MotoSpecs

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2003 Ducati 999 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 136.4 mph
Weight
243 kg / 535 lbs
2003 Ducati 999 S 2003 Ducati 999 S

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Power
100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h / 168 mph
Weight
199 kg / 438 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2003
Model1985 - 89-
Make ModelSuzuki GSX 1100S KatanaDucati 999 S
Dimensions
Seat Height775 mm / 30.5 in780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1520 mm / 59.8 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance175 mm / 6.9 in-
Height1195 mm / 47.0 in1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length2260 mm / 89.0 in2095 mm / 82.5 in
Turning Circle3.5 m / 11.5 ft-
Width715 mm / 28.1 in730 mm / 28.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight232 kg / 511 lbs199 kg / 438 lbs
Fuel Capacity22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal / 3.4 Imp gal
Oil Capacity3.2 L / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed220 km/h / 136.4 mph270 km/h / 168 mph
Max Power83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm
Max Torque97.1 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 70.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm106 Nm / 10.8 kgf-m / 78.1 ft-lb @ 8000rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 191 km/h / 119 mph11.0 sec
Engine
Displacement1074 cc / 65.5 cu in998 cc / 60.9 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Air FilterDual element (Paper and polyurethane)-
Bore x Stroke72 x 66 mm100 x 63.5 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:111.4:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Exhaust-Single steel muffler with catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.6 US mpg / 44 Imp mpg5.56 L/100 km / 18 km/l / 42.3 US mpg / 50.8 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction4 x Mikuni BS34SSWeber Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve5 L / 1.3 US gal / 1.1 Imp gal-
IgnitionTransistorizedMarelli electronic
Ignition Timing15° BTDC below 1500 rpm / 32° BTDC above 2350 rpm-
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK D8EA (in E-01,24,25,30,34), NGK DR8ES-L (the others) - gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)Champion RG4HC
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A212V 10Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plateDry multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveChain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 linksChain
Final Drive Ratio2.800:1 (42/15)2.400:1 (15/36)
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 (35/15) / 2nd 1.777 (32/18) / 3rd 1.380 (29/21) / 4th 1.125 (27/24) / 5th 0.961 (25/26)1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.400 / 4th 1.182 / 5th 1.043 / 6th 0.958:1
Primary Drive Ratios1.775:1 (87/49)Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, double cradle frameTubular steel trellis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, oil damped, spring 4-way adjustable with anti-diveÖhlins 43mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment
Suspension - RearDual shock oil damped, damper 4-way, spring 5-way adjustableProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock
Rake29°23.5° - 24.5°
Trail118 mm / 4.65 in97 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.91 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear109 mm / 4.29 in128 mm / 5 in
Electrical Systems
Charging SystemThree-phase A.C. generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front3.50 - V19120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear4.50 - V17190/50 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear-Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 Ducati 999 S

The 2003 Ducati 999 S edges out the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling, fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1074 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2003 Ducati 999 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 199 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 128 mm vs 109 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2003 Ducati 999 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 2003 Ducati 999 S?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2003 Ducati 999 S is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven.
Which is lighter, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2003 Ducati 999 S?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S is lighter at 199 kg compared to 243 kg for the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2003 Ducati 999 S?
Both are strong choices. The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the edge in higher front wheel travel and larger displacement, while the 2003 Ducati 999 S stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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