Experience using the Suzuki GSX 750 F Katana motorcycle

Short story

The history of this motorcycle dates back to 1979. Against the backdrop of the fact that the Japanese and Americans were fighting for the European market, and the competition was undoubtedly gigantic, specialists from Suzuki decided to take a risky step. They gave the order to Target Design (Germany). Suzuki said: do something unusual! The vague assignment gave room for imagination. As a result, they provided two prototypes: 650 cc. and 1100 cc.

The Suzuki guys really liked the prototypes and put them into production. The name was given to “Katana” - a samurai sword.

All Katana motorcycles were produced with an inline 4-cylinder engine.

Technical forces

Winter 2014, the treasured sum is itching in my pocket, the choice of motorcycle is made, it’s decided - I’ll take it. In general, initially I didn’t even really know about the existence of this particular model, it’s really not popular in Russia. It just so happens that if someone wants a sport and is looking towards Suzuki 600s, then probably with the K6-7, not earlier. And I also looked. But suddenly a regional search gives me this option for an interesting price, even without a photo on the ad, but I was hooked. At that time, the last thing I wanted was to get involved with K0-3, they were not at all impressive, but here there was a commensurate price tag and a more or less fresh year with pleasant outlines.

The first inspection showed the essence of the cost; the motorcycle had a past and not the most humane one. All the iron on the right side is scuffed, the broken welded subframe is bent in a wave and points to the left side ~7cm from the central axis, the right clip-on is ridiculously welded at the site of the break, the fresh paint did not lie in an even layer on the soldered original plastic, a home-made license plate mount it looked as if every trip it performed a quiet feat of remaining in place, the front disc was bent. But the frame, engine and fork were undamaged, which was pleasing.

Motorcycle design

All Katana motorcycles were produced with an inline 4-cylinder engine with a carburetor. There were two types of cooling: air and air-oil. Power depended on engine size.

For clarity, all technical data are presented in table form:

Characteristics of Suzuki Katana

Reviews

Almost all the characteristics of the Suzuki GSX-R 750 and the appearance of this vehicle indicate its sporting orientation. This is not surprising, since the model was originally created precisely for the opportunity to compete with other iron horses. According to reviews from owners, models of different years of production have one main problem. This is quite a high cost compared to analogues. On the other hand, taking into account the aerodynamic performance and impressive speed of the motorbike, which cannot leave even the most demanding motorcyclist indifferent, the requested amount can be called quite acceptable. In all other respects, the vast majority of users call the model ideal. Some skeptics hint at the loss of stability of the power plant, as well as its unpredictability when the tachometer needle reaches 8 thousand revolutions per minute. Be that as it may, as of today, the model remains the only Japanese production motorcycle that has not been removed from the assembly line for almost thirty years. During this time, he acquired millions of fans all over the world.

Technical characteristics and description of the model range

Suzuki Katana 2019

This model was shown back in 2022 and with this model Suzuki is trying to revive the same Katana model from the 80s.

The new version has an aluminum frame, sports suspension and a bunch of assistants:

• Traction control (traction control)
• Low RPM Assist – assistance in moving from a standstill
• Engine start system with a short press of a button.

Suzuki Katana 2019

Suzuki GSX 750F Katana

The 2nd generation began to look different. A double headlight appeared and the power was reduced, the frame was made of steel, a simple suspension with possible adjustment. This generation has become very popular.

Suzuki GSX 750F Katana

Suzuki sv650x 2018-2019

This model complements the line of road motorcycles. The design turned out to connect the 70s with modernity. The suspension and several gadgets in the form of electronics have been updated.

Suzuki sv650x 2018-2019

Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

1998 – global update of the model. The appearance and technical part have been changed and improved.

Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

Suzuki GSX 400S Katana 1992

Still the same design as 12 years ago. This model was produced until 1997.

Suzuki GSX 400S Katana 1992

Suzuki GSX 400F Katana

Review of Suzuki Katana (2002)

Well, guys, I’ll tell you about this unit, which gave me a lot of sensations)) And so, I got this unit in excellent condition, as they say, I sat down and drove off. Before that I rode a VFR400R, I realized that I wanted something more powerful, more comfortable and more beautiful. Of course, the riding position on the bike is great, especially for tall people (I’m 196 cm), but it will also be comfortable for people of average height, as well as for a passenger. Your back doesn’t get stiff when riding for a long time, the wind protection on the motorcycle is quite good, at cruising 140-160, it doesn’t tear your head off, and in cool weather it allows you not to freeze (if the grips are heated)))

Externally, the motorcycle looks quite attractive. In my opinion, the design is quite modern, and it looks more attractive than the Honda F3 (I have nothing against this motorcycle and my opinion is personal) or other motorcycles in these price ranges, so for a katana in good condition 1998-2004 years old with low mileage of 22 thousand (without mileage in the Russian Federation) with pre-sale preparation they usually ask for 130-170 thousand. In my opinion, it is difficult to find an alternative for that kind of money. Well, with the acquisition of me!!! )) Of course, it was scary to change from 400 to 750, but the motorcycle turned out to be surprisingly understandable, not very aggressive, with locomotive traction (I somehow forgot and started off from 3 without any problems).

So there are 50 km ahead along the highway, the best thing is to get used to the bike) Well, after sports, the gears are of course a bit short, but it picks up speed very well, although it is inferior to the same F3, after 120, but does not lose traction in the entire range, up to 170 it picks up well, but then the dynamics drop, and after 200 it becomes sad, but it goes to 270 (according to the speedometer), it was not possible to accelerate further, and the road situation did not allow it.. Getting a motorcycle stuck is a very difficult task, so you can unscrew the throttle to full without fear of tipping over.. The brakes, of course, were disappointing with their sluggishness, especially after sports, but the rear ones, on the contrary, are too sensitive and with a slight pinch the wheel locks tightly (I almost flew off because of such a miscalculation). The sluggishness of the brakes is not eliminated even by replacing the pads with Bremb ones, you have to put up with it.

The comfortable speed on it is 120-140, it feels good on the highway, the oil cooling system successfully copes with the task on the highway, but it doesn’t feel very good in the city, and with our temperature over 40 and traffic jams it becomes difficult for it, the engine begins to adjust, but never overheated (although he told me about his ardent love, mercilessly frying his feet). But on the other hand, there are no problems with replacing antifreeze and other “pleasant” little things. But if the oil leaks (thank God it didn’t affect me), then nothing good will happen, and you can shut down the engine. True, for this you need to underfill the oil, keep it at a minimum and the hole must be large, and the motorcyclist must be blind, etc.)) In the city, of course, it is not very comfortable, the motorcycle is quite wide, but it wedges between cars without any problems. The mirrors pleased me; I could see everything and everyone, not just my shoulders.

Well, here we are at home. LeoVinch installed the original exhaust, the sound became simply fabulous, the need for a signal disappeared - a menacing roar and you are immediately visible and audible. Well, Bonusov won the competition as the loudest bike of 2013) Since we had to ride often and in very different weather, and our Kuban climate loves surprises, so a temperature drop from +20 during the day to 6 with the wind in the evening is not uncommon, I installed heating, the handles were short and, in order to at least slightly increase the information content of the brakes, I installed fittings on both wheels, then there was a feedback signal. And the daily trips began.

The engine pleases with its unpretentiousness and reliability; if you change the oil on time, then it is probably impossible to kill it. Excellent traction from the bottom and throughout the entire range, you don’t feel the passenger behind your back. The suspension after sports is quite soft, but in moderation. Gasoline consumption averages 6.5-9 liters depending on driving style. In my opinion, the bike is suitable for lovers of not too aggressive riding, for beginners (in replacement of zizers and other rubbish from the 90s, which in normal condition can be found like visiting Narnia) for more than one season and as a fairly good tourist (budget option). Right now I’ll change by a kilogram, but the motorcycle is definitely good, if only it had better brakes and it wouldn’t be priced in its segment.