2020 Suzuki Katana Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ย. 2020
- In Depth Ride Review of the Suzuki Katana: In this video I ride the bike and then give you my impressions of the Suzuki Katana. How idoes it compare to other neo-retro bikes like the Honda CB100R or the Kawasaki Z900RS? If you're interested in the new Katana, then this video is for you!
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Whether riding enduro or street, The Blue Marble Rider will regularly take you on a journey, review a product, bike, or just simply vlog. Thanks for watching.
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April 3rd, 2020:
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MY CURRENT MOTORCYCLES ARE:
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Who really wants to go more than 100-150 miles at a time without getting off and stretching and getting more petrol anyways. Only way I see the gas tank being issue is if you're traveling and get stuck in the middle of nowhere
Good point 👍
I've been riding since 1968 and I have always lubricated the chain on the inside of the bottom run. Lube on the top flies off!
Thanks for the advice
I got it last week for $9999. Fucking love it
Just bought one, in black. It was a factory demo bike with 800 miles on it and still carried the full warranty. And they only wanted $9,000. Traded in my old ride and rode that home. What a phenomenal bike for a phenomenal price.
Awesome, Ryan. They are so smooth and fun to ride. Have fun. Cheers.
Took one of these out for a test ride today. It was a blast.
Love the Katana....Thanks for the review!
Blue Marble Rider, come in....
Just bought a nice used one still under warranty. I feel cool already haha. Thanks for the vid again.
Enjoy!
I almost bought a Katana back in my late teens. Never did own one and not sure I totally understand them at this point. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks 👍
Yes! Thankyou for your insight.
Can't cheat on my z900rs though.
Yes, I felt guilty, but honestly, as much as I liked the Katana, the Zed has nothing to worry about.
Love the katana. I did end up paying the full msrp for a new one. I'm mad at that. Because a few months later there were 2 new ones for under 10,500. Ah well. I do really enjoy the bike. Nice review
$22KAUD for 2022 Price has jumped.
Good review thankyou. You keep comparing to the Kawasaki Z900, and mention value for money the Kawasaki is better. You forget this is much more powerful & raw than the Kawasaki Z900 (actually I dont think the Kawasaki could pull the skin off a rice pudding) and more sporty exactly what the original Katana was in its day. So for me its worth the extra for what it is a pure riding machine, something Suzuki knows how to deliver 👍
Thanks for the feedback. I've ridden both, and, to my surprise, there's not much difference in actual performance, the Katana shading it a little up high. After a reflash there's only about 25 hp in it with the Z being 17kg lighter. Both great bikes -love the Katana. Cheers.
I had the original (750) when they first came out. Beast of a bike for its time. Have ridden this new version and yes, it's a lot of fun but that Kwaka 900rs just does a bit more for me in all areas. Thanks for the review brother, great video as usual. Have you ever done a review of the R1250gs? Would love to hear your thoughts on that bike. Cheers mate.
Agree on the ZRS comparo. Never done a review on the R1250gs, but perhaps next summer. Thanks fo the feedback, Andrew.
225km I get out of a tank of fuel. Been touring on it across NSW Australia. Very manageable bike and hauls arse.
Great to hear. Lovely bike for sure.
I just got a 1989 600 katana as my first bike. Looking at this one, this looks way cooler. I heard a lot of bad things about the fuel tank but maybe I'll buy this one used one day when I'm more experienced
Those older Katanas are making a bit of a comeback. The new one is a great bike, and as long as you use it as a day-blaster rather than a tourer, then the tank should n't be an issue. Enjoy the Kat600. Cheers.
Nice vid & review. Really like this bike. Although the global variations in pricing are very odd. It's well / competitively priced in the UK & Europe (imo) but definitely overpriced in the US & Canada.
Been looking at a replacement for my 97 bandit 1200. local dealer has had one of these in it's showroom for a while now and it keeps catching my eye.
It sounds like you'll have to take it for a ride...?
Hi BMR. Nice review. Agree the K5 engine is a peach. I was riding bikes when the first Katana was launched and like you agree the styling is a marmite thing like you said. However the rear end of this bike does it no favours in my view I think it looks a bit "pants" to be honest and like the z900rs' we own any owner of one of these Katanas needs to have a front mudguard fitted to help keep the front end cleaner. Keep save fella.
I like the styling, but I don't think it would wear well - from some angles the "transformer" rears it's head. IMO, the rear-end would be improved with a single-sided swing arm and the plate just under the rear light. Thanks for the feedback, Tim.
I think it looks cool.
Great to hear from you MTM. Talking about quirky bikes, what is the story on that mysterious Buell you were riding??
@@BlueMarbleRider Ahhhh ye ol Buell.
Wish it was a cool story. But sadly it’s not.
Snapped a clutch cable on my DRZ as soon as I got to Vancouver. Had to wait three days for Daytona to get one. ( cause DRZs are super rare 🤔) and my buddy gave me the choice to borrow his Jeep or Buell while I was there.
I took the obvious choice.
@@justoneperson Sensible choice! Yes those DRZs are super rare - and who would ever stock a clutch cable? Bet if you asked for the clutch needle bearing they would have had it.
I know it’s terrible but I would own this bike if it wasn’t for the fuel tank. I love the looks! To me it’s the best looking bike on the market. I ended up getting a z900 instead.
Yes, it has quite a ridiculously low capacity for a performance litre bike. You really will be the butt of any jokes if you tour with it. I would certainly own one though, perhaps when they phase it out in a few years...Might be worth something as one of those quirky rarer bikes in a few years. It certainly will be a talking point wherever you go. Cheers.
Yeah that range scares me too. I just filled up my v-strom and it still had 80 miles left to go--only 40 less than the full Katana!
Best review out there. Good thing you also told your height and weight and the fact that you felt like "sitting in the bike". That was the deal breaker for me on the Z900RS since it felt like sitting on top of the bike, rather disonnected. I am looking at reviews for days now and this one sold me the Katana. Thanks.
I sat on one today and it felt like home.
I really do like the Katana, particularly in black, I love the Z900RS though and that's the difference!
Now if Kawasaki launched a GPZ1100RS and stuck that supercharger on it then all bets are off...
Twiglets for the win! All best 👍🖖
Yes that would be a treat! I'd have to wear my special underwear though!
Jdm bike❤😍
Love the retro styling Suzuki is doing. You need to eliminate those turn signals though
Agree. Easily done - install some bar end LEDs and I think that would help. Cheers.
I will take 5l canister on back seat. Tried it last summer on Suzuki days. Excellent bike, no throttle jurkines - it was about 20 degrees Celsius.
Black or Silver? I'm sure you'll love it. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider Silver
@@dmvitaly1 Good choice! It's the one that everyone thinks of when they think of the original Katana.
I love the new Katana. I won't buy one new though.
Snap
Love the looks, but I'm a weird that way.
Perhaps it will become one of those iconic bikes in a few years. I don't think it will last long, as they are not exactly selling like hot cakes. You never know, when they are quietly discontinued, the price may be ridiculously low...even new. I like it to, and would have one, but not at any price.
I was actually working in a Suzuki dealership when the first Katanas came out. THEY DIDN'T SELL. People were curious and wanted to SEE them.. for a while.. but they (we had two) sat on our floor for MONTHS until heavily discounted. SAME WITH THE 2020's. MSR price is $13,500... a friend just bought one NEW for $9999. IT'S A WONKY DESIGN. No Wind Protection... No Carrying Capacity... and the footpegs are STILL TOO HIGH for anything more than short tripping. I'll wait for the new Bandit 1300R, thank you
Agreed, but with the caveate that it is a one of a kind and therefore something different. As I say, it's too expensive and won't do well. However, it's refreshing to see manufacturers try something new rather than plough the same old UJB furrow. I tip my hat to them for the effort. The bandit will be a great bike if, as I suspect, they use the 'busa engine.
@@BlueMarbleRider In terms of UJMs, my feeling is that we need MORE of them.. but not saturated in "Retro" (a bad word inferring "Dated" or "Antiquated"). I think I'm thinking of "Standards" here, Do-It-All bikes that can handle any Road riding styles competently. BMW's R1200RS... Kwak Z900RS... my good old GSF12, of course. From many years of riding such, I require a decent TAIL on a bike, (love a luggage rack/hate panniers).. half-faired windshield.. LOW footpegs, and a mainstand. Oh and a nice, Big Torque motor. And under 525 lbs, please. Shouldn't be too much to ask for, eh? (- :
@@888jackflashYou'd think not -it's what they do well. I've heard good things about the Kwak sx1000 - very underrated bike.
@@BlueMarbleRider SX1000- Likely very capable, indeed. My only two issues: 1) the styling leaves me frosted. Why do they insist on stubby tails and bizarre snouts? 2) I have a superstitious aversion to Kwaks. Long story.
So trying to decide. I’ve had a demo in a 2016 gsxs1000z and a 2016 cb1000r both used very low miles and both were nice.. I thought the GSX was a little more fun. No test ride available on Z900RS. So you have ridden all and would still get Z900RS instead of gsxs, katana, cb1000r? If so other than looks what do you like better?
This is going to be a long one...Make no mistake: they are all great bikes. It comes down to a personal choice and definitely what you are going to be using it for. Until you get the Ivan reflash, which unleashes the Z900RSs engine, all of them are slightly quicker than a ZRS. I'm a big fan of the GSXS as far as what it offers, the riding experience, the price and bulletproof nature of Suzukis in general. I believe it is the best all-rounder of all of them. The Katana is marmite bike - you have to mention looks here...I love them, but... For me it's a great bike ride to ride in the same way that it's twin GSXS is, but the range is ridiculously short. If you can live with that (I couldn't), then, for me, the Katana is the bike out of those two . The CB1000R is a quality bike. There are some issues: fueling is touchy/snappy (as it is on the RS) and some vibes, but they are not intrusive. Unsuprisingly - as I chose it, the Z900RS is my favourite, since stock it is a big grin inducer, and after the Ivan reflash and some LSL bars it is extremely rapid, and very smooth. The ergos for me fit perfectly. There are lots of aftermarket accessories for it. It, though, is most certainly NOT a touring bike or long distance bike. The rear shock is hard and abrupt, and would get tiresome. In summary: if you are only going to have one bike, then it comes down to the Suzuki GSXS or the Honda CB1000R. Ride them, and look at the aftermarket offerings for both, particularly if you want to tour...which one offers more luggage options, customization etc. I think the Suzuki offers the best value for money out of them. Cheers, and hope this helps! It isn't easy - this is a segment with so many great choices.
@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks so much for your thoughts. Very helpful. I probably won’t be doing any touring or commuting. Just short rides riding around for fun. Don’t want it to be to uncomfortable, vibes, or jerky if that’s possible in one bike. Will only have one bike. I am 6 foot, 215, with 30 inch inseam.
@@BlueMarbleRider P.S. I live on the outskirts of Houston, Texas. Only local riding is on the flat country roads near my home or in my neighborhood.
Hi Sir,
I’m about to buying the Katana, but returning my Z900rs I’m afraid to trade eyes for tail. My Kawasaki is incredibly balanced into corners with Mitas tires and one or two clicks stiffer on the front.
What I don’t like about my Z900rs is gearbox which has some little“false neutral” jamming, shifting from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 5th gear.
Do you think I will regret it considering that I ride mainly on mountain passes roads were asphalt is not always a billiard table? Is katana less nimble and more sensitive to road roughness into corners?
Thank you in advance.
Hi, Andrea: I have never heard of a gearbox problem with a Z900RS - have you returned it under warranty to have that looked at? I have absolutely no false neutrals anywhere, and haven't heard of any at this point (although I stand to be corrected). Have you tried synthetic oil? With regards to the Katana - it's not quite as nimble in the corners, and on the example I rode, the brakes were mediocre at best (although they were brembo and should get better with use). The Katana is a great bike and I really enjoyed it, but I felt on a bike like that a quick shifter should have been standard; I much preferred the ZRS. Have you considered the Honda CB1000R? Cheers, and good luck.
@@BlueMarbleRider
Thank you so much. At the shop I was told it’s a normal behavior for that bike and now I’m out of warranty. Probably it’s not really a false neutral, but kind of double click to engage upper gear ... probably a too snug bearing, I don’t know. With Mitas tires I have been able to scratch the foot pegs and I’m not a pilot. I also find it very flickable. I ve also gotten able to manage better the throttle by adopting a G2 throttle tamer. In the end to be honest what got me tired of Z900rs is the toilet seat position, very comfortable but a little bit boring. And what tempted me about katana it’s here in Italy they’re not going to import it anymore (didn’t have so much success) and they’re selling leftover jindachi at 9900 euros. Furthermore she has some more ponys. What about dumpy roads cornering on katana? Can you give me a term of comparison between them?
Excuse my English, I’m not using a translator.
Ps about brakes probably they were brand knew because everybody said they’re absolutely good.
Thank you so much
@@solino2002andrea I liked the Katana suspension on the bumpy roads, it was compliant yet responsive, very predictable and rewarding. The ponies are nice as is the sound. While the looks split opinion, i like it a lot (in black ;-) . I think your Kawasaki dealer needs some ethics training! Mine is smooth as silk and has no notchiness at all...Anyway - Cheers and good luck Andrea.
@@solino2002andrea Hello could it be subconsciously you just don’t like the ZRS or and are looking for a reason to get something else? If it doesn’t feel 100% for you it can still be a good bike just not for you …looking for something wrong with it that might not be there…..?
i bought a z900rs yellow ball love it the only thing i wish was better is the gear box 6th gear has a clunk and going down sometimes getting into first from 3rd is a pain but besides for that its amazing and the looks are next level being a child of the 60s im hoping as the miles increase the gear box gets better or ill end up putting a quickshifter on lets see
I remember the original ones and I love the look of this one however, as you implied, Suzuki may have messed up the pricing on this.
Yes, but they are usually good at rectifying that. I expect prices will drop substantially over the next year. They are having trouble moving them.
@@BlueMarbleRider I hope so. Would still be more than I'd spend but it would be nice to see some on the road
Suzuki went on design before function and its a Suzuki gsx-s1000 2020 with a tiny 12l tank riding around town. Not sure what the target audience was. Its not functional for longer trips. Then new Suzuki gsx-s 1000GT is great, but looks like a spaceship :D
Have you had a chance to touch base with test the newest iteration; comes with bi-directional quick shifter and other improvements for not much more money.
Auto correct intruded it should read have you had a chance to test the new iteration?
Not yet, but it's on the list. Really like the bike when I rode it. It's a marmite bike on in the looks dept, but personally, I love the looks.
@@BlueMarbleRider Looking forward to it; I remember the original and like the looks too. Thank you for your reply!
Nice review but unfortunately I didn't like the original although you certainly stood out if you had one. The new Katana I just don't see why you would buy one over the cheaper GSX-F1000. The tiny fuel tank on the Katana renders it un practical.
Not seen one on the road here in England and my local dealer has had one sitting on the showroom floor since release day, no one wants it.
Yes the local dealer sold the demo at a reduced price I think. It took a while. It's going to be a niche bike - and like you say - you will stand out... Thanks for the feedback.
£7999 in uk pre reg, kawasaki z900rs £10000
I’ve got 2015 gsxs1000 love , looked at buying the new katana cause I love them but that 12 litre tank is a showstopper , mine has the same engine and drinks like a fish , gutted
Yes that's an issue. I like em too, but it's too much bike to play with round town and too little range to get out to the twisties and back without taking side trips to the gas bar. That said, I don't think they'll be around for long - they're not selling well...
@@BlueMarbleRider Yes. No news of a 2022 Katana I'm afraid. The standard model has been updated and restyled [not to my liking though]. It just hasn't sold well at all. Shame really because I think with a few updates [larger fuel capacity for one] it could be a corker of a machine.
Such a shame they ruined this remake, you can just about forgive that ugly rear end but there is no forgiving the ridiculously small fuel tank.
How tall are you ?
6 foot.
Suzuki brought price down. Now it costs same as gsx s1000
Thought that might happen: they haven't been selling well.
Rider modes: ON. OFF.
This bike is not Euro 5 compliant, it is Euro 4.
Yes, my bad. Only the 1050 is Euro 5 from Suzuki; however, that said, it's not a huge leap and the same leaning and timing issues are prevalent in a lot of rehashed Euro 3 to 4 engines.
34 foot in seam........jeez
I'm always a bragger...:-)
Aluuuminium......🙄
Yes, I grew up with Aluminium, but when I moved to this side of the Atlantic it suddenly changed to Aluminum. Sulphur changed too!
It didnt change you did...stay true to thy self .you dont seem to have changed the resr of your vocabulary...or accent
I would if my wife wouldn't kill me!
Hated looks then and NOW !
I bet you don't like marmite either :-). Yes, it divides without conquering. It's too expensive to be successful when it only appeals to a few. Cheers.