Other than the suspension in stock setup the Katana is an excellent performer just like the GSX-S1000 that sits at the heart of it. The power of the 999cc 4 cylinder engine is impressive as is the power delivery and handling.
The Katana and GSX-S1000 are built on a well proven package. Where the two differ greatest is in the practicality of the two bikes. The GSX-S 1000) is an all-rounder that will do anything you ask of it. The Katana has lost a little of that practicality to the retro styling.
The Katana’s 12 litre fuel tank is a styling feature sculpted to mimic the original Katana’s lines but it does mean that you’ll be stopping more often for fuel. At the back of the bike there’s a lack of grab rails or luggage fixtures so touring on the Katana won’t be the most practical and there’s currently no sign of luggage being made for the bike.
Does that devalue the Katana or relegate it to the back of the garage? No, not at all.
The latest Katana isn’t likely to be bought by someone looking for a bike that will be everything with ease. It’s a styling exercise based on a 1980’s model that had kept true to the old bike - unlike many retro models coming out these days - and will appeal to the biker that either wanted an original Katana or maybe still has one of these very collectable models. The overall practicality doesn’t detract from what is a brilliantly perfuming bike that is fun to ride (even with stock suspension settings) and turns heads wherever it goes.
The looks won’t be to everyone’s taste but they’r not meant to appeal to the masses. This is a bike built for a specific niche of riders that appreciate the original model and Suzuki have captured that image well on top the GSX-S1000 base model.
Still unsure about the Katana? Give Cupar Motorcycles a call and take their demo bike out for a day. Doubts will disappear, quickly.
Price (OTR) £11,542.00
Cupar Motorcycles Price call or email [email protected]
01334 655707