@@pproffa7900 The lack of electro goodies and small tank do get a mention but they also keep the bike's price down. I also liked the way the bike felt without any electronic intervention - it feels more like a retro and less of a reboot. Cruise control on a bike like this wouldn't suit either - it's a roadster, not a cruiser or tourer after all! :)
I own one and have had it for about 3 weeks now. Let me tell you. Its fast! Super fun bike but when u are having fun be prepared to stop and get gas almost daily. Thats my only gripe. Always stopping for gas due to the tank capacity.
Yup, did that and bought one. Spot on my man! Although what you didn't mention (having not done a night ride) was the appalling headlight. Nevermind we'll get onto that. Otherwise a great fun bike.
I did buy a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 XT two months ago, and I like it a lot, fun, light, sporty with plenty tourque I just wanted to say that Suzuki is if you ask me one of best in the business when it comes to building a user friendy easy to ride bike in all categories and for a relativly affordable price.
Rode this bike yesterday. Absolutely loved it. Rode the normal GSXS1000 about a year ago. Day and night at the throttle. Katana has no snatch at all. Felt like it handled better too, more flickable but not sure why. The fuel tank is making the decision a little harder. If it was even 14Litres I wouldn't hesitate but I wonder if the smaller tank size also contributes to the handling a little. Not sure. I've decided on the black if I buy it. The only thing I would add is the suzuki screen, I think it gives the bike a little more symmetry.
I despised the late '90s Katana. Bodywork was silly to put it mildly. But this one is a beauty, unique, purposeful, intriguing, and ultimately something I'd I'd like to add to my bike collection. My 1200 Bandit would be jealous. 😁
And all that in the rain! Great review! Typical approach by Suzuki. Lots of bang for the buck and fewer bells and whistles. But this one seems nicely equipped.
Here in Oz it's RRP is $18990 (AUD) ride away, which doesn't compare too well with the $15490 ride away of the GSX-S1000. At the dealers you can certainly get the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F cheaper than their RRPs, but if that $3500 price difference holds true it's hard to justify simply for the Katana's (in my opinion) improved styling, when the only other difference is the loss of 5L tank capacity (30%).
Great presentation, Todd! What a love looking machine. The only big problem(s) it has is the Tuono and the Superduke. Yes they cost substantially more but you also get a lot more bike for that money.
Great review Toad and agree, whilst a nod or homage to the original, it’s simply not the same; I started riding in the late 80’s and the original would still be on my wish list, but for newbies who are looking for a weekend bike to just jump on and ride, this is a great choice though would an A2 compatible engine option have been more appropriate and sellable in this market?!
It’s funny ( at least to me) that of the four Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki went retro with the Z900 RS, Suzuki with the Katana, Honda with the Neo Sports Cafe, but Yamaha went with the Transformers! The Kawasaki is like; Well, that’s nice. The Suzuki is like; Well, that’s nice. And the Honda is like; Well, that’s nice. And the Yamaha is like; Wow! That’s bonkers! Only Yamaha dared to do what the others didn’t, and they have done a good job with the MT 10, even if it’s looks divide opinions. The others are.... nice.
On ride by wire throttle. Some manufacturers indeed seem to be unable to make the throttle seem smooth. Others nail it like Triumphs 765. Which means it's possible to do a good job with ride by wire. Suzuki and to an extent Yamaha as well just need to spend more time on it.
The looks of it are growing on me. I would prefer it over the GSXS1000F. Just no compelling reason for me to buy one, though. Especially at that price with all the competition. The naked market is saturated IMO. They need to bring out a hyper-naked that can compete with superbikes or maybe a supercharged version. Something exciting.
It's very similar to the GSX S1000 in most specs that matter, but with the small tank i'd rather have GSX S. Also the GSX S1000 does go nuts after about 8000rpm. This bike apparently doesn't according to this review. It's a no brainer then.
I think it looks cool , like no other bike on the market which is a plus . What i don't like is how tall handlebars are plus those mirrors are awful , I would swap numberplate bracket as well . Shame about tank size , 12 liters on a big bike is no go
@The Rockall Times Nobody needs a 5 gallon tank in 2019? What a ridiculous statement. I live in Canada, where the vast majority of the population lives within 100kms of the U.S. border, you ride 2 or 3 hours north and gas stations become a lot more sparse. A bike with a longer range is a must. So I say again, a 12 litre fuel tank just does not cut it.
Even though this doesn't stand out as much as my '82 GS1000SZdid back in the day I'd love to own them both. Is the new Katana available in the land of "freedom of choice", the US? Probably not. I had to put Koni progressives on the rear to smooth out the harsh ride of my original. Aftermarket could work here too. I loved the styling & the clip-ons on the original Katana, there was NOTHING LIKE IT! The other Japanese makers in 1982 were into UJM cruisers. For it's time the handling was state of the art for a literbike!
GSX-S 1000 with different fairing, slightly higher seating position, LED headlight and tft dash. 10kg heavier and ugly AF. Oh... and gimped fuel tank capacity. After refueling you need to start looking next gas station. I don't get this bike at all.
Hows about some one makes a bike thats got a decent fuel tank 18 - 20 liters, no hand gizmos because we know that in 5 to 10 years time, the bikes with them on now, will be second hand by then and all the crappy cheap handle bar grip twisty menu control will be junk and need replacing, and why do we need throttle by wire crap, when the uk speed limits are 30, 40 60 amd 70 mph, all this stuff that the bike manufactures are pumping out now are just over priced and over elecrroniced up, people need to learn rider skills, not switches to press and more relays to break. long gone are new affordable bikes. in 10 or 20 years god only know's what they will be asking for them. And if you think about it how come all the big bike named manufactures seem to be pricing there machines up in around about way the same, from ducati to suzuki and handa, something isnt right some where.
Cowok : kamu mau ga jalan sama aku? Cewek : memangnya kamu naik apa? Cowok : aku naik suzuki katana Cewek : ah gamau ah ,ogah naik katana Cowok: ..... *rides away in 4cylinder motorbike*
My previous bike was a sort of, what I'd call, circumstancial "modern" mongrel orphan descendant of the last Katana - GSX750F from 2001. And when I bought my current bike, just few months after, the new Katana was announced. And honestly, seeing all the reviews of the new Katana, I've repudiated all doubts like "should I have been waiting for it instead". Sorry Suzuki, you've been trying, but new Katana was your chance and you've wasted it! Honda goes out with new Africa and CB1000R, Yamaha with MT07-09/GT and now mainly gorgeous Tenere 700, and myself I'm now riding my new Z900 ..... I'm not getting back to Suzuki, despite all the nostalgy of 200+tkm on B600 (terrrible bike but I loved it at least for it's own character), GSX1400 (best bike I ever had, RIP), and GSX750F (called him "Odula" in my language, which was the translation of Shelob spider from Lord of the Rings, which was again translated to my native language as this with the meaning of being bloated / blubber / dropsical - find a picture and you'll understand :-) :-P ) Anyway much thanks for the honest and accurate review!
'Pre-ordered one'. I hate that made up phrase. There is no such thing as a 'pre-order[, it is just an order. If you ordered one, it will come into dealers about now. Why the silly Americanisms?
Nice try Suzuki but no cigar. We see thru your rehashed designs. 120 miles to a tank? That’s Sportster territory and quite embarrassing. My FZ-07 will go 210 miles on one tank without looking like the dolphin bike on Mario kart. 💩
Another bike that looks like everything else-boring,,this thing should not have the katana name,i owned the real one, this is a disgrace,,by the way NO modern bike is fearsom,they all have aids ,stability anti lock brakes-you want fearsom,go and get a ride on a mid 80s,sports 1000 or similar,,,,
Yamaha mt10 BMW s1000 aprilia tuono. And this is what's Suzuki thought we wanted a gsx-s in a flash outfit, was so hoping Suzuki would take the new GSXR 1000 and do the same as Yamaha with the mt10. sorry but no longer interested in this is just a marketing ploy.
@The Rockall Times my BMW has 160hp KTM & aprilia 175+ . if I wanted 140 I would just buy the Suzuki gsx-s and a save a couple of grand and get a bigger fuel tank. Glad you don't design motorcycle we would all have Suzuki bandit,s still.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
So..... nobody is going to talk about 12 liters fuel tank on 1000cc bike?? Suzuki should have went with 17 or 20 liters fuel tank
Well, the reviewer did, so...
Its a Shame. Big mistake on the tank and even no Quick shifter or cruise control for that price!
@@pproffa7900 The lack of electro goodies and small tank do get a mention but they also keep the bike's price down. I also liked the way the bike felt without any electronic intervention - it feels more like a retro and less of a reboot. Cruise control on a bike like this wouldn't suit either - it's a roadster, not a cruiser or tourer after all! :)
@@pproffa7900 cruise control lol.... really?
@@sjparki and Visordown, The MT-10 gets cruise control and thats hardly a cruiser or a tourer either
"Those that prefer the original kayana, go out and buy one" well put! This is a nod to the original with modern technologies. Excellent review sir
I own one and have had it for about 3 weeks now. Let me tell you. Its fast! Super fun bike but when u are having fun be prepared to stop and get gas almost daily. Thats my only gripe. Always stopping for gas due to the tank capacity.
had the original back in the late 1980's early 90's and loved it. booking my test ride this week.
Fair, decent, honest and realistic appraisal of a Suzuki Katana.
Yup, did that and bought one. Spot on my man! Although what you didn't mention (having not done a night ride) was the appalling headlight. Nevermind we'll get onto that. Otherwise a great fun bike.
I did buy a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 XT two months ago, and I like it a lot, fun, light, sporty with plenty tourque I just wanted to say that Suzuki is if you ask me one of best in the business when it comes to building a user friendy easy to ride bike in all categories and for a relativly affordable price.
suzuki is THE best, when it comes to bang for the buck.
They are also usually easy to work on too. With good reliability meaning that you should only be doing routine services anyway.
The vstrom is an amazing bike
True said..
Rode this bike yesterday. Absolutely loved it. Rode the normal GSXS1000 about a year ago. Day and night at the throttle. Katana has no snatch at all. Felt like it handled better too, more flickable but not sure why.
The fuel tank is making the decision a little harder. If it was even 14Litres I wouldn't hesitate but I wonder if the smaller tank size also contributes to the handling a little. Not sure. I've decided on the black if I buy it. The only thing I would add is the suzuki screen, I think it gives the bike a little more symmetry.
I despised the late '90s Katana. Bodywork was silly to put it mildly. But this one is a beauty, unique, purposeful, intriguing, and ultimately something I'd I'd like to add to my bike collection. My 1200 Bandit would be jealous. 😁
so having a one bike is a collection in 2019?
@@citizencitizen7294 to each his own, but why do you think I only have 1 bike? 🤔
@@KARMAkazeMoto reasons
Can't argue with that. 😃
And all that in the rain! Great review! Typical approach by Suzuki. Lots of bang for the buck and fewer bells and whistles. But this one seems nicely equipped.
Here in Oz it's RRP is $18990 (AUD) ride away, which doesn't compare too well with the $15490 ride away of the GSX-S1000. At the dealers you can certainly get the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F cheaper than their RRPs, but if that $3500 price difference holds true it's hard to justify simply for the Katana's (in my opinion) improved styling, when the only other difference is the loss of 5L tank capacity (30%).
Psssss, huge difference, two weeks of work, three?
Great presentation, Todd! What a love looking machine. The only big problem(s) it has is the Tuono and the Superduke. Yes they cost substantially more but you also get a lot more bike for that money.
Sick look for a modern retro bike!
How does this compare to the gsxs1000f in terms of cornering and comfort?
the setting position is really good
Great review Toad and agree, whilst a nod or homage to the original, it’s simply not the same; I started riding in the late 80’s and the original would still be on my wish list, but for newbies who are looking for a weekend bike to just jump on and ride, this is a great choice though would an A2 compatible engine option have been more appropriate and sellable in this market?!
Top quality. Keep on this way pls.
I like it but would prefer it with clip on's like the old one...not possible on this version, flatter bars anyway.
It’s funny ( at least to me) that of the four Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki went retro with the
Z900 RS, Suzuki with the Katana, Honda with the Neo Sports Cafe, but Yamaha went with the Transformers!
The Kawasaki is like; Well, that’s nice. The Suzuki is like; Well, that’s nice. And the Honda is like; Well, that’s nice. And the Yamaha is like;
Wow! That’s bonkers! Only Yamaha dared to do what the others didn’t, and they have done a good job with the MT 10, even if it’s looks divide opinions. The others are.... nice.
On ride by wire throttle. Some manufacturers indeed seem to be unable to make the throttle seem smooth. Others nail it like Triumphs 765. Which means it's possible to do a good job with ride by wire. Suzuki and to an extent Yamaha as well just need to spend more time on it.
Wrong music: it's a piece of Chinese at the beginning
Why do I want a larger fuel tank, a little better wind protection and maybe some small side cases?
also heated grips, cruise control, quick shifter, tft dash, thats why i went for the 900 tracer gt.
Good review, great job guys!
The looks of it are growing on me. I would prefer it over the GSXS1000F. Just no compelling reason for me to buy one, though. Especially at that price with all the competition. The naked market is saturated IMO. They need to bring out a hyper-naked that can compete with superbikes or maybe a supercharged version. Something exciting.
Wooooah that thing looks amazing
Aren't the front discs 310mm and not 320mm as you mention (3:51)?
It's very similar to the GSX S1000 in most specs that matter, but with the small tank i'd rather have GSX S. Also the GSX S1000 does go nuts after about 8000rpm. This bike apparently doesn't according to this review. It's a no brainer then.
Thanks ! Nice review and quality !!
I think it looks cool , like no other bike on the market which is a plus . What i don't like is how tall handlebars are plus those mirrors are awful , I would swap numberplate bracket as well . Shame about tank size , 12 liters on a big bike is no go
Nice bike but 12 liter tank is a deal breaker for me. 17 liters would have been good.
Exactly
@The Rockall Times Nobody needs a 5 gallon tank in 2019? What a ridiculous statement. I live in Canada, where the vast majority of the population lives within 100kms of the U.S. border, you ride 2 or 3 hours north and gas stations become a lot more sparse. A bike with a longer range is a must. So I say again, a 12 litre fuel tank just does not cut it.
Remember the Suzuki DR 650 SER (RSE)
Something small that I've noticed.
Non adjustable clutch lever? Why? It looks cheapy..
It might be nothing big of an issue but still...
Good review, thank you
Even though this doesn't stand out as much as my '82 GS1000SZdid back in the day I'd love to own them both. Is the new Katana available in the land of "freedom of choice", the US? Probably not.
I had to put Koni progressives on the rear to smooth out the harsh ride of my original. Aftermarket could work here too.
I loved the styling & the clip-ons on the original Katana, there was NOTHING LIKE IT! The other Japanese makers in 1982 were into UJM cruisers. For it's time the handling was state of the art for a literbike!
Nice review mate
Not my type of bike but very good review👍
nice review. Congrats
Nice review, absolutely lovely bike! I'd go with a 900RS Café, though.
@@kx501 I don't mean to sound rude, but I'm the kind of person that rides and drives within the legal speed limits hehe.
@@kx501 when I'm overtaking, then I go pretty fast. Other than that I go for a track day in a professional track.
Suzuki should give us a better rebel 1100
I already fill up often so I'm not really worried about a small fuel tank. I probably will need to pee before I run out of gas.
That rear mudguard thing has to go
😂
Nice, want one. Now!😂
Nice (wet) review :) What brand jacket are you wearing?
Beautiful looking bike let down by tiny fuel tank capacity.
I was cringing the whole time watching the man riding on those GREASY roads. 😧
Imagen your name was toad
Suzuki katana is original motorcycle beutiful japan
Somebody seems to have hit it with the ugly stick.
sorry but it's not worth 12k
@The Rockall Times or up the quality
dude, what if some animal jump in from the woods ?
GSX-S 1000 with different fairing, slightly higher seating position, LED headlight and tft dash. 10kg heavier and ugly AF. Oh... and gimped fuel tank capacity. After refueling you need to start looking next gas station. I don't get this bike at all.
5kg heavier.
I'm sure I saw this yesterday.
1990 loool. Me too. We know how youtube works...
Hows about some one makes a bike thats got a decent fuel tank 18 - 20 liters, no hand gizmos because we know that in 5 to 10 years time, the bikes with them on now, will be second hand by then and all the crappy cheap handle bar grip twisty menu control will be junk and need replacing, and why do we need throttle by wire crap, when the uk speed limits are 30, 40 60 amd 70 mph, all this stuff that the bike manufactures are pumping out now are just over priced and over elecrroniced up, people need to learn rider skills, not switches to press and more relays to break. long gone are new affordable bikes. in 10 or 20 years god only know's what they will be asking for them.
And if you think about it how come all the big bike named manufactures seem to be pricing there machines up in around about way the same, from ducati to suzuki and handa, something isnt right some where.
Couldn't agree more. Same here in the States. They are pushing overpriced crap that we don't need. Bikes are going for what a decent car used to cost.
Cowok : kamu mau ga jalan sama aku?
Cewek : memangnya kamu naik apa?
Cowok : aku naik suzuki katana
Cewek : ah gamau ah ,ogah naik katana
Cowok: ..... *rides away in 4cylinder motorbike*
My previous bike was a sort of, what I'd call, circumstancial "modern" mongrel orphan descendant of the last Katana - GSX750F from 2001. And when I bought my current bike, just few months after, the new Katana was announced. And honestly, seeing all the reviews of the new Katana, I've repudiated all doubts like "should I have been waiting for it instead". Sorry Suzuki, you've been trying, but new Katana was your chance and you've wasted it! Honda goes out with new Africa and CB1000R, Yamaha with MT07-09/GT and now mainly gorgeous Tenere 700, and myself I'm now riding my new Z900 ..... I'm not getting back to Suzuki, despite all the nostalgy of 200+tkm on B600 (terrrible bike but I loved it at least for it's own character), GSX1400 (best bike I ever had, RIP), and GSX750F (called him "Odula" in my language, which was the translation of Shelob spider from Lord of the Rings, which was again translated to my native language as this with the meaning of being bloated / blubber / dropsical - find a picture and you'll understand :-) :-P ) Anyway much thanks for the honest and accurate review!
Katana is perfect sorry for you man !
Don't like the position you sit on the bike not in the bike
12L fuel tank !!! What a joke! No way this could work for me ...Suzuki just lost me as a potential buyer :(
'Pre-ordered one'. I hate that made up phrase. There is no such thing as a 'pre-order[, it is just an order. If you ordered one, it will come into dealers about now. Why the silly Americanisms?
Mark Dennis Don’t bring America into your lame comments. Britishism is the word your looking for. Don’t blame us for your lack of education.
lol, i bet that bike has only 120 km range on its full tank fuel... so it is not for long range tours...
He said 120 miles
The headlamp seems cartoonish
looks 10x better than the MT too me
China??
I didn't much like the original (I had one) and I dont much like this one. And that fuel tank - 12 litres is an insult. Im out.
doesnt sound like you were ever in... lol.... so is that "out" "out" ;)
Nice try Suzuki but no cigar. We see thru your rehashed designs. 120 miles to a tank? That’s Sportster territory and quite embarrassing. My FZ-07 will go 210 miles on one tank without looking like the dolphin bike on Mario kart. 💩
TG Yamaha is basically a toy like motorcycle with all fakes stats 🤣 guess what?! and someone still believed it 🤣
KEE CHEAT HNG what does that even mean?🤷🏻♂️
Well, since the Fz07 is a smaller bike with a smaller mill, it should go farther, shouldn't it?
Another bike that looks like everything else-boring,,this thing should not have the katana name,i owned the real one, this is a disgrace,,by the way NO modern bike is fearsom,they all have aids ,stability anti lock brakes-you want fearsom,go and get a ride on a mid 80s,sports 1000 or similar,,,,
Yamaha mt10 BMW s1000 aprilia tuono. And this is what's Suzuki thought we wanted a gsx-s in a flash outfit, was so hoping Suzuki would take the new GSXR 1000 and do the same as Yamaha with the mt10. sorry but no longer interested in this is just a marketing ploy.
The K5 engine is a great motor. Loads of grunt.
@@fyorbane yes it was a good engine but that was 14 years ago and no Euro 4 emissions.
@The Rockall Times my BMW has 160hp KTM & aprilia 175+ . if I wanted 140 I would just buy the Suzuki gsx-s and a save a couple of grand and get a bigger fuel tank. Glad you don't design motorcycle we would all have Suzuki bandit,s still.
A big NO for this design. I don't like it. Oh my God it's ugly!
Great review btw!