I love the looks of this bike! Way better than the other modern retros out there. Well done Suzuki. I use to own the GSXS1000F and I would imagine this rides the same, just a better unique look about it. I’ve been waiting for you to review this one chops, thank you!
I travelled from Lancashire to Cornwall to pick up an 1100 Katana back in April '92. I rode it home. My previous bike was a 650 Katana. The 1100 was a big brutish uncompromising hulk. That was the real essence of those big Kats. I loved it. They weren't 'easy' bikes.
the music theme in this video was a nice touch which took me back to Miami Vice with Crocket and Tubs with the classic Testarossa, 911 Turbo and Mercedes S-class cars :)
Loving the Katana's looks but like you I'm a 80's guy, VanHalen, Scorpions, Dokken... and lusting over the original Katana. Great review, Thank you Chop!
The kids that hate it also have no connection to the era. It would be like trying to explain black light posters to them. I remember having the Zepplin Stairway to Heavy black light poster amoung others. Some just wouldn't relate to the feeling and ambiance of the decade. Great times they were.
Love your reviews, you don't whinge and complain if you find a negative, you tell it as it is and enjoy the bikes for what they are, and isn't that what biking is all about? We are so lucky now to have a such a diverse choice of motorcycles, oh I love the Katana BTW! 😁
Great review chops. Agree it looks loads better than the other mainstream 70's looking retros. Passed a new Kwak Z900 rs today and it made me look twice, looks great but so 70's yet again. This new Katana on the other hand is FRESH. Can't wait for the dry roads review. Big thumbs up, liking the channel mate.
The motorbike equivalent of a 1981 DeLorean sports car, with that 'dated-futuristic' look of the 1980s. The black Katana 2019 is StreetHawk wish-fulfilment.
Gear ratios are directly swapped from the 2005 GSX-R1000 which are pretty bad (very tall 1st, and too-short 6th). Cost savings not grinding a new set of gears, but they aren't really street gearing.
I wouldn't say it's the only negative thing, but it sure does stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the 21L on my Versys 650, but once I decide to upgrade it won't be to a bike with less than 18L on board. That will be my bare minimum.
It's a bike you won't confuse with another. It doesn't tickle my fancy but they nailed the look they wanted. It looks like it belongs in the 80s Robocop movie and it's being ridden by the red tron guy.
It's a good reliable Suzuki that will be fun and rewarding to ride. I don't think it should cost any more then the standard gsxs1000 as it's not that different apart from styling. Good review thanks. 👍
Loved the styling then and it looks pretty damn fine now. Now they should make a limited edition of their 1986 concept bike the Suzuki NUDA. Now thats a bike I would like to see put into production.
never regarded as "sexy" (whatever that means in motorcycle terms), I'm always impressed by Suzuki generally with their mix of decent price, quality, reliability and what it offers the owner - usefulness! Very different mindset to the Europeans who need to be out there first with every new bit of tech, but totally dependable and never a drain on the bank balance
I live literally 2 miles from caff and drove past on the day , saw a katana parked out front suzuki lorry out back , and said to dad “ bet they are launching it there” then I see your wet thumbnail haha !
I bought my first motorcycle in the 80’s and love the styling. I think you’re right that Suzuki should have gone farther with incorporating more tech from the GSXR but I’m sure the had a price point in mind that they needed to adhere to. That said if you’re going with polarizing styling you need to throw all the bells and whistles at it to attract a broader range of buyers, maybe they will do that in the next update. Great review in less than ideal conditions.
I didn't like the whole square/boxey look back in the day, BUT I'm totally into how this new Katana brings it up to date. Nice and different. Shame about the lack of a quick shifter though. Are Suzuki trying to tell us that it's because we didn't have that back in the 80's? I bet Street Hawk had it on his XR500 😉😂😂😂 Cracking review Mr Chops.
Producing a sequel was always going to be difficult. You cant please all the people all the time. Hats off to Suzuki for giving it a go but like you say Chops, I think they missed a golden opportunity to make an absolute winner.
Loving the retro Miami vice intro! I personally don't like the styling but saying that I'm sure it's a very capable bike! Nice to see you were in my neck of the woods! Some good roads in the dry!
Lamb Chop Rides it's annoying with the weather but oh well eh! Hopefully your get to go out in the dry soon and give a better review. At least we know it's good in the wet! What Tyers's are fitted?
Honestly I think that a large part of the younger generation will also appreciate the Katana name and styling of the retro inspiration. I mean, there even exists an anime about a group of girls riding bikes and one of the main rides is a classic Katana 400 - and that show is marketed at a relatively young generation. I myself, 26 year old, am absolutely in love with both 70's, 80's and 90's styling. The only thing keeping me away from most of those bikes are their typical high mileage and general wear and tear. If manufacturers started building true classic sportsbikes etc I would be first in line. I'd much rather have a mint 400cc ZXR 400, than a ZX10R with 3 times the power..
I love this video. I have never been to England but have been riding in Australia for 20 years. On the proper (not right side of the road). I ride a K9 Suzuki Bandit 1250S. I loved the original Katana as a kid too. Have been to see the new one at the local dealership. Mmm tempting. Still love the Bandit though
A the 80's when everything was as airodynamic as a brick i had a old 80's vw golf as my first car literly a brick with wheels on it but it was the best car i ever had and a great review as always chops
Great first impression review chops I hope you get the chance to give us a more in depth dry review lol ! I'm really loving this bike and cant wait to test ride one. Fantastic edit buddy👍
Hey LCR, I know this is an older video for you but I’m slowly catching up with you. I’m a Suzuki fan from my childhood...we won’t be discussing how far back that goes😂😂😂. But I can’t stand the high bars, as you mentioned the original had clip-ons. Go full retro and fit the clip-ons again. If the consumer doesn’t like the lower bars on this Katana...just purchase a GSXS1000...simple. Looking at the front it’s reminiscent of the old Suzuki Wet Bike 🤔. Cheers.
I've had it in my mind that if I do buy a 2nd road bike it would be a Kawi z900RS. But now that all this juicy info is out on the Katana I believe I'm being swayed toward it. Like you said its a retro form the era when I was teen and drooling over such bikes and to be honest it seems like more bike than the z900RS. Great review as usual Chops ;)
Thanks matey, yes I prefer the looks to the 900RS, more of the bikes I loved as a kid for sure! Not ridden the 900 RS but I would imagine this is more of a sports naked..
@@davidmuncer601 ..I can't help it Dave, I was a kid in the 70's and barely into mini-bikes ....But the 80's are when I got my love for motorcycling and its the Katana look that pulls at my heart strings :)
LCR, Love your reviews! I love the silver version of this bike, it reminds me of the first time I saw this bike back in 1981, I was just a kid and was absolutely enamored. If only this bike had a 5+ gallon tank. On a separate nite, what helmet are you wearing?
Had to subscribe love how you describe Suzuki ethos you’re bang on and yeah watching this 3 year later but what an awesome bike please take me back to Miami vice etc 😂
Not a big fan of the looks - but that engine sounds like it could be a right screamer! Oh and kudos on the video editing and music choices, really made for an entertaining watch. Keep up the good work mate ;)
12L fuel capacity is an absolutely stupid move. It's not a 300cc engine. It needs a 17L minimum. Full system, ECU flash on the donor GSX-S1000 brings power from about 138 up to around 154. Swap in a 16T sproket, or down to 15T and 190/55 tire and everything would be solved.
Pity about the wet. I remember the original bike being 63 now. Own a Gsx 1400 and a v4 at the mo very interested in this bike. Was over Spain and Portugal this year. So how is it two up? Has it luggage and how does it compare to the 14?
Been looking forward to this vid. I too am a child of the 80s and the original Katana was one of the first bikes I really liked the look of as a kid. So I obviously like the look of the new one too. Great vid and definitely got me interested to try it for myself. Another one on the list of possible replacements for the 'Blade.... :) What the wind noise and impact like? The lack of a screen would be the only thing I'd have a problem with initially....
Great review & loved the cheesy 80's music! Shame about the weather but you absolutely did your best by giving it plenty lol. Definitely worth getting hold of one for a couple of weeks soon hopefully! This bike intrigues me & I agree with a lot of what you said. I would've made it an 1100cc more in line with the original & a bit of a torque monster too & not worried so much about bhp which would differentiate it more from the GSXS. Although as it's a retro of sorts I'd disagree with basing it on the GSXR1000 & it's electronics etc as I think that's what Suzuki should do with the GSXS maybe. I absolutely get where you're coming from though as it would be a better bike but I don't think it would be in keeping with its retro basis. Either way though can't wait to see more of it if and when you get the chance!
You know when you're getting old when your teenage poster bike is rehashed and presented as retro😟
Bike looks great, dunno why everyone else says it's ugly.
So Suzuki made a retro from an 80s bike... which was futuristic... and the new one still is. Love the damn thing.
Really like the styling on this bike. It has some resemblance to the original but looks very modern at the same time
I love the looks of this bike! Way better than the other modern retros out there. Well done Suzuki. I use to own the GSXS1000F and I would imagine this rides the same, just a better unique look about it. I’ve been waiting for you to review this one chops, thank you!
I travelled from Lancashire to Cornwall to pick up an 1100 Katana back in April '92. I rode it home. My previous bike was a 650 Katana. The 1100 was a big brutish uncompromising hulk. That was the real essence of those big Kats. I loved it. They weren't 'easy' bikes.
the music theme in this video was a nice touch which took me back to Miami Vice with Crocket and Tubs with the classic Testarossa, 911 Turbo and Mercedes S-class cars :)
Loving the Katana's looks but like you I'm a 80's guy, VanHalen, Scorpions, Dokken... and lusting over the original Katana.
Great review, Thank you Chop!
The kids that hate it also have no connection to the era. It would be like trying to explain black light posters to them. I remember having the Zepplin Stairway to Heavy black light poster amoung others. Some just wouldn't relate to the feeling and ambiance of the decade. Great times they were.
Love your reviews, you don't whinge and complain if you find a negative, you tell it as it is and enjoy the bikes for what they are, and isn't that what biking is all about? We are so lucky now to have a such a diverse choice of motorcycles, oh I love the Katana BTW! 😁
The intro to this video is so good! Well done with that one mate, very well made and fits the bike perfect.
Thanks Graham
Me too, I appreciate the nod to the old Katana. I was too young for one the first time, but I recall a double page poster on my bedroom wall aged 14
Love the intro - Narrated just like a mate telling you about his latest bike - nicely done again LCR👍
The front of the bike looks like street hawk.. Remember that show? You had nite rider air wolf and street hawk.
Side Bob billy I loved that show, thanks for the blast from the past 🤪👍🏻
Great review chops. Agree it looks loads better than the other mainstream 70's looking retros. Passed a new Kwak Z900 rs today and it made me look twice, looks great but so 70's yet again.
This new Katana on the other hand is FRESH. Can't wait for the dry roads review. Big thumbs up, liking the channel mate.
The motorbike equivalent of a 1981 DeLorean sports car, with that 'dated-futuristic' look of the 1980s.
The black Katana 2019 is StreetHawk wish-fulfilment.
Bunny ride this and wear your calculator watch..
Thanks for the great review. I saw this bike at last year’s MotoGP at Phillip Island. The look grows over time.
I hated the look of this bike at first but I don't mind admitting, it's growing on me!! Great video Chops!
Thanks Dan, it is a grower!
The only negative thing about this bike is the 12 litre tank.
Gear ratios are directly swapped from the 2005 GSX-R1000 which are pretty bad (very tall 1st, and too-short 6th). Cost savings not grinding a new set of gears, but they aren't really street gearing.
I wouldn't say it's the only negative thing, but it sure does stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the 21L on my Versys 650, but once I decide to upgrade it won't be to a bike with less than 18L on board. That will be my bare minimum.
with a 12 litre tank it aint gonna sell.
12 litros te convierte en un visitante diario a la gasolinera, una pena.
I like its looks. Never had a bad Suzuki, rgv,tl or gsxr.
My dream bike. So beautiful ❤️
Great editing and production on this mate. Really impressed..
It's a bike you won't confuse with another. It doesn't tickle my fancy but they nailed the look they wanted. It looks like it belongs in the 80s Robocop movie and it's being ridden by the red tron guy.
Really nice review! Enjoyed the camera work and all different angles, thanks!
It's a good reliable Suzuki that will be fun and rewarding to ride. I don't think it should cost any more then the standard gsxs1000 as it's not that different apart from styling. Good review thanks. 👍
I just needed this convincing video to pull the trigger on one; thanks!
Loved the styling then and it looks pretty damn fine now. Now they should make a limited edition of their 1986 concept bike the Suzuki NUDA. Now thats a bike I would like to see put into production.
Absolute beautiful. Front end almost looks like a Ktm Rc 390/200
I’m an 80’s kid, gotta love it!
Now u r a uncle i guess😀
@@msi9209 sure but still do the same things as when I was a teenager it’s all in your head😉
never regarded as "sexy" (whatever that means in motorcycle terms), I'm always impressed by Suzuki generally with their mix of decent price, quality, reliability and what it offers the owner - usefulness! Very different mindset to the Europeans who need to be out there first with every new bit of tech, but totally dependable and never a drain on the bank balance
I live literally 2 miles from caff and drove past on the day , saw a katana parked out front suzuki lorry out back , and said to dad “ bet they are launching it there” then I see your wet thumbnail haha !
I bought my first motorcycle in the 80’s and love the styling. I think you’re right that Suzuki should have gone farther with incorporating more tech from the GSXR but I’m sure the had a price point in mind that they needed to adhere to. That said if you’re going with polarizing styling you need to throw all the bells and whistles at it to attract a broader range of buyers, maybe they will do that in the next update. Great review in less than ideal conditions.
the rawness suit the retro theme very well i dont think things like electronic suspension and autobliper is very important for bike like this
The sad moment when side by side the original is far better looking, keep em coming Lcr 👍
Hope to see an in-depth review! Thank you for sharing
Great initial impressions Chops. You always do a great job👍
Thanks Andy!
My first bike was a 92 katana. This looks like it could be fun.
I didn't like the whole square/boxey look back in the day, BUT I'm totally into how this new Katana brings it up to date. Nice and different. Shame about the lack of a quick shifter though. Are Suzuki trying to tell us that it's because we didn't have that back in the 80's? I bet Street Hawk had it on his XR500 😉😂😂😂
Cracking review Mr Chops.
It will be interesting to see if any of the other Japanese manufacturers go down the 80's retro route. GPz900 anyone?
Nice review, cheers
Oh the twin round headlights of the early GSXR and FZR
The bike also looks like it is from the 80s and the ad from Suzuki together with the music in it supports that quite a lot.
Producing a sequel was always going to be difficult. You cant please all the people all the time. Hats off to Suzuki for giving it a go but like you say Chops, I think they missed a golden opportunity to make an absolute winner.
Nice review chops 👌 like the looks thanks Danny
Kantana was always the epitome of fugly ;-) But good on Suzuki for making something quite distinctively unique.
The 750 Katana was gorgeous
@@Mike-me3sp This one from 1986 certainly looked pretty good :-) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suzuki_Katana_750.jpg
Shame about conditions , great video , I luv the look , look forward to the follow up 👍😁
Got one of these and it's brilliant fun.
Loving the retro Miami vice intro! I personally don't like the styling but saying that I'm sure it's a very capable bike! Nice to see you were in my neck of the woods! Some good roads in the dry!
Yes roads were epic!! Such a shame it rained, only two days of rain in weeks and weeks and its the 2 days of the Katana launch :-(
Lamb Chop Rides it's annoying with the weather but oh well eh! Hopefully your get to go out in the dry soon and give a better review. At least we know it's good in the wet! What Tyers's are fitted?
Loving the 80’s soft porn music intro! 😂
Honestly I think that a large part of the younger generation will also appreciate the Katana name and styling of the retro inspiration. I mean, there even exists an anime about a group of girls riding bikes and one of the main rides is a classic Katana 400 - and that show is marketed at a relatively young generation. I myself, 26 year old, am absolutely in love with both 70's, 80's and 90's styling. The only thing keeping me away from most of those bikes are their typical high mileage and general wear and tear. If manufacturers started building true classic sportsbikes etc I would be first in line. I'd much rather have a mint 400cc ZXR 400, than a ZX10R with 3 times the power..
I love this video. I have never been to England but have been riding in Australia for 20 years. On the proper (not right side of the road). I ride a K9 Suzuki Bandit 1250S. I loved the original Katana as a kid too. Have been to see the new one at the local dealership. Mmm tempting. Still love the Bandit though
A the 80's when everything was as airodynamic as a brick i had a old 80's vw golf as my first car literly a brick with wheels on it but it was the best car i ever had and a great review as always chops
great review....looking for a second bike...this one may do it.
Great first impression review chops I hope you get the chance to give us a more in depth dry review lol ! I'm really loving this bike and cant wait to test ride one. Fantastic edit buddy👍
Great vid mate. I pick mine up tomorrow!
This is on my must have list. Love this bike, also love this is one of those you love it or hate it no middel ground bikes.
Bringings back meroy when you where a young lad good review
Hey LCR,
I know this is an older video for you but I’m slowly catching up with you.
I’m a Suzuki fan from my childhood...we won’t be discussing how far back that goes😂😂😂.
But I can’t stand the high bars, as you mentioned the original had clip-ons. Go full retro and fit the clip-ons again.
If the consumer doesn’t like the lower bars on this Katana...just purchase a GSXS1000...simple.
Looking at the front it’s reminiscent of the old Suzuki Wet Bike 🤔.
Cheers.
I've had it in my mind that if I do buy a 2nd road bike it would be a Kawi z900RS. But now that all this juicy info is out on the Katana I believe I'm being swayed toward it. Like you said its a retro form the era when I was teen and drooling over such bikes and to be honest it seems like more bike than the z900RS. Great review as usual Chops ;)
Thanks matey, yes I prefer the looks to the 900RS, more of the bikes I loved as a kid for sure! Not ridden the 900 RS but I would imagine this is more of a sports naked..
Couldn't agree - the Z900RS is beautiful but this thing is so ugly to my mind!
@@davidmuncer601 ..I can't help it Dave, I was a kid in the 70's and barely into mini-bikes ....But the 80's are when I got my love for motorcycling and its the Katana look that pulls at my heart strings :)
@@LambChopRides ... If I do make a move, it'll be fun deciding between the two :)
@@painsrides Fair enough ! I'm an old fart but I seem to like modern!
Great review love the looks of this bike glad to hear it rides nice
Awesome work on the video 😎🏆👍
Btw, when the Katana came out in the eighties it was the top of the line, this
seems not to be..which is a pity.
Yeah true the next best thing would have been a GSX1100E. What a fabulous machine.
If that intro music played the whole time I rode that bike it's a no brainer, TAKE MY MONEY!
haha, Im sure that could be arranged :-)
When i heard the announcement I thought it would be cool, but then it's just a gsx-s1000 with a different front and a higher price.
Different seating position and more comfy
Yeah where's the pop up headlight, wire wheels, two tone saddle, and of course the Katana key fob? Does this thing even have SACS?!!!
@@edwardtupper6374 back in the 80s where they belong
It also has a better dash and a better, smoother throttle connection.
@@fyorbane and I think it has better brakes
I like the outro retro song. and also lovely bike.
Love your channel.
Amazing cinematography chopsy 😍😍
Been waiting for a decent review of this bike 😎👍
Must say you make every bike look small when you’re on it 😁
Roland FullThrottle indeed 🤣🤣 the actual bike is much bigger than it shows over here 🤣
Suzuki is the best imo not the most advanced but just nice balanced motorcycles with i think the best build quality
LCR, Love your reviews! I love the silver version of this bike, it reminds me of the first time I saw this bike back in 1981, I was just a kid and was absolutely enamored. If only this bike had a 5+ gallon tank. On a separate nite, what helmet are you wearing?
Had to subscribe love how you describe Suzuki ethos you’re bang on and yeah watching this 3 year later but what an awesome bike please take me back to Miami vice etc 😂
@lambchoprides was maybe the reason you were feeling the lack of torque because you wee riding in the 3 drive range setting???
That white circle down there, that one, it was a roundabout
Not a big fan of the looks - but that engine sounds like it could be a right screamer!
Oh and kudos on the video editing and music choices, really made for an entertaining watch. Keep up the good work mate ;)
i bought one of the few Katanas in the UK
Forget the bike, how bout that dope ass green Beetle in the background 💚
You are a dope
Nice one chops 😉
That 80s intro. Haha love it.v
I dig the Baywatch music at the end
Great video as always. Great bike but Aprilia with Akro exhaust rules them all.You have the best Suzuki in your garage. :D
"it has a really tight gearbox". Who doesn't like a tight gearbox! 😊
12L fuel capacity is an absolutely stupid move. It's not a 300cc engine. It needs a 17L minimum.
Full system, ECU flash on the donor GSX-S1000 brings power from about 138 up to around 154. Swap in a 16T sproket, or down to 15T and 190/55 tire and everything would be solved.
Wonder what the miles per gallon are on this bike. I like it but not if it gets down to the 30's MPG like some 1 liter bikes
Remember seeing a guy throw one of the originals across a pub car park in Peterborough in the early 80s, showing off his new bike to his mates🙄
Great review & great bike. Want one so bad 😎
Would like a 750 version. 150hp on the street is a quick way to lose my license.
Well done chops love the bike, do you think ok for first big bike ?
Another good review... cheers
Your helmet is sick!
It’s basically a GSX-S1000. It’s just a different fairing, tank, and instrument panel.
Looks good would you choose this over the gsx-s 1000 as you have ridden both
Pity about the wet. I remember the original bike being 63 now. Own a Gsx 1400 and a v4 at the mo very interested in this bike. Was over Spain and Portugal this year. So how is it two up? Has it luggage and how does it compare to the 14?
Been looking forward to this vid. I too am a child of the 80s and the original Katana was one of the first bikes I really liked the look of as a kid. So I obviously like the look of the new one too. Great vid and definitely got me interested to try it for myself. Another one on the list of possible replacements for the 'Blade.... :) What the wind noise and impact like? The lack of a screen would be the only thing I'd have a problem with initially....
Good review chops 👍
Chops, a Suzuki love in despite the Cotswold shower.
Hopefully Suzuki will bring back a retro RGV250 with TPI....
When you consider the performance of the RGV, It kicks arse, even today.
I reckon a retro 2 stroke would sale well especially with the older people like myself.
Tim Mason .... totally agree, great bike and way more fun than a lot of modern bikes.
Rebuilding my RD soon.
Tim ... we need more 2 strokes on the road 😀
it looks great! better than the original.
I really wanted to like this bike, but it has the face only a mother could love.
And a fuel tank size that a road rider will hate.
Great looking bike! Agree about the front indicators though, look a bit of an afterthought....
Great review & loved the cheesy 80's music! Shame about the weather but you absolutely did your best by giving it plenty lol. Definitely worth getting hold of one for a couple of weeks soon hopefully! This bike intrigues me & I agree with a lot of what you said. I would've made it an 1100cc more in line with the original & a bit of a torque monster too & not worried so much about bhp which would differentiate it more from the GSXS. Although as it's a retro of sorts I'd disagree with basing it on the GSXR1000 & it's electronics etc as I think that's what Suzuki should do with the GSXS maybe. I absolutely get where you're coming from though as it would be a better bike but I don't think it would be in keeping with its retro basis. Either way though can't wait to see more of it if and when you get the chance!
How tall are you ?
Id love to get this bike it screams old school
The cinematic opening is superb, sir...
And, a good sword will give same performance wether dry or wet..
Wait..It's a bike?!..same thing..
Lol..
haha :-)
@@LambChopRides thank you for the love, sir..nyahahahahaha
It looks a bit street hawkish.....child of the 80's here too so i like the look
Yes I thought that! Defo has that vibe :-)
Put this bike next to the new cb1000, youll have beauty and the beast..