Intermot 2018: Suzuki Katana resurrected

- Based on the GSX-S1000.

- Styling cues borrowed from the original ’81 Katana.

- Likely to arrive in India in the near future. 

Suzuki has revived the Katana moniker with the 2019 Katana, unveiled at the on-going Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. 

The bike like its name, derives styling cues from the original 1981 model with its square headlamp, distinctive nose fairing and black windscreen. However, the 2019 Katana sports sharp lines and creases all-through its bodywork. It gets an LED headlamp with LED position lamps on either side along with a uniquely designed split-tail lamp. Suzuki have also used the same red lettering and logo from the original bike. 

Under its legendary-inspired bodywork, the 2019 Katana is essentially a GSX-S1000. The bike sports a similar 999cc, inline-four engine that produces 150bhp and 108Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch. The electronics package of the bike consists of a three-mode traction control system and ABS as standard. It uses an LCD instrument display borrowed from the GSX-R1000, although with its own interface.

The bike rides on 17-inch rim shod with Dunlop Roadsport tyres. Suspension is handled by 43mm inverted from forks and a monoshock; both sourced from Kayaba and a Brembo brake setup. The Katana weighs 215kg and sports a small 12-litre fuel tank.

The 2019 Katana will directly compete against another heritage inspired inline-four motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Suzuki is likely to introduce the 2019 Katana in India sometime next year.