It’s been decades in the making, and finally, the new Suzuki Katana has landed in New Zealand.
Rolling on to dealership floors this month with a hot price of $18,999, the new Katana has been designed to bring the design of the 1981 original into the 21st Century.
Based on the well-rounded GSX-S1000 (which itself runs a modified version of the legendary K5 GSX-R engine), the new 2019 GSX-S1000S Katana ups the ante with thoroughly modern lines, LED lighting and new cockpit design.
Interestingly, Suzuki kept with the same theme which the GSX-S introduced and have refrained from using clip-on handlebars (a key point of contention for die-hard Katana fans). Instead, Suzuki is using a more upright Renthal Fatbar to ensure rider comfort on the new Katana.
In fact, Suzuki has paid particular attention to ergonomics to ensure that fans of the original Katana are able to comfortably enjoy the new bike. As such, seat height is the lowest in the 1000cc class coming in at 810mm and with the seat being matched with a slim 12-litre fuel tank this allows for even riders short in the leg department an easy reach to the ground.
Suspension remains 43mm KYB inverted forks matched to a monoshock out back with other features including a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode Traction Control System, Fujico disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and ABS, and new tyres with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the Katana.
Pricing is confirmed at $18,999 plus on roads for the new Katana - a $1000 premium over the faired GSX-S1000F, yet strangely only $9 less than our Australian counterparts have to pay – with the bikes already flowing into Suzuki dealerships.
We look forward to swinging a leg over the retro-inspired machine and giving it a blat around our favourite roads.
