Suzuki brings back the 80s. The wait is over. Suzuki has finally revealed its much-anticipated new Katana for 2019.
The original Katana was launched in 1981 and boasted a memorable design with sharp lines and a rectangular headlight. hat look inspired last year’s Katana 3.0 concept, which gave us a big clue that a production bike was on its way. Now, at last, we have the real thing.
The bike that was unveiled at the Intermot show in Cologne has been styled by famed motorcycle designer Rodolfo Frascoli with nods to the original machine and the latest concept, with modern touches. he immediately recognisable rectangular headlight is updated with stacked LED lights, while at the back LED tail-lights sit in an angular seat unit, immediately eye-catching thanks to the repositioning of the number plate hanger. The one-piece seat also pays homage to the original Katana in its design.
The fuel tank and top fairing are also recognisable as Katana. Classic red Suzuki lettering adorns the tank and mimics the original but follows aggressive new lines, while the fairing, too, takes the 80s bike’s angles and exaggerates them for a purposeful-looking front end. The bike is finished in the classic silver.
A lot of the building blocks that make the new bike come from the GSX-S1000 and GSX-R1000 series: the twin-spar aluminium frame, fully-adjustable 43mm USD front forks, rebound and preload adjustable rear shock, and Brembo monobloc front brake calipers and 310mm floating discs are from existing stock. ABS is provided by Bosch. Power comes from the 999cc inline four-cylinder engine that began life in the GSX-R1000 K5, and delivers 150bhp/80lb-t.
The modern touches include a three-mode traction control system (that can be turned off), and a new LCD dash. Suzuki accessories will include a tinted screen and coloured seat, plus carbon engine covers and coloured brake calipers.
The new Katana is expected to be available through dealers in spring next year. The price has yet to be confirmed by Suzuki.
