Suzuki GSX-S1000 Katana: Katana Reborn
Test: Jeff Ware, Photos: Suzuki Motorcycles Australia
From old school racer to the latest model. How does the newest KATANA stack up on the streets?
Walking around the new KATANA, the bike has the same muscular and angular toughness that the original KATANA models were so unique for. At the same time, it has the high-performance stance of the GSX-R1000 and the hypernaked menace of the GSX-S1000.
Ergonomically, the KATANA feels unlike any nakedbike around. The ‘bars are wider than the GSX-S, taller and further forward. The seat is jacked up and angled toward the tank, while the ‘pegs feel miles back. The ‘pegs are high, as well, so there is a lot of flex at the knee.
The tank is narrow but not as narrow as I expected. The dash looks trick but is super busy and during my ride at a glance I could only read speed or gear. The mirrors are small.
With a full fuel tank and being a tall bike, it is no lightweight, but at low speed the Kat is easy to balance and weave through traffic. The engine is a gem and as smooth as you like, with no vibes whatsoever and a steady 80ºC in traffic.
Out of town and into the hills, the KATANA came alive. That same easy-going nature of the commute is present, it’s not a balls-out fully committed sports naked but it is more than capable of carving up corners and the acceleration from 6000rpm onwards is arm stretching…
Back a gear and the KATANA keeps accelerating and the torque is monstrous. My neck is strained, my knees are squeezing the tank and I am holding wide ‘bars, wide-eyed, with a big wide grin as I chase the group through the twists and turns of the hills behind the Goldy.
Acceleration is on hand anywhere, in any gear. The middle-range is immense, while the top-end is intense. The clutch action is smooth and the slipper clutch allows fast corner entry with well-modulated engine braking.
Initial turn is lightning fast, it loves to be shown who is boss, braked hard into a corner, quickly flicked on its side, then fired off the turn. This style makes for extremely fun and rewarding riding on the KATANA and is not at all tiring. Ground clearance is OK, however, my boots kept touching down.
High-speed straight-line stability is good but be prepared to strain your neck muscles unless you put your chin on the tank. Those ‘bars make you a windsock.
There is no shortage of stopping power, so long as you keep on squeezing the span-adjustable lever and pressing on the rear pedal. The ABS is good, however, I would like cornering ABS on a future model and would be happy to pay the premium for it. With that would come an IMU and improved TC.
It’s not just a pretty GSX-S1000. It is a new model that is different enough to stand on its own and be called the new KATANA. The bike is super stylish, great quality, extremely engaging at a fundamental level and that means grins in all conditions, every ride.
SUZUKI GSX-S1000 KATANA SPECIFICATIONS
Power: 110kW@10,000rpm
Torque: 108Nm@9500rpm
Weight: 215kg
Fuel capacity: 12L
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, forward-inclined parallel four-cylinder, four-valve per cylinder, DOHC, 73.4 x 59mm bore x stroke, 999cc, 12.1:1 compression, 44mm throttle-bodies, Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET), 4-2-1 exhaust system
GEARBOX: Constant mesh, six-speed
CLUTCH: Back-torque limiter wet multi-plate
CHASSIS: FEM designed alloy frame, alloy braced swingarm
Rake: 25 degrees, Trail: 100mm
SUSPENSION: 43mm KYB fully adjustable telescopic forks, 120mm travel, KYB rear shock, link type single shock, rebound and preload adjustment
BRAKES: Bosch ABS system, Brembo radial-mount four-piston calipers, 310mm rotors, 220mm rear rotor with Nissin caliper, Nissin conventional master-cylinder
WHEELS & TYRES: Cast alloy six-spoke 17in, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 120/70-17in (f), 190/50-17(r)
DIMENSIONS:
Seat height: 825mm
Overall height: 1110mm
Overall length: 2125mm
Wheelbase: 1460mm
INSTRUMENTS: Multi-function LCD display
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