SUZUKI KATANA -Rental Bikes-
Wed, 16 Oct 2019

I got in.

GSX-S750and infected with bell fungus.I also rode the GSX-S1000F.For an old man, this is a very difficult bike to evaluate....

As you all know, this bike is based on the GSX-S1000. Although there are some minor updates, it is basically a brother bike with a different design.
Of course, there are updates that come with a newer debut year, but what do you think about a price tag of nearly 400,000 yen for that form? That's the thing.

Here are some notes on my impressions. As usual, this is the ramblings of an amateur.

Lovely place.

• Straightforward throttle with no thump.

  When I rode the GSX-S1000F, the thing that bothered me the most was the overly sensitive throttle response.
  Even a slight movement of the wrist over a gap on a rough road would cause the engine to react in a slightly jerky manner, but this has all but disappeared. Apparently, this is achieved by changing the shape of the throttle cone. The cable is wound in an elliptical shape instead of a perfect circle to reduce the initial sensitivity. I wonder if this can be installed on the GSX-S1000/F?

• Lovely engine as always.

  Not only the GSX-S1000 but also the GSX-S750 share the same beauty, but the slightly rough engine feel with a sense of presence is still wonderful. A four-cylinder engine that spins like a motor can make you feel rushed while driving, but this engine doesn't have that problem. I think this engine is a great machine that allows you to enjoy the rotation of the engine as you ride along.

• Front area modeling

  The design is controversial, but the front end is a katana for all to see. Wind Armor NK released by YoshimuraI have a feeling that if you install a screen that looks more like the old Katana, it will give you even more of a Katana feel. From the tank to the side cover, this is the Katana design. The SUZUKI lettering on the red decal is really cool!

• Running, turning, stopping.

  I felt the same way when I rode the GSX-S1000F, but it has a great feeling of being well-built. From the start, the bike's straightforwardness and light cornering performance make it a liter bike that anyone can ride without any worries. This is a liter bike that anyone can ride with ease. The Brembo front calipers are good, and the rear suspension, which didn't seem to work as well as it did on the GSX-S1000F, moved reasonably well even though it was a brand new bike with only 3km on the odometer, giving me a sense of security when riding down the Camellia line.

Hmm? What is it?

• The gas tank capacity is... 12 liters?

  The tragedy of prioritizing design... This is the first reason why it's hard to buy the Katana. This is the first reason why it is difficult to buy the Katana. The digital speedometer can display the cruising range calculated from the remaining gasoline... Even if you fill up the tank and start driving, it will show 170km to 180km. I'm sure you're too scared to do any touring in the country, aren't you? This is a good idea. When I went around Shikoku in this year's GW, there was an area where I couldn't find a gas station even after driving about 80km, and even if I didn't, for example, touring from Niigata to Fukushima through the terrible road 352, I was so worried that I couldn't enjoy myself unless I brought my own can.Personally, I don't like bikes where design comes at the expense of function....

summary

This is why it is a difficult bike. It is a fun bike to ride, but if that is the case, the GSX-S1000/F is fine.
So do I buy this design... I mean, with a 12-liter gas tank, it's only good for urban touring....
Also, especially for the generation that had a certain admiration for the first generation... This design is also attractive, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel like a degraded copy... The grooves on the front cowl, for example, make me wonder, "What does this have to do with function? I wondered... Even the over-decorated parts of the car, including the rear, were starting to bother me. However, considering the maintenance and the price of a good body, buying a first generation Katana is a very brave choice.... I'm sure Unicorn Japan will come out with an exterior kit to make it look like the original Katana... If such a kit is released, I would like to drive a car with it installed....
Yeah. It's a difficult bike for me. This one.
At this point, I'd be more tempted to buy a GSX-S1000 and put OHLINS on the front and rear for the difference... Duh....orz

• Prev : Hakone at Katana
• Next : It was a beautiful sunny Sunday.