Suzuki Katana UK first ride | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

[@threeamigos842]

I bought one of these and it's absolutely brilliant . Handles superb , brakes excellent, sounds great a great fun bike . Tank may be small but 100 miles between stops is fine for me. I own 7 other bikes including 2 gsxr1000s . I love the look because it looks like nothing else .

[@skyworks1621]

I think this bike is beautiful.

[@jothain]

I think this is one of the ugliest bikes ever made. But opinions are opinions.

[@njplastik-techsdnbhd9814]

i just bought it last week.. nice bike

[@samuelgillard2196]

I like this review. MCN should insist that all their journalists inhale helium for all future reviews.

[@fyorbane]

Lol. I thought that too.

[@allansrensen1480]

Hahahah - same! Lay of the helium mate!

[@BushBound]

😂 hilarious 😂😂😂👍

[@dodgydodds]

Ffs 😂🤣

[@petokang]

So far I've ridden this bike about 100miles and I love it. I use this bike to commute about 15miles distance. I feel the clutch lever is bit too hard for downtown traffic, but I mostly love this bike. Thing is, it is my second bike, and my first one is a Royal Enfield.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Enjoy your bike and thanks for watching! Dan, MCN.

[@Μανος13]

Hi, would you suggest it for a novice rider?

[@scottw550]

Only if you are a Kamakazi pilot.

[@TheJAMTUB]

2nd Review I've seen from you. Great job... Keep em coming.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks very much! Dan, MCN.

[@parsivalshorse]

A year into owning it I love mine. Best bike I've owned and I get 230-240 km per tank.

[@BeardPower666]

I had a 400 katana about 20 years ago. Fun little bike.

[@Wheelo40]

I was riding when the original bike was in showrooms (I'm old). It was a sensation. Radical. Aggressive. If you look at its competition back in the day, the Katana styling was forward thinking. This new one is very faithful to the original even in its purpose, and I think it's a great looking bike. With the rearsets and the small tank, I don't know why they didn't go all the way and put lower bars on it. If I had one, I'd at least swap out for a flat-ish bar to better mimic the look and mission of the original without hurting myself. :-) If I were adding a straight-up play bike to my garage, I'd be in on this one. You think the Mrs.would notice it? Yep, she'd notice. Everybody be safe out there.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Given the bike's mandate - meeting friends for short blasts and a bit of food - the Katana will do its job well by creating emotional distance from other products in the Suzuki range. This Katana will always be a point of conversation and someone who wants one will love its unique styling. I'm betting it builds a small(ish) but dedicated following of enthusiasts.

[@jeffestrada6857]

Good review Thankyou

[@22NL22NL]

Great review keep up the good work 👌

[@Joric78]

Looks good, but not good enough to charge that premium over the GSX-S1000 while knocking off 30% of it's fuel capacity. Should have bored/stroked it into a Katana 1100 and used more premium suspension and/or electronics at that price (it's a grand more than the GSX-R and $3.5K more than the GSX-S here in Oz).

[@akent46]

Good review young fella!!! Kudos

[@mrkk9784]

Thanks for the review, I got the answer already that it is not for a long distance ride.

[@rob2475]

Well, you said you didn’t think it needs dropped bars, so why ride it hunched over like a praying mantis! Just imagine how much more comfortable it would be if you could ride with your arms straight yet still have that aggressive position. That’s what the original bike was about. Perhaps that add on pack you mentioned should include proper Katana bars. Good review all the same. 👍

[@scottw550]

I rode the original 1980 in 1980 and after 1 hour of riding couldn't turn my head cause of the pain.

[@ragerider6283]

Great review. I think the best & most thorough I've seen yet for this bike! I like it, just not sure I could quite justify the price but I need to see it in the flesh as it were & have a test ride. Either way though I would definitely have to change the bars for some lower Renthals I think. Don't intend to track or tour it & I do indeed have a short commute. Although a 12 litre tank does seem a bit daft. Having said that I used to own an RGV250 many years ago that did 90 miles to a tank if you were lucky & glugged two-stroke oil like it was going out of fashion so I think I could cope with this.

[@williamrae9954]

Problem with changing the bars is the clutch cable then run across the front of the clocks,so you then have to go down the hydraulic route,with a casing/slave cylinder off of a Gixer K7,costs start rising,adding the master too. Only a matter of time before someone makes a billet top(cap holder) or bottom that feeds the fuel in from an auxiliary tank,a Rotapax on the rear,then you have a bike to tour with...wouldn't take much thought!

[@phixi0n]

I'm still amazed how bad the dash displays are on bikes. It's high time they all went LED/OLED, the cost for such a small panel is minimal in the grand scheme of things.

[@EinkOLED]

TFT is mostly ideal for bikes. LED/OLED have a longevity issue.

[@RD-RD-66]

Nice bike but 12 litre tank. Hmmm 💭

[@paulbishop7943]

Going on your review sounds like it has rubbish fuelling poor range and too expensive for a weekend toy? I like Suzuki’s but I think the katana should stay in the 80s where it belongs.

[@bwxmoto]

I didn't like the looks at first.. but the more I see it, the more I like it. Same with the XSR900, and I bought one of those! I don't get why it's heavier that the bike it's based on while also having less fuel capacity though, it seems like they could have made it lighter weight.

[@fyorbane]

Agreed. Where has the extra weight come from? Maybe most of it is in that horrible low number plate holder assembly. Instantly junk that and fit a tail tidy. Job done.

[@bwxmoto]

Boz oh yeah that and maybe ABS / TC and related stuff? I guess that front cowl and brackets to hold it on probably weighs a bit. I guess?? LOL I dunno

[@richdubbya]

Hard to do a review doing 30mph.. just saying...

[@joedudz]

I love mine but the tank size is a bit of an issue. If going on a decent ride you need to fill up first.

[@LiviuXSA]

same thing applies to an mt10 or a v4 tuono but nobody seems to complain about those

[@SanderJanssens]

How is the handeling compared to the GSX-S 750?

[@MagicCarpetRide8669]

I love this bike except for the 12L fuel tank. You're basically going out to get fuel every time you ride it.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Manufacturers really need to sort out the fuelling on their bikes. A jerky throttle is a safety hazard and it's annoying as well.

[@ewooll]

Just wanna say my SV650a is so jerky the throttle is super jerky around town the power comes in with a bang like a light switch. It's dangerous in the wet.

[@balrajbalraj7547]

Good review

[@exothermal.sprocket]

2019 Katana. If Suzuki put a 4.5 to 5.0 gal tank on it, I'd buy one. With the 3.2 gal tank, NEVER!!!!!!!!!! GSX-S1000 is an inexpensive beast, if the right person with the right knowledge wants to tune it. K5-K8 999cc engine is a monster and has been tuned with tons of parts still available on the market, from overbore and stroker kits, to cams and turbos. The history is vast and those who've done it would be immediately familiar with the potential of a bran-new GSX-S1000. In fact, a guy in Australia bore/stroke/ported/cammed/compression the thing to 1200cc, and it put down 205 hp and 104 ft-lb AT THE WHEEL. We're talking outright power that would make the Super Duke and Tuono 1100 shreek in fright. Would even leave superbikes for dead below 140 mph. www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/suzuki-gsx-s1200-review-58167/ Transmission is one of the slickest, snickety-snick things on the market, but has bad gear ratios. First is very hight, followed closely by 2-6 all jammed together with 6th making the engine spin too fast at cruising.

[@Uninfluenceable]

Giant fuel tanks ruin the look of modern motorcycles. I appreciate Suzuki sticking with styling over function on a bike that is based purely on a styling exercise. If you are riding this to places where you can't find a fuel station for 130 miles, then you got the wrong bike for the job. Just like a K1600 is a crappy inner city commuter, the Katana is a crappy long distance cruiser. Get the right tool for the job, don't knock the bike for not being a swiss army knife.

[@Lasergun74]

Dash should have an analog tacho, real, with a needle, the most readable indicator, and a digital panel (tft or lcd or whatever it is) for everything else. Snatchy throttle is also a big no no for me, maybe the no.1 reason because I don’t own a Yamaha mt-10 but a Triumph (lovely fueling)

[@MrSlowestD16]

Not that I think it's a bad looking bike, but my 1st bike was the original katana, and I honestly don't see any similarities in terms of aesthetics between them. Not quite sure what I'm missing. It looks fine for what it is, but as I don't see any connection what-so-ever with the original katanas, it doesn't bring to me that nostalgic feeling that I think they were going for.

[@TheHaircutcity]

Are they discontinuing the gsx s-1000?

[@troypagan7131]

PTF! 130 miles per tank! I wish, I'm getting around 100 miles per tank on my 18 Tuono.

[@williamrae9954]

Try a MT10...guzzle

[@kiwiabroad8390]

People should stop being disrespectful of this presenter. Not everyone has a deep, sonorous voice - thank God.

[@marcosramirez1127]

I prefer commuting on a super sport, just because the mirrors are easy to tuck in and enable me to filter through traffic, no matter how narrow the gap is, lol.

[@nickkouris31]

And after this video he rode 3 winners at ascot.

[@Mark........]

Would've looked better if Suzuki fitted clipons

[@1990-t1j]

No, it wouldn't.

[@JayzBeerz]

They still make this bike?

[@johntaylor4926]

what happened to the back of the bike, it could have looked so better if the designer finished it off

[@threethrushes]

Good review. Katana is utterly disgusting to look at. CB1000R is a beauty.

[@virtualmoravicus2542]

This bike reveals the true problem (imho) - motorcycle is more less just an expensive toy or the fetish object. I am fine only with observation. 😎

[@SamwiseGamgy47]

The front faring and head light look weird and wrong.

[@collectorguy4379]

The rear end looks wrong!

[@axs7689]

After seeing this in person I think the back end is beautiful but the front doesn't look retro inspired it just looks dated.

[@Soh90]

I like how the styling pays homage to the original Katana. It’s instantly recognizable. I do wish the bars were slightly more aggressive though. I know that naked bikes are the new things, but I wish the setup was more aggressive. With that being said, I would definitely take this over the Honda and Kawasaki

[@ChewieOnTwoWheels]

I was really hoping this bike would be as good as it looks. But no clip-ons. Small tank. Jerky throttle. No blipper. No quickshifter. No cruise-control. No heated grips. But a premium price tag. Suzuki have missed the mark big time on this one.

[@Roy_Godiksen]

It seams like the elbows always are the lowest point of the arm. That's not a comfortable seating position. Lower clip on bars would have made the ride more sporty and more comfortable. With a 12 liter tank, it's not a tourer, so why give it a touring bar?

[@splodge57]

Didn't like the original, preferred the GSX1100, and don't like this one. Good review.

[@specialcircs]

So overall, useless for actual riding - jerky throttle, rubbish fuel economy & tank, crap dash display, useless pillion seat. UX = 0

[@k39942419]

Where’s Neeves?

[@warakanda7356]

It's a wrong decision to make the fuel tank narrower. Most big bike riders prefer a fat looking bike, it looks massive. A narrow shape bikes are just like smaller bikes below 200cc.. I would rather own a z800 instead, which I do now hihi..

[@Labgorilla]

Most people will spend a hell of a lot of time at the petrol station with such a small tank. 12L!!! What!?!

[@kalaga2k]

Does the Co. realize the loss generated by poor fuel tank capacity? In Canada, it's a no no bike, considering the long distances. Its pitty because I really like the bike...👽

[@minatormyth]

Pissing weather :)

[@shiftyshamsk]

Looks crap in the metal. Like a jet ski. Honestly. It looks like a something from a merry go round at the fair. It's short and flat looking. Truly naff. The guy riding a demo was admiring my 2007 ZED 1000 at the lights.

[@KingOath]

I just don’t get this tiny fuel tank thing these days. There’s so much room on bikes for a couple of litres more fuel, You shouldn’t have to buy a tourer to get a useful fuel capacity. Manufacturers are forgetting about those who want a cool quick bike to ride every day, not a boring commuter and not a weekender. My 650 has a 12L tank and it’s not enough even for that little thing

[@paulkelly7896]

Good review - bike isn’t to customers requirements

[@markstrawbridge9133]

don't let this bloke? do anymore reviews his voice is doin my head in!

[@LaJiahao]

cool bike could use a turbo

[@W0rp3D]

Is this guy a jockey?

[@robhives6996]

I sat on this bike and it felt cramped for me. He looks like he is stood up on it! I'm 5 foot 2😁

[@Grahamvfr]

Why such a fuss about tank range (on this type of bike) unless you want one for touring.. which is unlikely. In 40 yrs of riding not many riding buddies, ever want to do more than a 100 miles before a stop. I'll repeat unless your touring.

[@MrAndrew1953]

It’s a Katana - those bikes have got to go. It’s only got a 12 litre tank so those bars just don’t cut it. Bar raisers!

[@Yousefyousef-oh4br]

😍👍

[@gnarshread]

I am certainly not a fan but hey! Different strokes for different folks.

[@BushBound]

No excuses!!! Suzuki failed to continue the Katana legacy after the 1980s. I own a 1982 original Katana and nothing came close to Hans Muth’s exquisite piece of art till today. Without clip on handlebars they transformed the bike from a stallion to a mule. Disappointed with Suzuki

[@victorherrero4790]

Cool.bike...a weekend toy

[@PEPWEY]

They could've did wayyy better with that display.

[@sneekylinux]

Should be a 750...I rest my case

[@ScrapYardDog64]

Power commander it'll be reet!

[@hymerr]

Shootout 2019 comon

[@mustntgrumble9435]

Nice bike ,afew negatives, but that nose 😂

[@Souravchaudhuri]

Fit and finish is not upto the mark.

[@Themayseffect]

Suzuki is falling behind in the design and styling category these past years. The GSXR1000 barely passes the bill.

[@ettorefassina356]

oh my god that voice!!!

[@mightyboomerang2932]

1N23456

[@kwakaj14]

Litres / MPH poor pom's ???? LOL

[@williamrae9954]

Mile a minute is how most things are judges here,so if i'm in Birmingham,have my dinner ready in 300 mins,5hrs....easy. Oh,and a litre of fuel cold weighs 750grams....easy again for working out dry weights of bikes!

[@nortondlcl]

Looks dated

[@gerry343]

God awful rear hugger!

[@Ttnorth11]

Snatchy throttle crap.

[@tolgaetci9539]

You can do everything with this bike, tour, commuting, fun etc...it is a modern retro not aprilia tuono...on this price category, has best engine, best chassis, best brakes and handling...and what? Suzuki your marketing department fails again, has to invest more to marketing and more 😉 and more...🤣🤣🤣 Just official info...Yamaha mt10 : tank 17 litre and 8.0l per 100km,range 212 km ...katana: tank 12 litre and 5.3 pe 100 km, range 226 km....actually range is better then many power nakeds and super sports 🤣🤣🤣...

[@TheJAMTUB]

Tour? With 12 litres? Maybe you should try touring first....

[@tolgaetci9539]

@@TheJAMTUB do you ride it african sahara,no petrol station even on alpine? ,on 1000 racing or on tuono and mt10 you have probably 30 percent more consumption, range is important not worse then these bikes, I know gsxs1000...very very efficient

[@TheJAMTUB]

@@tolgaetci9539 wrong touring bikes. If you're used to touring you need a good range and comfort. And this Katana has none of the above for long distances. Maybe you didn't hear well when the man doing the review said that Suzuki admit to this being a weekend bike for short distances. From my experience in touring this is the wrong tool for the job. And none of the bikes you mentioned are good for touring either....

[@tolgaetci9539]

@@TheJAMTUB nobody told it is a touring bike, but this range is not worse then these bikes and they do make tours often...you can do touring with any bike, even best touring bike is not comfortable then a car, you can go by car 🤣...this tank issue is just bla bla...

[@TheJAMTUB]

@@tolgaetci9539 Sure ... if you want you can walk too. Each to his own. You can tour with everything... It's just inconvenient sometimes when you're on a bike that doesn't tour well..

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

Horrible !!!!!!!!

[@1990-t1j]

Dreadful review.

[@barryfox5454]

Stop saying it's the same engine as the K5. It's not even close, different cams different pistons etc etc. Such a shite review, think this guy would struggle to ride a donkey

[@22NL22NL]

Great review keep up the good work 👌

[@campaspe810]

Is this guy a jockey?