Suzuki unveils KATANA and additional 2019 street models

alarsonOctober 4, 2018

In conjunction with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (SMC) unveiling of the KATANA at the INTERMOT Motorcycle Expo in Cologne, Germany, Suzuki Motor of America (SMAI) recently announced its remaining 2019 street models. Led by the new café racer inspired SV650X and adventure- and tour-ready, accessorized V-Strom XT models, Suzuki’s enhanced line of 2019 Motorcycle and ATVs offers the perfect model for riders of all tastes, skills, and experience levels.

The original Katana 1100, introduced in 1981, combined in-line four cylinder big-bore sportbike performance with never-seen before styling that set a new benchmark in motorcycle aesthetics. Now paying tribute to that original breathtaking look, the new KATANA combines modern, state of the art performance with a retro, yet completely contemporary stance that harkens back to the original. Fans of the first model as well as younger riders will be drawn to this new KATANA. Coming as a 2020 model, the KATANA will be available in 2019.

The new café racer-styled V-twin SV650X joins the Suzuki family loaded with new capabilities, a classic, fresh look, and a personality that makes for an exciting ride ideally suited for urban roads, endless twists, or even the racetrack.

Riders looking for added escape and inspiration will love the new V-Strom 1000XT Adventure and V-Strom 650XT Touring models. Now available with a host of useful adventure and touring accouterments, both V-Strom XT models can cross town – or the country – with ease.

Built to thrill new riders with fun and reliability, the new, urban athlete GSX250R ABS debuts with features that continue its value sportbike positioning as it becomes the most intelligent choice in its class, thanks to the addition of ABS.

In addition, significant upgrades are applied to the GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000X models and the SV650/650 ABS V-twin sportbikes while the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S750Z/750 ABS sportbikes, the V-Strom 1000 and 650/650XT models, the line of Boulevard cruisers, the Burgman scooters, and the classically styled TU250X all return with daring new eye candy, including colors and graphics.

The Suzuki KATANA

This is not a retro-styling exercise but a modern performance motorcycle that is destined to be as revolutionary as the original KATANA. Its name comes from the sleek and beautifully crafted Japanese sword known as a katana. Inspired by the same artisan spirit demonstrated by Japanese swordsmiths, Suzuki’s development team tested and tuned each component until they were satisfied the KATANA would deliver the optimal balance of power, comfort and control. At the heart of the KATANA’s performance is a new version of the championship winning long-stroke GSX-R1000 engine. Heading out on the road, riders will immediately appreciate the KATANA’s agility and rider-friendly nature. Maneuvering its compact, lightweight chassis around bends instills confidence and brings pure pleasure. The seat and optimized riding position are designed to enhance controllability and keep riders comfortable on longer outings.

2020 KATANA

The distinctive design of the legendary KATANA exists in a totally modern motorcycle.
999cc engine offers excellent low- to-mid range torque with good peak horsepower.
A variety of advanced electronics includes traction control, Easy Start and Low RPM Assist.
Twin-spar aluminum frame, braced superbike-style swingarm, KYB-supplied suspension, dual front Brembo Monobloc four-piston brake calipers with 310mm floating rotors.
Unique satellite rear fender extends from the swingarm creating a taut-looking tail design.
New style, full LCD instrument panel is unique to the KATANA.
Metallic Mystic Silver paint with KATANA lettering and logos that mirror the original 1981 model.

MSRP TBA

Estimated arrival at U.S. dealers: TBA in 2019

2019 SV650 Models

Leading Suzuki’s collection of new models is the SV650X, a café racer version of the outstanding SV650 sportbike. Featuring a headlight cowl and side-panels that mimic a half-fairing, and a sporty riding position from clip-on handlebars plus a pair of new four-piston front brake calipers, the SV650X attacks corners as aggressively as its style. The SV650 and SV650 ABS are back with new body and frame colors as well as new, front brake calipers that have double the number of pistons compared to the prior SV650 models.

2019 SV650X

Café-theme bodywork, clip-on handlebars, brown tuck and roll appearance seat.
Liquid-cooled, 645cc, four-stroke, DOHC, V-twin engine.
Dual, four-piston front brake calipers with 290mm rotors and a compact ABS system.
Two-tone, Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Glacier White bodywork is complemented by blacked out wheels and chassis components.

MSRP $8,399

Estimated arrival at dealers: January 2019

2019 SV650 ABS

Liquid-cooled, 645cc, four-stroke, DOHC, V-twin engine.
Suzuki EFI system with Low RPM Assist makes takeoffs smooth and easy.
Steel trellis-style frame with slim, aesthetically pleasing bodywork.
New, four-piston Tokico calipers, fully floating 290mm discs, and compact ABS system.
Glass Sparkle Black body work with metallic blue frame and wheels.

MSRP $7,499

Estimated arrival at dealers: January 2019