Refine Bolt-on Parts for More Cutting Edge: KATANA Custom
ACTIVE's KATANA
Suzuki KATANA, a motorcycle developed as a street fighter with an accelerating power like a sharp edge and appearance. The bike introduced here is a demo machine built by ACTIVE using parts made by themselves and other companies they handles. The concept of this KATANA is that an homage to the KATANA style of the past, but with a new look. Overall, this KATANA is powerful with 145ps in stock form. Its athletic performance has been refined with brake parts and forged wheel technology used in racing scenes such as Gale Speed = JSB and Moto2. As other features, there are a lot of bolt-on parts such as an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust, a foot control kit (footpegs), and resin + aluminum cover sliders which are popular parts for other bike modifications, all of which are used extensively. The exterior is a textured metallic gray base color with red and green, the image colors of the Gale Speed brand.
The handle area, which is the focus of much attention in KATANA customization, was started from the early stage and developed over time. They considered several types, including clip on handle, before settling on this specification. Furthermore, the specifications for the step and front and rear suspension were decided after this handle was selected. Therefore, it does not look like a complete package, but rather a complete customization. They considered what was needed for a modern bike and how to assemble it to make it better, both for individual parts and for the correlation when they were combined to form the bike. This KATANA is the one that also captures such intentions of ACTIVE.
Bodyworks
The "long tail cowl for KATANA" is made of FRP, and when the seat is removed, the upper cover can be opened and closed with two quick fasteners to access the internal storage space. The taillights are LEDs that come with the kit and will be able to be installed at the same time with the ACTIVE fender eliminator kit (also shown in the photo).
Handle
The low-position aluminum handlebar for KATANA provides a slightly more distant and lower forward lean, enhancing a sense of oneness with the bike. Bolt-on without interference to each part. The front master is Gale Speed Elaborate VRE Φ17.5, and the clutch holder is also Gale Speed Elaborate 32/34mm. It is also equipped with a Gilles Tooling's lever guard and Active's grip rubber (elastomer material).
Chassis
The frame sliders on the front engine hanger are wing-type and fastened at two points for shock dispersion. Engine cover sliders with a unique hybrid structure of aluminum base + polyacetal resin sliders are installed on both sides of the engine. Front blinkers & radiator shroud were products under development at the time of filming.
The suspension is a Hyper Pro Combi Kit (front and rear spring set) 30mm lowered for the specifications in the photo. Hyper Pro springs at stock ride height and the same rear shock unit are also available.
The rearsets have a heel plate designed to resemble the cutting edge of a Japanese sword and a bracket that integrates with the frame, and the Gale Speed foot control kit provides four positions. Both left and right pedals are foldable.
Front brake calipers are Gale Speed Elaborate 4-piston (108mm pitch), Φ34/30mm. Discs are Gale Speed Crosslock disc rotors Φ310mm to minimize deformation and rattling. Hyper Pro springs are incorporated inside the forks.
Rear brake consists of a Gale Speed Elaborate Φ34 60mm pitch calipers with Gale Speed monofloating disc rotors Φ250mm. Brake lines are made by Goodridge both front and rear. The front and rear wheels are forged aluminum Gale Speed TYPE-SB1 with 3.50-17/6.00-17 sizes.
Gallery
Specifications
About ACTIVE
ACTIVE delivers its original and worldwide top-ranking parts such as GALE SPEED and digital monitors to all motorcycle lovers.
Original Source of this Article
Heritage & Legends
editor
Hakuyo
A foreigner who rides in Japan, Japanese call this "Gaijin Rider". Third year in the Webike global team. He feels and shares the real bike life in Japan then presents you how interesting Japanese customs are.