Bike Envy: 1981 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
BIKE ENVY The local motorcycle parts store always has a few interesting bikes parked out front at any given time. I happened to spot this gem while driving past the shop and decided to pull into the parking lot for a vending machine coffee and a closer look. It's not everyday you spot a vintage Katana in such good condition. Though I was never a fan of the design, examining a pristine example up close definitely started warming my heart. What was this tingling sensation? Heartburn from the deep fried pork cutlet I just ate? Perhaps. Or perhaps this was a case of unexpected BIKE ENVY! Hate it or love it, the first Suzuki Katana was an undeniable watershed moment for motorcycle design and arguably for industrial design in general. Prior to the Katana, most production motorcycles followed a fairly similar style brief and to the non-rider it might be difficult to tell a Honda from a BSA or a BMW - don't believe me, just google-image the phrase "1975 motorcycle" followed b...