Suzuki Katana
2026 Suzuki Katana: 152 hp neo-retro naked bike, 999 cc K5 inline four, 215 kg, €14,299 in France. Full specs, range, maintenance and press reviews.
At a glance
The Suzuki Katana is a neo-retro naked bike that dresses the GSX-S1000's 152 hp inline four and chassis in styling inspired by the 1981 GSX1100S Katana. Still in Suzuki France's range at €14,299, it costs €700 more than its sibling and makes do with an LCD dash and a 12-litre tank. Reviewers love its engine, quickshifter and easy handling, but all complain about a range of around 200 km, and point to firm suspension and a dated dash.
World press review
Meta-score
6 sources
Press ratings
Distinctive looks, strong midrange, slick quickshifter and a well-sorted ride/handling balance; 12-litre tank limiting range to about 100 miles, dated LCD dash, harsh suspension over big bumps and a premium over the GSX-S1000.
Strong, smooth four-cylinder, comfortable riding position, easy handling, good brakes, high-quality quickshifter and firm but tour-capable chassis; small tank, hard-to-read LCD, few electronic features and a high price compared with the GSX-S1000.
An excellent roadster for carving up the road: flexible engine, stable chassis, sharp and progressive Brembo brakes; range far too short (its main weakness), snatchy throttle pick-up, vibrations and a slightly hard seat (first generation).
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The 69/100 meta score is based on three numeric ratings: 3/5 from MCN (2019 test updated in 2023 for the Euro 5 version), 87.5/100 from Motorcycle.com (first ride, March 2019) and 3/5 from Bennetts BikeSocial (2024 buying guide to the 2019-2021 version). Two of these three ratings therefore cover the first generation; there is no scored review of the 2025-2026 model years, which are mechanically identical to the 2022 version. Visordown (2022-on version, 2023 test), 1000PS (2025 model year, 2025 test) and Moto-Net (2019) tested it without a numeric score. In a 2020 comparison, Motorcycle.com picked it over the Kawasaki Z900RS by 269 points to 262.
What reviewers like: the K5 inline four, strong in the midrange and ferocious at the top end, with a sound praised by Motorcycle.com, Visordown and 1000PS; an effective, stable chassis (MCN calls it “a riot in the corners”, Moto-Net “unflappable”); the Brembo calipers, which bite hard according to MCN, Moto-Net and 1000PS; an upright, comfortable riding position (Motorcycle.com, 1000PS); the two-way quickshifter added in 2022 (MCN, Visordown, 1000PS); and styling no rival offers.
What they criticise: unanimously, the 12-litre tank and a range of roughly 160 to 200 km (“ridiculously small” for MCN, “its main weakness” for Moto-Net); a premium that is hard to justify over the GSX-S1000 whose mechanicals it shares (MCN, Visordown, 1000PS); firm suspension (MCN, Visordown, BikeSocial); a dated LCD dash (MCN, Visordown, 1000PS); and basic electronics with no cornering ABS (1000PS). On the first generation, Motorcycle.com, BikeSocial and Moto-Net also criticised a snatchy throttle pick-up, which MCN considers fixed by ride-by-wire. Finally, the looks divide opinion: MCN finds them as divisive as in 1981, and BikeSocial calls it “an acquired taste”.
Key quotes
"But it’s still hugely capable, rapid, easy to ride, a riot in the corners and has an air of specialness about it that makes it more than just the sum of its parts."
"At the end of the day, the new Katana is largely about style, and if it knocks your socks off, you won’t mind its abrupt throttle or a little bit of vibration."
"Overall, it’s an acquired taste – much like the original model from the 1980s!"
"Even with the premium, though, the Katana does look like decent value, if you do dig the looks."
"No half measures, nothing mainstream. Instead: bold lines, an emotional engine, a solid chassis, rough edges and all."
"For Moto-Net.Com, the Katana's far too limited range is its main weakness."
Pros
- 152 hp K5 inline four, flexible and ferocious at the top end
- Two-way quickshifter as standard
- Capable chassis: aluminium frame, adjustable KYB fork, Brembo calipers
- Upright, comfortable riding position
- 1980s looks unique in the class
- Up to 10 years’ warranty in France
Cons
- 12-litre tank: about 200 km of range at best
- Dated LCD dash, hard to read in sunlight
- Firm suspension on bumpy roads
- €700 more than a GSX-S1000 that is identical underneath and better equipped (TFT, 19 litres)
- Basic electronics: no cornering ABS or cruise control
- Vibrations at sustained motorway speeds
Our review
Is the Katana still on sale in France, and how much is it?
Yes. Suzuki France’s Katana page lists it at €14,299, the recommended retail price as of 1 April 2026, which is the same figure as in Suzuki France’s January 2023 price list. There is only one version. The French website shows it in Metallic Mystic Silver; the current model year also comes in Pearl Vigor Blue in Germany and the UK (check availability in France with a dealer). Suzuki Italy describes the 2025 and 2026 model years as identical (“MY25/26”), and Suzuki Germany publishes an owner’s manual for each. Suzuki France’s website could not be loaded directly for this page: price and colours come from its search-engine-indexed version. In the United States the Katana is no longer in the range: the last US model year was a limited 2024 run.
What sets it apart from the GSX-S1000?
The Katana shares its engine, frame, suspension and brakes with the Suzuki GSX-S1000: MCN says it “basically rides the same” as its donor bike. What changes is the bodywork drawn by Italian designer Rodolfo Frascoli, with its rectangular LED headlight and angular nose fairing, higher and wider handlebars, an 825 mm seat (15 mm taller according to Visordown), a swingarm-mounted rear hugger carrying the number plate, a bespoke LCD dash and, above all, a 12-litre tank against 19 litres for the GSX-S1000. It costs €700 more than the 2026 GSX-S1000 (€13,599 before discounts).
How good is the engine?
The 999 cc inline four (73.4 x 59 mm, 12.2:1 compression) is derived from the 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 unit. Since 2022 it has been Euro 5 compliant with a ride-by-wire throttle and makes 152 hp (112 kW) at 11,000 rpm and 106 Nm at 9,250 rpm. From the 2025 model year it is Euro 5+ homologated with no loss of performance, according to Suzuki Germany, which quotes a homologated top speed of 240 km/h. 1000PS praises its flexibility (40 km/h in sixth is no problem) and its top-end howl, while Visordown points to enough midrange to make brisk progress in any gear. MCN notes that the ride-by-wire throttle has noticeably softened the response, the weak point of the first version.
How does it handle?
The aluminium twin-spar frame carries a fully adjustable 43 mm KYB upside-down fork (120 mm travel) and a shock adjustable for preload in 7 steps and rebound (130 mm travel). Up front, twin 310 mm floating discs are gripped by four-piston Brembo radial monobloc calipers. Visordown finds it keen to change direction and confidence-inspiring when leaned over, and 1000PS calls it a “corner carver” with strong brakes. The suspension remains firm: Visordown finds it harsh over big bumps, and MCN, in its 2019 test, complained that the shock bounced when the pace picked up.
What electronics does it have?
Three engine modes (A, B and C, all at full power), five-level switchable traction control, a two-way quickshifter (clutchless up- and downshifts), an assist and slipper clutch (which stops the rear wheel locking on downshifts), Low RPM Assist and one-touch Easy Start are all standard. The ABS is not lean-sensitive, there is no cruise control or connectivity, and the instruments are still a monochrome LCD, whereas the GSX-S1000 switched to a colour TFT in 2025. Visordown and 1000PS find it dated and hard to read in sunlight.
What about fuel consumption and range?
Suzuki claims 6.1 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle and 143 g/km CO2. With 12 litres, theoretical range drops below 200 km: Suzuki UK quotes 196 km. On a tour, 1000PS recorded about 6 L/100 km and ran dry at around 200 km, with an imprecise range readout; Visordown managed “only just” 100 miles. It is the number one complaint across the press: plan for frequent fuel stops.
Maintenance and warranty
The 2026 model year owner’s manual (European version) calls for a first service at 1,000 km or 2 months, then an oil change every 12,000 km or 12 months, with an oil filter change and valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Suzuki France offers up to 10 years’ warranty with unlimited mileage for bikes sold new since 1 January 2026, provided they are serviced every year within the dealer network.
Who is it for?
At 112 kW, the Katana requires a full A licence, and Suzuki offers no 35 kW version. It suits riders who want a big, easy and fast four-cylinder with 1980s looks you won’t find anywhere else, and who mostly ride day trips. Its rivals: the Kawasaki Z900RS plays the 1970s card, the Yamaha XSR900 offers a lighter triple, and the BMW R 12 nineT a premium boxer twin; the Honda CB1000 Hornet matches its power for less money, without the styling.
Where does it come from?
The 1981 GSX1100S Katana, drawn by Hans Muth of German consultancy Target Design, made a lasting mark. Rodolfo Frascoli showed his Katana 3.0 concept at the 2017 Milan show; Suzuki put it into production and unveiled it at the 2018 Cologne show. The first modern Katana (2019-2021) claimed 150 hp and 108 Nm, with a cable throttle and simpler traction control. The 2022 version gained the Euro 5 engine of the new GSX-S1000, ride-by-wire and the quickshifter; the 2025 model year added Euro 5+ homologation and two colours.
Recalls
No Katana recall appears on RappelConso, the French recall database. In North America, Suzuki recalled some Katanas in 2025 (US 2020 and 2024 model years, Canadian 2020 to 2024) whose high beam exceeded the permitted light intensity (NHTSA 25V505, Transport Canada 2025410): the headlight assembly is replaced. This recall does not concern the 2026 model year.
Specifications
| Displacement | 999 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 152 hp (112 kW) @ 11,000 rpm |
| Torque | 106 Nm @ 9,250 rpm |
| Weight | 215 kg (wet, full tank) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.41 |
| Seat height | 825 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12 L |
| Fuel consumption | 6.1 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 143 g/km CO2 |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 12 months — Valves: 24,000 km (Suzuki owner's manual, 2026 model year) |
| Engine type | Inline four derived from the GSX-R1000 K5, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €14,299 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 73,4 x 59 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,2:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection, ride-by-wire throttle, 10-hole injectors |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (bucket tappets) |
| Max power RPM | 11000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 9250 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric (Suzuki Easy Start) |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Aluminium twin-spar perimeter frame, braced superbike-style aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25 ° |
| Trail | 100 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1460 mm |
| Ground clearance | 140 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable (preload, compression, rebound), 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | KYB linkage monoshock, 7-step preload and rebound adjustment, 130 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 310 mm floating discs, four-piston Brembo radial monobloc calipers |
| Rear brake | Single disc (250 mm according to Suzuki Germany, 240 mm according to Suzuki Motor Corporation), single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear tire | 190/50 ZR17 (73W) |
| ABS system | Standard front and rear ABS (not lean-sensitive) |
Performance
| Top speed | 240 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | A (sharpest response), B (intermediate), C (softest) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | Two-way, standard |
| Cruise control | No (Not available) |
| Dashboard | Bespoke monochrome multi-function LCD (amber backlight, lap timer) |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | Five-level switchable traction control, Ride-by-wire throttle, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) slipper clutch, One-touch Suzuki Easy Start, Low RPM Assist, Full LED lighting |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright naked bike: tall, wide tapered handlebars on rubber mounts, stepped seat at 825 mm |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Fair |
| Wind protection | Limited: small flyscreen in the nose fairing (taller screen available as an accessory) |
| Payload | 185 kg |
| Max total weight | 400 kg |
The Katana seats the rider at 825 mm behind tall, wide tapered handlebars, rubber-mounted to filter vibration according to Suzuki. Its footpegs bend the legs a little more than a Kawasaki Z900RS’s, notes Motorcycle.com, which still finds the position close to ideal for both back roads and fast highways. 1000PS, with a 1.87 m tester, found the seat surprisingly comfortable even after hours in the saddle, but felt vibrations at sustained motorway speeds; Moto-Net, in 2019, found the seat a little hard and noticed vibrations from 110 km/h. The small flyscreen built into the nose fairing offers some upper-body protection, and a taller screen is available as an accessory. The passenger gets a seat strap, but Motorcycle.com found them happier on the Z900RS over longer distances. Moto-Net points out there is no storage space under the seat. Payload is 185 kg according to Suzuki Germany, with a permissible total weight of 400 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
About 6 L/100 km (recorded by 1000PS on a tour with the 2025 model year)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~200 km (calculated: 12 L tank / 6.1 L/100 km WMTC; Suzuki UK quotes 196 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 24,000 km |
| Coolant change | every 48,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Clean and lubricate every 1,000 km (RK 525GSH chain, 116 links) |
Average service cost
Not published in France; MCN puts annual servicing at £210 in the UK
Suzuki’s 2026 model year owner’s manual (European version) specifies a first service at 1,000 km or 2 months, then an oil change every 12,000 km or 12 months. The oil filter is replaced every 24,000 km, the same interval as the valve clearance check; the iridium spark plugs are replaced every 12,000 km and the air filter at 36,000 km. Genuine Suzuki coolant is changed at 48,000 km or 48 months, brake fluid every 2 years, and the RK chain is cleaned and lubricated every 1,000 km. On reliability, MCN gives the Katana 5/5 based on the GSX-S1000’s reputation, and BikeSocial describes the engine as “absolutely bulletproof”. MCN puts annual servicing at £210 in the UK; no figure is published for France. Suzuki France offers up to 10 years’ warranty with unlimited mileage for bikes sold new since 1 January 2026, provided they are serviced every year within the dealer network.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Katana | €14,299 | 152 hp (112 kW) @ 11,000 rpm | 215 kg (wet, full tank) |
| Suzuki GSX-S10002026 | €13,599 | 152 hp | 214 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Z900RS2026 | €13,299 | 116 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha XSR9002025 | €11,499 | 119 hp | 193 kg (wet) |
| Honda CB1000 Hornet2025 | €10,599 | 152 hp | 211 kg (wet) |
| BMW R 12 nineT2026 | €18,300 | 109 hp | 220 kg (wet) |
Generations
- Katana (1re génération)2019 – 2021
999 cc · 150 hp · 108 Nm · 215 kg (road-ready)
Return of the Katana name on a GSX-S1000 base: Rodolfo Frascoli styling inspired by the 1981 GSX1100S, cable-throttle Euro 4 K5 engine, basic traction control, ABS and a 12-litre tank.
- Katana (2e génération)2022 – today
999 cc · 152 hp · 106 Nm · 215 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 engine from the new GSX-S1000 with ride-by-wire throttle, three engine modes, five-level traction control, two-way quickshifter and assist clutch; Euro 5+ homologation and new colours in 2025.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katana (1re génération)2019 – 2021 Return of the Katana name on a GSX-S1000 base: Rodolfo Frascoli styling inspired by the 1981 GSX1100S, cable-throttle Euro 4 K5 engine, basic traction control, ABS and a 12-litre tank. | 999 cc | 150 hp | 108 Nm | 215 kg road-ready |
| Katana (2e génération)2022 – today Euro 5 engine from the new GSX-S1000 with ride-by-wire throttle, three engine modes, five-level traction control, two-way quickshifter and assist clutch; Euro 5+ homologation and new colours in 2025. | 999 cc | 152 hp | 106 Nm | 215 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
North America only: on some US 2020 and 2024 (150 bikes in the US) and Canadian 2020 to 2024 model year Katanas, the high beam exceeds the maximum permitted light intensity (FMVSS 108); the headlight assembly is replaced. Does not concern the 2026 model year; no Katana recall on RappelConso.
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