Intro

Suzuki Katana has reportedly been discontinued in India after a three-year run, with the model now removed from Suzuki Motorcycle India’s website and dealers instructed to stop taking bookings. This move not only leaves a gap in the brand’s litre-class naked bike segment but also highlights how styling and pricing can significantly impact a model’s demand in the Indian market.

Why Suzuki discontinued the Katana in India

While an official reason for the discontinuation has not been provided, industry reports cite poor sales and limited mass appeal for the bike’s neo-retro design, despite its strong performance and a solid spec sheet. Dealers were offering six-figure discounts at times, so inventory clearance was happening even before the formal delisting.

Key specs and features of the Suzuki Katana

The Katana was powered by a 999cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled DOHC engine, which produced 150 bhp (112 kW) at 11,000 rpm and 106 Nm of peak torque at 9,250 rpm. – delivering strong performance suitable for both city riding and highway maneuvers. S.I.R.S. electronics included three ride modes, five-level traction control, bi-directional quickshifter, Low RPM Assist and Easy Start, so the numbers became usable in daily life.

Design highlights

Angular fairing, square LED headlamp and short tail was a faithful nod to the original 1981 Katana, finished in Metallic Mystic Silver and Metallic Mat Stellar Blue. Swingarm-mounted rear fender and full-LED lighting added drama while keeping it unmistakably Katana.

How it was packaged for India

Came via CKD route in one variant, priced at Rs 13.61 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), above some direct rivals. Six-speed gearbox, adjustable KYB forks, link-type rear monoshock and dual-channel ABS was the performance brief for riders looking for a liter-class naked with retro flair.

Real-world takeaways

Early impressions praised the Katana’s midrange grunt, nimble handling and upright comfort, but the unconventional styling and premium pricing limited its appeal to a niche audience. With a kerb weight of 215 kg and 17-inch alloys, the motorcycle was positioned as a road-biased superbike. However, reviewers often noted that the LCD console felt a generation behind newer TFT-equipped rivals.

Also read: 2025 Suzuki Hayabusa: A Fresh Update for the Iconic Superbike

Price and rivals in India

At Rs 13.61 lakh, the Katana was above the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP at Rs 12.36 lakh and alongside the Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster on price and intent. In cross-shops, some considered the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and BMW S 1000 R, further fragmenting demand in a price-sensitive segment of the liter-class.

What Suzuki’s big-bike lineup looks like now

With the Katana gone, Suzuki’s big-bike lineup is now led by the Hayabusa, with the GSX‑8R and V‑Strom 800DE at the parallel-twin end. No four-cylinder 1000cc naked from the brand in India for now.