Difference between revisions of "Suzuki GS650M"

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The '''Suzuki GS650M''' was one of the first [[motorcycle]]s by [[Suzuki]] to use the '''Katana''' name.
The '''Suzuki GS650M''' was one of the first [[motorcycle]]s by [[Suzuki]] to use the '''Katana''' name.


At the 1980 Paris Salon, Suzuki made the headlines by unveiling one of the most futuristic motorcycles yet seen: the [[Suzuki GS1000S|GS1100S Katana]], a product of the talented Target design studio. It virtually overshadowed the much more sensible GS650M Katana, derived from the same styling exercise.
At the 1980 Paris Salon, Suzuki made the headlines by unveiling one of the most futuristic motorcycles yet seen: the [[Suzuki GS1100S|GS1100S Katana]], a product of the talented Target design studio. It virtually overshadowed the much more sensible GS650M Katana, derived from the same styling exercise.
==Rare Advantages==
==Rare Advantages==
Nevertheless, the GS650 drew full profit from the style created by Target. In particular, it offered a very comfortable riding position, with an ultra -low saddle well-designed for both rider and passenger. Its tank, with a generous cut-out for the knees, allowed the rider to lay right down on the machine. Endowed with a highly competitive performance for its day , the GS650 offered the rare advantage of having shaft final drive, still preferred by certain die hards despite the considerable progress in chain design. In short, the Katana seemed to possess all the right plus points for a long career.
Nevertheless, the GS650 drew full profit from the style created by Target. In particular, it offered a very comfortable riding position, with an ultra -low saddle well-designed for both rider and passenger. Its tank, with a generous cut-out for the knees, allowed the rider to lay right down on the machine. Endowed with a highly competitive performance for its day , the GS650 offered the rare advantage of having shaft final drive, still preferred by certain die hards despite the considerable progress in chain design. In short, the Katana seemed to possess all the right plus points for a long career.

Revision as of 16:03, 21 January 2007

The Suzuki GS650M was one of the first motorcycles by Suzuki to use the Katana name.

At the 1980 Paris Salon, Suzuki made the headlines by unveiling one of the most futuristic motorcycles yet seen: the GS1100S Katana, a product of the talented Target design studio. It virtually overshadowed the much more sensible GS650M Katana, derived from the same styling exercise.

Rare Advantages

Nevertheless, the GS650 drew full profit from the style created by Target. In particular, it offered a very comfortable riding position, with an ultra -low saddle well-designed for both rider and passenger. Its tank, with a generous cut-out for the knees, allowed the rider to lay right down on the machine. Endowed with a highly competitive performance for its day , the GS650 offered the rare advantage of having shaft final drive, still preferred by certain die hards despite the considerable progress in chain design. In short, the Katana seemed to possess all the right plus points for a long career.

Too Strong an Image

The nuances of the market's reaction are sometimes difficult to predict, and the bike failed to live up to its early promise. The aggressive colors of the GS650G frightened away the traditional tourists while the sporting element turned to more extreme models. Happily, the marque had been wise enough not to put all its eggs in one basket and simultaneously launched a very similar 650 of more sober appearance plus another, cheaper model with final drive by chain.


1983 GS650MD

1983 Suzuki GS650MD


  • V.I.N. #: JS1GP72G D 100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: GS650G-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 673cc 4 Strk. 4 Cyl.
  • MODEL CODE: 343
  • COLOR: Silver & Red
  • Sport quarter fairing
  • Shaft drive
  • Black engine