The Suzuki Katana. It's back for 2020.

The Katana name is as strong with Suzuki as it Hayabusa, maybe stronger. And for good reason. Originally designed from 1979 by a design team lead by ex-BMW design chief Hans Muth, Suzuki wanted an updated image for the brand from the standard mass produced fanfare. And the three-man Target Design team certainly delivered. At the 1980 Intermot in Germany, Suzuki released the Katana based on the GS1100, claiming it to be the fastest street production bike in the world. It was a sales success globally. With variants and changes throughout it's life including various shapes, motors, engine capacities and names (some countries didn't use the Katana name), even country specific models for Australia and New Zealand, the Katana was in production until 2006. And now at the same show it was first released, the 2020 Suzuki Katana is back. Calling on design cues from the historic 1981 GSX1100S Katana, the actual Katana is a long, single-edged sword used by Japanese samurai. The design of the iconic variant and now this new model pay tribute to this. Powered by a 999cc long strong 4 cylinder fuel injected 110kW motor, with 6 speed gearbox with back torque slipper clutch, the Katana will be Suzuki's best street weapon yet. A 3 mode traction control system, Bosch lightweight ABS braking unit, 310mm front disc rotors with Brembo's, fully adjustable inverted forks, a compact lightweight chassis, 215kg wet weight, 825mm seat height and 2125mm overall length round out the mechanical specifications for the new Katana.

For appearances, the LED lighting set a unique design for oncoming vehicles and the rider at night. A Katana-specific instrument display, along with blacked out exhaust, clean tail section, two-toned seat, and signture Katana design mean this will answer what the world has asked for when the return of the Katana was requested by motorcycle fans globally.

This is Suzuki's first model to be announced for 2020 model year, known as the 2020 GSX-S1000S Katana, in one colour - Metallic Mystic Silver. Pricing and release dates are yet to be announced by Suzuki Australia, stay tuned for more information as it comes to hand. More images below.