Suzuki Katana

Suzuki Katana 1100

Katana is a series of motorcycles and scooters made by the Japanese vehicle manufacturer Suzuki, named after the Japanese long sword . The first models based on the GSX series were presented in 1981.

motorcycle

The first Suzuki Katana was presented in 1981 and stood out for its design, which came from the German team Target-Design and was spectacular at the time. The pointy, frame-mounted half-cladding is visually fused with the tank, which in turn tapers towards the rear. Instead of the usual windshield, there is only a small windshield. The side covers lie steeply in front of the bench. The seats of the GSX 1100 S are covered in different colors with imitation suede. The bench runs out without the usual rump. Stretched and slim lines that emphasized the engine even more.

The technology largely corresponded to the already known four-valve models with 1100 and 750 cm³ displacement. In Germany, the 1100 engine developed 101 hp and accelerated the vehicle from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.6 seconds. Outside Germany, the engine made 117 hp through other camshafts. Later versions overseas had pop-up headlights .

Smaller models with a displacement of 650 and 550 cc soon followed. Without cladding and with a cardan drive (GS 650 G), they were less sporty and designed more restrained. This was followed by Katana models with 250 cm³ and 400 cm³, but the former was never exported to Europe by Suzuki and was only available as a gray import . Outside of Germany, other models were also later, e.g. B. a GSX 600 F, with the nickname Katana offered.

The conventional technology, paired with the futuristic design, did not bring Suzuki Germany the desired sales figures, so that a successor model was presented as early as 1985.

In 2000, 200 copies of the Katana 1100 were released as a final edition. This small series had a hydraulically operated clutch, among other things.

Scooter

The Suzuki Katana ( Suzuki Katana AY50 ) is a 1997 produced by Suzuki 50 cc - scooter with air or water cooling . It was named after the samurai sword katana or after the motorcycle of the same name produced in the early 1980s.

Model history

The Katana scooter has been manufactured since 1997, optionally with an air or water-cooled carburetor engine. In 2001 it underwent a facelift. In 2005 he got an injection engine known from the Aprilia SR 50 . This engine has a water cooler and consumes approx. 2 l per 100 km.

In addition to the regular paintwork, Suzuki offered special paintwork for the Katana scooter during its model history, e.g. B. (Kenny Roberts?), WR, Telefonica and Alstare.

Web links

Commons : Suzuki Katana - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files