REWARDING REVIVAL FOR RADICAL KATANA
Ever since it first hit the streets in 1980, Suzuki’s Katana has divided opinion with the radical styling either hitting you for six or leaving you stone cold.
It was the work of the Target Design team of EX-BMW stylist Hans Muth, Jan Fellstrom and Hansgeorg Kasten, and the GSX1100S Katana they came up with was all about streamlined aerodynamics.
Everything was compact, close-fitting and moulded, with the number of components and the weight kept to an absolute minimum. But it wasn’t just about looks – at its launch the Katana was the fastest massproduction bike in the world.
With older models now seeing a resurgence among classics fans, Suzuki decided it was time for a revival.
This new Katana certainly looks the part and has, once again, divided opinion, with numerous nods to the original. The tail section, in particular, with its swing arm-mounted number plate hanger, has come under scrutiny. Some find it ugly, but others, myself included, love the uncluttered look.
In truth, this bike is a GSX1000S with some rather minor design tweaks. The ride position is more upright and forward, due to a narrower, higher seat and upswept, one-piece bars. There’s a good-sized LCD display. Speed, tacho and gear selection are clear enough, but the other info in the bottom right is cluttered and difficult to decipher at a glance.
The GSX-S is a great bike and, as that is essentially what you’re riding here, you can’t fault the Katana.
The suspension is a bit firmer at the front and softer at the rear, to compensate for the extra weight over the front wheel. It’s all adjustable and might need a bit of tweaking to get just right but, after that, steering and handling are sharp and reliable.
The excellent engine is from the GSX-R and tuned to give a bit more mid-range torque. At low speeds the throttle can be a bit snatchy, but other than that it’s a sublime motor, with oodles of torque and power. It also sounds delightful through that stubby exhaust.
Gear changes are slick, there are three ride modes and four-stage traction control.
Braking is via Brembo calipers with Bosch ABS, and is powerful and controlled.
There’s also LED lighting, a one-push starter button and an anti-stall system. Weirdly though, I managed to stall it – twice.
Paying an extra grand for a slightly upgraded GSX-S might sound a lot – but hey, it’s a Katana and, as ever, you either love it or hate it.
And I loved it.