Katana Reborn: SUZUKI KATANA Custom by K-FACTORY

K-FACTORY's KATANA

This custom was completed within a few days of the release of the new KATANA, which surprised everyone around. It was done by the Osaka-based K-FACTORY, which is well-known for their titanium EX and machined parts. Mr. Kuwahara, the representative of the company, explains the concept of the project as follows, "The bike was released, and then we started to work on it. We are not concerned about performance or dimensions at all at this point. It's not like, 'We're a parts manufacturer, so we got the information about the bike in advance' or anything."

"I also wanted to include a bit of liveliness. During the customization boom of the 1990s, aftermarket custom demo bikes were usually fully customized. They were built to look like complete customs, with parts from various close parts manufacturers added here and there, and then shown to everyone. Nowadays, many of them are just sales promotion bikes with only their own products added, and I thought that was a bit sad. There are people who are interested in the customization genre and are willing to purchase parts, so I thought it would be nice to excite them. So, to put it simply, this is a new KATANA custom for custom fans. We just want to make the fans laugh and say, 'Wow, they've come up with something great'." Perhaps that's why it's so eye-catching. The gold exhaust that extends all the way to the rear, the windshield of the original Katana, and the license plate bracket that seems to extend the tail and show it off. It's cool!

Handle

The stem was modified to mount Ohlins Front Forks. Additionally, a Magical Racing handlebar is set at a lower position. The carbon monocoque mirrors and tapered handlebars are also universal products from Magical Racing.

Bodyworks

The windshield is mounted on the front side of the new KATANA stock base. Although the windshield was originally designed for the air-cooled KATANA, its height has been increased to give the bike a more aggressive appearance.

The license plate holder, which combines multiple plates vertically, keeps the rear area clean and reduces the overall feeling of shortness that is felt on the stock KATANA.

Engine

The radiator core guard, engine slider, and plastic engine cover slider are already available. Side fins were under development at the time of the interview.

The radiator catch tank, which also exhibits a custom feel, has been commercialized after the prototype stage. It involves dividing the stock one-piece radiator bracket/radiator catch tank bracket into separate components.

Intake & Exhaust

The CLR-RG+ Titanium Full Exhaust with Hexagon Silencer has been moved to production and is available for delivery at any time. The starting gold titanium 4-1 exhaust pipe has a diameter of φ42.7mm. The elongated exhaust pipe/silencer combination feels fresh to those accustomed to recent OEM short exhaust systems.

The Titanium Full Exhaust Silencer is a 385mm long hexagonal type with machined aluminum front and rear ends. 300mm long silencer slip-ons are also available.

Chassis

The step kit was developed after the photo shoot and put on the market. 20/30mm back x 0/10mm up to accommodate the stock exhaust system.

The front forks, accented with gold, are made by Ohlins and are combined with a carbon fender and Brembo radial calipers.

The rear shock is Ohlins, and both front and rear wheels are BST Carbon, creating a custom look that goes beyond exhaust systems and in-house products/prototypes.

Gallery

Specifications

About K-FACTORY

K-Factory is a brand specialized in stainless and titanium hand bending mufflers. They first released well-known full titanium exhaust Quattro silencer and has been developing innovative and original exhaust system.

K-FACTORY brand page

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends