Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020 vs. Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

Technical Specifications Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020 compared to Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	73.4 mm	Bore	79 mm
Stroke	Stroke	59 mm	Stroke	66 mm
Engine power	Engine power	150 HP	Engine power	89 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	10,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	108 Nm	Torque	95 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	9,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,750 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.2	Compression Ratio	12
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Belt
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	999 ccm	Displacement	975 ccm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	100 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	190 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	50 %	Rear tyre height	80 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,125 mm	Length	2,250 mm
Width	Width	830 mm	Width	840 mm
Height	Height	1,110 mm	Height	705 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,460 mm	Wheelbase	1,545 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	825 mm	Seat Height	705 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	215 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	219 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	12 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.7 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana 2020

The Suzuki GSX-S1000S Katana is based on the naked GSX-S1000 and therefore impresses with all the quality and inner values of a typical Japanese machine. The Katana also has what it takes to become a visual classics, as it is the first to take up the style of the 1980s. The riding position is surprisingly comfortable and the height of the handlebars allows for comfortable control. With its low front fairing, it may not be a true touring machine, but it can certainly pass as a crossover bike that combines retro, naked and touring perfectly.

Powerful and confident in-line four-cylinder engine

absolutely unique look

comfortable seating position

easy handling

five-way adjustable traction control

good braking system

high-quality quickshifter

firm but travel-ready suspension

Few electronic features

relatively high price compared to the basic GSX-S1000

small fuel tank

LC display difficult to read

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 2024

The Nighster makes getting started in the world of Harley easier than ever before. With a smooth-running engine, riding modes and electronic aids, excellent handling, a powerful suspension and brakes, as well as a low kerb weight, you really don’t have to compromise on anything here.

The engine revs up smoothly

the chassis set-up is spot on

the brakes are very powerful

the seat height is ideal for new riders

it comes with all the features

the styling is distinctive yet quintessentially Harley

The sound is rather subdued

the footrest position takes some getting used to for a cruiser

the fuel tank is rather small

there’s little grunt at low revs for a 975-cubic centimetre V2