SUZUKI Katana Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The original Suzuki Katana was designed in Germany by Target Design in the late 1980s. In 1981 Suzuki started the sales for the Katana, which ended in 2006. In 2018, after 12 years of absence, at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Fair in Germany, the new Katana was unveiled by Suzuki Motor Corporation, targeting the overseas markets.

The new Katana, inspired by the original GSX1100S, was completely redesigned to keep up with the modern era. It has a sporty profile with sharp lines, and the LED headlight and position lamp are vertically stacked together. For the first time on a Suzuki motorcycle, the satellite rear fender is extended from the swing arm. It is placed in the lower position with the license plate and turn signals, resulting in a clean and compact design.

The thing that drives the new Katana is a 999cc inline-four, liquid-cooled engine, installed on a lightweight frame. The new Suzuki Katana’s engine produces 148 hp (110 kW) at 10,000 rpm, and a torque of 108 Nm at 9,500 rpm. The standard weight given by the bike maker is 215 kg (474 pounds).

The new Katana entered production at the Hamamatsu Plant in Japan in the spring of 2019, with sales set to begin including in Europe. At the time of writing (2022) new Katana motorcycle has a price tag of $13,499.

While many fellows around the world would raise an eyebrow when hearing about a Katana R50, Europeans would only smile, because they know about this GSX-R-inspired scooter. We're talking about a compact commuter machine which is powered by an all-new liquid-cooled direct-injection 2-stroke engine offering more punch than you'd normally expect. Light, sporty and equipped with Showa forks and cast wheels, the Katana R50 also boasts a bodywork which spells racing.

It's enough to look at the red R on the fairing to understand that something is "amiss" with this scooter. The Katana R50 also comes with underseat storage, backup kickstart and revised aerodynamics.