I talk about the differences between the new 2023 Suzuki Katana and my 2020 Suzuki Katana that I have owned the last 2.5 years. Please let me know your thoughts in the Comments sections!!!
When the Katana debuted in 2019, I was genuinely excited. I purchased a 2020 Katana in black. Went from a 600cc 2006 Katana and a 2005 Suzuki SV650 and the power difference was incredible. Took some time to get used to it. Tank size doesn't bother me. Many of the new bikes have a similar tank size. The bike is amazing. I get compliments everytime I take it out. Mine is the only one I have ever seen. It is an awesome modern/retro bike. There is nothing like it. GSXR power with a comfortable upright seating position. I think I'll be holding onto it.
I bought mine in 2020. Almost 9k miles and I'm glad I got the extended warranty. I had to have my turn signal switch replaced three times and now it's lost the traction control system and is throwing throttle codes. Out of all the bikes I have owned, the katana was the first lemon. Also, the fifth and probably last Suzuki I will ever get.
I have the katana. It is my dream bike. It has all the power, and amazing comfort. The Darth Vadar red and black is amazing. The paint has a subtle sparkle that jumps out after a good polish. The fact that it doesn't say 1000 anywhere in my head makes it a sleeper. People who know bikes love it.
@@LINKchris87 It does great on the twisties. I get around 38 mpg after my ECU reflash and I ride it pretty hard. I am gassing up every 100 miles but love this bike.
Hi cycletron My name is Keith and I own a 2020 Suzuki just like yours only in black, I absolutely love my 2020 katana. I myself was looking on doing some upgrades to it and when I was looking through TH-cam Mr Chris Moore from Moore mafia showed up as well as you and your 2020 katana. So after watching this video of you and Chris a million times I have now sent out my EUC to Moore mafia and have done most of the upgrades you have done, the only thing I didn’t do was change my sprockets. I’m messaging you to say thank you. If it wasn’t for you and your videos I would have never known where or what to do when it came to our katana’s, so I thank you for that. I would also like to mention that I live in Canada and would like to know how your katana has changed or if you have had any issues since your flash. I trust your opinion and also trust that Chris will work his magic but honestly I’m a little concerned because I know very little about motorcycles I’ll I know is that I love the katana (pebbles) is my pride and joy. So please get back to me about your experience with Chris and the performance changes or issues if you have had any. Thank you very much sir.
Keith. Thanks for your comments and questions. You inspired me to produce this video today addressing all of your questions. Enjoy! th-cam.com/video/rXPLpDfaA68/w-d-xo.html
You raise a good question on why many great bikes are not available in the US. The only thing I can figue out is manufacturers assess the US road market as a Harley / Indian crusier, British classic nostalgia, and ADV (which matchs our mentality for oversized pickup trucks and SUV's) so sport bikes like great sport cars have been pushed out of the market and scooters just don't make it here. The other thing we're missing is a soild fan base and sports media coverage for MotoGP and Superbike and MotoAmerica. We need American Valentino Rossi's and Marc Marquez's.
You are right. Outside of cruisers the U.S. doesn't dictate the new bike market. Even there, it was mostly the European regulations that killed off the EVO Sportster.
Always loved the look especially the black one. Looks like something straight out of Bladerunner. Like you said though the price just doesn't make sense for what it is.
I purchased mine from my dealer for $10,506 Cdn out the door new out of the crate in May2022 . Not sure if Suzuki Canada had a deal going with the dealer. I also received the 5 year Suzuki warranty. Love the bike. I installed a SHAD SH46 top case & the pin mount tank bag for travel. They also have side case/mounts for it. It shares the garage with my '07 GSF1250S Bandit kitted out w/Givi panniers & same SHAD SH46 topcase...
Man I love the matte blue with gold, looks fantastic. I've always had blue bikes for some reason. My favorite so far was my 2005 FZ1.. drove that one for 15 years and I miss it bad. Got a small commuter bike currently but it's not cutting it TBH. I bet you if I picked up this one id be set for another 15+ years. Just glanced and it appears that the 2024 is being sold in the matte blue for $13879😮
Yes, that is the price. My 2 youngest sons each bought a 2024 Katana last month. They are technically better bikes than the 2020 model in terms of features. I love my 2020 Katana as it has an aftermarket exhaust, tune, sprocket changes and other goodies. I am never going to sell it as I love riding it so much. There are a few of those 2024 Katanas floating around but I bet they will all be sold before Spring.
Yeah I'm a fan too, great looking and an all-around solid package, and some nice updates there for '23. I love the subtle retro angle, more interesting than most other models from the big four. Only recently on a TV show I saw an early concept sketch from the Target Design team for the original model and the design there looked even more radical and badass to me, sorry I don't have a link handy but check it out if you can find it, I think they were really onto something. Not that I can fault the modern design but I think the current team should take a leaf out of their book and go even more radical in the 80s retro sense for a future Katana model! Nice video thanks.
Thank you. I will see if I can find that video. I agree with you that had they stuck more to the original 80's styling it would have been even cooler. Kind of like a restomod.
@@cycletron That's weird, I've tried to reply twice but I can't seem to make it past the spambot... I'll try again in a moment, must be something to do with a link (that I tried to make youtube-friendly...)
@@cycletron Okay, apologies for the bother. Search for an article entitled 'Design comparison between old and new Suzuki Katana' at Sloth Design - the signed orange drawing was likely the one. Looking at it again the actual bike is pretty much the same lol, the addition of the windshield must have thrown me off. In any case it's the lower, sleeker and simpler design that I really like, much more 80's in a "manga-Akira" kind of way! Phew, third time lucky!
In India it’s listed - for around 20K USD.. I saw a demo bike being ridden by the representative of Suzuki dealership a couple of months ago in one of our rides.. But I don’t think I’ll be seeing another one since Katana isn’t a popular super bike here in India
Thank you for solving my problem. I could not find the 2023 listed on the Suzuki Cycles website; only the 2020. Despite their not bringing the bike into the United States is there any way to acquire one from Canada short of driving there? What should I expect to pay for the 2020 model now? I am not seeing cash back on the website; it is a three year old bike, what is the blue book price? Thank you in advance.
The Suzuki website in Canada lists the 2023 Katana for sale. There is a way to import a bike from Canada but I am not familiar with the details or costs. If you try it, please keep me posted as I think it would be very interesting. Go to Cycletrader and check out the 2020 Katanas for sale. They appear to be going for $9,000 to $12,000. If you can find a leftover, the rebate is long gone unfortunately. Good hunting.
Honestly I will ride the Katana more, but the Busa will end up probably having more miles if I can keep some longer trips in on it. The Katana is hands down my all time favorite bike (I just don't say that within earshot of my Busa!). Which of your bikes is your favorite if you had to pick?
@@cycletron I've never chosen a fav. If I had to sell them for money, I'd list them all. After riding the Grand America and KTM with 3 hard cases, it may be hard to not keep one of them? I did get a 200 mile one-way trip in on the busa last week. I forgot how much I love getting the big sport tourers out on the road. I rode the busa to Phoenix and I did buy the slowest bike in my stable!
@@cycletron Tank bag and I use a larger soft seat bag to travel - more like a m/c duffel bag. One of the bags has lashing straps, so I can strap a backpack to the bag. I try to avoid wearing a backpack. I also have used soft saddlebags when I'm traveling for several days.
Interesting. Apparently Suzuki didn't learn anything from pricing this bike too high when they launched this new version in 2019. I am really surprised that the Katana is priced so much more than the GT but it looks like the GT is cheaper in Canada than in the U.S. for some reason.
Total range was 135 miles on one tank. After the tune and the way I ride, it is at about 128 miles per tank. I gas up ever 100 miles but that is no problem since I ride it in and around town. It is a fantastic bike!
Good to know. As long as I can get 120 a tank I'm good. I rode across the US on an 5th generation VFR that needed gas every 140 miles and never worried once. @@cycletron
@@cycletronNo one complains about the 14litre capacity on the '22 Yamaha XSR900, only 2litres more than a Katana...de-cat it,fix a belly tank on down there,with a small pump!
Drive mode is a waste of time in my opinion an ay bike! I have it on my Ducati Monster! never used it once! I am getting a Katana this week. Older model and glad its got no rider modes on it!,,,,
suzuki missed the mark with these retro style katanas ,pure ugly and little soul to honour the original katana.thats why they were a sales failure around the world.
Tganks for your comments. I can understand that the looks can be polarizing. I personally love the looks and this bike has tons of soul. I admit though that upgrading to a full exhaust with no cat and getting the Moore Mafia tune brought my Katana to an even higher level of enjoyment! It truly is my favorite bike of all time and I also own a Gen3 Busa.
Just your opinion . I found this bike really beautiful. In my opinion it's one of the few bikes with the best design released in recent years. The new Katana has much more character and personality than 99% of modern bikes around
2020 Katana Blk. Had a choice from the showroom floor, silver or black. Was going for silver based on original color, but the black is just too cool. A factory blacked out bike, basically. The only thing missing to me that would have taken the styling to another level is wave rotors.
When the Katana debuted in 2019, I was genuinely excited. I purchased a 2020 Katana in black. Went from a 600cc 2006 Katana and a 2005 Suzuki SV650 and the power difference was incredible. Took some time to get used to it. Tank size doesn't bother me. Many of the new bikes have a similar tank size. The bike is amazing. I get compliments everytime I take it out. Mine is the only one I have ever seen. It is an awesome modern/retro bike. There is nothing like it. GSXR power with a comfortable upright seating position. I think I'll be holding onto it.
I am glad you are enjoying your Katana. I will always keep mine too as it is my favorite bike of all time.
I bought mine in 2020. Almost 9k miles and I'm glad I got the extended warranty. I had to have my turn signal switch replaced three times and now it's lost the traction control system and is throwing throttle codes. Out of all the bikes I have owned, the katana was the first lemon. Also, the fifth and probably last Suzuki I will ever get.
I have the katana. It is my dream bike. It has all the power, and amazing comfort. The Darth Vadar red and black is amazing. The paint has a subtle sparkle that jumps out after a good polish. The fact that it doesn't say 1000 anywhere in my head makes it a sleeper. People who know bikes love it.
That is cool. I think this bike is one of the best kept secrets in motorcycling.
The black Katana is the most beautiful bike in the market right now. Looks just out ofa cyberpunk anime.
I love my 2020 Katana. I would have to say it has been my favorite bike.
@@cycletron Does it behave well on twisty roads? I am also concerned about fuel mileage.
@@LINKchris87 It does great on the twisties. I get around 38 mpg after my ECU reflash and I ride it pretty hard. I am gassing up every 100 miles but love this bike.
@@cycletron Yeah, 12litres tank is my main gripe with the Kat. Otherwise itd be a great option.
Hi cycletron
My name is Keith and I own a 2020 Suzuki just like yours only in black, I absolutely love my 2020 katana.
I myself was looking on doing some upgrades to it and when I was looking through TH-cam Mr Chris Moore from Moore mafia showed up as well as you and your 2020 katana.
So after watching this video of you and Chris a million times I have now sent out my EUC to Moore mafia and have done most of the upgrades you have done, the only thing I didn’t do was change my sprockets.
I’m messaging you to say thank you. If it wasn’t for you and your videos I would have never known where or what to do when it came to our katana’s, so I thank you for that.
I would also like to mention that I live in Canada and would like to know how your katana has changed or if you have had any issues since your flash. I trust your opinion and also trust that Chris will work his magic but honestly I’m a little concerned because I know very little about motorcycles I’ll I know is that I love the katana (pebbles) is my pride and joy. So please get back to me about your experience with Chris and the performance changes or issues if you have had any. Thank you very much sir.
Keith. Thanks for your comments and questions. You inspired me to produce this video today addressing all of your questions. Enjoy!
th-cam.com/video/rXPLpDfaA68/w-d-xo.html
You raise a good question on why many great bikes are not available in the US. The only thing I can figue out is manufacturers assess the US road market as a Harley / Indian crusier, British classic nostalgia, and ADV (which matchs our mentality for oversized pickup trucks and SUV's) so sport bikes like great sport cars have been pushed out of the market and scooters just don't make it here. The other thing we're missing is a soild fan base and sports media coverage for MotoGP and Superbike and MotoAmerica. We need American Valentino Rossi's and Marc Marquez's.
You are right. Outside of cruisers the U.S. doesn't dictate the new bike market. Even there, it was mostly the European regulations that killed off the EVO Sportster.
Always loved the look especially the black one. Looks like something straight out of Bladerunner. Like you said though the price just doesn't make sense for what it is.
Yes, and the rebate appears to have disappeared for the few leftover 2020s out there.
I like these, have never seen one in public though. Saw one at a dealer that was it. 1983 Katana is my dream bike, probably always will be!
There doesn't seem to be many out there but they are an awesome bike. The 80's Katanas looked awesome.
I purchased mine from my dealer for $10,506 Cdn out the door new out of the crate in May2022 . Not sure if Suzuki Canada had a deal going with the dealer. I also received the 5 year Suzuki warranty.
Love the bike. I installed a SHAD SH46 top case & the pin mount tank bag for travel. They also have side case/mounts for it. It shares the garage with my '07 GSF1250S Bandit kitted out w/Givi panniers & same SHAD SH46 topcase...
It sounds like you have a really nice set up and you got a great deal too! I absolutely love this bike.
I like the style of the Katana, but own an MT09SP, so very similar bike. The 2023 GSX-8S looks intriguing.
I had a 2014 FZ09 which is very similar to your MT09. Great bike and a blast to ride. I like the 8S too.
Man I love the matte blue with gold, looks fantastic. I've always had blue bikes for some reason. My favorite so far was my 2005 FZ1.. drove that one for 15 years and I miss it bad. Got a small commuter bike currently but it's not cutting it TBH. I bet you if I picked up this one id be set for another 15+ years. Just glanced and it appears that the 2024 is being sold in the matte blue for $13879😮
Yes, that is the price. My 2 youngest sons each bought a 2024 Katana last month. They are technically better bikes than the 2020 model in terms of features. I love my 2020 Katana as it has an aftermarket exhaust, tune, sprocket changes and other goodies. I am never going to sell it as I love riding it so much. There are a few of those 2024 Katanas floating around but I bet they will all be sold before Spring.
thank you very much :) i have a 2020 black katana !!!
Awesome, they are great bikes.
Yeah I'm a fan too, great looking and an all-around solid package, and some nice updates there for '23.
I love the subtle retro angle, more interesting than most other models from the big four. Only recently on a TV show I saw an early concept sketch from the Target Design team for the original model and the design there looked even more radical and badass to me, sorry I don't have a link handy but check it out if you can find it, I think they were really onto something. Not that I can fault the modern design but I think the current team should take a leaf out of their book and go even more radical in the 80s retro sense for a future Katana model! Nice video thanks.
Thank you. I will see if I can find that video. I agree with you that had they stuck more to the original 80's styling it would have been even cooler. Kind of like a restomod.
@@cycletron That's weird, I've tried to reply twice but I can't seem to make it past the spambot... I'll try again in a moment, must be something to do with a link (that I tried to make youtube-friendly...)
@@cycletron Okay, apologies for the bother. Search for an article entitled 'Design comparison between old and new Suzuki Katana' at Sloth Design - the signed orange drawing was likely the one. Looking at it again the actual bike is pretty much the same lol, the addition of the windshield must have thrown me off. In any case it's the lower, sleeker and simpler design that I really like, much more 80's in a "manga-Akira" kind of way! Phew, third time lucky!
@@andrewvickers4487 Thanks for hanging in there with that! I'll check it out. I appreciate it!
@@cycletron 😅Sorry it wasn't so remarkable!
2 hrs hwy travel is long enough. Yes, you may have to preplan to make sure fuel stops, big deal. I'm 54 in May. I see a bathroom stop too lol!
I am right there with you on the need for piss stops!
In India it’s listed - for around 20K USD..
I saw a demo bike being ridden by the representative of Suzuki dealership a couple of months ago in one of our rides.. But I don’t think I’ll be seeing another one since Katana isn’t a popular super bike here in India
Wow $20k. No wonder you don't see them on the road!
In Singapore it's over 27k euros😢
I went to the Toronto Motorcycle Show in hopes to see it in the flesh but it was absent from the Suzuki display :(
Bummer!
I’d be really curious to try a 2023 Katana. I had many sport bikes and I don’t know why, but this bike interests me at some points 🤔
I love my 2020 Katana and I think the extra features on the 2023 like the quick shifter make it even better!
@@cycletron yeah it was a must since GSX-S1000 has one ! Just sad they came up with that weird Dashboard tho.
Love it.
1:46 Can’t by them in Norway and Sweden either.
That is unfortunate. Suzuki did a limited run of the 2024 Katana here in the U.S. in September. We bought 2 of them and they are awesome!
What’s it like 2 up when take a pillion? Thanks
It is fine for short hops and with a passenger that isn't too heavy. I like to ride my sport bikes solo for the most part.
Thank you for solving my problem. I could not find the 2023 listed on the Suzuki Cycles website; only the 2020. Despite their not bringing the bike into the United States is there any way to acquire one from Canada short of driving there? What should I expect to pay for the 2020 model now? I am not seeing cash back on the website; it is a three year old bike, what is the blue book price? Thank you in advance.
The Suzuki website in Canada lists the 2023 Katana for sale. There is a way to import a bike from Canada but I am not familiar with the details or costs. If you try it, please keep me posted as I think it would be very interesting. Go to Cycletrader and check out the 2020 Katanas for sale. They appear to be going for $9,000 to $12,000. If you can find a leftover, the rebate is long gone unfortunately. Good hunting.
@@cycletron Thank you very much for the information and for the immediate reply!
After the newness of the busa wears off, which bike will be getting the most miles?
Honestly I will ride the Katana more, but the Busa will end up probably having more miles if I can keep some longer trips in on it. The Katana is hands down my all time favorite bike (I just don't say that within earshot of my Busa!). Which of your bikes is your favorite if you had to pick?
@@cycletron I've never chosen a fav. If I had to sell them for money, I'd list them all. After riding the Grand America and KTM with 3 hard cases, it may be hard to not keep one of them?
I did get a 200 mile one-way trip in on the busa last week. I forgot how much I love getting the big sport tourers out on the road.
I rode the busa to Phoenix and I did buy the slowest bike in my stable!
@@SmittyAZ Do you wear a backback when touring on your Busa or do you go with a tank or tail bag?
@@cycletron Tank bag and I use a larger soft seat bag to travel - more like a m/c duffel bag. One of the bags has lashing straps, so I can strap a backpack to the bag. I try to avoid wearing a backpack.
I also have used soft saddlebags when I'm traveling for several days.
@@SmittyAZ Thank you. I will try the water proof duffel. On other bikes I manage to scratch my paint on my tank when dust gets underneath a tank bag.
Aw man I won’t be able to purchase in the us?
It doesn't look like it. Maybe next year unless you want to buy one in Canada and import it to the U.S.
It's a grand plus more than the GT in Canada. No tft either...they have priced this way to high and no one will buy one.
Interesting. Apparently Suzuki didn't learn anything from pricing this bike too high when they launched this new version in 2019. I am really surprised that the Katana is priced so much more than the GT but it looks like the GT is cheaper in Canada than in the U.S. for some reason.
@@cycletron it's a really terrible strategy, especially not correcting the fuel tank size that so many of us fans take issue with. Tone deaf anyone???
What's your real world tank range on average?
Total range was 135 miles on one tank. After the tune and the way I ride, it is at about 128 miles per tank. I gas up ever 100 miles but that is no problem since I ride it in and around town. It is a fantastic bike!
Good to know. As long as I can get 120 a tank I'm good. I rode across the US on an 5th generation VFR that needed gas every 140 miles and never worried once. @@cycletron
@@cycletronNo one complains about the 14litre capacity on the '22 Yamaha XSR900, only 2litres more than a Katana...de-cat it,fix a belly tank on down there,with a small pump!
@@williamrae9954 Great points. I didn't realize the XSR had a small tank too. It is also a really cool looking bike.
@@cycletron Google the new Hoo Bue kit for the new XSR900...turn your bike into a MV Augusta Superveloce :o
Drive mode is a waste of time in my opinion an ay bike! I have it on my Ducati Monster! never used it once! I am getting a Katana this week. Older model and glad its got no rider modes on it!,,,,
Enjoy your Katana. I love mine.
suzuki missed the mark with these retro style katanas ,pure ugly and little soul to honour the original katana.thats why they were a sales failure around the world.
Tganks for your comments. I can understand that the looks can be polarizing. I personally love the looks and this bike has tons of soul. I admit though that upgrading to a full exhaust with no cat and getting the Moore Mafia tune brought my Katana to an even higher level of enjoyment! It truly is my favorite bike of all time and I also own a Gen3 Busa.
Just your opinion . I found this bike really beautiful. In my opinion it's one of the few bikes with the best design released in recent years. The new Katana has much more character and personality than 99% of modern bikes around
@@liv0003 I totally agree.
2020 Katana Blk. Had a choice from the showroom floor, silver or black. Was going for silver based on original color, but the black is just too cool. A factory blacked out bike, basically. The only thing missing to me that would have taken the styling to another level is wave rotors.