AF Suzuki Katana Multiple WIP Thread

[rallymaster]

Urgh... will have to look for some Katana kit box in the coming days... I wanted to be part of this party...
Ruined my first engine and frame trying to modifying it (have enough difficulties with cars, why should I build a bike ?! ) but I bought a second kit in sales-off bargains...
what did I want to do with that exactly...?!

[gionc]

A few news: deadline of the ita cafè racers contest is coming so.....neeed to rush...

My idea about the fuel tank was about a polished alluminium artigianal tank: after some attempt usign BMF and other ways, and after million steps of primer>paper I get it just polishing at die the grey primer until the 12K mesh and spraying a couple thin layers of chrome: I'm curious to see the result on glossy white also... but would be on the next custom....
Frame is updated with new shocks and pedals mounts, engine is just dryfitted: since I revolutioned the mounting steps in order to achieve a full frame I have to glue the engine later...














And than I gift myself a custom PE set.... few stuff... but fun...

[The-Katman]

What's the PE set from? Looks very nice

[gionc]

Originally Posted by The-Katman

What's the PE set from? Looks very nice

PE are self-etched

Few updates, the fork in front is almost done. I have to machine the tyre valve before mount the other disc......









It don't looks so much a katana... at least without engine uh??? :-)
Well... just my tastes :-)

[gionc]

This bike has finally a rear end...

[robrex]

Hi Gio,
This is looking great! I love the finish on the tank..and that photo-etch looks superb!
Keep building please

[cinqster]

Katana & Manx Norton's love child! Looks fab Gio! ;-)

[gionc]

Thanks a lot guys!!!!!!
You add muuuuch motivation! Things are easy now but the "95%stage" is coming, and those is my worst nightmare, with the imagination and whole dreams involved in new stuff.... well we know enough of it
I'll ask igor to switch my nick on "unfinished_things_pro" LOL ciao and thanks

[miguel s]

Originally Posted by gionc

And than I gift myself a custom PE set.... few stuff... but fun...

these PE are spectacular!!!

[sjelic]

gio, you must finish this one, I love it, John made perfect comparison...Manx Katana... don't give up!!!! )) I will give you nice bottle of red vine...very special one if you finish it ))

[gionc]

Sigggg... looks like I must finish this time! LOL!
Thanks a lot guys!

[gionc]

Updates gentlemen!

[cinqster]

Wow Gio...it just gets better and better! Seeing your Alpine Renault WIP pop up again this week shows just how your lathe skills have jumped 1000% in a few years. Your photo-etch set is also amazing - must pull my finger out and have a go at this process soon! ;-)

[gionc]

To do custom PE is tedious, quite tediosu: if you will find something ready you'll sure buy (and it would million times be cheaper) but when the result is good... well all efforts are paid.

Bad news: after some week I felt something strange in my katty's fuel tank: some of the plastic rib used to shape up the 2K putty started to be slightly recognizable... I started to imagine how it would looks one year later..... time for drastic solutions...





But good news also.... back end is almost finished



With the engine mounted I'll start to look around for find a decent exaust solution: the original idea was about a 4-in-1 with racing end... but I wanted to walk on the cafè racer path so...







I'm feeling troubles with the resin clone: cast is perfect but may be the weather or the old resin... wel I have a couple little points where the primer wouldn't stich to the resin (all washed with toluene and sanded everywhere...) ... hopefully I'll find a solution...

[gionc]

Updates!!! I'm also converting the old fuel tank in a leather cover