Suzuki Katana 2025 Touring Review

Few other Suzuki motorcycle models are as synonymous with polarizing design as the Suzuki Katanas of the '80s. During the Balkan Rally, I had the chance to ride the new iteration of these classics over several stages, from Budapest through Slovenia to the Adriatic coast, to discover if this new version is destined to become a future classic.

But let's take a step back: By the late '70s, Suzuki had state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines with four-valve technology, but the design of the Japanese models seemed tame, almost outdated. This shortcoming was recognized in Germany. Back then, Marketing Chief Manfred Becker convinced Suzuki Japan to commission a European design team. The choice fell on the young Target Design Studio from Munich, led by Hans Muth, who had already made a name for himself with the BMW R90S and R100RS. The result was a sensation.

In 1980, the new design was first unveiled to the Japanese leadership at the Hilton Hotel in Munich. A year later, the production models of the GSX750 and GSX1100 Katana hit the stage at the IFMA in Cologne. The flyline, the angular fairing front, the clip-on handlebars, and the deeply integrated seating area—all of it was revolutionary. The Suzuki chief at the time compared the lines to the Concorde. The Katana divided the motorcycle world into admirers and detractors, but it left no one indifferent.

Beneath its distinctive exterior was a powerful air-cooled four-cylinder engine producing 115 hp (limited to 100 hp in Germany), a new double cradle frame design, an anti-dive system on the fork, and a unique instrument cluster with an orange tachometer. This dashboard was rightly criticized by testers of the time for its poor readability, but the bold design and layout set a trend and quickly appeared in the offerings of various accessory manufacturers. Many streetfighter conversions in the '90s adopted such a unit.

Even though, or perhaps because, the Katana didn't establish itself as a sales hit, it became an icon and a hot commodity in the used market. Its design influenced custom bikes, streetfighters, and retro projects for decades. Today, a well-preserved example is a sought-after rarity, with prices continuously rising. In 2018, Suzuki boldly decided to revive this legend once more. With the modern K5 engine, the chassis also known from the GSX-S 1000, and an attempt to bring the myth into the present. But is the new Katana truly a worthy successor?

For a week, the current Suzuki Katana joined me on the Balkan Rally from Budapest to Dubrovnik. What can the Katana really do when the asphalt is no longer perfectly smooth and the days grow long? The Balkan Rally 2025 was our chance to put the blade to the test—in what is arguably Europe's most authentic classic car and motorcycle rally.

With over 180 participants, eight days through five countries, and a new terrain each day: from the rolling expanses of the Hungarian plains through the Austrian-Slovenian Alpine passes to the stylish Adriatic coastal roads of Croatia. With its scoring based on riding precision and timing rather than speed, the rally is not a race, but a test of precision, reliability, and comfort—all virtues that a touring-capable machine must possess today.

The start was in Budapest, where the Suzuki Katana made its rally debut at the grand opening. Fully equipped with an SW-Motech touring package—consisting of a tail bag and tank bag—the Katana was ready for the adventure. The first stage led 350 kilometers to Maribor, ending with a relaxing stay at a thermal hotel. The next day took us through the most winding regions of Slovenia to the UNESCO site of Postojna with its world-famous giant cave. Another overnight stay with rally charm before heading to the coast.

On day 4, we encountered changing conditions and strong winds on the stunning coastal road of the Croatian Adriatic, yet we caught glimpses of islands on the way to Zadar before the Falkensteiner Resort invited us for a well-deserved chill-out. The last scored stage took us to Neum—on the border between Croatia and Bosnia—with a Balkan party. The finale led through Mostar to Dubrovnik, where the gala dinner was a fitting celebration.

The rally highlighted one thing above all: Even though the retro design is polarizing, beneath the surface lies a true all-rounder—tour-worthy, durable, and well-thought-out. And in the "Modern Heritage" category, it was in good company. Classically inspired but far from outdated—a motorcycle that knows how to move.

Upon mounting, the stylishly staged LC display catches the eye. The startup animation features a sword, fitting the name, set against an orange backlight. Unfortunately, the panel is no longer up to date: low contrast, difficult to read in sunlight, and functionally limited. Here, the Katana feels more nostalgic than advanced, perfectly in line with its ancestors. Visually, however, it impresses: the lines skillfully reference the '80s, modernly interpreted with harmonious proportions and a powerful front, though the rear appears a bit bulky.

The K5 engine, known from the GSX-S1000, is the heart of the Katana. With 152 hp and 106 Nm, the inline-four delivers power in every situation. From leisurely cruising in town—40 km/h and less in 6th gear is easily doable—to pushing the engine in faster stretches. The inline-four combines linear power delivery with a pleasing sound, civilized at the bottom, and a glorious four-cylinder scream at the top. On Croatia's most beautiful coastal road, the Magistrale, the engine is a delight: pull, sound, and running smoothness are on a high level. Notably, the quickshifter, which allows both upshifts and downshifts under load, is still a rarity.

Three riding modes (A: Sport, B: Standard, C: Rain) are available, all delivering full power but with different mappings. Combined with the five-level traction control, it offers a finely-tuned riding experience. In everyday use, I mostly opted for Mode B with traction control set to level 3, while Mode C was the right choice in the rain. Throttle response in Sport mode is noticeably more direct, but never harsh.

At 1.87 m, I feel comfortable on the Katana. The knee angle complements the sporty aesthetics but remains comfortable, and the seat offers remarkable comfort. Even after hours in the saddle, it stays pleasant and impresses with good water-repellent properties. The seat surface dries within minutes after a rain shower. The handlebars are narrow but provide good control and have been rubber-mounted since 2023 to reduce vibrations. However, vibrations are still noticeable, especially at constant high speeds and high RPMs, such as on the highway. The ride remains solid and confident even on uneven stretches.

At the front, there's a fully adjustable fork, and at the rear, a shock absorber adjustable for rebound and preload. The firm base setup complements the sporty orientation but still offers enough reserves for rougher roads. The braking system impresses with strong deceleration and a good pressure point. During the rally, the Katana proved to be a corner carver, especially when shifting weight to the inside of the curve, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy fast, long bends. The stock tires, Dunlop Road Sport 2, provide plenty of grip on dry roads, but reach their limits relatively early in wet conditions, at least these are well detectable, and if necessary, the traction control (rear) steps in.

The stock Katana is not a tourer, that's clear. However, the small windscreen deflects just enough environmental influences on the highway to keep the rider's torso dry. With SW-Motech accessories—tank bag and tail bag—we've turned the Katana into a capable rally companion, even serving as a camera vehicle at times. The luggage system allows for a week's worth of travel gear and remains stable even at high speeds.

However, the range is limited with a 12-liter tank; with an average consumption of 6 liters determined on the trip, it's done after 200 km, and the remaining range indicator is not very accurate. Frequent fuel stops can be seen as welcome opportunities to take photo breaks on a route with so many viewpoints and highlights, capturing unforgettable moments along the Croatian coast. You can see the results in the photo gallery.

The new Suzuki Katana 2025 not only echoes the visual virtues of its illustrious predecessor, but it also brings their uncompromising attitude into the present. No half measures, no mainstream. Instead: bold lines, an emotional engine, a solid chassis, and plenty of character. Whether that's enough to do justice to the myth and let it mature into a future classic, only time will tell. For now, it's relatively affordable—who knows for how long.