The Katana Family Tree...
Specs and Measurements Page

Foreword by Mr. Clean... Who put a lot of time into the initial gathering the information listed in the tables below. Also big thanks to Doug771 (who provided 1990 750 info) and Highsight2020 (who provided pre-98 info). Some of Mr. Clean's words have been updated to reflect additional info for the new model years.

When Suzuki built the 600 and 750 Katanas they approached the task with cost effectiveness in mind. Both bikes use the same basic frame and have basically the same bodies with minor differences in the tail section for the 1988 to 1997 bikes. Other differences include two separate triple tree designs for the 600 and 750 through all years, different heal guard designs for the 98+ models, and slightly different head and engine block designs for the 88-97 models. I'll elaborate more on the engine design later.

In 1998 when Suzuki released the newly designed Katana cost effectiveness was again a major priority, so the bikes became even more similar such as both using the same body panels and tail sections, seats, and headlamp assemblies. 1998 is also the year Suzuki killed the 1100cc model of the Katana.

In 2003 Suzuki made a few minor design changes to the 600 such as widening the upper and lower triple trees by fraction of an inch, as well changes to the tail sections on both the 600 & 750 with a redesigned tail light, and a newly designed seat shape with a flat surface texture for better weight transfers while maneuvering (the prior ones had a textured surface which tended to hold rain without draining well). On a reference note, the 2003 GSXR 1300 Hayabusa and the 2003 600/750 Katanas both use the same tail lamp, Suzuki OEM Part number 35710-24F30.

For 2004 Suzuki made a few additional changes to the Katana platform for both models, including: utilizing a new stainless steel muffler (appearance issues only), the inclusion of four-way emergency flashers, and a passing-switch (like a horn button: flashes the highbeams while depressed). For the California models, a catalytic converter was added for the first time. This was probably found in some of the European market models as well. The four-way flashers and the passing-switch were probably standard equipment on certain European models for at least the last decade.

The Katana power plant is a four-stroke, four cylinder, air/oil cooled dual overhead cam (DOHC) internal combustion engine. The original engine design came from the first generation GSXR 750. Indeed the 1989-97 750 Katana engine is nothing more than a slightly retuned 1989 GSXR sling shot power plant more suited for sport touring. Many of the parts from the 1986-1991 GSXR engine are a direct swap into the 600/750 Katanas and vice versa. In 1998 with the body redesign Suzuki also made some major changes to the venerable Katana engine. The basic oil cooled engine design stayed the same, but recieved some much needed updates.

Both the 750 and 600 share the same transmission and engine stroke. The only major difference between the 600 and 750 is the engine bore, cam shaft duration, and carburetor size. Both engines received a gear ratio change in the transmission, a better oil pump, and a redesign of the problematic second gear. As well the piston cylinder walls received a new glaze that promotes longer engine life and better piston ring wear. There are many other minor changes that were made to the power plant, but to keep this as short as possible I'm not going to list them all here.

Below I have compiled data for the 600, 750, and now defunct 1100 Katana motorcycles. These charts are not complete and are not to be considered 100% accurate. If you see something that is incorrect or you have information that I am missing please don't hesitate to email myself (Mr. Clean) or the CyberPoet to fill in the gaps and correct mistakes! I hope you find this information useful.

Common Jetting Needles (98+ Kat 600):

The following detailed measurements of the 1998 - 2005 Katana GSX600F swingarm were graciously provided by Beekman: Click to open GSX600F Swingarm Schematic Picture in a new window.

The following detailed measurements of the RF900 swingarm were graciously provided by Walteri: Click here to open RF900 Swingarm Schematic Picture in a new window.