Finally, after teasing us with short videos on YouTube for the last three and some weeks, Suzuki have released the new Katana at Intermot in Cologne, Germany. Reviving the name from the infamous bike of the 80’s, the Katana name was used all the way through to 2006. The new Katana features styling that shares a lot of similarities with the original model, more so than the more recent K6.
Powered by the same 999cc inline-four that gave life to the 2005 GSX-R1000, although the motor has had a heavy revision for midrange torque as well as top-end power. Peak figures are 150hp at 10,000rpm and 108Nm at 9,500. Electronic rider assistance includes a three-stage switchable and disengageable traction control system, monitoring the front and rear wheel speeds, throttle position, crank position, and gear position sensor. Power is reduced when wheelspin is detected by adjusting ignition timing and air delivery, which helps ensure smoother traction control operation and less-noticeable intervention.
TCS settings are displayed on the new LCD dash. The bike also features LED head and tail lights, fully adjustable KYB forks, rebound and preload adjustable rear KYB shock, and Brembo monobloc front brake calipers. Bosch ABS is also standard. The twin-spar aluminium frame is shared from the GSX-S1000 platform and is as light as it’s GSX-R counterpart.
The new Suzuki Katana is due to hit dealerships in the third quarter of 2019.
