Suzuki Katana

If you have fond memories of the original 1981 GSX1100S Katana, but don’t want the hassle of owning a classic, this modern re-invention of Suzuki’s ground-breaking bike might very well be for you. And even if you aren’t a huge Katana fan, or not that fussed about its history, you have to appreciate this interpretation’s cool styling and affordable price. Heavily based around the GSX-S1000 platform, the Katana uses the same chassis and inline four engine as the GSX-S but wraps it all up in a far more radical look. That means you get a motor that as well as boasting 148bhp is ram-packed full of torque alongside fullyadjustable inverted forks, a GSX-R-derived chassis, ABS, traction control and (slightly irritatingly) a smaller petrol tank in the name of styling.

A beautiful bike to look over, the modern Katana’s designers have ensured it has lots of lovely details that are a nod to the 1980s inspiration such as the aluminium mudguard strut and sharp design lines while also ensuring it has modern components like LED lights and a swingarm-mounted number plate hanger (which can easily be removed to clean up the rear end a bit…). Pictures don’t do it justice and you really need to see the Katana in the flesh to totally appreciate it.

There is so much to love about Suzuki’s reboot of the iconic Katana name – the least of which is the fact you can own one for just £99 a month! And not only that, Suzuki will also take £500 off the RRP if you order one soon and even offer you 0% finance over four years on a HP package. What more can you ask for?