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Harry Brogan
31 articles

Review: Tamiya 1/12 Suzuki GSX1100S KatanaKit Review

October 2, 2017 · in Reviews · · 8 · 2.9K


This is the opening of the still sealed box of the 1982 release of the 1/2 GSX1100S .

Even though this model was produced in 1982 the contents were still sealed in their plastic bags. I noticed that NONE of the parts had broken away from the sprues.

There are five plastic sprues with parts and a sixth one that includes the clear parts. Three are of a silver type of color, one chrome and one black.

The tires, hoses and screws are in a separate bag. I did take note of the fact that, in this kit, the screws are of the "flathead" type. This will cause issues during the installation. Tamiya has since changed to "phillips" screws.

Decals were still crisp and clear without any sort of yellowing and I am sure they will still be usable.

Instructions came in both English and Japanese. I am sure you can guess as to which of these I will be using.

And let the fun commence!

Reader reactions:
3  Awesome

8 responses

  1. This looks like a nice kit Harry, I seem to remember you could buy a version of this bike with a pop up headlight or maybe I'm dreaming, anyone else remember that version ?,looking forward to seeing it finished.
    N.

    • I don't recall a model with a popup headlight. Although I do seem to recall an actual bike with that as an accessory. Went over about as well as the Honda automatic transmission. And THAT failed miserably.

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    said on October 2, 2017

    Nice kit Harry. I built one years ago and gave it a gloss red frame . I have another in the stash and the big 1/6 version still to do. Someday.

    • If you can't figure out what to do with that 1/6 scale monster keep in mind that I do take "donations'. I'll even give you a receipt in whatever amount you specify for tax purposes. LOL

  3. Can you say, " Crotch Rocket " - this one's gonna be killer! 🙂

  4. Very much a bike of its time, the 1980s. My friend had most of the Katana series at one time or another, his favourite was the 650.

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