1/12 scale Suzuki Katana - Modified

[robrex]

OK. Here is my next project. A Tamiya 1/12 scale Suzuki Katana.
Plans are to modify it up to todays standards.

The first step was to fix the wheels and tyres. I had an old Honda NR in the parts box so I ripped the wheels and tyres off and started the modifications.
Originally I was just going to use the Honda's rims as they are, however, I thought it would look pretty cool if I could retain the Katana's unique look. So, I machined the centre out of the Honda's rims and then machined the Katana rims down until they fit snug.






The front wheel received the same treatment


Next I started on the bodywork. I wanted to get rid of the pillion seat so I cut a piece of plastic to the contour I wanted and glued it in place to use as a guide for the putty. I plan on adding machined rear lights. I also modified the front guard to fit the wider front wheel and tyre.









What do you all think?

[proosen]

So this is the offspring from Joel's bike then? Looking good as always and a very exciting project.

Niclas

[rrutherford]

mmmmm this is going to be cool, thought you may be going to mill some new rims with the new milling machine, ;-)

Keep us pinned to the screen again mate, Rod.

[robrex]

Next up I started on the engine:
I wanted the bike to have lots of black, so I stripped all the chrome plating and painted those parts in flat black. All the bolts were removed and replaced with either Sakatsu or Wave parts. I also dumped the airbox in favour of machined trumpets for some nice induction noise!








I also removed the kit muffler and machined a replacement. Once done I covered it with SMS high definition CF decal and coated it in flat clear






I also finished painting and polishing the tank!


More to come soon!

[robrex]

Originally Posted by rrutherford

mmmmm this is going to be cool, thought you may be going to mill some new rims with the new milling machine, ;-)

Keep us pinned to the screen again mate, Rod.

Sorry Rod, I still haven't got that milling machine! My fingers are crossed though!

[rrutherford]

hello Rob, hot damn this is just stunning, your black looks so deep when polished. more, more, please

[slightfan]

Didn't know after market exhaust makers made them that small
What is that colour of the tank and seat? looks cool.
Oh yeah heard on them news tonight something had their Katana stolen last week,they reckon it may of been stripped down to be used as parts
Shayne

[syntax error]

Brilliant Rob. I just finished this kit a few weeks ago modernizing it a tad, but it’s a far cry from the customizing that you’ve done here. I love the new wheels, nice and wide, more inline with today’s standards.

[Decs0105]

another masterpiece in the making, it looks great Rob!!!

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

[robrex]

Originally Posted by Thesaint111

another masterpiece in the making, it looks great Rob!!!

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

Woops! I couldn't find them on HLJ and just realised they are made by a company called Kotobukiya not Wave (the packaging is similar)
Anyway, here's the link
http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYP-117

Sorry about the confusion!

[Ole_L]

Fantastic start. After seeing your last build, this one will be interesting to follow.

[Roca46]

What an awesome parts... it seems a 1/1 bike... If I never try to practise with the lathe or some thing like this i never will be at the same level as you.

Keep your awesome work Rob!!

Roca.

[pjesus]

This will definitely be an interesting project to follow...

[willimo]

Awesome! I love the machined muffler. How did you do the angled tip? All the modifications are coming along splendidly. Keep it up!

[JTRACING]

Amazing!!!