Few motorcycles can boast the cult following that the Suzuki GSX-R has. The mighty Gixxer in all of its forms has amassed legions of fans over the years. And each of those fans will tell you, with unbridled zeal, why their favorite GSX-R model rules the roost.
There’s a strong case to be made for the 1992 Suzuki GSX-R1100. Officially designated the GSX-R1100N, it was noticeable for being the last of the air-cooled Gixxers, made a healthy 143 hp, and wore Suzuki’s wild early-90s ‘tiger stripe’ livery.
This custom 92-model GSX-R1100 from Sébastien Vernaison pushes the Gixxer into overdrive. Featuring new bodywork, upgraded running gear, a stretched swingarm, and gritty graphics. It’s about as subtle as a backhand to the cheek, and we’re here for it.
Based in France, Séb builds custom bikes as a side hustle under the moniker of Seb Kustom Motorcycle. His last build was a tight Honda Hornet with restrained finishes. But he’s taken the GSX-R in a completely different direction.
Behind the savage paint job, you’ll find aftermarket bodywork modeled after older GSX-R1100s, courtesy of Narcostrat Composites. The front fairing is a 1989 replica, while the tail section throws it back to 1987. Séb modified both pieces extensively, fitting them to the 1992 GSX-R without any major changes to its frame.
The GSX-R’s OEM subframe is hardly a thing of beauty—but Séb’s turned it into a feature here, aligning it perfectly with the lower edges of the fairing and tail. Up top you’ll find the bike’s original fuel tank, wrapped in carbon fiber by Stratosphere Composites. An endurance racing-style filler cap surround finishes it off.
A lot of work went into designing the Suzuki’s aggressive new visage. Séb filled in one of the fairing’s headlight holes so that he could pair a traditional round headlight with a smaller, squared-off LED projector. Tiny Kellermann LED turn signals hide inside the fairing’s air intakes.
Handmade aluminum blank-off plates cover the mirror mounts—leaving the bike clean for shows but allowing Séb to fit mirrors in a jiffy. A bespoke steel fender sits further down.
A smorgasbord of upgrades lurks below the fresh bodywork. The front forks, wheels, and Brembo brakes are from an Aprilia RSV Factory. The swingarm’s a 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 part, but it’s been stretched beyond belief.
Séb also upgraded the Aprilia forks with new Hyperpro springs, and installed a carbon fiber steering damper. The rear shock is a custom part from Shock Factory, and the linkages have been revised too.
The cockpit sports a custom top yoke, with new clip-ons, an Acerbis ‘quick draw’ throttle, Braking brake and clutch levers, and Ariete grips. The hydraulic clutch’s slave cylinder is from Oberon Performance, and the brake discs and pads come from Moto-Master. Other upgrades include braided hoses, new foot controls, and a custom aluminum bracket to mount the clutch slave to.
The engine benefits from a K&N air filter and oil breather, with a killer four-into-two exhaust header system from Devil Exhaust. It terminates in twin silencers from West Welding 29; one exits alongside the swingarm, while the other pokes out of the tail section. A small LED taillight sits northwest of the higher muffler, with Kellermann rear turn signals flanking the subframe.
The graphics were done by Fast Lane, set over a glossy dark grey background that Séb’s friend, Tony, laid down. C&R Creation Saddlery took care of the upholstery, and Stratosphere Composites made the carbon fiber ‘windscreen,’ chain guard, and exhaust trim on the tail. Satin black on the frame ties the whole thing together perfectly.
Audacious and ever-so-slightly unhinged, Séb’s Suzuki GSX-R1100 is an unapologetic tribute to the golden age of superbike design. Dubbed ‘Street King,’ it’s certainly worthy of its name.
Seb Kustom Motorcycle Instagram | Images by FNY Photographie
Séb thanks West Welding 29, Kellermann, Moto-Master brakes, Ruroc, K&N Filters, C&R Saddlery, Matt Racing, and Wagner Classic Oil.
