The GSX1100S KATANA, which debuted in 1981, is a timeless classic!
When you think of Suzuki, you think of the KATANA... In 1980, Suzuki commissioned Target Design, led by Hans Muth, to design a bike for IFMA (Cologne Show, Germany). Rather than focusing on specs, the KATANA was designed to appeal to a unique personality with strong originality. It attracted attention from all over the world, even surprising Suzuki itself.
Suzuki didn't hesitate to develop a prototype like this design study as faithfully as possible into a production bike, and the GSX1100S KATANA debuted the following year in 1981.
Since then, it has remained popular and has continued to be produced with minor improvements despite various changes to big motorcycles, becoming such a long-running model that it was released again in 1994 when domestic regulations were lifted.
Conversely, as you know, ever since Kawasaki introduced the Zephyr in 1989, naked motorcycles without cowls have been at the center of the 400cc sports motorcycle trend.
Suzuki competed with the BANDIT400, featuring a beautiful pipe frame and stylish color scheme, and Honda debuted the CB-1, a dignified design that simplified the distinctive mechanism that is so characteristic of the company, but the nostalgic Zephyr remained the only winner.
In an attempt to break the Zephyr stronghold, Suzuki planned to compete with the strength of the Katana name.
The Katana is an aspirational motorcycle, but you can't ride it without a large-size motorcycle license. Many fans wish there was a mid-size version in the lineup.
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Information Source. [ RIDE HI ]