Suzuki Katana 2020
Introduction
The story of the new Suzuki Katana could be something out of a science-fiction movie. This does not only expose my age, but one literally gets to travel in time. In the dawn of the 1980’s when I was much younger the Katana was launched. Even at the time, its design was unconventional with sharp lines that intimidated its rivals. It called for attention from everyone, biker or not.
Fast forward into more than three decades later, the Katana has made a comeback, and to be honest, much to my surprise. Personally, I came to know and like the bike on my first Swazi Rally back in 1996.
Funny enough Suzuki did not make too much of a noise in my view with the new Katana. I remember being invited to the Rand Easter Show last Easter when the bike was unveiled to the public. A few pictures were taken, and I sat on the bike and I remember also sitting on the original Katana that was also on display.
Meaning of Katana: noun katana; plural noun: katanas – a long, single-edged sword used by the Japanese samurai. This explanation does give insight into the design, performance and general attitude to be associated with the bike.
EXTERIOR AND STYLING
If you know the original bike, this new Katana follows on those very same design hints. The bike is very slim with sharp lines that are bold and unapologetic. The brand has kept the square light of the original, only this time with a bit of LED technology. On each side of the main light are two daytime running lights which are followed by effective LED indicators.
A tiny black visor sits above the light and hides the electronic dash from the wind. The dashboard itself is LCD and very easy to follow at a glance especially when one is ridding. I had no issues seeing the display under all light conditions.
The handlebars are positioned for a very comfortable sitting position, which is somewhat unexpected as I would imagine them to be like those of a superbike. The hand controls are within easy usable reach and I spent less time trying to figure them out and more time engaging with the bike and the road. The new Suzuki Katana is fun to ride everyday all day and it is the kind of bike that makes otherwise grown matured adults to want to misbehave, it is very addictive.
The slim fuel tank fits snugly between the rider’s thighs and has a capacity of 12-litres. This adds to the confidence factor when ridding the bike as bulkier tanks tend to make shorter riders a little bit unstable. Katana decals sit below either side of the tank and are very discreet.
Padding is adequate on the seat and the pillion seat looks like it was chopped off, though it too has enough cushioning. A lady friend of mine made a comment and said the latter was not designed for African ladies in mind. In my view it could just be designed for the opposite – to display gorgeous African assets.
Some say the number plate holder is horrid and ugly and breaks the beautiful strong design lines of the bike, I was not too bothered by this, instead I feel it makes the bike stand out more for me.
Sometimes brands have a way of designing exhaust pipes that either do not match the overall bike design or are just downright ugly. The standard pipe is short, black and spits beautiful engine tones
that make the rider want to gear down or go faster, music even to the onlookers. For a standard pipe I found it very fitting and more than acceptable.
Finally, the rear end of this bike is something that has a lot of tails wagging. Below the unconventional chopped pillion seat is a sharp-edged state-of-the-art LED taillight. Then there is a huge gap exposing the rear tyre before the number plate holder further down. This housing also accommodates the rear LED indicators. I have a feeling many buyers of the Katana will want to modify this bit of engineering.
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
Performance and handling:
At the heart of the new Suzuki Katana 2020 is a in-line 4 engine with a capacity of 999 cubic centimetres. Power peaks at 110kW (@10 000 rpm) and torque is a chunky 108Nm (@9 500rpm). While this may not be the fastest bike on the block, it sure is the “funnest” to ride. A set of Brembo’s both front and rear ensure that you have ample stopping power.
Suspension at the front is a fully adjustable set of 43mm KYB forks and at the rear linkage-assisted shock with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping.
Tyres are 120/70×17 and 190/50×17 at the front and rear respectively.
I found the Katana to be extremely agile and athletic with ample power on tap even in the final gear at the twist of the throttle. It is light and sure footed enough without intimidating to throw the 215kg weight around tight corners. Rider comfort and confidence is emphasised throughout the riding experience, it is a fun bike to ride.
My final thoughts and experience:
From the first day I picked up the bike at Suzuki Head Office to the last day that I dropped it off, there was not a day I did not want to ride it. The seating position is comfortable which encourages it to be ridden everyday all day. One can easily get into trouble with such amazing toys.
Once I attended a meeting that ran late and had to ride back home in the dark, in as much as the headlight was bright enough, it did not shine far enough (even with high beam switched on) for a relaxed ride back.
Riding the Katana allowed me to drift into future timelines that I may have thought impossible. It awakened my soul and sense of living and appreciation.
The Suzuki Katana is a beautifully crafted and engineered piece of work, something to go down once more in the motorcycling history books.
Priced at R187 500 whilst its nearest competitor, the BMW R1250 R is priced from R212 000 to R222 500, it sure is not much of a price to keep the naughty grin on anyone’s face.
- Tumelo Maketekete
- January 27, 2020
- 10:58 am