Katana sharpened! Suzuki roadster gets 2022 engine and electronics updates

Suzuki’s popular retro-inspired Katana roadster has got a significant makeover for 2022 to gain more power, improved electronics, uprated dash, new colours and more!

Originally introduced in 2019 as a retro-restyle of the GSX-S1000 naked inspired by the 1980s classic, this new 2022 version may look similar but underneath the skin is substantially new.

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• 2019 Suzuki Katana bike review
• Suzuki Katana long-term test
• 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT bike review

It’s now based on the fully-updated, restyled 2021 GSX-S1000 as launched earlier this year and as such features a revised, now-Euro5-compliant engine which is slightly more powerful than the old, improved suite of electronic rider aids and other details. 

Although dating back to the 2005 GSX-R1000K5, the 999cc four-cylinder engine has long been regarded as a brilliant unit and, thanks to new intake and exhaust camshafts, valve springs, exhaust and airbox it’s now not only Euro5 compliant but power is up from 148 to 150bhp with a broader spread of mid-range torque.

In addition, a new ride-by-wire throttle enables not only a smoother delivery but enhanced electronics, which include three riding modes, a new slipper clutch, Suzuki’s easy start system and Low RPM Assist. There’s also a quickshifter/autoblipper and five-way traction control. The digital dash also gets a new red ‘night’ mode.

Although the Katana’s chassis is unchanged, with a twin spar aluminium frame, fully-adjustable KYB inverted forks, preload and rebound adjustable rear monoshock, Brembo monobloc radial brakes and big 310mm front discs, there arguably wasn’t much wrong with the old one.

The whole bike will now come in two new colour schemes, with both again taking their design cues from the 1980s original.

The 2022 Katana will be available in either dark matt blue, with contrasting gold-finished forks and wheels, or in dark grey with contrasting red wheels. Prices have yet to be released but the new Katana is expected to be available in dealers in the spring.

Suzuki Katana details explored:

• GSX-S power The transverse four-cylinder is now the same as the 2021 GSX-S1000 with updates to boost power and torque, plus make the 999cc unit Euro5-compliant.
• Electronic upgrade A new ride-by-wire throttle enables added easy start and Low RPM Assist to go with three riding modes, five-way traction control and quickshifter/autoblipper.
• Flash dash Reversed, LCD digital dash isn’t as modern as the latest TFTs and is derived from the GSX-R1000 but at least there’s a new ‘red’ night setting for 2022.
• Chassis static Frame/chassis is unchanged, but with multi-adjustable suspension front and rear, top quality Brembo Monobloc brakes and more it didn’t really need anything anyway.
• New ‘old’ colours The 2022 Katana also gets two new retro-inspired colourschemes – namely matt blue with gold wheels and forks or alternatively dark grey with contrasting red wheels…

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Watch MCN’s 2019 Suzuki Katana video review here: