2020 Suzuki Katana Review | First Ride
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- čas přidán 20. 03. 2019
- Suzuki’s looking to make magic again with the reintroduction of its Katana. In this video, Adam Waheed gets a first ride on the all-new 2020 Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana streetbike. The new Suzuki Katana builds on the original distinct design of the 80s-era Katana with a modern twist. Official 2020 Suzuki Katana pricing is not yet available
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When Suzuki’s original Katana was unveiled 39 years ago at Germany’s Cologne motorcycle show it wowed the industry. Boasting a European-inspired design that was forward-thinking for this period, it backed up its sleek lines with a powerful 1,100cc TSCC-powered powertrain that set the performance tempo for open-class naked bikes. Fast-forward to today, and the Japanese company looks to make magic again with its 2020 Katana.
If you’ve studied our 2020 Katana First Look article, it could be easy for critics to knock Suzuki for employing power and chassis underpinnings that are beyond a decade old. However, after a fun, albeit brief, ride through the hills of Kyoto, Japan, I can say the Katana has merit with its style, attention to detail, and lofty level of refinement.
Suzuki’s motorcycle division is forged by tradition, as evident by the subtle red katana sword emblems on either side of the body panels, So Italian designer Rodolfo Frascoli didn’t want to stray too far from German designer Hans Muth’s original shape.
“I instinctively traced the lines of the upper part of the tank and side saber cut,” Frascoli reveals. “The most difficult part was certainly the central part because it was necessary to respect the compromise between the columns of the filter case to have a more streamlined design.”
After modeling the motorcycle by both computer and hand, Suzuki’s Kazutaka Ogawa was responsible from moving the design past clay and into production.
“The design of the 1980 Katana was very simple: flat surfaces, straight lines, and edges,” Ogawa tells us. “In the new one there are more three-dimensional angles and facets.
“We intervened on the front section and on the fairing; we also had to make changes to the rear section,” he continues. “The changes are so minimal that it is also difficult to see them.”
At a standstill, we are attracted to the iconic nose that still commands attention after all these years. Inside is a stacked rectangular LED headlight, and a pair of offset position lights to help you stand out on the road. The upper fairing and 3.2-gallon fuel tank appear to be carved from a solid piece of metal-just like a katana sword, weapon of choice for ancient samurai fighters. In typical Suzuki form, overall fit and finish is at a high level, however there’s no hiding the older and more porous castings of the engine case and swingarm.
The tail is long and lean, plus it has a plush and supportive rider seat. The passenger seat appears equally as accommodating. Oddly enough, the shape of the LED taillight is a tad bulky, resembling something that we’d see if Suzuki built a new B-King.
Although it looks sizable in the flesh, especially with the more reflective Metallic Mystic Silver paint (Glass Sparkle Black is the alternative color option), sitting behind the handlebar reveals a slim, well-proportioned riding position. Although the seat is a tad high (32.5 inches), the rear lip of the fuel tank and tapered alloy frame spars make for a straight shot to the ground for the rider’s legs. Compared to the GSX-S brother, the Katana uses a wider handlebar (1.38 inches) with a centered bend that’s neither too sporty, nor too relaxed. The foot controls are equally relaxed and complement the Katana’s sporty but not overly so stance.
Twist the key and tap the starter button, and the engine zings to life with its classic GSX-R growl. Suzuki’s Low RPM assist feature automatically feeds fuel into the engine as the clutch is released to help the rider get rolling forward. It functions so smoothly, you don’t even know it’s working.
Power comes on smoothly as the right grip is cracked, thanks in part to a redesigned throttle tube. It gives a more progressive initial pull against the cables that actuate the primary double-barrel throttle bodies (bottom ones)-a signature trait of pre-ride-by-wire GSX-Rs. The top butterflies are manipulated by a servo motor, based on intake air speed.
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This is the perfect motorcycle for navigating the cyberpunk dystopia live in today, can't wait to ride it.
But we still don't have the gear to match with. Well maybe the Icon Airflite.
Man. I was about to type the same thing. We moved from neo cafe to cyberpunk.
Finally my FZ10 has some company in the dystopian looks department
Not enough Akira-cycle, but still pretty cool.
I donno, my FZ-09 has the looks and torque to take on androids who threaten the livelihood of the wasteland survivors. lol
This dudes head looks like it was attacked with a katana
Kramer wannabe... (".)
F*ck 🤣🤣
Thanks for making my day. I can't stop laughing. XD
@Barry Krakovsky If the presenter doesn't even look like he cared to get up that morning to do the review, then why should I add further interest in the review he is about to present? Looks are not important, but it kinda sets the mood when the reviewer looks like a total bum who doesn't care at all.
@@Real_MisterSir It's called individual style. You clowning his hair is actually a direct attack on his ethnicity seeing as how he's biracial.
Very angular look. Nostalgia was the word in my mind too. Nice "helmet" hair Adam. Cheers.
Yeah he is a bit of a helmet.
I had an '83 1100 Katana. Steered like a mack truck, but looked cool. I was there, and I remember Wes Cooley riding a Katana to second place in the Road America superbike race in 1982, in the pouring rain, right behind Eddie Lawson on a KZ1000R. This one looks even better than those bikes, and I'm sure it is.
I was in a parallel universe at the same time.
I still have my 82 Katana 1000. I did the 88 gsxr1100 wheel and frontend conversion to radial tires. It handles really solid.....the lower 43mm frontend stiffened it up quite a bit with way improved handling and braking.
Great review Adam! Loved it. Keep up the good work man!
It's like a 80s concept of what 2020 would look like. And they nailed that.
Damn, it... I lusted over the original and I'm digging the style of this version. Good job Suzuki!
Really fantastic/high quality review adam. Well done. The katana sounds great with the stock pipe. I have to say I was so surprised to hear it was really smooth. The gsxs1000 has a shocking throttle response, so glad they have fixed that on the katana.
I remember when they first came out, such an awesome looking bike!
I REALLY love the way this looks.
I think this is it boys...I think this is the one that finally gets me to branch away from cruisers!
I can't wait to get my hands on one of these as I still have my 1st streetbike which is an 86' Katana 750 with the hideaway headlight.(Canada&Europe only) not in states. They will look so cool together.
I bought a new Vstrom XT 1000, and after driving it for the last week I really love it. Suzuki knows how to make user friedly bikes that deliver pleasure. I dont miss any electronic suspensions setup or fancy TFT. Current display is really easy to read, suspension is perfect, just a great bike, and the gold rims and yellow color are nice to look at.
Could this be a good first bike? Trying to get more people’s opinions on this.
that looks really cool. Something new and fresh and still remains true to the roots. Looks wise.
I'd love one of these in the 650cc range for more city riding. Hopefully in the next couple years.
Looks just gorgeous! Love it!
For me this is a modern classic, don't need all the electronics 👌
Hair reminds me of Hey Arnold
I literally a few days ago bought an original for $200, keep in mind not in the best condition but with enough tlc it run little a treat. Awesome to see the new version coming, hope it does well as its predecessor.
That scenery is absolutely stunning
Damn, this is the epitome of the 1980s. I must have. Riding this with my Seiko SKX is just a must!
Good review, I like Adam's take on things & he's my favorite US reviewer. It looks like a decent bike but I'm not sure exactly where it fits in as it's not a true retro imo because it doesn't look old, quite the opposite, it's a modern homage to an old classic bike. It's not necessarily a bad thing but it essentially seems to be a GSXS1000 with a Katana body kit. However regardless of that, it definitely offers something different looks wise in the market. Just need to drop those bars imo.
Great review as always.
Nice bike and great video Adam 👍👍
Looks great!
Awesome peek at this new Katana. Real moto mop returns too👍🤘
I can’t wait to take it for a test ride. This may be my second bike
I like it and have a buddy who is super tempted to buy one. Especially because it has 'that' engine in it. His only gripe is the lack of a quick-shifter, which is an oversight in my opinion too.
Great job! Looks like a pretty sweet bike.
Great looking bike and I'm sure it goes and handles superbly. All it needs is a decent half fairing, a tail unit fit for pillion use and a 200 mile fuel range. If it had those things I would be buying one!
I likey this bike! Adam rocking that sweet Shoei RF1200 Recounter TC helmet.
I was happy to see that. I have the same exact one
I rely on Adam Waheed to tell me the good and the bad about bikes. He's probably the best motorcycle reviewer today.
Love this bike! I hope it has a few years of production.
I personally want that good old pop up head light
2:50 is that sakura tree on the left, cool you tried this Katana in Japan
never been a big fan of Suzuki but this motorcycle looks really amazing
Looking forward to riding this, seems like it would make the perfect daily/get around bike.
Watch what a remap will do to one of these, i bet you it's silly restricted.
Man that bike looks awesome. It screams 1980s anime motorcycle. I just wish they would have done something different with the engine, another i4...This would have been the perfect bike for a 1,000cc triple.
That is exactly why I bought it! 2 weeks in and I love it!
The dash looks just perfectly integrated. Many fail to implement those wide screens properly and they look very "bolted on" - but with the Katana it just fits great. Somehow I really like the style. A bit long maybe? What's the wheelbase? Kinda think I need to test ride one too, now =)
I like it. The mid to last generation bikes were really budget models but this looks quality
One of the concerns was a possible twitchy throttle control like on other K5 engine bikes however it seems from this review they've solved it.
finally a review on this bike
It was the bike after the RD that sparked my fire 🔥
I love the gsxs1000! The katana is really growing on me
Looked so much better ilr than the Pictures Ive seen. This could have been a contender for me becouse i dont
like the looks off the GSX 1000. But Im already put in a order for the mighty MT10.
I can already see this in matte black...sick!!
This bike looks like the perfect balance between a supersport and streetfighter, its just perfect
Looks cool! I wonder about the seating position, can't really tell from the video. Is it less leg bending then say the Hayabusa? My two Busa's really cramp these old legs, so I'm looking for a sport bike with a bit less leg compression. Have to check when the Katana will be in USA dealer showrooms.
I would love to see you guys integrate the location of these launches in the videos.
Looks like a modern cafe racer. I love it!
I have a 1982 Katana 1000 with 88 gsxr1100 wheels and frontend. This new one is not following the race theme the original did but being older now I might appreciate the more upright position. My 82 is painful to ride longer than 1 hour and frequent stops are needed to rest and stretch.
That's an amazing looking bike.
Suzuki always makes the best displays
Combination of naked bike and sports bike?
Love the bars like that also , naked street like bike
They parred it down to a naked GSXR1000 K5 with tiny fuel tank, and left all the race electronics out. Looks amazing though ;-) Once again Suzuki have built down to a price rather than up to a spec.
gsxs. not r
Anyone remember when people would buy the Kat 1100 and drop a Mr Turbo on it- that’s what Suzuki should have gone for in their “retro” endeavours.
Biker Ireland we do need to be clear about engine 😉 “In 2019, Suzuki will reuse the "Katana" name for its redesigned 2020 model.[11][12] This new version is based on the GSX-S1000F with a 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 K5 engine”
More like a DETUNED k5 engine...
Go with the GSX-S1000 if you want to actually get somewhere without running out of gas.
Australian outfit bored and stroked this engine to 1200cc, ported, valve diameter increase, compression raised, custom cams, and all the fuel tuning to suit, was putting down a whopping 205 hp and 104 ft-lb at the wheel. That's what I'm talking about.
www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/suzuki-gsx-s1200-review-58167/
That’s a really cool bike!
Looks good, price is ridic when you consider what you can pick up a k5 1000 for. I predict k5/k6 1000’s will be appreciating as the new bikes get more expensive and aren’t really any better.
There are some similarities with the old 1980 Katana like the colour scheme and the bodywork but there it ends!
It's a far more upright riding position than the original and the bars are much wider too.
The original Katana was designed as a straight line missile and thats where it was most at home but throw in some twisties and the limitations of the frame quickly became apparent.
This look-a-like is designed to be far more of a street bike than the original with the upright riding position and high, wide handlebars rather than the low, drop bars on the earlier version.
The handling and frame can only be an improvement on the all too flexible steel offering that us older riders had to put up with back in the day as well as brakes that work and tyres that actually stick when you want rather than when conditions dictate. But then, thats progress for you!
This bikes definitely got a great look
Still not sure about the looks of this bike but the biggest deal breaker for me and not mentioned in the review is the size of the fuel tank; its tiny for a 1000cc bike.
SunzOffski I like how it looks from upfront (see a KTM 390 ?) but the side view is kinda weird
@tinwoods I get about 40 mpg on my 50 mile commute to and from work doing 80 mph and more on my gsx s1000. If I did the limit of 65 and didn't give full throttle most of the time I can do 50
@@JoseMartinez-fr2bv You fill up with fuel every second day? That would drive me fuckin nuts!
Gotta love adams helmet hair 😂😂
That looks like a muscle bike with its curves and lines!
Didn't really care much at first, but the looks are definitely starting to grow on me..
Diggin the aesthetic, but, the seating and handle bar angles look to be at odds with each other. Seating looks agressive, but handlebars look more laid back. Will it be comfortable to ride?
Can you put clip on on it. to high of a ride. Original had lower handle bars. Can you mod the bars?
Hey Adam, just tell us one thing: is this bike smooth?
Extreme west coast accent. Nice review!
I'm a fan of the look, especially in black. But the MT10 is cheaper and sounds better so I know which one I'd pick. I don't know if Suzuki is over engineering their bikes or what but the pricing on a lot of their bikes just isn't competitive.
I've got an MT10 and wouldn't swop it for a Katana 👍
Looks good. But the bars look like they came off an atv.
Love bars like that! Dirt stylebars!
I feel it's a confident handle
@tinwoods Yes. I just wonder why this style was chosen for this type of bike. Seems like it would be twitchy. Not a problem that I'll experience because I'm not buying one. Lol!
2Wheels R2Wheels cuz it’s a naked style bike. regular clip ons would feel like shit on this bike so these are way more comfy.
Bike looking so good
I love the hair style of that guy, thumbs up
Is that Sideshow Bob? :D Just kidding man. Great looking bike, but the 12L is a dealbreaker for me.
Hey Adam. Nice first look of this rather "interesting" Motorcycle. I'm still deciding whether I like the looks or not. I have to admit it's growing on me. I do think they should have made it an 1100cc. The big question is... Do I like it enough to trade my GSX1250FA for it? The answer is... HELL NO! If this were an updated version of my bike I would be all over it. But this one won't get it done. The faired Bandito was one of Suzuki's best bikes in terms of value and performance. Granted, the suspension was crap but for less than 2 grand I completely re-did it. The result was magic and turned the GSX1250FA into a more comfortable, completely unstressed Gixxer.
So while this new Katana is nice, I'll have to keep the FA, even though she has 64,000 miles on now and is a bit long in the tooth. I just can't find a modern equivalent that makes me want to switch; not even this one.
I'm still riding my GSX1250FA as well, they're such good value (IF you redo the suspension). Mine has 70.000km's still going strong without issues. I do like the look of the Katana but I don't think it would be much of an upgrade from the 1250.
I love the Tron display. Disappointed it doesn't leave light walls behind it.
Do now someone can i use the carborators of katana 600 cc to replace to karana 750 cc ?
Mmm, love that plastic grey or is it grey plastic?
Shakes head slowly.
Now Suzuki need to give the SV650 some love... cast aluminium swing arm and some upside down forks. I would buy one then, love the v-twin engine in that bike. And maybe some modern brakes wouldn’t hurt.
Agreed!!!
I own a Katanas 1000 in Cali and I might add this to the Stables.
That's one nice looking bike. I want one.
Oh my gosh, I owned an 83 GS1100SD Katana for many years and regret selling it. I don't want another bike but I just might have to.
Are the side lights at the front also indicators?
Not digging the look of that massive front end, but it seems to be a perfect contender for a front removal and headlight conversion. Although I can see how some people may like the look of the front end
I bought a Gsxs750 2018 for 6500.00 brand new. No abs, does have traction control, but you can turn it off. The 1000 has a twitchy throttle. The 750 is incredible.
I have a 2018 GSX-S1000. It is my 1st bike. No worries. If I can ride it. Anyone can. Just don't be stupid, because it is stupid fast!!
I like some of the retro styling "neo Tokyo"
Awesome 😍
What size and type engine? Centerstand? Rear passenger? Six speed? Five? You told us nothing.
obviously a downtuned 1000cc gsx-r engine probably k5 or k6, as you can see with your own eyes there's no centerstand (probably an option), there's room for a passenger as you can see! How many 5 speeds 1000cc do you know in 2019?
@@vreetkak The point is this is the most uninformative review video yet He tells us nothing about the bike only how he feels about it. PS I think it is a six speed . No quick shifter.
@@tonytesoriero1242, agree completely. These guys need to pick up their game.
Steve
Throw on clip ons and i love it.
Aditya Rai that’s probably what ima do too
Why did the put "commuter" type handlebars on it instead of dropdown bars or clip ons?
Price.
Looks like a futuristic cruiser nice bike..
When the original Katana came out, the radical styling was very polarizing and it really didn't sell very well . They were only in production a few years because of low sales.
Damn good looking bike
I'd love to own one if they ever make a 600cc class
He hasn't mentioned that it only has a 12 liter tank...you can look up what's that in gallons
Beautiful
That old 1000 gixxer motor sounds really good for stock
Looks pretty sweet
When I first took a gander at this dudes hair, I thought he was going to talk about aliens
I love his hair! HE IS NOT A LEMMING!
Isn't it cable operated throttle?
Very nice video
I'm a simple person. I see a crazy hairstyle, I hit like.
bike looks cool