1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

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

2000 Yamaha YZF-R1

Sport

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

280.0 km/h / 174.0 mph

Weight

385.8 pounds

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Model	1985 - 89	-
Colours	-	Red/white, blue
Make Model	Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana	-
Dimensions
Seat Height	775 mm / 30.5 in	815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase	1520 mm / 59.8 in	1,395 mm / 54.9 in.
Ground Clearance	175 mm / 6.9 in	-
Height	1195 mm / 47.0 in	-
Length	2260 mm / 89.0 in	-
Turning Circle	3.5 m / 11.5 ft	-
Width	715 mm / 28.1 in	-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	232 kg / 511 lbs	175 kg / 385.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal	18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Oil Capacity	3.2 L / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt	-
Wet Weight	243 kg / 535 lbs	-
Performance
Top Speed	220 km/h / 136.4 mph	280.0 km/h / 174.0 mph
Max Power	83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm	-
Max Torque	97.1 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 70.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm	108.00 Nm (11.0 kgf-m or 79.7 ft.lbs) @ 8500
Power-to-Weight Ratio	-	0.8571 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile	11.9 sec / 191 km/h / 119 mph	-
Engine
Engine Type	-	In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)	-	60.90 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)	-	998.00 cc
Displacement	1074 cc / 65.5 cu in	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	-
Air Filter	Dual element (Paper and polyurethane)	-
Bore x Stroke	72 x 66 mm	-
Compression Ratio	9.5:1	-
Cooling System	Air cooled	-
Fuel Consumption	6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.6 US mpg / 44 Imp mpg	-
Fuel Induction	4 x Mikuni BS34SS	-
Fuel Reserve	5 L / 1.3 US gal / 1.1 Imp gal	-
Ignition	Transistorized	-
Ignition Timing	15° BTDC below 1500 rpm / 32° BTDC above 2350 rpm	-
Lubrication	Wet sump	-
Spark Plug	NGK D8EA (in E-01,24,25,30,34), NGK DR8ES-L (the others) - gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)	-
Starter	Electric	Electric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A2	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multi-plate	-
Final Drive	Chain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 links	Chain
Final Drive Ratio	2.800:1 (42/15)	-
Gear Ratios	1st 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 Ratios	1.775:1 (87/49)	-
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed	-
Chassis
Frame Type	Steel, double cradle frame	-
Suspension - Front	Telescopic, oil damped, spring 4-way adjustable with anti-dive	-
Suspension - Rear	Dual shock oil damped, damper 4-way, spring 5-way adjustable	-
Rake	29°	-
Trail	118 mm / 4.65 in	-
Wheel Travel - Front	150 mm / 5.91 in	-
Wheel Travel - Rear	109 mm / 4.29 in	-
Electrical Systems
Charging System	Three-phase A.C. generator	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers	Dual disc
Brakes - Rear	Single 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliper	Single disc
Tyres - Front	3.50 - V19	-
Tyres - Rear	4.50 - V17	-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and the 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages

Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 815 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 - Advantages

Lighter: 175 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1?

The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.

Which is lighter, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1?

The 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 is lighter at 175 kg compared to 243 kg for the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - a difference of 68 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 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1?

The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 sits higher at 815 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 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1?

Both are strong choices. The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 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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