The Best Suzuki Katana On The Market

A Bike Being Sold To Benefit The Multiple Sclerosis Charity

14/07/2022     General News

1982 Suzuki Katana GSX1100 -  Being sold to support MS Society UK Estimate £8,000 - £12,000

With parts donated from around the world, this has to be the best Katana on the market, restored during lockdown with help and support from around the UK, including Katana specialists.

The proceeds of its sale are going to MS Society UK.

This bike is the coming together of John Martin’s vision to build a motorcycle to aid the 'MS Society UK' following his wife's MS diagnosis. John Martin was the founder of ACS (Air Cooled Suzuki), a group devoted to the Japanese classic motorcycle. With support for the build from around the UK and worldwide (including the involvement of Katana specialists) the plan came together during the COVID-19 lockdown. The result has to be the best Katana on the market anywhere today.

The completed Katana was ridden on ITV4's The Motorbike Show with Henry Cole and Allen Millyard.

John saw the build through to completion. An absolutely stunning motorcycle was created. The build had him and his wife Florence sitting at the computer searching for every single nut, bolt or washer. Sadly, John was diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic liver cancer. He succumbed to the illness and passed away on the 2nd November 2021. He leaves behind Florence and his two sons, John and Jack. John's funeral was held on the 25th of November 2021. Proceeds go to the MS Society UK.

John wrote about his aims for this bike”

Hi all,

My wife Florence is suffering from Primary Progressive MS. There is no cure or medication for it at the moment. Yet she keeps a positive attitude and finds the time to raise money for the MS Society charity. She has managed to write a book and have it published. It's called 'This Unseen Jungle in My Head'.

It's available to purchase on Amazon. Anything made from sales of the book is donated to the MS Society.

I figured if she can do this whilst she was suffering I can surely do something to help. I enjoy restoring bikes and run a little group called ACS (air-cooled Suzuki). I have been lucky enough to meet some fantastic supportive friends in the 8 years it's been running. I mentioned my idea to a few of them, and before I knew it, I had offers all over of help. I couldn't believe it. I must have done something right in this life.

I have now negotiated a deal on a very tired Katana GSX1100SZ, thanks to Malc Sampson.

Between myself, Florence and all the awesome guys in ACS we're going to make this bike immaculate. The bike will be sold at auction or raffle. We haven't decided on how to do this yet. All the profit will go to the MS Society.

Many thanks, folks.

John