![]() ![]() Suzuki knows only too well how fickle the affections of sportbike buyers can be. identical to the Hurricane and 7 down on the Ninja. The Katana clocked a top speed of 134 miles an hour, which is 3 up on our test FZ600. Suzuki didn’t release any horsepower figures, but performance runs with CYCLE WORLD’S computerized third-wheel gear yielded a quarter-mile time of 12.08 seconds at 1 10.59 mph, putting it on even par with the 83-horsepower Hurricane and 84-horsepower Ninja despite weighing 448 pounds (without gas), which is about 20 pounds heavier than those machines. Basically, it’s the same oilcooled motor that powered the 1985’87 GSX-R750, but with a decrease in bore from 70mm to 62.6mm, an improved ignition system and a 4into-2 exhaust. Whether on the track or the street, though, the Katana’s engine is up to snuff. It has a compliant suspension that isn’t defeated by potholes or freeway expansion joints, and a seating position that puts the rider into the proper sport-riding tuck without extracting a heavy toll on the buttocks, knees and wrists. Final evaluation will have to wait for side-by-side comparisons, but the Katana has a shot at being the most streetable mid-displacement sportbike yet. The good news is that on the street, where most Katanas will be spending all their time, those glitches are not evident. Katana 600 riders intent on collecting contingency money in production-class roadracing will have to fit stickier rubber and an aftermarket shock, and do a little hot-rodding of the front brakes. Just as with the Hurricane, Ninja and FZ, then. And the front brakes, which are as strong as anything in the class, offered little feedback during the initial portion of the lever’s travel. The rear suspension felt under-damped on the track, a condition that couldn't easily be remedied because the shock has no damping adjustments. The tires, Dunlop K655s, would begin to slide-albeit predictably-way before the cornering clearance was used up. Three hours of lapping the 2.56-mile circuit showed that the 600 in stock form is a great handler, but handicapped as a production racer by its tires, rear shock and vague front-brake feel. Nevertheless, Suzuki chose to demonstrate the Katana’s sporting prowess by introducing the bike to the motorcycling press at California’s Riverside Raceway. And like the Hurricane and new Ninja, the Katana is designed to be an all-around sportbike, one that doesn’t sacrifice too much comfort and versatility for the sake of performance. Fike the 600 Hurricane, the Katana is almost totally sheathed in plastic, with just a glimpse of engine and steel frame rail peeking through here and there. And the Katana GSX600F clearly shows that Suzuki has been paying close attention to the ongoing developments in the 600 class. ![]() And by the time some even more enticing creations-the FZ600, the 600 Hurricane and an improved Ninja 600-arrived a short while later, Suzuki had withdrawn the aging GS550 from the class altogether.īut for 1988, Suzuki wants back into the game. Infatuation fades quickly, however, and riders soon were being wooed less by the 550 Suzuki and more by the Yamaha FJ600, Honda Interceptor 500 and Kawasaki Ninja 600. It had a sexy half-fairing, a 16-inch front wheel, a potent, 10,000-rpm redline and, for a short while, the lust-filled attention of every rider looking for the quickest, nimblest way down his favorite backroad. That bike was the Suzuki GS550ES, the harbinger of a new generation of middleweight sportbikes. © 2023 Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.THE YEAR WAS 1983, AND IT WAS easy to fall in love-particularly with one very alluring motorcycle. ![]() Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Specifications, appearances, equipment, color, features, materials and other items of “SUZUKI” products shown are subject to change by manufacturer at any time without notice. Suzuki engineered the GSX-Rs™, Hayabusa, and the QuadSport Z400 for experienced riders. ATV riders can call the SVIA at 1-80 and we’ll even pay for the training. Off-road riders can enroll in the DirtBike SchoolSM by calling 1-87. For the MSF street course nearest you, call 1-80. Study your owner's manual and always inspect your Suzuki before riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing when riding any motorcycle or ATV. ![]()
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