Posted by Lemonhead

What Katana was it before the incident?

1996 750...

2004 Deals Gap...

[SmokeDog]

Originally Posted by Bigdaa

Sooooooo, you gonna change your handle to "Toe Cutter Jr."?

Nah, but i've been called cheapskate on several occasions so i might go with that...

[Bigdaa]

Originally Posted by SmokeDog

Nah, but i've been called cheapskate on several occasions so i might go with that...

I don't think of it as cheap. I think of it as twisted adventuresome and apocalyptic kickin' it.

That Mad Max/Road Warrior era, to me was awesome. The renegade bikes, just tit's. The crew holding the bikes wide open through the shifts and the megaphones of the day made my younger day hair stand on end. Nowadays, only the ghosts of those hairs come out and play shenanigans.

Ride that mother and make her scream. DOG!