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2020 Suzuki Katana Review | First Ride
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ส.ค. 2024
- 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.
It's like a 80s concept of what 2020 would look like. And they nailed that.
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!
Damn, it... I lusted over the original and I'm digging the style of this version. Good job Suzuki!
I'd love one of these in the 650cc range for more city riding. Hopefully in the next couple years.
For me this is a modern classic, don't need all the electronics 👌
Hair reminds me of Hey Arnold
I rely on Adam Waheed to tell me the good and the bad about bikes. He's probably the best motorcycle reviewer today.
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!
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/
I remember when they first came out, such an awesome looking bike!
I personally want that good old pop up head light
Damn, this is the epitome of the 1980s. I must have. Riding this with my Seiko SKX is just a must!
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
that looks really cool. Something new and fresh and still remains true to the roots. Looks wise.
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.
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 👍
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!
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.
Great review Adam! Loved it. Keep up the good work man!
This bike looks like the perfect balance between a supersport and streetfighter, its just perfect
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.
Throw on clip ons and i love it.
Aditya Rai that’s probably what ima do too
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
Is that Sideshow Bob? :D Just kidding man. Great looking bike, but the 12L is a dealbreaker for 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 will have to keep my Suzuki BKing. Love that Hayabusa 1340cc engine in a naked bike.
😔😔😔 I totalled mine! Please take good care of yours 4 me!
Why mate? don't you like the mini ape hangers and horrid "styling"? I think that the BMW guy they hired was a spy sent by BMW to "reduce competition". Smart move BMW
Anthony Spanjich I think the BMW guy made the original bike. They hired the 3 blind mice to craft this bike. Lol
mayhem Mike Sorry to hear about the wreck/total. I have had mine since 2010, bought it new back then and absolutely love it to this day. What an awesome motorcycle with an amazing engine. Preaching to the choir I’m sure.
Still miss zack and ari
*Go Pay The Fee At MT If You Really Miss Them*
Get over it
All right tell those guys they proved their point just put Zack and Airy back on enough of this BS I am seriously about to unsubscribe
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
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.
I think the lack of electronics is a plus. Keep it simple and pure.
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.
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!
They wreaked it with those handlebars bring back the originals
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 can already see this in matte black...sick!!
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!!
Nice bike. But for me the new CB 1000R looks the most beautiful bike out there.
No offense bro but honda copied the rear mudguard and other features from this katana.
@@wapakells9885
No offense taken bro. But the great Aristotle himself said that imitation is the art of nature. So dont see any such problem in what you said.
@@wapakells9885, no offense to you, but both of them copied it from the Europeans.
Steve
just got me a 2018 cb1000r and I just love it so much yes yes I doo!!
@@stellarpod nah
Hoping it becomes a genuine competitor to the MT10 because I like its aesthetics a lot better than the Yamaha's (which I do still like in a perverse way)
Gotta love adams helmet hair 😂😂
Looks just gorgeous! Love it!
Looks great!
I don't like the placement of the signal lights at all. they're gonna break very soon. LOL
It's one of the first mods people do to their bikes too lol
That scenery is absolutely stunning
Didn't really care much at first, but the looks are definitely starting to grow on me..
I like it. The mid to last generation bikes were really budget models but this looks quality
I wasn't so sure about this bike until this video, when I saw the dash. Sold.
It was the bike after the RD that sparked my fire 🔥
I can’t wait to take it for a test ride. This may be my second bike
Wish they made a Suzuki Katana 250 (2020) for the SEA market. Suzuki needs to step up their game
Abs is mandatory on all European bikes nowadays the only reason to have the ability to turn off abs is if it is in 100% off road mode, so USA you are going to have to get used to all new bikes coming with ABS!
ABS on some cheaper models is intrusive though, like my MT07 which trips the ABS all the time with its bouncy suspension. I'd at least like the ability to turn off the rear ABS so it stops screaming at me on every bump.
Love the bars like that also , naked street like bike
You forgot to mention that Katana is just worsened version of GSX-S1000F with much smaller tank (12L vs. 17L), taller seat (825 mm. vs. 810 mm.), wider (835 mm. vs. 795 mm.), much smaller windscreen, slightly heavier (215 kg vs. 214 kg), different plastics and dashboard, and significantly bigger price tag.
Good job, Adam!
My only request is to turn the background music off when you're speaking.
That looks so solid. Like early 80s late seventies amplifiers. Angular. Tough. Nice looking. Just get rid of the plate holder.
Despite sideshow Bob's evaluation, I don't see this bike as a bargain given the lack of electronics such as a quick shifter, IMU or cruise control. I don't doubt this would be a very pleasant bike to ride either locally or long distance, but I doubt I'd choose it over some of the alternatives such as the new Honda.
I want to see more superchargers on motorcycles, industry right now is downright depressing
Give me a small CC turboed engine! Light weight, economical, peak power and a lot of noise and fun. I've got an MT07 and I'd turbo it if the complete kit didn't cost the same as the bike.
Suzuki always makes the best displays
Yeah I like it but $13,000? I know we live in the 21st century but whoa. The Katanas of the 1990s and early 2000s were simple, air cooled machines that were probably never over $8,000. I don't remember anyone bragging about their "smoothness" and "great handling" but everything was carbureted back then and ABS was something that only cars and Ducatis had. To me a Katana would be a simple, cheap alternative to a sportbike, but I realize that times have changed and every new model has to be some innovative, hi-tech future mobile to woo the crowds of young, would-be motorcycle buyers. Like a smartphone on two wheels. Lets go out there and innovate the heck out of some motorcycles so we can pay an arm and a leg to get the same feeling the original Katana gave us for 25 years without even a radiator.
Hey Adam, just tell us one thing: is this bike smooth?
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!
Love this bike! I hope it has a few years of production.
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 =)
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.
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.
Nice bike and great video Adam 👍👍
Great review as always.
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.
Dude cut his hair with a katana just for this video. Much respect.
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
Awesome peek at this new Katana. Real moto mop returns too👍🤘
I'm a simple person. I see a crazy hairstyle, I hit like.
Coming with a quick shift would have been a big advantage.
Great job! Looks like a pretty sweet bike.
Looks like a modern cafe racer. I love it!
Rin Suzunoki be 'stan-ning' over this
Can we take a poll? If you think the original looks better or this version make a comment below.
Original for sure!
This ones ugly..and if its close to 12k then it will be a fail. Lets face it. The katana sold well on the cheap not because it was a great bike.
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.
Im still riding my 2006 katana 750 and love it. 50mpg and keeps up with everyone. Debating on getting the newer model. But im not like the design of the body, or passenger room. Wonder why they steered away from the sport touring models. I like to be comfortable on long rides. And the 2006 is the most comfortable sport bike i have found. And it gets allot of attention everywhere i go. And i just rode from Springfield mo to san Diego CA on it. Wont do it on this model. So if someone at Suzuki is reading this. Please make a new sport touring model. In a higher cc than 750. She needs a little more weight for wind.
They sure went with the tradition of making it look like it came out of a square asshole extrusion machine. I miss my old canatuna.
That old 1000 gixxer motor sounds really good for stock
Handlebars are horrendous.might as well have ape hangers.easy fix though I suppose.
Not a big fan of its looks, however I’m certain it’s great bike.
There's a guy in Oxnard Ca that is selling ten original Katanas. From bone stock through production drag racers and vintage super-bike...only $50K for the lot...
Details?
@@Hustler9g He's closing down his business, Ventura County Motorsports, try leaving a message on his phone.
@@orangelion03 thanks
I love the gsxs1000! The katana is really growing on me
Bike looking so good
This bikes definitely got a great look
Can we get a 5 inch higher screen
That would ruin it.
@@user-sw2lv3zp6o on the contrary, it will allow the rider to cut through the air like a... ..sword.
GSX-S1000F, which is a bike this new Katana are based on, already has higher screen. And bigger fuel tank. And significantly lower price, probably.
That looks like a muscle bike with its curves and lines!
It appears to have a more upright seating position than the Gsxs1000F. I'll predict that the 2020 model will sell on pure nostalgia. After that, pass for a couple years then buy a leftover for $3k to 4k less like the Gixxis.
Black looks good
finally a review on this bike
Very VERY COOL! - The haters will be passed on the road!