A realization of the famous AC Sanctuary based on a 1981 Katana 1100 that has been standing still for many years. Oversized engine, new chassis and a pinch of Yamaha R1.
The origin of this story starts in a garage in Las Vegas where, together with a number of cars and motorcycles, this Suzuki GSX1100S Katana first series was parked for many years. Dating back to 1981 , driven in the '80ies and then forgotten for many years.
Bringing it back to light, making it into a special motorcycle, executed by AC Sanctuary.
This renowned workshop, opened in 2016, is the emanation of the famous AC Sanctuary started in Japan in the mid-nineties by Hiroyuki Nakamura and specialized in the construction of unique motorcycles.
In 2000 the nomenclature of his specials became RCM (Radical Construction Manufacture) followed by a serial number.
This Katana was called the RCM500 but in its first twenty years of RCM over 560 units were built , all with the same radical but oh so beautiful transformation principle.
Of the original Katana only the frame, modified and reinforced, the tank (slightly reworked by hand and made out of aluminiu) and the fairing with the typical rectangular headlight remained.
The four-cylinder, twin-shaft and sixteen-valve 111 horsepower engine has gone from the original 1,074cc to 1,135cc displacement thanks to an upgrade kit which also included new 40mm Mikuni TMR carburetors , camshafts Yoshimura ST1, Watani SP2 control unit and an oversized oil cooler.
The titanium exhaust system is a four in two from Nitro .
It’s still very much the ’80s, with the unique Katana styling retained, and featuring carbon fiber winglets, LED square headlight and that unmistakable mini-screen.
The cockpit is all business, with a custom dash utilizing Stack instruments and that special RCM-500 plaque taking pride of place.
The final aesthetic touch was the replacement of the long two-tone saddle with a much more slender and reduced single-seat tail, taken from an Yamaha R1 .
It was therefore necessary to modify the rear subframe. Painted silver and black carbon texture with red threads, designed by the owner itself.
The RCM-500 will be exhibited at upcoming motorcycle shows in Long Beach, California, and Las Vegas.