MotoSpecs

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2

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 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2

Sport

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
427.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Model1985 - 89-
Make ModelSuzuki GSX 1100S Katana-
Dimensions
Seat Height775 mm / 30.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1520 mm / 59.8 in-
Ground Clearance175 mm / 6.9 in-
Height1195 mm / 47.0 in-
Length2260 mm / 89.0 in2,025 mm / 79.7 in.
Turning Circle3.5 m / 11.5 ft-
Width715 mm / 28.1 in725 mm / 28.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight232 kg / 511 lbs194 kg / 427.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Oil Capacity3.2 L / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed220 km/h / 136.4 mph-
Max Power83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque97.1 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 70.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm102.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7010 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 191 km/h / 119 mph-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 2.5 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 63.6 mm
Displacement (cc)-999.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-60.96 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2
Stroke-4
Displacement1074 cc / 65.5 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.-
Air FilterDual element (Paper and polyurethane)-
Bore x Stroke72 x 66 mm-
Compression Ratio9.5:1-
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Fuel Consumption6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.6 US mpg / 44 Imp mpg-
Fuel Induction4 x Mikuni BS34SS-
Fuel Reserve5 L / 1.3 US gal / 1.1 Imp gal-
IgnitionTransistorized-
Ignition Timing15° BTDC below 1500 rpm / 32° BTDC above 2350 rpm-
LubricationWet 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)-
StarterElectric-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A2-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plate-
Final DriveChain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 linksChain
Final Drive Ratio2.800:1 (42/15)-
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)-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios1.775:1 (87/49)-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, double cradle frame-
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, oil damped, spring 4-way adjustable with anti-dive-
Suspension - RearDual shock oil damped, damper 4-way, spring 5-way adjustable-
Rake29°-
Trail118 mm / 4.65 in-
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.91 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear109 mm / 4.29 in-
Electrical Systems
Charging SystemThree-phase A.C. generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front3.50 - V19120/70-17
Tyres - Rear4.50 - V17190/50-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2

The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 edges out the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana thanks to its lighter kerb weight. 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

  • Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 194 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 is powered by V2.
Which is lighter, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2?
The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 is lighter at 194 kg compared to 243 kg for the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2?
Both are strong choices. The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 stands out for lighter kerb weight. 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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