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Suzuki had earlier teased the Katana several times now, and it has been generating quite a bit of interest amongst Indian bikers, who would like to get their hands on some serious performance. Suzuki recently said they are getting the rubber ready, and it will finally launch the bike in India soon.

Further honing the 2022 KATANA puts an even more delicate edge on overall performance and riding pleasure. Updates include the introduction of advanced electronic controls and refinements. They are resulting in more excellent overall performance. 

Styling improvements are highlighting its quality. And distinctive good looks include cool new body colours suited to a superior street bike and new trim for functioning parts.

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The epitome of fine craftsmanship and pure functional beauty.

Design inspiration for the original 1981 Suzuki KATANA came from the famed Japanese sword of the same name. 

It is a fitting motif for two reasons. Firstly, it reflects the sharp lines and outstanding performance of the legendary KATANA’s functional beauty. 

As importantly, it reflects well Suzuki’s philosophy of uncompromising craftsmanship and attention to detail.

While Suzuki chose the colours for the 2020 KATANA to reflect the model’s heritage. The solid colours and matt finish for the 2022 model KATANA introduce a cool look suited to today’s tastes. 

These combine with coordinated colours for running gear parts to realize a look of enhanced quality.

Suzuki implemented the following changes to functional running gear parts.

  • Front forks: changed from black to gold
  • Wheels: changed from black to coordinated colours
  • Rear suspension coil: changed from red to grey
  • Seat colour: dark tone introduced on one section

Engine Design

The bike gets tuned to deliver ideal overall performance on the street. The core architecture of this high-performance 999cm³ four-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine. Benefits from know-how acquired over decades of winning countless production races and technologies developed for MotoGP racing. 

4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 999 cm³ (61.0 cu. in.) 

Updates for the 2022 model year — including new camshaft profiles, new valve springs, a new clutch and a new exhaust system. Further, increase maximum power output and achieve an overall better balance of performance, all while satisfying Euro 5 emissions standards.

Not only does the updated engine feature a broader. Smoother torque curve with fewer peaks and valleys. It also achieves more excellent overall cumulative torque production across its operating range. 

And, though maximum torque is marginally lower than its predecessor, the engine features more excellent torque production at low rpm. 

It brings a more satisfying feeling of immediate response and acceleration from low speed. It also demonstrates quicker response at mid-range and higher speeds, which leads to a more exhilarating and enjoyable riding experience.

Exhaust system

The sporty 4-2-1 exhaust system for the 2022 KATANA carries over its predecessor’s clean, sharp looks and luxurious note. Beneath the surface, it was completely redesigned and tuned to help deliver maximum overall performance while satisfying Euro 5 emission standards. 

Structural changes include a new layout behind the collector. A new chamber structure and the introduction of a new two-stage catalytic converter system that positions an elliptical (“racetrack-shaped”). Converter inside the chamber to secure ample catalyst volume. 

4-2-1 exhaust

In addition, the collector is now marginally longer, and the Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) system is positioned a little differently.

As an added benefit, the exhaust note for this updated system was tuned and optimized using Suzuki’s own Exhaust Sound Quality Evaluation Program. 

The program’s quantitative analysis. And evaluation help realize a pleasing exhaust sound that does not disturb the rider while on the road but does produce. A luxurious note the instant the engine is started.

Electronic Throttle Bodies

New electronic throttle bodies not only contribute to satisfying Euro 5 emissions standards. Their optimized Ø40mm bore size — changed from the Ø44mm bore of the mechanical throttle bodies.

They replace help achieve a better balance between idling speed control. And power output characteristics for enhanced drivability and an exciting riding experience. 

Throttle bodies

By leveraging the processing capabilities of the 32-bit ECM to control the action of the throttle valves. The new electronic throttle system also makes it possible to introduce KATANA’s collection of new electronic control systems. 

One of the many benefits is more controllable behaviour when the rider opens the throttle to accelerate out of a corner.

Air cleaner box

The new air cleaner box introduces an internal structure. That increases power output by effectively reducing intake resistance.

While the new design slightly reduces the box’s volumetric capacity from 8.9L to 8.2L. Eliminating the separator improves serviceability and reduces weight.

Previous air cleaner box

 

New air cleaner box

Camshaft

A new camshaft with carefully revised exhaust and intake cam profiles decreases the amount of lift. And reduces valve lift overlap. This helps improve emissions performance while achieving. A better overall balance of performance and controllability, particularly at low- to mid-range speeds.

New camshaft

Radiator

The radiator adopts a new design that reduces airflow resistance by approximately 18%. This enhances cooling efficiency enough to lower the temperature by approximately 1.5℃ when idling. Its larger fin pitch also helps better dissipate heat when the fans spin up in situations such as stop-and-go traffic.

Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS)

The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) for the 2022 KATANA introduces an assist function to complement the previous generation’s slipper clutch.

The slipper clutch partially disengages when downshifting from high rpm to mitigate the effect of engine braking. 

By mitigating the chance of the rear tire locking up or hopping and working in harmony with the Bi-directional Quick Shift System to realize smoother deceleration.SCAS enables the rider to shift down with greater confidence and maintain better control when downshifting into corners.

Suzuki Clutch Assist System

The newly added assist function increases the clutch’s clamping force under acceleration. Allowing softer springs to be used while efficiently transferring torque to the rear wheel. 

It cuts the effort needed to operate the clutch lever by approximately 20%. Resulting in a light touch that reduces left-hand fatigue when stuck in traffic jams or other situations requiring frequent clutch lever operation.

Floating handlebars

Rubber mounts introduced in the top bridge and handlebar brackets reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to the rider’s hands. As a result, the floating handlebars contribute to improving comfort and diminishing rider fatigue.

The entire LCD brightness-adjustable instrument cluster packs a wide range of helpful information into a relatively compact form. It is also designed to make the readouts from its multiple functions easy to recognize. The look is one of high quality that helps instil pride of ownership.

Earlier handlebar

New handlebar

Multi-function instrument cluster

The panel features a custom display. Amber backlighting exclusive to the 2022 KATANA creates a unique contrast that displays the lettering against the black background. When riding at night that looks white when riding in daylight to maintain clear visibility of the displayed information. 

A brief custom animation plays when the ignition key is turned on. Offering a playful presentation that is pleasing to the eye and heightens the anticipation of the ride to come. 

At night

In daylight

One other touch for the updated instrument cluster is a change to feature the KATANA logo at the bottom in place of the SUZUKI lettering of the previous generation.

LED indicators are provided for easy recognition to flank the display. Those for the turn signals, high beam, neutral, malfunction, master warning, ABS, traction control system, low voltage warning, coolant temperature, and oil pressure are included.

Price

The India-spec model is to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Suzuki’s got a lot of competition in this segment from the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX and BMW S1000.

The 2022 Suzuki Katana is available in two shades.

  • Metallic Mat Stellar Blue (YUA)
  • Solid Iron Gray (YUD)

via Suzuki

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