2020 Suzuki Katana First Look—Suzuki was one of the big hitters at this year’s Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany, with the announcement of the rebirthed Katana.
2020 Suzuki Katana First Look
Based heavily off the Suzuki GSX-S1000F, Suzuki says the new Katana is not just a styling exercise but more an opportunity to expose one of their most famous names to new riders as part of news the company plans to release 10 new large capacity machines by 2021.
The 2020 Katana is powered by the 147 hp, 999cc inline four-cylinder of the GSX-S, itself a version of the 2005 GSX-R1000 superbike motor but tuned for better low-to mid-range performance. The GSX-S twin-spar aluminum chassis is also essentially unchanged, KYB supply the front and rear suspension, Brembo have fitted their four-piston monobloc calipers, yet it’s the styling that’s the biggest change between this and a GSX-S.
The electronics come packing traction control, ABS brakes and three riding modes
Harking back to the original 1980s Katana, the seat position is very upright, with the lines close to what made the original such a revered machine. Grey and red with a square headlight and edge panels on the side of the seat, the Katana’s styling is unlike anything in Suzuki’s current line-up.
Suzuki has yet to release the pricing or availability of the 2020 Katana, but expect something in the first quarter of 2019.
