Katana sharper for 2022
Words NZ Autocar | Images Suzuki
Suzuki has undertaken a mild makeover of its reborn/retro litre Katana machine. Not that there was much wrong with it to begin with; in 2019 it righted the wrongs of the original rather nicely but then four decades of progress will do that.
The motor, an evolution of the GSX-R1000 K5 long stroke mill, while unchanged in output, has been tweaked to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, with new cams, valve springs, 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust and airbox. This is the same update as the GSX-S1000 underwent.
Peak output remains at 112kW (150bhp) but that now happens at 11,000rpm, 1000rpm higher than previously. Max torque of 109Nm arrives at 9500rpm.
However, Suzuki reckons there’s a broader spread of torque than before.
A ride-by-wire system means there are now three ride modes, all with full power but differing throttle responses, and an up/down quickshifter simplifies gear changes. There’s an assist and slipper clutch too. Plus the Suzuki Easy start system (one touch initiates engine turnover). The LCD dash get a night mode update.
New blue and grey colours, while detailing includes gold fork tubes, a red shock spring, a two-tone seat, and wheel coloring the same as the paint scheme. Or not, because the images show a grey/blue machine with gold wheels.
