2020 Suzuki Katana | '80s or Modern Naked or Somewhere In Between
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2020
- The new Katana has pieces from the past and present, '80s design & tech blended with modern design & tech. Example: head light is '80s & the tail is modern; throttle & clutch are cable, front brakes - Brembo. The list goes on and on as to what Suzuki did and didn't bring into this century.
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My Contact Information:
Scott Warner
Email: nothingtoprovemoto@gmail.com
Song: Caught Up by Eric Andrew Taylor - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I think I'm actually one of the few people who loves this bike to death, design wise at least. I love it how it looks in pictures and on video, never saw it in real life but I'm sure my jaw will drop once I see one. For me this is the best modern recreation of an old classic. This is basically what 1980s engineers though the Katana would look like in 2020 and I love that. Kudos to you Suzuki for being brave.
Hell yeah i love my bike too
I just bought one yesterday...it will be delevred next week. I cant whait! In black by the way
@@nielskragelund You're going to love it. Best bike I've ever owned. Light, nimble, incredibly easy to ride.
I've just bought one it's awesome.. and I own 7 other bikes including 2 gsxr1000s
I buyed blind and next week the Dealer deliver the Bike and i saw onky in Pictures and Videos
"Unique" is why I bought one!
Can you install an aftermarket quickshifter?
I love them--they have a big fU blatant nostalgia 80's to them, which is when I grew up. Plan on sitting on one this week. The range is very concerning tho; never had a quick shifter so can't say; the display looks funny and cool. I will wait, patiently, for the price to drop well below 10 USD.
I hear to some people that clutch is hard . Is it true?
Instablaster.
@@frenchiechanel64 no it's not
I'm sick of people whinging about this bike anymore. As an owner, 12L fuel tank normally last me around 200kms mark, which is very similiar to my previous sports bike (16L fuel tank 2017 GSX-R1000), you are not going interstate with this bike, so isn't 200kms not enough? LCD display is more than adequate, informative and very clear to see under the sun, and YES it has FUEL GAUGE and RANGE and even fuel economy, try that on the AUD$41,000 Ducati V4S. I bought the HEALTECH quickshifter kit for AUD$450, easy to install and set up, bluetooth connectivity via phone app. Overall, everything costs money. if you get all these features from the factory the price tag won't be like this. The engine power delivery is silky smooth, the gearbox feels awesome (the best gearbox I've ever ridden). yes it looks a lot better in flesh and it's an absolute head turner on the road. And I'm having a lot of fun on it. Don't mention to me about those overpriced and unreliable European bikes here
Thank you for your input. It's good to hear from actual owners on their own bikes!
Ride safe,
Scott
Bought one 3 months ago. Overall, I’m very happy with the decision. Coming from a highly modified Hayabusa, I can’t say that the power or torque impressed me much, but the Katana handles great, feels light, and makes a lot of sense as a weekend fun bike AND a daily commuter. The Hayabusa was a bit overkill as a commuter. The Katana’s fuel tank may be a bit small, but for real world riding, it’s nothing to worry about. The bike takes me 190 to 200km between fill ups, with 2 litres in the tank (twisty roads mostly). Katanas are not selling well and for those, like me, who love the looks and the K5 engine (who won’t), it’s a bike that’s great fun and nowadays can be bought at a bargain, AND there aren’t many of them on the road, so it’s definitely unique.
I have a Hayabusa 2005 back hurts after 25 minutes on it looking at a leftover one of these how is it overall in the city will it really does have some power
@@richardcerritelli9657 the Katana’s power is very good. The 150 crank hp may not sound exciting, but that K5 derived engine gives out a lot of usable torque at low to medium rpms. On a commute or a weekend on the twisties, it’s very satisfying. I highly recommend this bike.
@@w.mikati1181 I might just keep the Hayabusa and have a more comfortable City banging ride either this the katana or I was looking at the Kawasaki z9 that looks like a nice little bang for your buck to go along with the Hayabusa when I am feeling a little crazy mood. Have you ever driven to Kawasaki z9 that looks like an awesome bike for 10 grand.
@@richardcerritelli9657 to be frank, I think the Katana and the Z9 may be a bit too much for a daily short commute. Depending on the distance and traffic, there’s a broad spectrum of options, A Honda CB500X is so economical and rides quite well (ridden one an was really impressed). Never ridden a Z9,
this bike is definitely much better than the honda cb1100, and imo it's better looking as well
Funny as he says the Honda CB1000R is more of an hypernaked bike, as the Katana has more hp for the same weight (152 vs 145) and all the other reviews clearly say the Suzuki feels way more powerfull than the CB1000R.
Another honest review, thanks Scott. I actually own a 1983 GSX1100S Katana. '83 was the blue, and silver one with the blacked out engine. You will see a shot of it in my avatar. IMO it was the most attractive year. I did a full nut and bolt restoration on it. I agree with you that the new black one is quite stunning in it's look. That is exactly what I thought when I saw it at the Calgary motorcycle show in January of this year. I like they way they have honored many of Hans Muth's design queues around the fairing, headlight, tank and seat. Incidentally Hans was the legendary BMW designer that is famous for the R90S. IMO the original Katana is one of the coolest motorcycles ever designed period. Its designed was very controversial back in the day, like you said about the new one, people either loved it or hated it. I will agree that it is crude by today's standards, it has 37mm fork stanchons, however it still has a whole lot of motor for what it is. Would I buy the new one? No, I would not for many of the reasons you stated in your review Scott. I'd go for the Honda CB1000R all day long. One point related to to your review. Overall I find cable operated clutches engage earlier, have a heavier pull and have a wider range of engagement than hydraulic clutches. They do have more feel than hydraulic clutches IMO, but require a certain "touch" compared to a more forgiving hydraulic clutch.
Bought 1 month ago. Excellent bike. I have Hayabusa too and Katana feels sharper in turns and more sportier than Hayabusa.
I've got one .and it's a great bike.
Cable throttle mapping is the best throttle mapping ;)
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you. Another great honest informative review. After my test ride last year on one of these, I agree with you completely....heavy clutch, snatchy throttle in low gears, very small fuel tank, low tech....but somehow I still want one 🤔🤣....I think it looks so cool and different 😎
Great review, great bike - beautiful scenery. You present very well with a clear voice - much appreciated...
Love your Mantra....
I am picking up mine tomorrow 👍
Love the cuts and styling. A good after market windscreen should solve the wind problem. But the real problem is that tiny 12 lts gas tank! If around 15-16lts it would have been a great bike for everything, morning breakfast rides, once in a while track days and touring..and btw black color looks dope!
I really appreciate your videos and the time you take with them and that you don’t try to cram 37 ads down my throat in every video. Also love your catch phrase, well done.
Thank you, I deliberately go into each video about 1 hour (give or take) after they are published and delete ads. If I left it up to youtube, they'd have 5 ads in this video, I deleted 2 out. I do this because when I watch a video, I don't want so many ads either.
Ride safe,
Scott
Another high quality review👍Keep it that way👌
Greetings from Austria!
I bought mine this year, I love her.
cuántos kilómetros te haces con un depósito?
Her? I think its a boy😎👍
Scott ,i think your review of this budget Katana will cost Suzuki in the long run, absolutely spot on accurate ,and right to the point ,well done 🏆🏆🏆🤜
my hubby have one,model 2020,and truly its really nice
Katana and MT version is the best looking bike in naked variant. Not overly done in design but looks sophisticated
I always had a softspot for this bike since it came out
Cool review! Definitely will check it out!
Excellent video! I got the Mystic Silver one and love the looks of it. I stalled it 4 times the first week, made me feel like a beginner...
Yea, it made me fell like a beginner too! That is why I mentioned it in the video. I almost never stall a bike and it did it to me 3 times before I even left the parking lot 😥😡
@@NothingToProve hello, what do you mean? Why it makes you stop 3 times?
Agree on the clutch. Had a moment but got away with it, just. Amazing bike. Judge Dredd meets Tron.
Another good review Scott I was able to see your 890 review today as well and that’s the bike I’ve been waiting and looking for being in Michigan right now half the dealerships haven’t even gotten in any stock I have to drive to Lansing to look at a KTM I agree with most of your points on the Suzuki but with the KTM I believe it’s more then a toy I’ll leave it at that keep up the good work love the roads that you test the bikes on
very calm.. very straightforward.. very nice review.. i subscribed..!
Enjoyed watching this, it's indeed a mixed bag of a bike from all appearances. That tank size would really limit usefulness.
gorgeous-looking bike, I don't understand why so many complains on the front light
Suzuki should have gone with Air Cooling rather than Liquid cooling as it would have made the Modern Retro bike look perfectly. I always like the look of the 80s and 90s version.
Despite all cons (which agree with you somehow), I really like this bike and how Suzuki puts it all together in a very decent package, with a reasonable price. I own a Suzuki GSX-S1000F and it has basically the same specs and characteristics of Katana (on/off/snatchy throttle, stiff suspension etc.), but I really enjoy riding it. I owned several Big Trails, mostly 1200GS, but a smooth and powerful 4-cylinder engine really caught me.
So impractical; so cool--I'd love one beside the V-Strom!
Update--just bought a lightly used one! Love the looks and that engine.
I don't like inline4rs, I don't like heavy bikes (over 200kg) I find it silly to have 150bhp, I don't like small tanks and thirsty engines...but I love this one! Goodness me!
the looks have changed a lot, but I can see the concept of the original in there. The numbers and specs sound nearly identical to the one I have...from 1995. I tend to leave it in 6th gear through most of traffic, even some times under 30mph. A little surprised you managed to stall it. I adjusted my clutch to start engaging immediately, but the bike (the 1995) just has so much power down low that it can just pull. The low down grunt I know was one of the concepts they wanted to keep on the katana and you did comment on it several times.
Great review Scott! Yeah, Suzuki certainly wanted to keep a part of it retro like the 80’s, but not modern with technology. Cable throttle? How do you get ride modes with cable throttles? I’m going to checkout you review of the retro Honda. That looks better.👌💯
I like this bike a lot. It is unique & that's presumably what Suzuki were trying to do by emulating the original. A 12 litre tank is a bit silly but the range isn't an issue IF you know what you're getting in to. People seem to get stuck on the size of the tank instead of how far it can go. It'll do 120 miles full to empty which is just about enough & plenty other iconic bikes have similar or worse ranges. Interestingly most other reviews also say it has a bit more performance than the CB1000 & handles better but that's subjective I guess.
NTP I love that thing !! Thnx !!
Gorgeous motorcycle👍
Love the new Katana, but hate the rear fender/plate hanger thingy. Luckily undertails are available from the aftermarket to fix Suzuki's mistake.
Great Review…
I dig the looks of this bike. Its looks really cool. But I don't like the bike. Its overpriced by at least 2 grand
Yeah, but if you're into the original it's not a deal-breaker. I was a kid in 80 when the original came out, so I clearly have a nostalgia bias.
love the name! nothing to prove :D
I like it. The problems you describe are easily changed to anybodies liking. So if nobody buys these then maybe a chance to get a new one with a nice discount. Looks like a new bike in my sites
i was just looking at this on the website yesterday.
The small tank gives it a psycho look !!!!
No one hates this bike for what it is.
People hate it for what it claims to be.
GSX 1100 was a Top performance bike Suzuki had at the time. So no pass down detuned engine there.
It was designed to Look futuristic in 1980
This looks 2019 as anything else. No headlight is gonna save it its just a 2019 standard design bike.
Noone has an Issue with the bike as a Suzuki Naked. People have a problem with abuse of the name.
Amazing bike i m big fan
I like the look, but the lower lights at the front should have been switch back indicators. Also the dashboard should have been more old style with LCD katana dials. Also a 750 version would been nice.
It’s just a GSX-S 1000 with a different dress on and a smaller tank. Think I’d rather have the GSX-S 1000 or the GSX-S 1000F, a GSX-S 1000 with Fairing!
I love how this bike looks, but I'm all the way with GSX-S 1000F.
yep i would prefer the gsx 1000f over this
konfitura yeah, it’s an awesome bike!
People who have experienced two things say that they are completely different. Do you have any grounds? suzuki is not as sloppy as you are.
SQUANUT 😂 They have the same chassis, same motor, same suspension... Think you’ll find it’s mostly a design exercise.
I always liked the looks, even before seeing it in the flesh (although I agree it looks better in person). I couldn't justify the extra $3.5K AUD over the GSX-S1000 though, for a retro styling package with more weight and less tank capacity. Back then it was the same price as the GSX-R1000. Now they've dropped the Katana's price so it's only $1.2K more than the GSX-S, meanwhile the GSX-R has gone up a huge amount in price, so it doesn't seem like such a bad deal anymore.
This bike is MORE than the GSX-S 1000 ??? Noooo, I had no idea! I have not seen either of these bikes on the streets of So Cal yet. In fact all modern Suzuki's are INCREDIBLY rare to see. I still have never seen even a new V Strom 1000 yet (and I'm always on the look out). No quick shifter either on the Katana until 2022 which is a shame. I mean come on, cable throttle, LCD display, K5 engine... this bike should be $9000 USD
Great review! Just my opinion but I think it needs at least a 16 liter fuel tank and a few other updates to justify that price. There are 2 that have been at the local dealership since March or April and have been discounted 15% so far. They just aren’t selling and can’t blame it on COVID because other motorcycles at same dealership are selling.
Yea, this was my dilemma with this review, if it were 2k less, then not a bad bike or give us up-to-date parts and like at least adj Showa's and a better display, then ok for the current price. But the competition today is so fierce that just bringing back an old model just doesn't cut it anymore, you have to make it better...way better.
NothingToProve totally agree!
It's a new bike, the clutch will probably change slightly. For me the tank seems small. If the transmission works like I hear of other Suzuki's, the bike should be responsive in a good way.
I like the pictures. Now I fear I won't like it in person :-P
It's funny how how people bitch about the small tank in reviews but the Indian ftr1200 has the same size tank and nobody cares...
I mentioned it in my review of the FTR1200. :)
If it's got to grow on you ,find a bike you love ,because the new will wear off Quick,I loved my 85 Yamaha Vmax and own it going on 31 years.
12 litre gas tank on a 147HP ,1000cc bike? Totally useless range on a polarizing looking bike.
Could be the reason they are not selling.
What a bust...how many millions have they lost to save face on this horrible design with no modern features. I lived through the 80’ not everything needs to come back! Tight-rolled bugle boy jeans from grade school come to mind
love it...
Beautiful Bike!!!!!!!!!!
Tiny fuel tank? Deal killer. My life has enough inconveniences already.
Good review as always....I love this bike. It´s different!!
It kind of looks quite mean in black. But that 12 ltr fuel tank is just ridiculous. Whoever came up with that idea at Suzuki needs shooting. Unfortunately it's not a good seller and will probably fade away unless Suzuki get serious with it and give it some decent upgrades. It could have been a great bike but the effort put in was half hearted. Great video Scott as usual. Take care and ride safe.
Initially I was really delighted to know that this bike was coming. But I saw her at the Intermot and was kind of shocked. I could not look at her anymore. The handlebar was way too high and the fuel tank was way way too small! It made the bike look ridiculous and not in a good way!
To me she is just another opportunity not taken by Suzuki.
I mean, the handlebar makes riding this bike more comfortable, but it looks so bad. The fuel tank is but the real fail. If you do a real...let's call it...ambitious longer ride, you might want to look for refuelling every 120-150 km. IF you get that far!
Suzuki had a real good chance to put another big player on the market, but as usual they were afraid to go all the way!
Nice video Scott. Take care and ride safe 👍🙂
12L? They're having a giraffe! Er nope.
Thanks, Mr. Rogers! But no... we'll wait for the new Bandit 1300R
Great bike no doubt
Enjoyed your review. I was wondering if you could review the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx please. I rate your opinion highly and would love your point of view. Thanks, Charlie.
Thank you.
I have been trying to do one for the last two years but things have always gotten in the way, mainly the dealer sells the bike before I can ride it, this is the case this year & cause of Corona. It seems that the bike is avoiding me, maybe it just does not like me 😒
Ride safe,
Scott
Good grief, thorough review with a good balance of ride footage and professionally cut highlights. Excellent work, criminally underrated channel.
All the things listed as being dated are why I want one haha
How is the wind protect from the shield and the fairings on high way speed?
What wind protection? LOL!
Perfect Bike !!
I like its qwerkyness, the 12L tank os insane though.
Somewhere in between with nothing to prove to anyone but itself.
Please advise what bikes you have ridden That do not have a snatchy throttle at low speeds. Thank you.
Too many to list.
I do like the style but it seems like they mismatched some parts like the dash and the screen. Cable clutch and throttle saddens me unless you go full retro. The tiny fuel tank is another issue. Maybe next time they improve?
5 more Liter, an up and down quickshifter and a tft display with some gadgets for the same price and they would start to sell some.
Agree I’ve got a 2019 Tuono and love my quick up/down shifter, tft, and cruise control...I wouldn’t buy another bike without these options
Re: the clutch... why didn't you adjust the friction point to suit you?
Great review Scott. Unfortunately I believe that Suzuki have lost their way slightly. Throughout all the range, they appear to be just missing the mark. Having ridden GSXRS for a few years I personally believe that they need to up their game to remain competitive. However I would never criticise anyone’s choice in a motorcycle. It is after all a very personal thing.😀👍
People keep talking about how Suzuki brought back the K5 engine out of the 2005/06 GSXR 1000. WRONG. It us NOT the same engine. I bought my 2020 katana NEW in Feb of 2022. After the first 100 miles the clutch material turned to puddy and slung off the clutch disk. SUZUKI said NOT THEIR PROBLEM.
Hi Scott, so what the best naked bike for a tall rider (193cm) in your opinion?
Super naked? 1290SDR or MT10 have the most room ergonomically. This and the CB1000R too for the "non" liter bike super nakeds...although the Kawi 1000SX has room too. So that is really an open ended question. 🤔 There are so many to chose from...it's really a great thing to have so much choice.
Go and sit on a few of them because they are like a pair of jeans, every brand fits differently.
Good luck,
Scott
@@NothingToProve Noted down! Thanks mate 👍
Ohhhh man... Looks so much better in black!
Id of absolutely bought one if theyd of took ques from the beloved hoologan B King and threw a Busa motor in it..... Pass over the last gen 1k for torque and put the big motor in it. Just seemed like a good platform to step out with something different. With so many 1k nakeds from Suzuki and others, why not? Especially asking what they want, it needs something other than bodywork to justify it. But, Im biased owning a black B King...
just like the old katana..it is unique...they don't belong to any group.
1st thing to go if i buy this bike..side mirror and handle bar..of cos tail tidy too
As a former Katana owner why they did away with the full skirts is beyond me. It streamlines the look and I have had naked but prefer the non-naked look. This one is somewhere in between and for me I would be a gixxer buyer instead of this "New" katana. The Tail for me is fugly. And the gas tank is far too small. My 2c worth.
Hi Scott I'm looking for a second bike a more potent than my 2019 MT09. I want to say under 14k 15k. Is the Katana idea? The KTM 1290 is too expensive for me. I'm retiring in next 2 years. I want a 1000 cc or higher that has power.
What about the MT10? Or BMW S1000R they are both right at 14,000 right now at least here in Germany. Also the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX too.
Ride safe,
Scott
@@NothingToProve Thank you I will look into that BMW for sure. I don't know why I feel I missed out on the BMW R900F. Even though my MT09 is a beast
@@NothingToProve Scott the other nite coming home from work a guy on a Harley Davidson 1200 customized Sporter pulled up next to me. He looks over and asked me what kind of bike did I have. I just said it's a 800cc Yamaha. I didn't want to get into the MT09 thing. Then he d ask what's the MT for. My bike has unlimited power and speed which I can testify to having had it since April. When the light turned green he took off on me as to says " lest go. " I let him go. It's a good feeling when you know you have power at your disposal. I HAD NOTHING TO PROVE.😎
@@derekholms6171 You get it! It is a great feeling and that is why I called my channel NTP, for us guys that do understand this and have nothing to prove to anyone 👍😁😎
Taking off pre load ie increasing sag will tend to harshen the ride.
Rear suspension IS a little bit weak for two persons (105+54kg) especially durong a track day. Replaced by a sportshock quickly everyrhing is good now !!! Anyway a fanstastic bike which deserves a lot of success despite everything. The tank IS n'ont a problem if i compare it to m'y old speed triple or superduke, thanks to its low apetite for fuel... And i do not plan any road trip soon😁 it doesn't make sens to me as it IS n'ont designed for road trip
Do not like the stying and did see it at the bike show. Will have to have a closer look, but so many other options.
Have had my share of odd bikes including FJ600, F800r and new R1200R
If you want a more practical bike with more range you can get the really good gsxf or a dl1000. This bike is just like the b-king from a few years ago, it show cases a great engine and not much else. Being odd is one of its features. It will drop price next year and some lucky folks will scoop them up. Funny how most complaints on here are answered by other bikes from Suzuki for less money, ah the wishes of the keyboard warriors.
A buddy of mine had a 2000's Katana 600 many years ago. He had a aftermarket exhaust on it and it sounded great. It was very slow, but it sounded great. Man those were some ugly bikes.
looks better in black
hahaha I have never seen you stumped before... that in itself is not a recommendation. Cables?? £6.5k price tab would work as an occasional toy I think
Lol it’s a s1000f with taller bars
Clip ons would transform this bike.
The handle bars look tacky.
That's a nice looking vacuum cleaner
i dont like it , i drive the Z 900 RS Retro style bike , and i am happy with . ;-) thx for your upload - greetings from the Sauerland
ah those z 900 rs ...not only they look good but those engines are thunder
@@ragimundvonwallat8961 900RS is a great bike, but the K5 motor in these is in an entirely different league. 150BHP absolutely changes how a bike pulls out of corners.
The way to small gastank is a complete deal breaker for me. About 150km reach is was to short for me
Is really stupid to think like this , you don’t need more than 12 liters
Missed the mark for the price point. My GSX-S1000F a better value in my opinion as it makes for a comfortable sporty bike that can be a traveler as well. The Katana could be a much better bike with more current electronics and refinement.
I agree with your assessment. For me I do not think I would like riding this bike.
This is an Ugly one .. haha