Suzuki takes a trip down memory lane and revives an 80s icon but new Katana features a thoroughly modern 999cc engine and trick technology to bring it up to date

The super bike market has seen a fair decline since their popularity peaked in the early 2000s, and despite exotic, stupidly fast machines still gracing the covers of many magazines, it is the more sensible BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha MT-09s of this world that continue to sell in large numbers. Triumph has also seen huge recent success in its revamped retro range, with its Bobber shifting big numbers last year. This has prompted most manufacturers to improve their adventure bike offering but also delve deep into their respective archives and play the nostalgia cards with a modern reimagining of a classic.

Despite the breadth of Suzuki’s gorgeous back catalogue, which includes everything from stylish scramblers to chrome-laden street bikes, the Japanese manufacturer has been relatively slow to hop aboard the modern classic bandwagon and its dabble with cafe racer culture (the SV 650X, for instance) has been more of a very subtle nod, than a full-blown re-launch of an iconic model.

That is until now, because Suzuki has decided to resurrect its Katana nameplate, which was first launched in the early 1980s and was one of the first of its kind to bring in exterior design help in the form of ex-BMW chief of styling Hans Muth. It was also named after a traditional Japanese Samurai sword for additional cool points. The intriguing collaboration instantly made an immediate impression with the bike-buying public. Its chopped mudguards, sculpted fuel tank and contradictory sharp angles stood out from a crowd of curvy sports bikes, while the introduction of a potent GSX1100S in the late eighties ensured its sharp looks were matched by serious performance.

Fast forward to today and there are plenty of unashamedly Katana touches to the new machine: the stacked square headlight, the shortened mudguards and the seriously slashed tank are just a few examples. But that’s really where the similarities end, because underneath the throwback exterior is a large dose of GSX-S1000, including a tweaked, long-stroke version of the fuel-injected 999cc inline-four engine.

The seating position is more upright than it appears in photos and the slightly swept-back, one-piece bars mean it is very easy to get comfortable in the saddle. The plush seat pew might not be as lengthy or luxurious as the original bike, but it’s still a damn sight more accommodating for pillion passengers than many modern rivals.

Depress Suzuki’s new quick start button, which enables the engine to fire up with a single press of the ignition switch - rather than a long hold - and the punchy engine kicks into life with a pleasingly rorty exhaust note. The cockpit and dials are taken care of by a single LCD instrument cluster that resides just behind the stumpy fairing. It’s clear and concise, with the odd slightly cheap-looking Katana digital logos dotted around, but it feels like Suzuki really missed the opportunity to play on the original clocks and add a more modern twist.

Throttle is taken care of via an old-school cable (no ride-by-wire system here) but the Japanese engineers have craftily added a slight ramp to the physical throttle tube in an attempt to negate some of the low-rev ‘snatchiness’ levelled at the GSX-S1000F, which this bike borrows many of its moving parts from. There is also a new Low RPM assist system that automatically raises idle speed when bleeding out the clutch or when riding at low rpms. It helps with frequent low-speed clutch work and makes the new Katana a joy to ride around town. 

Powerful Brembo brakes, a three-stage traction control system, ABS, adjustable KYB suspension and Dunlop Roadsmart 2 tyres only add to the confidence-inspiring riding experience and it doesn’t take long to realise that Katana is a very forgiving bike to use regularly. Even in the pouring rain and on the slippery, mud-spattered B-roads of Warwickshire, the big Suzuki felt confidence-inspiring through the tighter bends, proving firm enough to give a real sense of performance but cresting the broken road surface with ease.

The engine is a peach, delivering a gut-busting amount of power and performance that the majority of its chrome-clad, shiny retro rivals could only dream of. Essentially, this remains a GSX performance engine dressed up in quasi-80s clobber. Twist the throttle and it picks up pace with giddy abandon. But despite the allure of daily sports bike performance, Suzuki claims that a typical modern Katana customer will only use their machine for dry, Sunday blasts, and it is easy to see why, as it is a brilliantly entertaining ride. But we can’t help thinking that’s a good cover story for the decision to run with such a small tank.

At just 12-litres, it’s likely most throttle-happy riders will only manage 100-odd miles before having to pull into the next petrol station, which hinders those longer road trips and falls some way short of the Katana’s retro rivals. But above all else, the decision seems even more bizarre given that this is machine that could comfortably cover longer distances, unlike the cramp-inducing experience of riding a BMW RineT Cafe Racer, for example. 

There’s also a bone of contention in the styling, which doesn’t feel as radical as the original, especially when viewed in the grey daylight of a dismal spring day. But then Suzuki admits, in a slightly Alan Partridge manner, it wasn’t aiming for a revolution in the looks department, more a subtle evolution.

where Triumph’s offerings are unashamedly old school, Ducati’s modern interpretations decidedly different and even Honda’s CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe retro-futuristic in its approach, the Katana’s exterior lines feel a little tame – despite Suzuki’s debut use of a swing arm-mounted number plate hanger that helps clean up the rear end but is any jacket’s worst nightmare in the wet.

A more faithful representation of the Katana 3.0 Concept (first shown at the Milan bike show in 2017) would have been nice, and perhaps some mild tinkering from brave owners will make it even more unique. After all, the ageing engine that resides underneath the lightly retro re-skin still delivers an impressive 148bhp and can push this machine to a heady 148mph with ease, making it one of the faster modern throwbacks currently on sale. It’s just a shame it doesn’t feel all that special. 

Model: Suzuki Katana

Price: From £11,399

Engine: 999cc liquid-cooled inline four

Power: 148bhp, 108Nm torque

Max speed: 145mph

MPG: 53

Fuel capacity: 12-litres

Weight: 215kg

Seat height: 825mm

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