SHARP NEW KATANA ARRIVES
It’s been decades in the making, and
finally, the new Suzuki Katana is here in
New Zealand.
Rolling on to dealership floors this
month, the new Katana has been
designed to bring the design cues of the
1981 original into the 21st Century.
Based on the well-rounded GSX-S1000
(which itself runs a modified version of
the near-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 machine – a $1000
premium over the faired GSX-S1000F, yet
$9 less than our Australian counterparts
have to pay – with bikes already in
Suzuki dealerships.