2024 Suzuki Katana Limited First Look

[Hugh Janus]

For 2024, limited numbers of Suzuki’s Katana will be available in the US. The bike is finished in Metallic Blue paintwork, gold forks, and gold wheels. (Suzuki/)

Suzuki has announced the return of its neo-retro Katana to the 2024 lineup, and although the new model is aesthetically unchanged from last year’s bike—which had received meaningful updates anyway—we’re pleased to report there are actually a few minor tweaks this year. Also intriguing is the fact that Suzuki decided to give the 2024 Katana a smaller production allotment. In the company’s words: “This special, limited-run model is available for US buyers to reserve via special order through the Suzuki dealer of their choice. Availability is limited and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.”

The addition of a collectible artwork and two years of Suzuki’s service maintenance plan, called Katana Premium Care, sweetens the deal. The bike can be reserved through October 20, 2023.

Related: 2022 Suzuki Katana First Look

The Katana comes with Suzuki’s latest Drive Mode Selector system to manage three power modes and updated, five-mode traction control. (Suzuki/)

How many units are being produced and exactly why it’s being limited is anybody’s guess, so let’s start with what we know. Rather than making massive changes to the 999cc GSX-R-based powerplant, which was already significantly updated in 2022 to meet Euro 5 guidelines, Suzuki decided to improve the electronics package.

The company says the 2024 Katana updates include the introduction of its electronic Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) which comes with a bidirectional quick-shift system and updated, five-mode traction control system, as well as the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS) providing three power modes. That’s not a surprise, since most of the GSX series got the same tech and electronic updates earlier this year, and even though Suzuki is touting new ride-by-wire throttle bodies, an updated slipper clutch, and more power for the 2024 Katana as well, those tweaks were actually seen on last year’s model, so unless there are further unspecified refinements to them, we’re not sure of their importance.

Related: Suzuki GSX-8R Likely on Its Way

Suzuki is also calling attention to the Katana’s updated bidirectional quick-shift system for the 2024 model year. (Suzuki/)

In short, the bike we see here appears to be a slight refinement of the updated 2022–23 model, when the 999cc inline-four engine got new intake and exhaust camshafts, valve springs, a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system, and airbox for improved efficiency. Those changes resulted in a claimed 2 hp increase and a wider spread of midrange power.

Back to the add-ons for this year’s model though: Reserving the 2024 Katana gets owners two years of the complimentary maintenance service as well as a collectible 24 x 24 inch digital lithograph reproduction of Japanese artist Makoto Endo’s Katana illustration, which was originally featured in Cycle World magazine.

Related: Updated Suzuki GSX-R1000 Coming

The 2024 Katana comes with a collectible 24 x 24 inch lithograph reproduction of Japanese artist Makoto Endo’s Katana illustration, originally featured in <i>Cycle World</i> magazine. (Suzuki/)

As expected, the new Katana will also sport a fresh color for 2024 along with accents emphasizing remnants from the original’s Hans Muth styling. The bike gets slathered in deep Metallic Matte Stellar Blue bodywork and adds contrast via gold-anodized fork legs and matching six-spoke gold wheels. Suzuki also says a variety of accessories are available, such as a meter visor (sort of a sport screen), billet clutch and brake levers, axle spools, fuel tank and engine cover protectors, clip-on tank bags, plus a selection of apparel.

MSRP for the 2024 Katana is $13,879. See Suzuki’s bike-specific microsite suzukicycles.com/katana for more details.

The limited-run Katana will also come with two years of Suzuki’s service plan, called Katana Premium Care, included. (Suzuki/)

Source

[boboneleg]

It looks decent enough but whatever happened to clean lines on a motorcycle  ??

As much as we might like to slag off the BSA and Royal Enfields they look much more appealing than the Jap stuff (new Z900 excepted) .

[Buckster]

I kind of like it which means I'll likely hate it next week.

[Pedro]

On 25/09/2023 at 19:24, boboneleg said:

It looks decent enough but whatever happened to clean lines on a motorcycle  ??

As much as we might like to slag off the BSA and Royal Enfields they look much more appealing than the Jap stuff (new Z900 excepted) .

Well, if one bike has always had sharp lines since forever a Katana would be it.

[Six30]

look better without the silly fairing

[Saul]

It doesn't look as nice in real life.  I was looking over one a few weeks ago parked next to an original 1100 Katana, looked a bit shit TBH.  Bit like the retro Z900, looks good in the photos but a bit bulbous in the flesh.  

[XTreme]

4 minutes ago, Saul said:

Bit like the retro Z900, looks good in the photos but a bit bulbous in the flesh.  

Exactly! It's just not as sleek as the original!

[Buckster]

18 hours ago, Six30 said:

look better without the silly fairing

You bellend, typical of a wannabe that landed late and three dollars short.

[Six30]

4 hours ago, Buckster said:

You bellend, typical of a wannabe that landed late and three dollars short.

three 

[Buckster]

37 minutes ago, Six30 said:

three 

What?

[Six30]

1 hour ago, Buckster said:

What?

Three or 3 

[Six30]

4 hours ago, Buckster said:

You bellend, typical of a wannabe that landed late and three dollars short.

3 just one digit , no letters , easier for you .

[Buckster]

[Catteeclan]

You pair of tarts