Taking a look at the 2023 Suzuki Katana / An in-depth walk round!

[@javierorozco410]

THANKS ... A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE ! ... THE ENGINE IS A GEM SO POWERFUL + SMOOTH !! GREETINGS FROM MEXICO .

[@buttyace]

Picking one up this week as the tank range is not an issue. I have an RG500 which a tank nearly twice the size & does half the mpg!! It’s all about the fun of riding for me.

[@UsernameKate]

Exactly! I used to have to fill up every 120 miles on my duke 690 so it doesn't bother me too much but I know it's a real gripe for some! 😁

[@Wowxoxo69]

badazz bike, low profile keeeps those blades turnning

[@mgn19xx31]

This bike surprised me! Love how i don’t see a lot of them around. To each their own but I’m a huge fan

[@RawTopShot]

They could have done the classic metallic alloy silver with red graphics and text 😊

[@martyn_g]

Didn’t they do that when it got first released three years ago?

[@trevjones1315]

Maybe they did, but that's half the point of a kat.

[@alanpassmore2275]

And they should make the clocks look like the old Kat clocks.

[@dleebox2268]

Yes yes👊🏽😎

[@cycletron]

I have a 2019 Katana and it is my all time favorite bike (especially with the full Brocks exhaust, Sprint air filter and Moore Mafia tune)!

[@millinutz]

Now this is a bike I could really go to town on. I love the looks and the similarities it has with the original from way back when..., a beautiful transition from old to new. I was a lover of that very square end the original had, which was rather popular then, but was not so well received by my mates if I remember correctly. Unfortunately, where I live there are delivery problems and any that arrive at the Dealership are already designated an owner, so i've not been able to even just sit on one yet. Once again a fab and very competent video. Thanks. Oh and that looked like Rocket on that salad plate, so nout for me.

[@ScottB-NE]

Find this type of machine interesting. I’m old enough to remember the original, and the derivatives of that design, so this incarnation ignited an interest in me when launched. I think it looks ok but doesn’t have a ‘wow’ factor. Given the range of choice we now have in motorcycles, I’d struggle to go for this over the added functionality of the GT (which is the same basic format and drive train, but with the added range, luggage options and weather protection). Never haven ridden either (sadly no Suzuki franchise up here is Aberdeen nowadays), this is very much a head not heart ‘sofa’ review! I guess owners have tried before they buy and will be happy. After all what’s not to like really. It’s a modern motorcycle that will out perform most of us! Keep up with the honest content Kate - cracking job lass! Stay safe folks. 👏👏👍

[@ttrguy9952]

UNK Another wonderful review! I love your down to earth no frills style. I know when you say something about a bike, good or bad, it's pretty spot on. Great job! I look forward to the next one. 👍👍🌹

[@storegga]

Future classic

[@gerdgerdsen3146]

i ride the 2019 katana in black as my first bike and the handling is just great with the wide handlebars. in comparision to the sv 650 gladius of my riding school the katana feels way more planted and gained my trust way faster than the smaller and lighter sv 650, on the Autobahn i got scared at 150km/h on the sv, where the katana likes to cruise at those speeds. the small tank sure is a bummer, but i never ran out of gas and its a great bike to have fun in the twistis or to commute to work with. the quick shifter would have been a great addition to the 2019 katana, but its still a neat bike

[@deanharris9331]

This machine grows on me the more I see it. You should call it the Kate tana ......😊👌

[@chema1546]

Hello, good morning Kate, I had a naked GSX 1200 35 years ago and 20 years ago I had the accident with a GSX R 750 and it is great, best regards from Valencia 😸🌹

[@martyndunn1905]

Love it Kate, I also loved the original back in the day. I even had an airfix model of the original. Just a shame about the tank size, saying that I wouldn't say no to one. Great video as always.

[@fortyfour1654]

Range is the key statistic as for a thou it actually is quite frugal. It matches most thous in range even though it's tank is quite small.

[@buddha-on-a-bike]

hi Kate, I think the Katana is a special bike & I'm glad to see you reviewing it. I prefer the silver with orange highlights from around 2017-18, makes it look more like the original from the 80's

[@arnohag1]

My brother had the 2021 version with all the carbon bling and options. The only thing I did not like was the 12L tank and the lack of movement of the steering for moving in the garage. Great bike to ride and very stable on the road.

[@paulgray3013]

Hi Kate. Great review and looking forward to the next. I test rode the Guzzi V100 Mandello, the Suzuki 100gt ant then the Katana back to back at my dealer. Having owned a 2021 Guzzi V7 as a first bike, my heart was with the V100. Then I rode the Gt and it was awesome...and cheaper 😊 Finally I took the katana out, not expecting it to win vs the gt. I loved the looks having had a poster of the origional as a kid but the tank size and less wind protection was against it. All I can say is it fit me like a glove, it was clean air on the Kat where I was buffeted on the gt. There's was less vibes in the seat and pegs than the gt and if feels more mid range grunty. I latter found out its tuned for more top end at 152 bhp, and still feels like it's got more mid range torque. So I put my pennies down there and then. I don't mind the small tank, thought I would but I work round in problem. I ve not seen another on the road and it gets tons of attention at meets, where the majority say its much better in the flesh than pics. Suzuki only brought 30 (I think) into the country, 15 of each colour and I got the last Blue. It's not for everyone but I love it.

[@SWTVENOM]

I am considering this or the Mondello, where I am the Katana is on Sale for 4K off the MSRP vs the Mondello at MSRP😅

[@paulgray3013]

They re both fantastic so it's a win, win either way. For me, the only downside of the Katana was the small fuel tank, but in reality it wasn't an issue in everyday use. Happy riding 😊

[@sarge2u1]

I'd have one for sure if it had the bigger tank, that's a killer for me. Great video kate

[@mikepye86]

incredible bike!!!

[@UsernameKate]

You loved it didn't you!

[@lophophorawilliamsii9740]

This bike looks great.

[@CavalierNTX]

Took a photo of one of these by chance as it was parked up and abandoned in Tokyo (probably Akihabara district) back in 2007. Had no idea what it was till I recognised the new shape in recent years. Life's a bit like that sometimes. Nice to strike a pose on, shame about the fuel range and passenger accommodations. My 76 year old mum's hips would not cope with that perch. CB1000R in this class, every time. Or even the Guzzi V100 - It just does it all

[@yorkshire1290DUKE-R]

The old launch was the 1st of your reviews I watched. Been a fan of your honest reviews since. 👍

[@richchamberlain5327]

I really like the look apart from the plate carrier. I think I could live with the small tank, but the plate thing would have to go. The dash definitely needs an update it looks cluttered compared to my GT's tft.

[@nigel8499]

Love the original Kat especially the Big Cat, this looks good 👍

[@chrisrader8547]

My sister owned a Katana back in the late 90’s. They called it a 600 but it was really a 550. Fun little bike in its day. Not particularly sophisticated. Very much came across, back then, as kind of an ‘affordable’ sporty bike.

[@SirBedight]

Lov it but I’m an olden & my brain wouldn’t keep up with it.. owned the original 1000 & 1100 Kats back in the day & loved them even with the hinge in the frame! Made cornering a lot of fun lol. New one looks awesome sigh.

[@frankbrewer6542]

Your vlogs on this bike are spot on. I have a black 2020 model and over the 3 years I have had this beauty it seems at my age I need to have a bathroom break way before I need fuel so the small tank has never been a major problem for me.😂 around 110 on a really full tank before the warning light if that helps anyone?

[@aidens04]

They look much better in the flesh. Only seen one in the wild. Was impressed.

[@GiantmanUK]

Great review! Nice clear voice! This is the first time I've seen this new Katana,I like it's looks,if I bought one I'd go for the black or silver one and I'd make the registration plate smaller.The fuel tank is nuts surely it could've been bit deeper.Have they gone a bit too far with all the ride settings?too many traction control modes?

[@JohnLongdin]

Thanks Kate. I adored the original 1100 in the 80s - saw it race a dragster bike at the NEC show neck and neck! I'm sure it will be a marmite one though.

[@nokneedownian8521]

The last version they were doing 0 miles pre reg bikes for £8,999 as they didn't sell well I think the lack of range put alot of people off

[@markwalding8205]

I loved the original Katana and i really like the look of this one.

[@markf5437]

Spot on, what a great job Suzuki have nailed it 👍

[@UsernameKate]

Absolutely

[@steveparadise]

Owned the original version of the katana and this is the first modern version I like aside from the Icon 1000 new Jack city build which I really liked as well. Nice.

[@judge831]

This bike is in my top 3 for sure.

[@baricho4771]

If only Suzuki kept the 19 litre tank from the GSX -S 1000! it would definately be in my garage. Thankyou for a wonderful review😉

[@UsernameKate]

Agreed!! It would be brilliant! Here is the ride review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4rRg3iHmpl0rZo

[@adammcallister2260]

This might be a bike channel but I’m all for Cafés with Kate! 😂

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. Appreciate you doing something different as so many people dislike & ignore this bike without even trying it. I love it & would have one tomorrow if I could. I think the dash suits the neo 80's styling but agree it's not the best.

[@njohnson3331]

Cool bike, great summary as well, but as mentioned small tank size and limited luggageability (?) make other options in the family a better choice for me.

[@user-Hayabusarider]

I was after one off these before I bought the GSX 1000s, I couldn't get hold off one hence GSX. But now sat on one and was disappointed how hard the seat was compared too the GSX. I wasn't keen on foot peg position either. But love the look 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mariusmarius4832]

I have very fond memories of the originals..brother in law and sister both had them and as a young teenager I bombed them down never ending stretches of road in Africa.Thank god I did not end up killing myself.

[@TheHdleif]

I also like the katana, look`s really cool. great vid again Kate! 😊

[@borilapostolov7474]

I love you too. Not very popular in Bulgaria. Old version is still moving around but it is a kind of bike that only some people would prefer to have/ride.

[@neilrichardson3986]

Should have a supercharger to compete with H2,would be a winner🏆

[@markpeel]

I like the looks, I have a gsx-s1000f which I bought for touring and a bit of Sunday blast bike but also having a versys 650 for touring I would definitely consider this for a Sunday blast.

[@WyreForestBiker]

A small point but one thing that lets the design down on this and other recent Suzuki's are the tank graphics . IMO they look like an afterthought using the first font free you come across on your laptop (and way too big).. A Suzuki "s " badge in chrome or black would look so much better.

[@mrnobodytheuser2950]

The TFT display is meant to look retro futuristic and I think does an excellent job of doing so.

[@richb5248]

I like the fact Suzuki have used their brains. Brembo on the front Nissin on the rear. Who needs full Brembo on this type of bike?

[@williamrae9954]

Out of the FOUR models using the K5 motor, the GSX-S950 is the one to buy, the Katana, the GSX-S1000 and the SE are all 130bhp on the dyno,but all,including the '950' cost the same to get them up to 150bhp at the rear wheel! If you're buying a Katana as a longterm purchase, get a subframe auxiliary tank made, get it up to 20litre,not a big job, link it in so it's filling through the normal fuel cap! I personally like them,but depreciation is chronic, I've seen low mileage ones at 5k, because they are an acquired taste...surprised Suzuki stuck with the model, hardly huge sales figures (i never understood why they didn't upgrade the RF900,back in the day,that machine has stood the test of time)!

[@edwardodoner6221]

had a '82 Katana 550, was to scared to buy Katana 1000 than, now I would get new Katana except I don't like the lack of rear mud guard, so I got Kawa W800 ;-)

[@pja7]

When I was 16 in 1981 my neighbour owned the original 1100. I thought it looked amazing and would just gaze it every time I saw it with its suede seat. He used to commute all year round on it it, keeping it parked outside uncovered in the street. The modern version came as a disappointment to me.

[@GARdotETH]

I was looking at getting one of these when they first came out. Love the design. I ended up not getting it as all the reviews said how quickly they were filling up with the extra small tank. So looks like they have not addressed that flaw....shame because I still do like the looks of it.

[@rlw85]

Where is that cafe looks really nice It’s a nice looking bike I’ve never seen one out and about

[@martyn_g]

A definite second bike to my VStrom 1050 XT

[@nickbitten9910]

Looks quite nice but I recall the impact the original 80's one had.

[@marco1950-s2b]

Katana 💞

[@markrichardson8378]

The looks are generally appealing, especially in the blue with gold wheels. The original is still so much nicer thou. In the 80's I owned a blue/grey gsx750es,very katana esq,loved it

[@chadgruver4423]

The looks of the Katana are growing on me. I'll be curious to hear if you think it holds it's own against an MT-10, or Speed Triple... which I kind of feel are it's competition.

[@kevincraig8257]

here in the US, it's priced above the MT-10sp

[@michaelelliotttec19.17]

I own a GSXS1000 , Love it , has he same engine which is a gem (gsxr1000k5 ) , but i love the look of the Katana especially the mat blue with the gold wheels , could be my next bike ?

[@Dan-56]

Being old enough to remember the original Katana I was interested in buying one of these in 2022, but here in the US it’s no longer imported 🙁. So early ‘23 I purchased the GSX-S1000GT instead, same power plant, more fairing, bigger gasoline tank 😉👍.

[@rustypart8676]

That’s a better review Kate 😊

[@mrsilbo6499]

I rode a demo at the Milton Keynes Bike Show pre-Covid & it was a hoot. But the Space 1999 dash was horrible, really hard to pick out info at a glance, on the move. I could live with the 12L tank & the hideous rear hanger (tail tidy to fix), but it's crying out for Suzuki's excellent TFT dash, especially at over £12k list. Not that you'd pay list price, that is.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

I bought one new in 2020... foolishly sold it early this year. I wish that I hadn't.

[@datnguyen7494]

12 litters tank is a deal breaker for me

[@ianbirtwistle2422]

110miles to a tank full fuel its not a problem had myn for 3 years use it every day one of the best bikes ive owned out of the 52 of them

[@ppatrao]

Start the bike! 😉

[@davidporter9131]

Very nice bike with good power and torque levels. Big let down is 12l of fuel. Motorway 130 miles, twisties probably around 80miles. Is this possibly a prelude to an electric bike?

[@trroland1248]

😳 This bike looks like a *beast*! Too bad its not available in many markets.

[@charlesemerson6763]

It is, engine wise, similar to my GSX-S1000F, similar horse power, slightly less torque. I did ride the Katana, having owned an original 81 Kat, I thought I'd get this one. But that tiny fuel tank, my original Kat was 19L, put me off so I went for 1000F. Looks wise well they are both a bit on the ugly child side, the 1000F has a front that looks like an angry bug. Sound wise will be a different as I've fitted a Yoshimura Alpha muffler to mine and it sounds so sweet.

[@G91YS]

The Katana isn't even on the Belgian Suzuki website... discontinued?

[@burt101welly6]

My old 2015 gsxs is thirsty , love the design of this as have had a couple of old katanas years ago ,so they hold a special place for me , but 12 litres is just way to small , otherwise would love one , and the price here is more expensive that the gt ,

[@Derpderpson123]

I want the flip flop lights back

[@G91YS]

12 liters for the tank is the main reason I couldn't justify buying this Katana. Otherwise it's very great... I would have hoped they would change that.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Pretty cool bike. Don't see them over here in n.ireland.

[@alanpassmore2275]

Will there be a 8s Kattana😍😍😍

[@drewiediggler1]

The tank range is about 125 miles from memory. Probably a fair bit more if it was ridden sedately (as if! 😅) And yeah that's not great but the Ducati V4 is arguably worse, costs twice the price and nobody moans about that. 🤔

[@fortyfour1654]

EXACTLY!! People wrongly get hung up on capacity when the most important stat is the range. It's good to stop every so often to have a brew and admire your bike. It's not a tourer either, ride have fun... refuel ....repeat!

[@dantton1987]

I love this bike. I'm a sucker for neoretro stuff. Restomod even, this looks. i don't know how would anyone would pick the GSXS over this, price notwithstanding.

[@CavalierNTX]

Shame neoretro isnt an anagram of Naruto. They both bring out all the weebs. People would pick the GSXS for the larger tank. The weebo needs juicing up every time it goes past a Namco. That's my six-punce on a dime! 😁

[@dantton1987]

@@CavalierNTX I would definitely would trade some liters of fuel for not having to look at the GSXS disgusting headlights. Anyway if someone saying they like the Katana makes you angry at weebs you should get your head checked.

[@CavalierNTX]

@dantton1987 Did you akshully just take offence to that otaku talk and then try to assert your own tastes? Did that just occur in a YT chat regarding Japanese culture? Stunning, although not very brave. Sayonara

[@dantton1987]

@@CavalierNTX lol. We're cool

[@tzrdan]

I really like these bikes but the back end just looks out of place on them... I think if suzuki styled the back end similar to the original katana it would have looked so much nicer. Also surprised they haven't been fitted with a tft dash by now either.

[@verlinswarey507]

It’s “an underdog and……” what?!!😂😂👍

[@paulsymonds820]

I like the Katana a lot but it needs a greater fuel capacity for sure.

[@flexywing]

I was really interested in this bike, but that tank size says no

[@F3udF1st]

Wish we could buy it here in the EU. I guess the emissions are too high. We only get like 5% of SUZUKI's models here sadly. Same for HONDA and pretty much any vehicle manufacturer including cars.

[@tonyvidtube]

Where's the location of the cafe, Kate. Did you say 'Walk Out Cafe"?

[@UsernameKate]

The Look Out Cafe, Kidsnape Farm, Inglewhite Rd, Preston PR3 2EB 😊

[@manosp6448]

even if it is the best handling bike. 215 kg with 12 l tank... I mean c'mon... I do love the looks

[@benschofield7565]

Love it. Should have gone with an original colour scheme as well though. Oh, a salad cannot be 'banging', it is simply not possible 😂🥬

[@UsernameKate]

Even if its smothered in cheese? 😇

[@benschofield7565]

@@UsernameKate 🤣🤣

[@VFRhondamike]

God that bike creaks a lot kate !

[@UsernameKate]

Lots of plastic 🤣🤣

[@spearmintvole9522]

It’s a parts bin special given a tiny nod to the katana aesthetic via the square upright headlight. If somebody likes it that’s fine, it’s an adequate bike, but it’s not a katana in the sense of the original. This on a poster? LMAO.

[@Jungleland33]

This does not deserve the name "Katana" as it bears no resemblance to the truly original that I can still remember well.

[@gl3832]

I really wanted this bike, its everything i wanted except for the 12 litre tank. That destroyed it for me.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

The tank is too small. I prefer the GSX-S, even the Mk1. Nick J

[@grachoderunwiderstehlichen]

😆 few day's ago , a teenage girl with curle hair on top of a single zylinder 125 cc suzuki beside me (daimler benz mercedes citaro ) the window was a bit open so i heared the "basic rpm" of her engine choice plus the "leaving the clutch only to move because green light..." - cheap at any part i resume Honda is a bit better as a single 4stroke'er or more piston i wait till you "battle" kawasaki and suzuki of course with average resale price 🧐

[@GEN084]

When is it’s release date

[@UsernameKate]

Back in 2019 😊

[@doh444]

I was going to buy one of these but 12 litre fuel tank. No way!

[@bsv64]

It looks a lot better than the original katana

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

Oh I've got to disagree, I owned and loved the original 1100 Katana. Admittedly the looks were unusual for the time [to say the least], but they were both original and distinctive. I feel the old design was a more cohesive concept though. Only my opinion, and 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. That said I don't dislike the new one, just prefer the old one, and nostalgia probably has influenced that opinion.

[@scott02127]

😎

[@Ridewithunicorn]

Katan look so exciting but......???etc😂😂😂

[@bgjames111]

Love the look in general, but because of the ridiculous rear fender, I probably wouldn't be interested.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

My friend rides a 22 Katana 1000

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Kate, I think It's a marmite bike, didn't like the original, and not keen on the latest iteration either. No doubt you will love it when you ride it, and I know many people love it, but alas not for me. Thank you.

[@johnnyrvf]

I wonder how a 21st century motorcyclist would deal with a 1981 Katana in torential rain, especially the 1000 version with it’s tuned engine, big non C.V. 32 mm oval throat Mikuni carburettors, no ABS, no traction control, spindly forks, narrow tyres, crude suspension etc. A one touch starter button? 🤣 The poor dears…