[SUZUKI KATANA] Details & Test Ride Review

Not only the SUZUKI riders, but any riders may have heard this name before. The KATANA has been attracting the attention of many people by its overwhelming presence until now, unlike other motorcycles. Such a legend motorcycle "KATANA" has come back as a new model in 2019! I want to feature the new KATANA that is newly remodeled while remaining a little bit of atmosphere of the original model.

The new KATANA has a modern styling inheriting the atmosphere of the original model.

The characteristic front design is like the iconic original KATANA but the overall atmosphere is a modern motorcycle. I can feel the "trend" coming from some of its parts such as the compact tail and swingarm mount rear fender.

[Overall Length / Overall Width / Overall Height]

2,130mm / 835mm / 1,110mm

[Curb Weight]

215kg

Front Screen
There is not so much windproof effect. During the test riding, I almost felt the wind directly.

I thought, around its tail is also a compact type that has become a trend. But it was unexpectedly becomes volumed from the side view. However, it may be good with it!?

The red SUZUKI logo on the tank also feels like the KATANA.

“KATANA (刀)” logo is printed on the body side. It's so cool!!

Check the foot grounding of KATANA

[Seat Height]

825mm

KATANA's seat height is numerically around the average of big bikes, but the seat width is wide, so the foot grounding is not good. If a 173cm height rider straddle on the seat, the heels are floating a little. If a 180cm height rider straddle on the seat, foot grounding is sufficient.

All lights are LED!

[Headlight]

The brightness of the LED headlight is sufficient. The design around the front is impressive bringing no shame to the name of "KATANA".

[Tail Light]
LED has been used in the tail light. The horizontal V-shape part on both sides are position lights. When braking, the center light turns on. It is difficult to show in the photo, but the brake light is brighter than my expectation.

[Turn Signal]

LEDs are also has been used in the front and rear turn signals. The size of turn signal is small, so the impression is very sharp.

[Around the Meter]

After ignition ON, the meter start-up with the "KATANA (刀)" logo on the display. The meter is a full digital display and it shows detailed information to the rider. The traction control mode can also be checked in the meter.

I can feel the "KATANA" around the Handlebar also!

Handlebars and switches are nothing special. In my opinion, I couldn't easily be accustomed to use the hazard switch placed on the right side. When I used a hazard lamp, I accidentally opened the accelerator.

However, that's not all about the new KATANA. The model name is firmly carved seal on the upper handlebar holder. The special feeling of this part is very great.

High Stability Seat

As described in the above paragraph, the seat has a wide width, and when straddling, legs open a little wider. However, the seat has a sense of stability once you sit down because it has a dent and made by non-slip material.

By the way, nothing can be stored under the seat. In-vehicle equipment such as ETC may be able to store in the space beside the battery.

Powerful Engine Inherited from GSX

The engine has been used the same type as the GSX-S1000, and its powerful anyway. If the accelerator is roughly opened, it demonstrates a raging acceleration power immediately. In addition, the sound of an OEM exhaust system is like a powerful heavy bass. And the volume is a little bit louder. Warming up the engine in a residential area early morning seems to be mindful.

Equipment for the undercarriage makes an enjoyable sharp run.

[Tire Size]

Front: 120 / 70ZR17M / C (58W)
Rear: 190 / 50ZR17M / C (73W)

BREMBO radial mount calipers have been equipped to front brakes, and have an excellent braking performance. The inverted front forks that are set according to the KATANA also contributes comfortable riding.

The New KATANA Price!?

MSRP: 13,499 USD

Test Riding with KATANA.

Actually, I tested riding on KATANA. It is certainly true that KATANA's engine has almost the same specs as GSX-S1000, but the impression of its engine was a very easy-to-use character from low rev to high rev. Of course, if the accelerator is opened suddenly, it will exhibit a raging acceleration performance. However, city riding is not really that hard. Unexpectedly, I was able to enjoy riding because handling is light.

And above all, the KATANA gives a great pride of ownership! I am not the owner of this KATANA but I was very satisfied when it comes to ownership. When I was waiting for the "GO" signal at the traffic light, some unknown people were talking to me, and others have also checked the KATANA over and over again. Naturally, I feel even prouder though this KATANA is not mine.

This story is already not a test ride review, but I have been able to experience that the KATANA has been catching the attention of many people.

KATANA Collection!!!!

Well, an extra edition starts from here. We collected some KATANA owned by WEBIKE staff.

From the Left
・New KATANA
・TANTO (SV650X custom)
・GSX1100S KATANA
・GSX750SE

This situation is a masterpiece! The TANTO had finished to build just before this shooting date. We were able to collect 4 KATANAs at a miraculous timing. Not only the owner, but also some WEBIKE staff were excited and took pictures. When the pop-up headlight of the GSX750SE KATANA was activated, a mysterious cheer was raised (lol). It was a day enjoying the different KATANA from various angles. It will be impossible to collect these 4 KATANA in the future.

When the new model comes out, there are various opinions compared to the old model, but I think that the difference is also a kind of fun. I once again felt that the "KATANA" brand never fades and the charms in each model will continue to attract many people.

See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories of KATANA
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX1100S KATANA (GS1100S)
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX-S1000
See Accessories for SUZUKI SV650X