The Consensus Is Pretty Positive
Suzuki has revived the Katana name and added it to a new bike that pays homage to the old one in the styling department. It’s a unique blend of modern styling and design with somewhat retro aesthetics. Honda is doing the same thing with its Neo Cafe Racer line, and now Suzuki is tapping into its heritage. Smart move Suzuki.
The bike gets a 999cc 2005-2008-generation GSX-R1000 engine. That engine makes 150 hp and nearly 80 lb-ft of torque. Is that the most out there? No, but it’s better than many of the other neo-retro bikes and should make it a true contender in the performance department.
Recently, Suzuki had a bunch of moto-journalists out to review the bike in Japan. We thought it’d be smart to showcase some of those opinions together so you can see what some of the top publications are saying. Without further ado, here’s a quick look:
Motorcyclist
“The 2020 Katana is a testament to tradition and Suzuki’s never-ending goal of assembling the perfectly balanced streetbike. Despite its lacking some of the more modern and high-end componentry of its rivals, there’s no denying the polished overall riding experience and careful attention to detail.” – Adam Waheed
Motorcycle.com
“At the end of the day, the new Katana is largely about style, and if it knocks your socks off, you won’t mind its abrupt throttle or a little bit of vibration. You might grow to think of its blemishes as endearing. Art is supposed to hurt a little.” – John Burns
MC News (Australia)
“To be honest the bike doesn’t really need more grunt, but I really wish that Suzuki had made this bike just that little more special by stretching it towards that 1074cc of the original GSX1100SZ.” – Trevor Hedge
Ultimate Motorcycling
“Suzuki nailed it; the Katana unites an already respected performance-breed engine with ergonomics that are tame enough for everyday commuting, yet ready for serious sport riding or sport touring.” – Ron Lieback
It would seem that pretty much everyone had the same idea. Suzuki managed to blend the ethos of the old bike into a new model with good but not amazing performance. It’s a sporty but not too hardcore of a bike, and it sounds like Suzuki could have a winner on its hands if the price isn’t too high.
Hmm, I guess Suzuki stopped manufacturing the 181 HP mill out of the B-King, that would have made it interesting.
Not that I care about such goings on, I’m fine with the 95 HP in my old V-Strom.