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Through its products, Suzuki has embraced Japanese culture and has found opportunities to celebrate beautiful, unique portions of its society and nature. The new KATANA faithfully honors that commitment while finding a bold new expression for Suzuki technology and styling. This new motorcycle was inspired by the original 1982 Suzuki Katana that created a sensation with the motorcycling world when it debuted. Both motorcycles blend a powerful Suzuki engine with radical styling and spirit of the traditional Japanese sword of the samurai.
The original Katana had a connection with the GS1100E while this new KATANA is built upon the proven, extraordinary performance of the long-stroke GSX-R1000 engine and the solid stability of the GSX-S1000 chassis. The KATANA’s chassis provides easy control over the GSX-R-based engine and adds a comfortable riding position. The KATANA’s dramatic bodywork rests upon a twin-spar, aluminum alloy frame, and Superbike-type braced swingarm that provides great road holding performance.
The stunning styling and performance features of the new KATANA will attract a variety of riders, especially those who value owning a unique motorcycle. Experienced riders fondly remember the original Katana and will want to own the new KATANA so their ride is linked to history. Some potential KATANA riders are seeking out a motorcycle with a distinctive appearance with quality fit and finish that will also deliver an exciting riding experience. Some riders will be drawn to the modern KATANA because of its stimulating styling regardless of its historical connection.
Unlike competitors’ retrospective models that are styled and equipped with throwback technology and looks, the new KATANA is a sportbike that has elements of the original but blends in thoroughly modern styling and performance. Like a craftsman folding the steel of a samurai’s sword, the KATANA reflects Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to fine craftsmanship and dedication to make sure every detail of the motorcycles is executed properly.
A Cut Above
Forged to perfection and polished to a magnificent radiance. Engineered to provide maximum control and optimum performance. Finely crafted to take riding pleasure to a new level. The Suzuki KATANA is destined to create a new legend.
From the sharp lines and highlights defining the length of its body to the rider-friendly performance of its 110kW (150PS) engine, every detail of the Suzuki KATANA speaks of distinctive beauty.
While its design cues pay due homage to the iconic GSX1100S KATANA, which stole the hearts of riders around the world
in 1981, the KATANA is a thoroughly modern machine that is breathtaking to behold and inspiring to ride. |
Styling & Electronics |
The Japanese katana is beautiful to gaze upon and unbelievably exciting to wield. The epitome of fine craftsmanship, this famed sword combines sophisticated Japanese aesthetics and pure beauty into a sharp design. These characteristics made it the perfect motif for the Suzuki KATANA.
The KATANA also symbolizes well Suzuki’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. Suzuki’s dedication to creating distinctive beauty includes paying due respect to tradition while at the same time aiming to incorporate the latest advances in styling and technology. Built to delight and polished to perfection, the Suzuki KATANA is ready to forge the path to a new era of riding excitement.
Distinctive styling points abound. The LED headlight and LED front position lights accent the sharp lines of the cowling that covers the custom-designed instrument panel. The sleek two-tone seat is comfortable, and the seat strap provides the passenger with a good grip. The tail light features a striking lighting pattern, and the satellite rear fender extending from the swingarm complements the clean, compact and sharp look of the rear.
All this is complemented by the KATANA’s upswept black muffler. |
The vertically stacked LED headlight and
front position lights create a distinctive face. |
Engine & Chassis |
Japanese swordsmiths devote countless hours to repeatedly forging, hammering, folding and welding raw steel to achieve the right balance needed for the blade to perform optimally. This process is absolutely critical in achieving the desired result.
Fired by the same spirit, Suzuki’s development team tested and tuned each component time and again until they were satisfied the KATANA would deliver the optimal balance of power, comfort and control.
At the heart of the KATANA’s powerful performance is a custom long-stroke version of the legendary fuel-injected 999cm3 inline-four engine that first proved itself on the 2005–2008 GSX-R1000. Its broad torque output range combines with a new throttle control that delivers this power smoothly. Both the induction roar and exhaust note are tuned to heighten the visceral sense of riding pleasure, while also contributing to performance and combustion efficiency. Putting this power on the road in a controllable, effective manner is a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode traction control system,*1 and new tires with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the KATANA. FUJICO disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and an Antilock Brake System (ABS)*2 provide reliable and predictable stopping power.
*1 The traction control system is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and / or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.
*2 ABS is not designed to shorten the braking distance and cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS. |
The katana is famed as the sword wielded by Japan’s samurai warriors. In reality, though, guns and arrows were already the primary weapons in use when feuding clans plunged Japan into the “Warring States” (Sengoku) period in the late 15th century. Though the fighting would continue for over 100 years, very few individuals were actually cut down by a katana.
As the country transitioned into the relatively peaceful Edo period, (1603 ~ 1868,) the katana came to be viewed as something carried for protection rather than as a weapon used in combat. Gaining a reputation as an emotional symbol of the samurai spirit, the katana was appreciated for its beauty and valued much like a piece of art.
S?sh?den is one of the five highly respected styles of Japanese sword, and it is considered to be the most technically challenging to forge. An authentic S?sh?den katana with sharpened blade is featured in promotional materials for the Suzuki KATANA. |
The fine wave-like pattern that appears on the surface of the blade is the result of the swordsmith repeatedly heating, hammering and folding the steel. It is a traditional forging technique has been used by Japanese swordsmiths for centuries. Repeating this process 15 times produces a blade of more than 30,000 layers. This causes an almost mystical pattern to emerge on the surface when the blade is ground and polished.
The masterful techniques of a number of skilled craftsmen combine to make the katana. Their handiwork can be seen in the various parts other than the blade itself, including the detailed work on the hand guard (tsuba), the function and beauty of the handle (tsuka), and the ornate lacquer work of the sheath (saya), which demands advanced skills to execute properly.
The katana is an exquisite piece of art that brings together a variety of traditional Japanese crafts while proudly demonstrating the highly evolved sophistication of each. The end result offers a unique view of Japanese aesthetics on the whole. |
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In the end, it’s all about the feeling. And riding the Suzuki KATANA feels so good. It puts you in full control as you enjoy the exhilaration and excitement of an outstanding riding experience.
Heading out on the road, you will immediately appreciate the KATANA’s agility and rider-friendly nature. Maneuvering its compact, lightweight chassis around bends instills confidence and brings pure pleasure. The seat and optimized riding position are designed to enhance controllability and keep you riding comfortably on longer outings. This is particularly beneficial given that you will look and feel so good, you will want to ride the KATANA all day long. |
Katana
It’s beautiful to gaze upon and unbelievably exciting to wield. It combines the epitome of fine craftsmanship, sophisticated Japanese aesthetics and pure beauty in a sharp design.
Powerful performance optimally balanced with controllability, riding ease and comfort deliver pure delight for the soul. No matter how you cut it the Suzuki KATANA feels just right, like a natural extension of the rider’s intention and spirit. |