Suzuki Katana launched, prices start from Rs 13.61 lakh

The Suzuki Katana has just been launched in the Indian market barely days after being teased on the Japanese bikemaker’s social media handles, with prices starting from Rs 13.61 lakh (ex-showroom). The Katana is actually quite a popular name worldwide which was introduced globally back in 1981 and was laid to rest in 2006, before being resurrected in 2019.

Suzuki Katana Design

Design-wise, the Suzuki Katana pays homage to the iconic GSX1100S Katana, especially when viewed from the front, with its fairing and rectangular headlamp. The Katana follows a neo-retro theme, portraying a modern rendition of the 1980s motorcycle.

Suzuki Katana: What’s underneath the skin?

The Suzuki Katana shares its powertrain with the legendary GSX-R1000 K5, albeit in an updated avatar. The 999cc inline four-cylinder powertrain puts out 150bhp at 11,000rpm and 106Nm of torque at 9250rpm, and it is paired to a six-speed transmission. The frame of the Katana is suspended via 43mm KYB fully-adjustable forks up front and a linkage-type monoshock at the rear. The braking setup comes via Brembo, with four-piston calipers radially mounted on twin 310mm discs at the front, and a single disc setup at the rear.

Suzuki Katana Equipment on offer

The Katana offers electronic aids such as traction control with five modes (which can also be switched off entirely), three riding modes with varying characteristics, a ride-by-wire throttle system, a bi-directional quickshifter, and low RPM assist. Additionally, you also receive an LCD instrument cluster which receives adjustable brightness, and offers basic, but adequate information.

Suzuki Katana Price and Rivals

The Suzuki Katana does not seem to have any direct rivals, but it can be pitted against the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and, it can be had from Rs 13.61 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. Can the Katana create a fan-following of its own after its big brother, the Hayabusa? Let’s wait and watch.