Suzuki shows new Katana at Intermot

If you’re not familiar with Suzuki’s Katana line, here’s a quick recap. Suzuki’s first Katana stole the show at Intermot in 1980, so Suzuki paid homage to its history by releasing the new Katana there today, 38 years later. The original didn’t look like anything else in the motorcycling world. The new one is certainly not a bolt-for-bolt replica of the original, but they’re definitely related.

Then there were the second-generation Katanas: overbuilt, understressed sport-tourers that weren’t even called Katanas in most markets. (You might know them as the GSX-F series.) They came in three flavors: Swoopy, Bulgy, and Not-a-Ninja. With the new bike, Suzuki’s pretending Katana 2.0 and 2.1 never happened, but under the bodywork, they have something in common: retired GSX-R powerplants. The 1988-2006 Katanas had Suzuki’s legendary oil-and-air cooled four from the early Gixxer years, which lasted many miles in mild-mannered GSX-Fs. By basing Katana 3.0 on the current GSX-S1000F, Suzuki’s again putting a variation of a GSXR engine in a Kat. This time, it’s the 2005 GSX-R1000 engine, making around 150 horsepower. Honda tried a similar approach with the old Fireblade engine in their CB1000R. 

Katanas don't interest the sportiest riders, but for everyone else, they should have enough power for the street. Besides, Suzuki knows you’re not buying this bike for its advanced engine, chassis, or suspension. Design and aesthetics will have to drive sales. In motorcycling, you can do that. You just have to do it right. Does the new Katana have what it takes?

Until now, the current wave of retro-inspired bikes remained planted in the 1960s and 1970s. With the Katana, Suzuki is taking it into the 1980s. I’m not sure if Suzuki’s getting ahead of the curve, or showing up to the party 10 years late. Either way, pop culture’s obsession with the decade brings fresh interest in the era’s icons. The custom scene is already reflecting this influence, and it was only a matter of time before an OEM did, too.

1980s-inspired modern retros with proven engines and plenty of power? Sign me up. But first, I have questions. First, why do we have to wait for 2020 to get this machine? It’s a GSX-S1000F wearing Nike Mags. Put the spec sheets next to each other, and the two are awfully similar. (One big exception is fuel capacity. The Katana holds 3.2 gallons against the Gixxus’ 4.2.) Katana 3.0 also looks nearly identical to a “concept” photo that’s been floating around for over a year. For a bike built on an existing platform, I’d expect to see it sooner than that.

The next question is a big one: How much will a Katana cost? They’re sure to price it above the Gixxus (currently $11,299 with ABS), so it could still be a bargain if they keep prices reasonable. Then the final question: Did they get it right? Did they capture the Katana-ness that a reincarnation of such a legend ought to have?

The obvious stuff is all there. Squarish headlight, good power, those two jutting spikes at the front, big red letters over silver paint like some NASA project. Other wins include the tank design, LED lighting and a decent-looking exhaust. The rest, I’ll let you decide. (I think it suffers for its borrowed skeleton, especially around the tail.)

Not all sequels to great things are also great. For those expecting more from the new Katana, I get where you’re coming from. Here’s the reboot I wanted, based on a bike I walked past when it was new. But I’m also not opposed to obsolete sport bike engines, a few questionable design choices, and sword decals if it rides well and the price is the kind of low only Suzuki can deliver. If you're not sure, don't stress it. You've got at least a year to make up your mind.