POSTED: 27/01/2025
The 1982 Suzuki GSX1000 Katana was a revolutionary motorcycle that redefined motorcycle design and performance in its era. This iconic machine was more than just a motorcycle - it was a statement of futuristic engineering and bold aesthetic vision.
- Declared the "world's fastest production motorcycle" upon its 1981 release
- Radical, space-age styling that stood out dramatically from contemporary designs
- Powered by a 998cc, air-cooled, DOHC, inline-four
- Top Speed: 220 km/h (136.4 mph)
- Power Output: Around 90-100 hp (varied by market and tuning)
- Dry Weight: 232 kg (511 lbs)
The Katana was particularly notable for its groundbreaking design, featuring sharp angles, blended bodywork, and a distinctive silver livery that seemed inspired by science fiction of the era like Star Wars. Its innovative styling wasn't just cosmetic - the design was carefully engineered to provide stability at high speeds, with a frame-mounted fairing specifically conceived to ensure performance and handling.
The Katana series has a cult following, with the GSX1000 being a rarer version compared to the GSX1100.