1/12 scale Suzuki Katana - Modified

[gionc]

Well we're used by your turning capabilities, but this finishing... I'd to look several times before understand that's a reflex game: at a first look seem translucent resin... awesome.

Definitely I've to make me a turning tool like your, but I found only very expencive cutting tools.

[Lutz-Bikes]

Hi Rob ;
Awesome Work so far ....
I have an eye on this thread ,
so I can spy a lot of things from you

Regards Lutz

[D_LaMz]

wow, great progress!

[sportracer02]

Hi,

another fantastic robrex project - amazing skills.

I´ll follow this

[robrex]

More progress
Here I have installed the engine into the frame




I also finished the muffler by fixing the rivets


The rear lights were turned on the lathe and then I glued in Sakatsu 4mm lenses and painted them clear red


Now here's a shock for you all. I was challenged to try a military kit so here's my first effort. What do you think? It isn't finished yet but I'm pretty satisfied so far!



Don't worry I'm still not tempted by the Dark Side

[robrex]

Originally Posted by Thesaint111

And about the bolts, where did you get these Wave bolts and can you take a close up pic of one?

Sorry Dennis, I forgot to post the close up pic?

[syntax error]

The Katana is looking brilliant!

Not really a fan of military models, but that truck looks great as well....

[robrex]

OK, I've done a bit more
The original plans were to replace the kit forks with some modern upside down ones. I had a set from the NR ready to go but after painting the cowling I realised that they are just too wide to fit !


So I have decided the use the kit forks with modifications such as machined stanchions. I cut of the kit leg and sanded the correct diameter hole ready for the machined leg


After getting these all ready I then realised that I had widened the front guard for the new wheel and the NR's forks. I didn't want to cut it apart again! So I opted for the cover-up method
I sanded the inside of the fork leg so the guard would fit snug. Hopefully when painted it will hardly be noticeable?


Next I moved onto the bars. Having decided to use the original forks I then had to use the original bars. I cut the grips off and machined new ones and also drilled the holes ready for the fork legs




Now I'm undecided about the exhaust pipes. I have given them a quick first coat of Allclad chrome which has a black chrome look. Should I leave them this colour and add the heat staining OR should I finish the chrome look?


Thanks for the feedback!

[JTRACING]

Very nice!!! those tail lights are sweet!!!

i would make the pipes flat black..

[robrex]

Originally Posted by JTRACING

i would make the pipes flat black..

Thanks James. I think I will paint them flat black!

Doesn't seem like too many people are interested?

Anyway, here is another update
I was told a real problem with these old Katana's is the flex in the rear swing arm, so I added some reinforcements. Here's the original and the modified item


The disc brakes needed some attention so I machined replacement disc's and removed the plastic kit pieces. To get a nice fit I had to machine the plastic so that my replacement parts would simply slide on for a snug fit
Front


Rear (for comparison the old plastic disc vs. mine)


Joel, I wasn't going anywhere for my holidays that's why I can get so much building done!

[pjesus]

That swingarm reinforcement looks neat!

Regarding the pipes, not sure but maybe I'd also go with flat-black.

One question:
what did you use for the exhaust rivets? They look very nice.

[robrex]

Originally Posted by pjesus

That swingarm reinforcement looks neat!

Regarding the pipes, not sure but maybe I'd also go with flat-black.

One question:
what did you use for the exhaust rivets? They look very nice.

Thanks. The rivets were made using a product called "the nutter". It's available from the Small Shop. Here's the link:
http://thesmallshopeu.com/Main/Nutter/nuttermain.html

[rrutherford]

Hi Rob,
did you try the aluminium blackener yet? would darken up the parts you make all naturally matt black, would look trick on disc to make look carbon

Rod. we are interested, BTW you never told me what happened about Beatie/YZR500 ?

[Twowheelsrule]

I think this bike build is really going great. I have a couple of those old Katana's and I think they are ugly ducklings but, your bike is definitely going to look nice!

I would have posted my opinion earlier but, I lose my place in the messages about everytime I post.



Keep it up,
Mark

[Hiroboy]

I'm enjoying this