I live in a pretty remote area and haven't had any issue with the small tank. I get about 230km range and even in the middle of the Nullarbor fuel stops are closer together than that.
I ride the hell out of mine… on my 3rd tire set in 7000 miles. 160 mph all day.. wheelies… track days.. Switched to the risoma clip ons and it’s easy to drag my knee on the corners. I Usually get around 75 miles on a tank because I ride it wide open all day on the back roads. It’s about the same acceleration as gsxsr 600 but with torque available everywhere
As a kid (I'm 46) all the guys on my street who rode hard had an original Katana. My current ride is a KTM 1290 SAR, but if I was in the market and didn't need the versatility of a 21 front I'd definitely buy one.
@@Amerigo_Vespucci ok real talk? Get it. The gas tank is good for about 110 miles. If that’s a huge issue, don’t purchase it. I ride around the city/backroads/highway and use it as a commuter. Most fun Ive ever had on 2 wheels (old bike was gsxr750 so I think that’s saying something) Plenty of power. Actually just rode with a friend who has a 2016 gsxr750. To say it “kept up” Is an understatement. Ppl forget it’s 1000cc. It’ll keep up with just about anything. You’ll definitely love it!
"but that's OK because it was less flimsy and less wobbly than anything else in it's time.." thanks for the trip down memory lane, how soon we forget !
@@themalaailaanaa1347 I must disagree.. The original Suzuki Katana 1100 was just too unique and crazy. Maybe the BMW R65LS might come close since it was also designed by Hans Muth, but only because the R65LS shares the same odd-ball headlight fairing design with the original Katana 1100.
@@themalaailaanaa1347 which ? the BMW R65LS and the original Katana 1100 ? They both share the same style of headlight nacelle because Hans Muth designed them both. Pretty weird, IMHO, but I have to admit, I do remember them to this day because of that !
@@thorick590 the beemer looks shit. The mighty katana is complete. The new katana is shit looking because it doesn't have the length and size and the latter part of the lightning bolt is missing. With the old katana you walked towards a lightning bolt and rode it with style. With the new katana you feel like you're on a wimpy bike. They should have made it as big as the hayabusa. Or bigger. Suzuki has failed. We wanted a giant and they gave us a midget. Sad.
I remember back in the day the dealerships would usually have one of these on floor, and it usually just sat forever before it was gone. I don't recall any of them on the road in Michigan.
With new "middleweights" like the 150hp Panigale V2, a Katana sportbike could slot right in. That being said, the smaller gas tank and larger price tag for this Katana compared to the GSX-S1000 makes this a hard sell for me. Gorgeous in black though.
Enjoyed your review & totally agree. Many people have missed the point of this bike, rightly or wrongly it isn't trying to be practical. It's actually very uncompromising & Suzuki have built exactly the bike they wanted to but I doubt it will sell sell tbh. I personally really like it & I think it's more appealing to me at least, because it isn't for everyone & that just makes it a little bit cooler as you won't see many about too.
I can't handle the looks of the GSX1000 with that week mouse catching hawk nose / front light even though its a brilliant bike, now though the Katana with the number plate bracket removed and a nice tail tidy tucked under the back light it's a possible next bike.. And that cool yoshimura end can obviously..
You're right about the Z900RS not being like the Katana other than it echos previous bikes. 111hp claimed for the Z900RS, more like 105hp, compared to 40+hp for the Katana.
It's a great bike but the 12 litre fuel tank is a huge problem here in Australia. You couldn't take it far out of the city where I live, unless you strap a Jerry can to the back of it.
I used to own a GSX-S 1000 and I could go just about 290km on a tank if I rode it gently. That had a 17l tank. I think Suzuki screwed up the Katana. Not fast enough for a sport bike, not convenient enough for being a tourer. You would only buy one if you liked the name...
Rubbish! I live in Australia, I have owned dozens of bikes and dont have a problem visiting a petrol station every couple hundred kilometres on my beautiful 2019 Suzuki Katana. If you do have a problem buy your self a massive tourer with a massive overweight tank and ride into the sunset and take your negative comments with you!
0:23 The Bike Show: If you still don't know what we are talking about.... Me: You didn't read the video title. The Bike Show: ...let's have a history lesson Me: ...
I don't know how the prices stack up in South Africa, but over here in Oz the Katana is $3500 (AUD) more than the GSX-S1000. It's the same price as the GSX-R1000 ABS. Given the higher level of specification (better traction control, quickshifter, suspension and variable cam timing) and performance of the GSX-R, and the GSX-S being mechanically identical other than a larger tank and less weight, that's a lot to pay for nostalgia. It would have helped that value proposition a lot if they'd made it a Katana 1100, added a quickshifter and maybe the Showa BPF forks and shock as with the GSXR . 1100cc being the capacity trend in 4 cylinder naked bikes at the moment anyway.
@@sugarnads The Z900 is certainly excellent value ($2.5K cheaper even than the GSX-S here), but Kawasaki and Honda have largely ignored the "super naked" trend (even the upcoming Z H2 is more of a naked Hyperbike like the B-King) and stuck with the old UJM formula. Yamaha competes with the super nakeds with their MT-10 and Suzuki bridges the gap between UJM and "super naked" with the GSX-S1000. It might be a parts bin, budget special, but it's got more sports performance than the Z1000, Z900 or CB1000R. Since the Katana isn't really in that budget category anymore, they shouldn't have left performance increases to the aftermarket. www.bikeme.tv/index.php/ptr-suzuki-gsx-s1200-weapons-grade/
Great you got a chance to ride your Uncle's bike, not a winner then or now. I think the original was supposed to emulate the Star wars "bike" for yer Nerds back in the day! It probably sold well in SA, discounted as not a big hit in UK🤔😜
I really don't like the current trend of short subframe bikes - my 1999 Katana was amazing because you could do 400 kilometers in one go and you and the passenger won't be dead tired, but on these new short passenger seats, nobody could sit for long
I agree in the old days the katana had a reasonable seat, however the current Katana seat isnt as bad as you may think. My wife is an experienced pillion and reckons its ok 👍
There is the Kawasaki z900 and the z900 RS. Basically the same great platform but the two don't look anything alike. The RS is a true retro. There is the GSX s1000 and the Katana. The same platform but except for the front fairing they look like the same bike. Moral to the story....Suzuki should have followed Kawasaki's lead and designed the Katana to look more retro. The tail is all wrong.
They could have matched that styling with the latest GSX-R 1000 engine. Heck put a turbo on it and have a go on the H2. Could have been so much better.
You are wrong to say the Suzuki had a wobbly frame. Suzuki introduced the first good handling Japanese bike with their GS750 in 1976. It earned many accolades for it neutral steering and lack of wobbliness in corners unlike all other Japanese bikes of the time. These frames dynamics were carried through to the whole range of their big four motorcycles from then on, including the Katana and beyond. I don't know where you got your information (it better not have been Ian Fallon) from, but because you weren't born then I will give you a chance to back track on that misinformed statement.
Style over substance, wacking on different plastic with a set of stickers while having a 12 lt fuel tank doesn't cut it. Trying to sell these through the Katana name, such as it is ( remember that awful 650 shaft 'katana') will only appeal to the latte cafe crowd.
Looks like a poor man's retro bike. Suzuki are really falling so far behind other manufacturers with development and new bikes. Such a shame as I am a big fan of the brand.👍🇦🇺🍺
In 1980 the Katana looked horrible and the GSX 1100 was the better bike. And in 2020 nothing has changed the GSX 1000 is a better bike, much better value too.
@@cdubbleyoo rode the GSX-S 1000, great bike that looks so much better than a bad styling job. Also £1,000 cheaper than the Katana in the UK. Like in 1980 when I had a GSX 1100, never did like the Katana and it never sold well here.
I've owned 4 original katanas this new one is complete wank,I had the experience of test riding the new model and save ya money get the gsxs or Kawasaki z this bike is shite nothing like the true katana
Let's face it, Suzuki is on life support and this bike won't bring them back 😑. I am sick of Suzuki just reusing bits and calling it a new bike. The Vstrom is another one ...
Its funny he says "sport touring" and yet nothing to carry anything or space to attach anything.No its not touring at all.This is for another hipster bike posing at Starbucks.
Why does this video exist? The press launch in Japan was ages ago. Weren't invited? Says everything about your competence and (lack of) reputation. Literally every other respected motorcycle journalist has reviewed this bike already.
Its nice to get as many opinion from different sources, to gauge a more complete overview. Also they might have been busy at the time and unable to make it etc. If they are not so respectable ... show us yourself, how its done please?
Nonsense. Again, this bike has been reviewed 'to death', by much better moto-journalists. It's just a sad attempt to get a few pity clicks from their subscribers. I'm not a moto-journo. If I were, I would've been at the global press launch for first impressions and added an in-depth review as soon as it goes on sale anywhere in the world - not basically a year late.
@@TheUrbanEpicure These guys produce content for their own pay site. It seems like they have been recently releasing that content on YT after it's already been on their own site for a while. So, you're likely looking at old content for "free" because it's old. #breathe
I have the 2019 Suzuki Katana and absolutely love it. 👍👍👍
I had an 1100 Katana back in the late 80's for a couple of years - the last bike I ever owned. Now I'm interested all over again....
I live in a pretty remote area and haven't had any issue with the small tank. I get about 230km range and even in the middle of the Nullarbor fuel stops are closer together than that.
I ride the hell out of mine… on my 3rd tire set in 7000 miles. 160 mph all day.. wheelies… track days.. Switched to the risoma clip ons and it’s easy to drag my knee on the corners. I Usually get around 75 miles on a tank because I ride it wide open all day on the back roads. It’s about the same acceleration as gsxsr 600 but with torque available everywhere
Love the feel and look of this new Suzuki. Just sat on one and I’m sold!
As a kid (I'm 46) all the guys on my street who rode hard had an original Katana. My current ride is a KTM 1290 SAR, but if I was in the market and didn't need the versatility of a 21 front I'd definitely buy one.
Just bought it 3 days ago for $9999. Fucking LOVE this bike!🔥🔥 fuel doesn’t bother me either, shit is dope!
Any update on how you like it? There is one available near me. I'm thinking getting it
@@Amerigo_Vespucci ok real talk? Get it. The gas tank is good for about 110 miles. If that’s a huge issue, don’t purchase it. I ride around the city/backroads/highway and use it as a commuter. Most fun Ive ever had on 2 wheels (old bike was gsxr750 so I think that’s saying something)
Plenty of power. Actually just rode with a friend who has a 2016 gsxr750. To say it “kept up” Is an understatement. Ppl forget it’s 1000cc. It’ll keep up with just about anything. You’ll definitely love it!
I brought mine, a ex-demo, samurai pack on it, absolutely love it, done 13,000 miles on it, fuel range doesn't bother me, paid £7,499
@@NoLimitSquad
Gas tank is lots more than you say in reality. I can get 240kms out of my bike no problem 😉which in the old measurements is 160 miles
"but that's OK because it was less flimsy and less wobbly than anything else in it's time.." thanks for the trip down memory lane, how soon we forget !
The Kawa ninja1000 is a cool looking bike .... more Katanaesq than this new Suzuk katana.
@@themalaailaanaa1347 I must disagree.. The original Suzuki Katana 1100 was just too unique and crazy. Maybe the BMW R65LS might come close since it was also designed by Hans Muth, but only because the R65LS shares the same odd-ball headlight fairing design with the original Katana 1100.
@@thorick590 you cant compare that
@@themalaailaanaa1347 which ? the BMW R65LS and the original Katana 1100 ? They both share the same style of headlight nacelle because Hans Muth designed them both. Pretty weird, IMHO, but I have to admit, I do remember them to this day because of that !
@@thorick590 the beemer looks shit. The mighty katana is complete.
The new katana is shit looking because it doesn't have the length and size and the latter part of the lightning bolt is missing. With the old katana you walked towards a lightning bolt and rode it with style.
With the new katana you feel like you're on a wimpy bike. They should have made it as big as the hayabusa. Or bigger.
Suzuki has failed. We wanted a giant and they gave us a midget. Sad.
I remember back in the day the dealerships would usually have one of these on floor, and it usually just sat forever before it was gone. I don't recall any of them on the road in Michigan.
Yup. We have the Honda Navi. People hated it. I love it.
With new "middleweights" like the 150hp Panigale V2, a Katana sportbike could slot right in.
That being said, the smaller gas tank and larger price tag for this Katana compared to the GSX-S1000 makes this a hard sell for me. Gorgeous in black though.
Loving the Katana....
Enjoyed your review & totally agree. Many people have missed the point of this bike, rightly or wrongly it isn't trying to be practical. It's actually very uncompromising & Suzuki have built exactly the bike they wanted to but I doubt it will sell sell tbh. I personally really like it & I think it's more appealing to me at least, because it isn't for everyone & that just makes it a little bit cooler as you won't see many about too.
I really like it! The price is pretty damn good too.
I can't handle the looks of the GSX1000 with that week mouse catching hawk nose / front light even though its a brilliant bike, now though the Katana with the number plate bracket removed and a nice tail tidy tucked under the back light it's a possible next bike..
And that cool yoshimura end can obviously..
The S1000 (K5) is a good platform. Suzuki should also do a retro style cafe racer like the XSR900
I had the big Katana in the late 80's
I had the 550 as my first bike out of high school. Loved the slow bike a lot.
LOVE THE KATANA ! THE K5 ENGINE IS SUPREME , EXCELENTE !! VERY DOCIL !! !
If you think about it. Suzuki have been making the "Katana" for years but they call it a Hyabusa.
Low range is one issue, the second is where would you fit an overnight bag? There's no tail to speak of for a tailbag.
You're right about the Z900RS not being like the Katana other than it echos previous bikes. 111hp claimed for the Z900RS, more like 105hp, compared to 40+hp for the Katana.
It's a great bike but the 12 litre fuel tank is a huge problem here in Australia. You couldn't take it far out of the city where I live, unless you strap a Jerry can to the back of it.
I used to own a GSX-S 1000 and I could go just about 290km on a tank if I rode it gently. That had a 17l tank. I think Suzuki screwed up the Katana. Not fast enough for a sport bike, not convenient enough for being a tourer. You would only buy one if you liked the name...
Being 1000cc it might need an additional oil cooler on it for summer, as well.
@ubu 9 It's quick but far from the fastest naked bike. An s1000r or mt10 will kick its ass.
TRAINing the world 10 hp difference i don't think it's that far
Rubbish! I live in Australia, I have owned dozens of bikes and dont have a problem visiting a petrol station every couple hundred kilometres on my beautiful 2019 Suzuki Katana.
If you do have a problem buy your self a massive tourer with a massive overweight tank and ride into the sunset and take your negative comments with you!
Always been a legend of a bike that!
BTW, Smokin Aces closed down 2 months ago.....
You think it’s possible to configure the handle bars upside down for a more aggressive riding position?
0:23
The Bike Show: If you still don't know what we are talking about....
Me: You didn't read the video title.
The Bike Show: ...let's have a history lesson
Me: ...
Love the Bike....is a niche bike...cool desigb, good engine..just the fuel tank is a problem..but is a cool bike
I don't know how the prices stack up in South Africa, but over here in Oz the Katana is $3500 (AUD) more than the GSX-S1000. It's the same price as the GSX-R1000 ABS.
Given the higher level of specification (better traction control, quickshifter, suspension and variable cam timing) and performance of the GSX-R, and the GSX-S being mechanically identical other than a larger tank and less weight, that's a lot to pay for nostalgia.
It would have helped that value proposition a lot if they'd made it a Katana 1100, added a quickshifter and maybe the Showa BPF forks and shock as with the GSXR . 1100cc being the capacity trend in 4 cylinder naked bikes at the moment anyway.
Joric78 and then theres the z900
@@sugarnads The Z900 is certainly excellent value ($2.5K cheaper even than the GSX-S here), but Kawasaki and Honda have largely ignored the "super naked" trend (even the upcoming Z H2 is more of a naked Hyperbike like the B-King) and stuck with the old UJM formula. Yamaha competes with the super nakeds with their MT-10 and Suzuki bridges the gap between UJM and "super naked" with the GSX-S1000. It might be a parts bin, budget special, but it's got more sports performance than the Z1000, Z900 or CB1000R. Since the Katana isn't really in that budget category anymore, they shouldn't have left performance increases to the aftermarket. www.bikeme.tv/index.php/ptr-suzuki-gsx-s1200-weapons-grade/
Katana 🖤
Great you got a chance to ride your Uncle's bike, not a winner then or now. I think the original was supposed to emulate the Star wars "bike" for yer Nerds back in the day! It probably sold well in SA, discounted as not a big hit in UK🤔😜
The Honda CB1000R would be a direct competitor
А можно было дядю ещё побольше для теста найти, кг так 250?
I really don't like the current trend of short subframe bikes - my 1999 Katana was amazing because you could do 400 kilometers in one go and you and the passenger won't be dead tired, but on these new short passenger seats, nobody could sit for long
I agree in the old days the katana had a reasonable seat, however the current Katana seat isnt as bad as you may think. My wife is an experienced pillion and reckons its ok 👍
Suzuki Gixxer 155 gives you the same ride feeling of the Katana
I preferred my 1980 GS1000ST. Handled like a dream. This thing was just weird. great motor, but, weird-looking.
It's still ahead of you.
There is the Kawasaki z900 and the z900 RS. Basically the same great platform but the two don't look anything alike. The RS is a true retro.
There is the GSX s1000 and the Katana. The same platform but except for the front fairing they look like the same bike.
Moral to the story....Suzuki should have followed Kawasaki's lead and designed the Katana to look more retro. The tail is all wrong.
they can put it on a super retro class.
You’ll have lots of time to look at it when you’re refilling every 10 minutes
Well someone is gonna get more "Zuzukis" to test in the future I see...
12 litre fuel tank tho...
What the hell is a Katohnuh?
The headlight is terrifyingly bad but otherwise agree totally guys!
They could have matched that styling with the latest GSX-R 1000 engine. Heck put a turbo on it and have a go on the H2. Could have been so much better.
For me it's this or the z900rs. The fuel capacity puts me off it's like the hd 48 got fed up of fuel stops
Snatchy throttle like the GSXS?
Suzuki makes the best bike that doesn’t break your bank. Baby boomer dying to own a Katana.
I once crashed a 1982 Suzuki GS1100E
It looks too bulky and too much gsxs1000 than a katana. 150-ish horsepower, but then restricted.
so y small tank
It is a great bike, but I prefer my gsx-s 1000 with much less plastic over that front end
You are wrong to say the Suzuki had a wobbly frame. Suzuki introduced the first good handling Japanese bike with their GS750 in 1976. It earned many accolades for it neutral steering and lack of wobbliness in corners unlike all other Japanese bikes of the time. These frames dynamics were carried through to the whole range of their big four motorcycles from then on, including the Katana and beyond. I don't know where you got your information (it better not have been Ian Fallon) from, but because you weren't born then I will give you a chance to back track on that misinformed statement.
It's not even close to the original in any aspect - it most certainly doesn't look like a Kat :-(
Well its a throwback with subtle design cues. No it's not an exact copy
The bike is nice but that license plate bracket behind the rear wheel has got to go! I sat on a 2020 katana but way too tall!!!!!
every review I've seen comments how it has a low seat height. Looks tall but I found the seat height quite low. I'm 6'2 though
Really like the bike with the black color but the small fuel tank is a bad joke and enough reason not to buy one of these.
Somebody needs to cut back on the double-cheese burgers. Bikes are quicker when they're not hauling excessive blubber around.
The original looks way better.
Style over substance, wacking on different plastic with a set of stickers while having a 12 lt fuel tank doesn't cut it. Trying to sell these through the Katana name, such as it is ( remember that awful 650 shaft 'katana') will only appeal to the latte cafe crowd.
I had a new one but sold it because that throttle is absolutely rubbish, rear shock rubbish and forks rubbish. Biggest waste of money ever.
No thanks. I'll wait for the new Bandit 1300R
Looks like a poor man's retro bike. Suzuki are really falling so far behind other manufacturers with development and new bikes. Such a shame as I am a big fan of the brand.👍🇦🇺🍺
In 1980 the Katana looked horrible and the GSX 1100 was the better bike. And in 2020 nothing has changed the GSX 1000 is a better bike, much better value too.
Assuming you meant the GSX-S1000, have you ridden both it and the new Katana?
@@cdubbleyoo rode the GSX-S 1000, great bike that looks so much better than a bad styling job. Also £1,000 cheaper than the Katana in the UK. Like in 1980 when I had a GSX 1100, never did like the Katana and it never sold well here.
I've owned 4 original katanas this new one is complete wank,I had the experience of test riding the new model and save ya money get the gsxs or Kawasaki z this bike is shite nothing like the true katana
Let's face it, Suzuki is on life support and this bike won't bring them back 😑. I am sick of Suzuki just reusing bits and calling it a new bike. The Vstrom is another one ...
You look too big for the bike.
Range of a pepsi can...? Thank you but not thanks
Its funny he says "sport touring" and yet nothing to carry anything or space to attach anything.No its not touring at all.This is for another hipster bike posing at Starbucks.
The GS1200SS has a lot more charisma than this bike..
Why does this video exist? The press launch in Japan was ages ago. Weren't invited? Says everything about your competence and (lack of) reputation. Literally every other respected motorcycle journalist has reviewed this bike already.
Its nice to get as many opinion from different sources, to gauge a more complete overview. Also they might have been busy at the time and unable to make it etc. If they are not so respectable ... show us yourself, how its done please?
Nonsense. Again, this bike has been reviewed 'to death', by much better moto-journalists. It's just a sad attempt to get a few pity clicks from their subscribers.
I'm not a moto-journo. If I were, I would've been at the global press launch for first impressions and added an in-depth review as soon as it goes on sale anywhere in the world - not basically a year late.
@@TheUrbanEpicure These guys produce content for their own pay site. It seems like they have been recently releasing that content on YT after it's already been on their own site for a while. So, you're likely looking at old content for "free" because it's old.
#breathe
@@TheUrbanEpicure well let me know when your first review is, and ill be the first subscriber !! ❤