The Suzuki Katana is somewhat of a legend for the brand. The styling and performance of the original from 1981 rightly gained a cult following. Suzuki has now decided to resurrect the Katana. The new styling is both classic and modern with a sporty elegance.
With 150 hp at 10,000 rpm the Katana has arrived with its blade sharpened. It slices through the pavement with 79.6 lb-ft of torque at 9,500 rpm. Power comes from a 999cc liquid cooled inline-four. The engine comes from the 2005-2008 generation of the GSX-R1000 superbike. Bore and stroke are 73.4 x 59.0mm and the cylinders pack a 12.2:1 compression ratio. The powerplant is fed air through 44mm throttle bodies and is Euro 4 emissions compliant. Exhaling comes courtesy of a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust.
The curb weight is 474 pounds and this mass is held tight by a twin-spar aluminum frame bolted to the cylinder. The wheelbase is 57.5 inch with 120/70-17 front and 190/50-17 rear wheels wrapped in Dunlap Roadsport tires.
Bringing the Katana to a halt are 310mm front brake discs with Brembo four-piston radial-mounted calipers and Bosch ABS. Further electronics are a three-level traction control system: Low, Medium, and High.
The only color available is Metallic Mystic Silver. Regardless, the Katana looks to be well crafted and forged.
