2020 Suzuki Katana

Do you remember the 1982 Suzuki Katana GS1000SZ?

2020 Suzuki KatanaSuzuki

Putting aside for a moment the GSX-F range produced from the late-1980s to the mid-2000s, the 2020 Suzuki Katana is a four-cylinder Metallic Mystic Silver (Solid Black is also available) tribute to its namesake drawn some 40 years ago by ex-BMW stylist Hans Muth. While that sleek, bikini-faired machine still knocks motorcyclists of a certain age on their heels, the current version is a thoroughly modern sporting standard powered by an earlier-generation GSX-R1000 engine with chassis underpinnings served up by the GSX-S1000. Translation? Smooth, traction-controlled liter-class acceleration and an aluminum frame and swingarm complemented by adjustable Kayaba suspension and antilock-equipped triple-disc Brembo/Nissin brakes.

Thanks to the relatively upright rider triangle afforded by a wide handlebar and moderately rearset footpegs, this is a motorcycle you could ride all day—or night, thanks to full LED lighting—on all types of tarmac if it weren’t for the near-complete absence of protection from the elements and smallish fuel tank. Those realities, however, won’t dissuade fans of the Japanese brand from swooning over the traditional bright red block lettering on said tank or grinning with the speed and ease with which the Katana covers ground.

2020 Suzuki Katana Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

2020 Suzuki KatanaSuzuki

Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

Price $13,499
Engine Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-cylinder
Displacement 999cc
Bore x Stroke 73.4mm x 59.0mm
Horsepower 150.0 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque 80.0 lb.-ft. @ 9,500 rpm
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
Seat Height 32.5 in.
Rake 25.0°
Trail 3.9 in.
Front Suspension 43mm fully adjustable; 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension Preload/rebound-damping adjustable; 5.1-in. travel
Front Tire 120/70-17
Rear Tire 180/50-17
Wheelbase 57.6 in.
Fuel Capacity 3.2 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight 474 lb.

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height 33.2 in.
Wet Weight 475 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower 139.6 hp @ 10,100 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque 76.3 lb.-ft. @ 9,220 rpm
0–60 mph 3.2 sec.
1/4-mile 10.86 sec. @ 133.28 mph
Braking 30–0 mph 33.7 ft.
Braking 60–0 mph 133.9 ft.