The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturing giant Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) recently launched its newest premium sports bike – Katana in India. Suzuki has debuted the Katana at the starting price of Rs 13,61,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and it will be available for purchase from this month itself. The company will be offering the motorcycle in 2 color variants in which the first will be a Metallic Mat Stellar Blue and the second will be a Metallic Mystic Silver.

Commenting on the launch, Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “We feel proud to announce the launch of the KATANA in India. The KATANA reflects Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to fine craftsmanship and its willingness to sweat every detail to get them right. The launch is a part of our strategy to solidify our big bike portfolio in the country. We received a lot of queries from motorcycle enthusiasts after showcasing the KATANA in the last auto expo. It is basis the positive feedback of our potential customers that we decided to introduce the KATANA in India. We are confident that the KATANA will be able to make its own cult following in India too.”

Suzuki stated that the new Katana is a homage to the legendary original model of Katana that made its debut in 1981. The company further added that the Katana is based on the product concept, ‘Forging a New Street Legend’, and was developed to be a sporty-looking street motorcycle. Suzuki aims with the new 2022 model was to create a bike that had a retro flair but also thoroughly provided modern styling and performance.

The Japanese bike maker has given the 2022 bike, its proprietary Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) which comes with a variety of advanced electronic control systems. This system includes Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System, Low RPM Assist and Suzuki Easy Start System.

According to the company, the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) offers a wider selection of 5 mode settings (+ OFF) to fit a more diverse variety of riding conditions and styles. It also features the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) which has been designed to offer a choice between three different modes that change output characteristics. Meanwhile, the Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System has also been added which aims to increase the value of the overall riding experience by enabling new electronic control systems. It also gets Low RPM Assist to help with suppressing engine stalls and ensuring better control and operation in stop-and-go traffic. Suzuki Easy Start System enables the rider to start the engine with one quick press.

As for the powerplant of the new Suzuki Katana, it is powered by a 999cm3 four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four engine which pushes out a total of 152PS power and 106Nm of torque. Other features of the Katana include, a unique rectangular shape and LED front position lights in front, LED tail lights in the rear and an LCD Multi-functional instrument cluster that comes with adjustable brightness.