A CUT ABOVE

The KATANA is amongst Suzuki’s most iconic motorcycles, capturing the hearts of riders around the globe for over four decades. The impact of the original 1981 GSX1000S KATANA was so great, it continues to influence motorcycle design to this day.

In MY20, a new legend was born with the introduction of a modern KATANA inspired by Rodolfo Frascoli’s KATANA 3.0 Concept, which stole the limelight in EICMA – 2017.

For MY22, the KATANA is further honed with enhancements that improve the overall performance and riding experience.

Fine Craftsmanship

The Japanese Katana is beautiful to gaze upon and unbelievably exciting to wield. The epitome of fine craftsmanship, this famed sword combines sophisticated Japanese aesthetics and pure beauty into a sharp design. These characteristics made it the perfect motif for the Suzuki KATANA.

The KATANA also symbolises well Suzuki’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. Suzuki’s dedication to creating distinctive beauty includes paying due respect to tradition while at the same time aiming to incorporate the latest advances in styling and technology.

Long Stroke 999cc Engine

The high-performance 999cm³ four-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine underwent thorough review as it was developed to deliver ideal performance under varying riding conditions, whether out for a sporty run or negotiating traffic on city streets. Changes that include a new camshaft profile, new valve springs, a new clutch and new exhaust system increase power output and achieve an overall better balance of performance, all while satisfying Euro 5 emissions standards.

Suzuki Intelligent Ride System

The new KATANA adopts a collection of the advanced electronic systems that comprise the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). Included are the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Suzuki Traction Control, Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle, Bi-directional Quick Shift, Suzuki Easy Start, and Low RPM Assist systems.

These enable the rider to optimise performance characteristics to best suit riding conditions and varying road surfaces, as well as their level of confidence and experience. By assisting the rider, they help make the bike more controllable, more predictable, and less tiring to operate, whether out for a sporty run or enjoying a ride on city streets. These attributes benefit the rider by instilling greater confidence and allowing them to concentrate on enjoying the riding experience.

SDMS is designed to offer the rider a choice between three different modes that change output characteristics to match riding conditions or preferences.

Mode A (Active) provides the sharpest response as the rider opens the throttle. It is well suited for use when hitting the throttle hard, such as when participating in track day events or enjoying twisty roads in good weather.

Mode B (Basic) reaches the same level of maximum output but features softer response and a more linear power delivery curve as the rider opens the throttle. The settings are tuned to make the bike more controllable and instil confidence when accelerating, and to make it a good fit for a wide range of rider styles and road conditions in everyday riding.

Mode C (Comfort) provides the softest throttle response and gentler torque characteristics, delivering power in smoother linear fashion while still reaching the same level of maximum power output. The gentler throttle response and limited torque production as the throttle is opened makes more obedient and controllable when riding in wet conditions or otherwise slippery surfaces, or when the rider wants to relax and enjoy an easy ride home after a long outing.

Other Features

Traction Control System

An updated version of Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) with a wider selection of 5 mode settings (+ OFF), as opposed to the 3 modes (+ OFF) of the first generation. The finer incremental control over settings allows the new 5-mode traction control system to better fit a more diverse variety of riding conditions and styles.

Ride By Wire

A ride-by-wire throttle system provides finer control also allows optimum settings to best match each of the SDMS modes. The overall result is linear power delivery that responds faithfully to the rider’s intentions, whether riding on the street or heading out to enjoy a spirited run, as well as improved controllability when opening the throttle while cornering

Bi-directional Quick Shifter

The bi-directional quick shift system allows the rider to shift up or down more quickly and easily without the need to operate the clutch or throttle. When decelerating, the system automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase rpm and match engine speed to the next-lower gear ratio. The result of this hands-free automatic blipping function combines seamlessly with engine braking to create a highly satisfying experience when downshifting.

Suzuki Easy Start System

Lets the rider start the motorcycle with one quick press of the starter button. There is no need to pull in the clutch lever when the transmission is in neutral.

KATANA Themed Multi-function LCD Display

A LCD brightness-adjustable instrument cluster packs a wide range of useful information into a relatively compact form factor. The panel features a custom display with amber back-lighting exclusive to the MY22 KATANA creating a unique contrast that clearly displays the lettering against the black background when riding at night, but that looks white when riding in daylight to maintain clear visibility of the displayed information. A brief custom animation plays when the ignition key is turned on, offering a playful presentation that is pleasing to the eye and heightens anticipation of the ride to follow.

Another nice touch is the replacement of the “SUZUKI” lettering featured at the bottom of the instrument cluster with the KATANA logo for MY22.

KYB Suspension

43mm gold KYB inverted front forks give a ride that is sporty yet plush. They feature fully adjustable damping, rebound, compression and spring preload. A single KYB rear shock features adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load.

Brembo Calipers

Brembo radial mount monoblock front brake calipers are mated with Ø310mm floating-mount dual discs to provide powerful braking performance. Each caliper has four opposing Ø32mm pistons.

Bosch ABS

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit, produced by BOSCH, is compact and light, weighing in at just 640g. It monitors wheel speed 50 times per wheel rotation, and matches stopping power to available traction.

SCAS

The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) for the MY22 KATANA introduces an assist function to complement the previous generation’s slipper clutch. The slipper clutch partially disengages when downshifting from high rpm to mitigate the effect of engine braking. By mitigating the chance of the rear tire locking up or hopping and working in harmony with the Bi-directional Quick Shift System to realise smoother deceleration, SCAS enables the rider to shift down with greater confidence and maintain better control when downshifting into corners.