Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
74/100 Overall
58 On the road90 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead vs Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Suzuki GSX1100S Katana on 89/100. On the road: 58–80. As classics: 90–98. Overall result: Suzuki GSX1100S Katana.
Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rainmaker47 / Freisteller von Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
89/100 Overall
80 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Suzuki Katana | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 9 | Suzuki Katana |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 8 | Suzuki Katana |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 8 | Suzuki Katana |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 9 | Suzuki Katana |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Suzuki Katana |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Suzuki Katana |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Suzuki Katana |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Choose the Suzuki Katana if…
you want radical landmark styling, strong superbike performance and unmistakable early-1980s design.
Background
History
Harley-Davidson FLH
The Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced from 1966–1984 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Suzuki Katana
The Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was produced from 1981–1983 and used a 1075cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Suzuki Katana
- Its production span in this library runs from 1981 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 1075cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Harley-Davidson FLH
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Suzuki Katana
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki GSX1100S Katana. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Suzuki Katana
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Rivals to the Suzuki Katana
Final result
The verdict
Suzuki GSX1100S Katana wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Suzuki GSX1100S Katana wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Suzuki GSX1100S Katana takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.