Suzuki GSX600F Katana Restoration Part 10 - Its Finished!

[@RiccardoMorra-i7i]

Beautiful work from switzerland 🎉

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

@@RiccardoMorra-i7i Thank you very much. I really appreciate comments like that.

[@harrytornado]

Watched every part. Really great Job Mate! ✊🏽🤝🏽🌪️

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

@@harrytornado thanks very much

[@Tizzzod]

I have this exact bike in my yard now! A 2004 model. Makes me really want to get out there and get mine going! Great job, looks awesome

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind comment

[@davidfarias4822]

I watch every video from start to finish. All 10 episodes! You have done a phenomenal job. Dave from the U.S.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Dave. It is really nice to get comments like these

[@davidfarias4822]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 I mean it. You would put a lot of people out of business if you did that to peoples bike's here in America. Without a doubt mate.

[@davekil9210]

Well done I watched the whole thing, I've just got my gsx600f started after 5 years of it sitting in the shed, this was useful in great to watch

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks Dave. Glad it was a help and if you ever need to know anything I’ll do my best to help you out

[@davekil9210]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 cool cheers buddy

[@danielsale3805]

I watched every episode and I wish I had your know how. The bike looks amazing. Well done.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Daniel

[@allenjones-rv9my]

Amazing job from start to finish. This was very helpful since I will be getting my Kat ready for the road . It's been sitting in the garage for 2yrs on a tender but you have motivated me to break the bank lol. Beautiful bike and great job

[@gregoriovargasfernandez6520]

Perfecto, me han gustado todos los vídeos, estoy restaurando una GSX600F del 1992 y me ha ayudado mucho, felicitaciones. 👍👍

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Muchas gracias. Me alegro de que te hayan ayudado

[@Welderady]

You made a really good job of that bike and it looks fantastic ! 👍👍👍

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks Adrian. Comments like that mean a lot. I need to get a move and start the next big restoration!

[@danharbun483]

Good quality restoration there bud ive got a black 750 version ive had it over 10years and now am thinking of changing the silver wheels on it from watching these videos💪👍 Just 1 question where did you get the gsxf badge from?

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks mate. I got the badges from CSML. They do a lot of new old stock parts www.cmsnl.com/

[@tonikaping3889]

Great Work, i've got the same machine and learned much about it while watching you're videos :-)

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks Toni, I’m glad they helped you out. That’s one of my main goals in making these videos to show how things are done and share things I learn with everyone along the way

[@gsxfgaet7568]

What a job ! I have a 2001 black one, love this bike

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you very much! Im very proud of how it turned out.

[@Halilovic95]

me too bro, black one from 2001.

[@muskokakatana]

This was incredible to watch; your work lives up to the grand music :D

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much. Nice comments like this are very much appreciated

[@dcads2290]

fantastic job. that bike looks sweet.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much

[@calbrock6302]

Looks absolutely mega!!! Been ace watching the build, Properly enjoyed it. Upload a video of it being ridden!! What's next??

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks cal. Really happy with the outcome. Yeah I’ll get a video up of a ride on it. I’m not sure what to do next. Almost bought a Honda cbr929 a while back but didn’t work out. You any ideas for a good bike to do?

[@rickyhinton7482]

Good job got one just like it same colors

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks Ricky. You’ll have good fun with these bikes. Health to Enjoy

[@samsont2884]

My bike is unable to start after seating several months. It was ok. I cleaned and rebuilt my carb following your demo on the video. It would be helpful for some rips from you

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Have you checked to see if you have spark yet?

[@samsont2884]

I also changed the spark plugs, I took it out when I rode for about half a mile it became weak and weak, I bought a 2nd hand ignition coils it doesn't seem to spark with either, and got new battery other than trying not starting

[@christopherpowell4001]

watched all your episodes well done

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Christopher.

[@samsont2884]

Well done. Great experience and good knowledge I have same bike you made it look easy. I am inspired

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you very much. Great comments like that make the all the hard work seem even more worth while.

[@DreamLooneyIcey]

Hello I’m 3 seconds into the video first time watching. I have a 98 Suzuki katana 600 it has some issues I hope you can help me get it fixed.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hopefully you find the videos helpful.

[@DaniielleBradley]

awesome colour scheme

[@MrBillygoat1974]

The bike looks amazing!!

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Bill. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.

[@TheHienax]

Looks great.. Now just ride it!!

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

That's the plan! Heading out a run now

[@joesilguero2487]

Nice work looks great i have 2006 600

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Joe.

[@heikob.4923]

:-) super cool locking bike. Great job. Thanks for your helpful Video. I am restorating these bike too. Ride on ...

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you. Good to hear your restoring one too. I think they are definitely going to be a future classic

[@logbeejr]

That looks so awesome.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Jay. Much appreciated

[@maciej.miszczak]

Really great job! Glad to see it.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you very much

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Same color as my gsx600f is that a gsxr dash a lot of people say that style gsx600f Looks like the Busa

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

No it’s just the standard dash that came on these bikes. Some of them have clocks (the later ones I think) though mine doesn’t. Yeah black is a nice colour rod these bikes and I’m really happy with the way it turned out with the red wheels. I get a lot of good comments on it

[@johnwalsh1932]

Really helpful rebuilding one myself in wexford wondering where did you get the rear shock or did you get it rebuilt. Great job fair play

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks John. I get asked that a lot. It’s actually just the original one cleaned up really well and painted as it was in pretty good shape. Glad to hear it was helpful.

[@motorart4670]

Beautiful

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much

[@leandrosilva0817]

Que perfeição!

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

@@leandrosilva0817 muito obrigado

[@leandrosilva0817]

@DarrenMcKinney1 obrigado você por nós oferecer um conteúdo tão bom!👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@javimartinez7132]

good job brother! 👌

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much Javier. I appreciate the great comment

[@alexlabudeff5582]

Hello, I really liked your video so that you can tell in detail and intelligibly tell me where you can buy stickers for the GSXF tank, we don’t have such stickers in Belarus

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thanks very much. I’m glad you liked my video series. I got the emblems off csml bikes parts. This link should take you to the fuel tank section to see the emblem www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gsx600f-katana-2004-k4-usa-e03_model16097/partslist/BLCK0036.html#.YhIL0SXfXYU

[@dcads2290]

would love to see u return more bikes to this standard :)

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

There are more on the way Dcads. Heading off tomorrow evening to look for my next project. Stayed tuned....🏍

[@Pioneer1776]

What type of gear selected that is in the dash and on the right side of the bars beside the throttle? You bike turned out awesome also !!!!! I also have a 2005 GSX600F Katana with 1241 miles on it and l am going through the process of getting it running again, l am into the carburetors cleaning them now ! Here is a tip don’t never put gas in it with ethanol gas mixture and the Lucus ethanol gas stabilizer really done a number on my carburetors!!! But if you don’t care send me the parts list on the gear indicator kit. Thank you just reply to this comment.

[@hectormacdonald4786]

Thoroughly enjoyed following this restoration, you did a great job of it. I have the same bike and have started stripping it for painting got all panels off apart from the front mudguard. Did you have trouble taking yours off? You didnt show the removal on the videos. Is the metal plate on top of the mudguard threaded? I only got 1 out of the 4 allen bolts turning but it didnt screw out of the plate, the allen key is just slipping in the other 3 bolts. I'm going to have to grind them off tomorrow.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hi Hector, I'm glad you enjoyed the series. The 4 outer bolts on the metal plate are threaded into the forks and then the 4 inner ones are nuts and bolts which hold the plate to the mudguard. You need the calipers and wheel removed from the bike to get it off. If you check out my episode 3 in the link below and go to 2:30 you will see it being removed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4vSoJRpbpuKnJI I hope this helps you out and have fun with the project!

[@hectormacdonald4786]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 okay, thanks for that! I was trying to avoid taking the wheel of as I've only got a small shed and need to be able to move the bike out side to work around it. But I'll do as you advise and then put the wheel back on. Thanks mate

[@daemonrider2199]

Since you built it from scratch can you convert the carburetors to fuel injectors? And would it be as efficient or more efficient? I have one myself so I'm wondering.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

You could convert it but it would be a lot of hassle and cost for no real reward except maybe a slight bit less maintenance over the years. A good example would be I have an 01 r6 carb model and my friend has a 2005 Honda cbr600rr fuel injected model. The r6 is more economical by a small bit and they are both almost identical in power the whole way through the gears with the R6 having the slightest edge over the Honda and the Honda has a quick shift too which the r6 does not. So no in my opinion it would be of no benefit at all doing the conversion. I hope this helps you out. Thanks

[@daemonrider2199]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 that's exactly what my friend said. I'm very happy you gave me sound advice. It very much is costly and genuinely wanted to know and wanted to convert to more modernize it. But as there's no real change I won't and thank you very much.

[@phoenixarizona8441]

They have kits for it it's a pain in the Ass i know people that have done it why change it if there's nothing wrong with it

[@suzybl]

Well stuck at it.

[@peterlodge4746]

Just a quick question, where did you get the fuel tap decals from, I've been looking everywhere!

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hi Peter, I dont actually have any decals on it. I just cleaned it with scotchbrite and lacquered the outer ring to prevent corrosion and painted the lid in satin black. I hope this helps

[@peterlodge4746]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 sorry to bother you again, I was referring to the fuel tap decals that say on, reserve, prime and off on the fairing, thanks in advance 😀

[@uhtred7860]

I always wondered why the hell Suzuki branded this as a "Katana" in the States, was it just a case of the marketing guys thinking, "Well Kawasaki slaps "Ninja" on everything they sell over there so lets use the illustrious Katana name on this pedestrian bike"? :-)) If i remember rightly they even used it on a scooter :-). Oh yeah, nice job on the GSX.

[@davidoldroyd6795]

Hi Great series on the GSXF This was my first big bike which I bought in 1998 I’m going to restore another as my first full restoration project Could you be so kind as to suggest where to obtain parts. I’m aware of Wemoto but wondered if there is anywhere specific for anything genuine Suzuki parts ? Many thanks

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hi David. Glad you liked the series. Yes the best place I have found for genuine parts is CMSL and closely followed by Fowlers. CMSL are generally better value but not always so check both. Delivery is a little bit slower because it’s further away but the savings are worth the wait. Good luck with the restoration project and have fun with it. If there is anything I might be able to help with it or information don’t be afraid to drop me a message

[@davidoldroyd6795]

Thank you

[@marcelouenaka]

GREAT job. How long did it take?

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Thank you. I started the bike in late October and finished it in early April. It could have been done quicker but just with working a full time job it takes a lot longer of course

[@djapomixis]

Hi, I have one that is a 1998, but I don´t know why for that year is really difficult to find some pieces, do you know where can find the motor gaskets?? Thank you for your help

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

@@djapomixis Hi, did you try Fowler parts? If they don’t have them then possibly CSML could have them as well.

[@djapomixis]

@DarrenMcKinney1 No, i didn't, but I will, thank you for your help, if they have the pieces and I'm able to fix it, I will send you a picture of the results.​@@DarrenMcKinney1

[@steveogley5410]

Hi Do you still have a link for the gear indicator or a wiring diagram as some of the units don't come with connectors Thank you Steve

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hi Steve if you look for the video where I installed the gear indicator in the original location it will show you how to fit it. Its pretty easy to do and I dont think the link for the part works anymore but its a generic indicator which I just looked up for my bike on google.

[@steveogley5410]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 Hi Thank you for the reply Appreciated Steve

[@humanbeingpeaceandlove3850]

Can you show how you adjusted the throttle cable and return cable on both ends please.

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

Hi, it would be hard to show you on video but if you adjust the main throttle cable first down at the carb until it has not much slack but not tight, then adjust the return up until its taught too but keep more slack in it as if you tighten it too much it will bind and keep the throttle on and have to be rolled forward to let it off again. I hope this helps

[@humanbeingpeaceandlove3850]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 helps a lot almost done rebuilding mines because of your help

[@calvinhoward2277]

I want to know where you order the cone tail, because mine is a cone tail also but I can't seem to find a replacement fairing kit with the cone tail

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

All my fairings are original so I didn’t have to order any of it. I don’t think anyone makes them so it would just be a matter of hunting about for 2nd hand items

[@grahambarnett4743]

How did you do the gear indicator on the dash?

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

It’s fairly simple Graham. You have to split the dash apart which is only a few screws and the gear indicator fits into the hole with the Suzuki logo nicely. You will have to trim the side of the dash to let the wire stick out and you may have to build up the back of the gear indicator with a bit of foam or something to keep it jammed tight. Then as for feeding the wire down through the dashboard of the bike you feed it through one of the drain holes that are already there. You will need to separate the gear indicator plug to make it fit and then put it back together or just make the drain hole bigger. I hope this helps

[@grahambarnett4743]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 what gear indicator did you use on your bike like the look off it by the way

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

@@grahambarnett4743 if you go into my video library one of the very first videos I done was on the gear indicator for this bike. It wasn’t fitted inside the dash at that stage but it gives you an installation guide and there should be a link for you to purchase one too

[@grahambarnett4743]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 brilliant thankyou

[@halorunner1154]

Excuse me but I’m doing something similar with my 2000 suzuki Katana GSXR600, is there a way I can contact you on social media or anywhere else I’d like to see your work process and budget if that’s all right

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

What about my email which is [e-mail]. That way it would be easy to send a lot of information and pictures

[@halorunner1154]

@@DarrenMcKinney1 that’s perfect I’ll shoot you an email

[@rafagradoski]

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆😁

[@eliasnohair7963]

Brother please could you assist me here before I take a crowbar and smash this piece of sh%t of a bike apart I’m attempting to get my throttle handle back on but can’t get much slack from the cables from the carburetor rack what to do please and thanks

[@DarrenMcKinney1]

sorry for the slow reply elias but yes you will have difficulty if you dont remove at least one of the cables from the carbs and then hook it onto the throttle. Then put the cable back onto the carb. Thats the only way you can do it