Nice final review. As you say the engine makes this bike, compared to any other 4 cylinder naked or superbike, very special indeed. I own and have ridden a lot of bikes and this, with the 2005 GSXR1000 K5 is my favourite 1000cc engine. The looks are very subjective. I didn't like the looks of original 1000 Katana even though I bought one (still have it). I bought the new one quite honestly because of the engine, but its looks have grown on me. The thing that really swung it was that my wife said it was a brutal looking bike and liked it! Thanks again for a genuinely honest and accurate review.
Thanks TMF for this great review. Born in 1960, this bike is for me a piece of nostalgia. As you are aware, I am a big fan of the Triumph Tiger 1200 but if I was looking to buy a naked bike this one would stand a big chance as I find him even more beautiful than before. Merry X-mas
As always a nice honest review, have to agree the looks are not the best unless you want to hark back to the 90's and this was the machine you dreamed of but couldn't afford in your youth. For me I have to be able to look at the bike and instantly get that smile which says to the world "You love the looks and the fun you are going to have on her" As always thanks for sharing and hey have a fab Christmas and a splendid 2020
Great review as usual, watching you take that road from Aylesbury to wing via Rowsham I have taken that road so many times I HATED it !! With the slow traffic I could feel my stress levels going up as I watched your review😂😉
Andy, the vid is great and your comment about a bike that should make you smile as this is what riding a bike is all about is correct. Meanwhile I found why I dont like this new Katana - I expected to see the old Katana sensibly modernized. In my books Suzuki missed a chance to bring back a famous bike of the past. The 12 litre tank is just one aspect and black isn't the colour of choice. Stay safe
If you enjoy riding motorbikes then any two wheeled powered machine can be fun to ride. To want to own and cherish a motorcycle you need to love the way it looks and for that reason this bike will just not sell well.
I think a very fair review of the bike. I happen to like the looks, but understand the marmite nature of them. The range is an oversight, although for a weekend warrior, perhaps not so much of a concern. If the Z900rs didn't exist, then this would be my weekend mount. Cheers.
Tried the Katana and the RS. I loved the RS but somehow it didn't quite make me want to buy one. The Katana is way better looking in real life than any photos or video and had that something extra. Perhaps it's the extra grin factor. Anyway, Katana now in garage.
Nice little vid. I really do like the bike but don't know if I could justify it being my only bike. Although I did used to have an RGV250 which was a pure fun bike & that had a 90 mile tank which I don't recall being a massive problem. I guess you've got to be certain what you're buying it for & that you can live with it.
I don't dislike the looks but the price and running costs of these modern large capacity bikes puts me off. Camera works fine. How do you get home when you return the bikes? Do you leave yours with them during the test period? Thanks for all the great reviews this year Nd have a merry Christmas.
Camera looks to be operating great. Are you thinking of trying an Insta360 one X camera, seen it on test on Andy's Motorcycle Obsessions, looks amazing.
Am I the only one who thinks GoPro are getting worse with picture quality? When we get the picture from the GoPro 8 it's very dark with poor contrast and when we get the picture from the "old" GoPro 4 (I assume it is?) it's a bright color full picture with lots of contrast! 🙄 Might be me that's getting a grumpy old man 😂 Picture a side I always enjoy your reviews/videos Andy 👍 and I wish your family and you a merry Christmas 🎅🎄🤶 with lots of Motorbike presents 🏍️ Regards from one of your Danish kids 🇩🇰
@KEITH FLOYD'S FINAL INTERVIEW As far as I know, Andy (TheMissendenFlyer) is a private person reviewing motorbikes and stuff related to those and putting the Video's on RUclips for free, so I can certainty understand he's not buying camera's costing 10 grand or more! If you view video's from other professional RUclipsr's reviewing motorbikes, most uses Gopro for their video's! I personally enjoy watching Andy and have learnt a thing or two following him, so my point was, that the GoPro 8 seems to produce a poorer picture than the GoPro 4, which is a bit of a contradiction (series 8 should be a big evolution to a series 4 from the same Brand). Although you are clearly negative Keith, I still whish you a Merry Christmas 🎅🎄🤶 and a Happy New Year 🎊🍾🎉 Kind Regards from Claus
I’m between this and a z900rs. Although I admit the katana is only an option because they haven’t sold well so there are 2 year old new bikes going for under $10k USD. I’m pretty sure I can overlook some short comings for the price.
90 mile range?????? Sometimes (well, always) I'm frustrated by my Tenere's lack of power BUT if you hold your nerve you can just about squeeze 300 miles out of it - ideal for the commuting and touring I use it for. Horses for courses I know but 90 miles is just a useless toy. While I'm here, a very Happy Christmas to you & thanks for all the entertainment this year - great shame we've lost teapotone but still brightens a day when a new one lands from your good self.
Its Suzuki's take on the nostalgia market, so compared to triumph Bonneville or BMW r nine t or perfect example Kawasaki z900 ( ooo I'm droolin) it's not hit the mark, may be a rehash of gs1000 or the 750 kettle (2 stroke) would have worked for present market.
They could have made the bike electric and likely would have had a longer range than that 12l tank ;) On the bright side, you can fill up 12l quicker than you can fill up 17 :)
It is definitely a bike that divides opinion... I'm not a fan of black bikes but I love the look of the black one, in the flesh it is stunning!! I did however buy the GSX-S750 in white instead... mainly because I am still on a journey up the BHP table. Another Suzuki with a "creamy smooth" engine! Just a point on the Hero 8 doing your rear view... Give the Insta360 ONE X a try. It has brilliant stabilization and you can make it as wide as you like. Not very robust though and the batteries are pants but you can easily attach a powerbank to extend battery life. Good synopsis on the Kat though. Cheers. ruclips.net/video/jwitvue1Lp8/видео.html
What spoils it for me is the ridiculous handlebars. The original had sports bars whereas this has wide bars that require you to sit straight up. It’s meant to be a cafe racer type bike, not a commuter. Stupid small capacity too. Suzuki missed the mark by a long way with this. What a travesty.
Hi TMF, The GoPro 8 footage seemed dark. When you changed camera views the camera mounted to your helmet had a definite brighter and clearer view. My opinion on the Katana (for what it’s worth) handlebars are too high and it’s only vaguely reminiscent of the original model. I own a current GSXS1000 and I wouldn’t swap it for the new Katana...and that’s sad to say as l must confess to being a long time Suzuki fan. I think that Suzuki just didn’t get it right. All the best for Christmas 🎄👍. Cheers.
Look mate, it's not creamy smooth. I've ridden the GSXS-1000f and that has the same engine and it is COARSE, and not smooth at all. At 3-4000 revs it buzzes annoyingly. It's not creamy smooth, you are talking crap. I have been riding bikes for 38 years, and you haven't, you are talking crap.
blimey, tmf is giving us his opinion. You cant please everyone. It sounds "creamy smoove" on the video. It sounds excellent. What a beautiful bike. That engine is a real peach according to missenden flyer.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Stay cool and have a nice and merry Christmas! Sorry for the rant but i'd had a few pre-Christmas gin and tonics and the truth will always come out. I love your vids but like to give my honest opinion! Cheers!
@@markpeter1968 and i was only giving my opinion. The thing is, i have ridden that same GSX engine so surely i qualify to give an opinion, a different opinion.
Hey TMF! Cheers for downvoting all my comments. Don't worry, this is the last one. By the way, I watched your last Spain ride. You turn-in too early into corners.
Ye, but ye but well, errrr Im old I could not afford one when they first came out, you can compare it now to the h2 kawi, it was the fasted bike around in its day it was futuristic it was the bike you wanted but could not afford. To the point I would and may get an original (still a head Turner to a chap of a certain age) but no way on new model.
Nice final review. As you say the engine makes this bike, compared to any other 4 cylinder naked or superbike, very special indeed. I own and have ridden a lot of bikes and this, with the 2005 GSXR1000 K5 is my favourite 1000cc engine. The looks are very subjective. I didn't like the looks of original 1000 Katana even though I bought one (still have it). I bought the new one quite honestly because of the engine, but its looks have grown on me. The thing that really swung it was that my wife said it was a brutal looking bike and liked it! Thanks again for a genuinely honest and accurate review.
Thanks TMF for this great review. Born in 1960, this bike is for me a piece of nostalgia. As you are aware, I am a big fan of the Triumph Tiger 1200 but if I was looking to buy a naked bike this one would stand a big chance as I find him even more beautiful than before. Merry X-mas
Love the auto generated captions in the intro of the video
Hey Missenflyer, kids here, we're well, thanks
Well at least no blurring of the speedo required on the review! The camera work look fine to me. Thanks TMF
As always a nice honest review, have to agree the looks are not the best unless you want to hark back to the 90's and this was the machine you dreamed of but couldn't afford in your youth. For me I have to be able to look at the bike and instantly get that smile which says to the world "You love the looks and the fun you are going to have on her"
As always thanks for sharing and hey have a fab Christmas and a splendid 2020
You too Shane - thanks for all your support this year!
Harking back to the 80s rather than the 90s. I love the look 😍
Great review as usual, watching you take that road from Aylesbury to wing via Rowsham I have taken that road so many times I HATED it !! With the slow traffic I could feel my stress levels going up as I watched your review😂😉
Good honest review. Happy Christmas.
Andy, the vid is great and your comment about a bike that should make you smile as this is what riding a bike is all about is correct. Meanwhile I found why I dont like this new Katana - I expected to see the old Katana sensibly modernized. In my books Suzuki missed a chance to bring back a famous bike of the past. The 12 litre tank is just one aspect and black isn't the colour of choice. Stay safe
If you enjoy riding motorbikes then any two wheeled powered machine can be fun to ride. To want to own and cherish a motorcycle you need to love the way it looks and for that reason this bike will just not sell well.
Yep I completely agree with you Banditman. I haven't seen one on public roads yet. But Suzuki seems to be dropping the ball lately
I think a very fair review of the bike. I happen to like the looks, but understand the marmite nature of them. The range is an oversight, although for a weekend warrior, perhaps not so much of a concern. If the Z900rs didn't exist, then this would be my weekend mount. Cheers.
Good Video TMF. Merry Christmas to you and your Family.
...and to you Lyn, thanks for your support and encouragement this year...
Best wishes for Xmas to all and ride safe 👍
Tried the Katana and the RS. I loved the RS but somehow it didn't quite make me want to buy one. The Katana is way better looking in real life than any photos or video and had that something extra. Perhaps it's the extra grin factor. Anyway, Katana now in garage.
Nice one - whatever works for you is the right choice!
Nice little vid. I really do like the bike but don't know if I could justify it being my only bike. Although I did used to have an RGV250 which was a pure fun bike & that had a 90 mile tank which I don't recall being a massive problem. I guess you've got to be certain what you're buying it for & that you can live with it.
Which bike would you choose based strictly on fun factor between the katana, Z900rs , rninet or the cb1000r? Thanks for the excellent videos as always
Z900RS
great bike, comfort power,
I don't dislike the looks but the price and running costs of these modern large capacity bikes puts me off. Camera works fine. How do you get home when you return the bikes? Do you leave yours with them during the test period? Thanks for all the great reviews this year Nd have a merry Christmas.
Yes I tend to leave one of my bikes at the manufacturer concerned.....(and it's usually hastily moved out of the press area and covered up!)
Hello. Can i ask how is Katana compaired to Z900RS ? Can you make a comparison video please? Thank you very much
given only 10 years experience you should try older machines for comparo........Ive been riding since '75..........Suzuki GT250 ram air :)
Camera looks to be operating great. Are you thinking of trying an Insta360 one X camera, seen it on test on Andy's Motorcycle Obsessions, looks amazing.
Toying with the idea....
I don’t think you need to have been riding bikes during a particular era to appreciate bikes of said era. I love GOOD bikes from any era.
Hi TMF ,do the markings that look like teeth on the roads indicate a reduction in speed coming?
No - they are the run up to crossings or schools - basically you can't overtake in that zone...
Am I the only one who thinks GoPro are getting worse with picture quality? When we get the picture from the GoPro 8 it's very dark with poor contrast and when we get the picture from the "old" GoPro 4 (I assume it is?) it's a bright color full picture with lots of contrast! 🙄 Might be me that's getting a grumpy old man 😂 Picture a side I always enjoy your reviews/videos Andy 👍 and I wish your family and you a merry Christmas 🎅🎄🤶 with lots of Motorbike presents 🏍️ Regards from one of your Danish kids 🇩🇰
I agree with the camera bit! It must be true since I live in Denmark aswell! Glædelig jul!
I agree, I've used the Hero 4 for ages and don't see the advantage of upgrading.
@KEITH FLOYD'S FINAL INTERVIEW As far as I know, Andy (TheMissendenFlyer) is a private person reviewing motorbikes and stuff related to those and putting the Video's on RUclips for free, so I can certainty understand he's not buying camera's costing 10 grand or more! If you view video's from other professional RUclipsr's reviewing motorbikes, most uses Gopro for their video's!
I personally enjoy watching Andy and have learnt a thing or two following him, so my point was, that the GoPro 8 seems to produce a poorer picture than the GoPro 4, which is a bit of a contradiction (series 8 should be a big evolution to a series 4 from the same Brand).
Although you are clearly negative Keith, I still whish you a Merry Christmas 🎅🎄🤶 and a Happy New Year 🎊🍾🎉 Kind Regards from Claus
Agree, picture quality at times is bad and so I stopped watching.
My old Ducati 1100 Hypermotard had a twelve litre tank. I was always planning my trips around fuel stops. 😨
Could the fueling issues happen in warmer weather perhaps? That's what happens on my old SRAD. Overheats and becomes jerky.
Maybe!
Got a nostalgic love for the Suzuki engine, thinking a Gsxs1000f will be the next addition to the stable. 👍
It´s kind of awkward look, but I would buy it.
I’m between this and a z900rs. Although I admit the katana is only an option because they haven’t sold well so there are 2 year old new bikes going for under $10k USD. I’m pretty sure I can overlook some short comings for the price.
Yes a lovely bike to ride if you can live with the looks for sure.... a bargain!
Agreed, amazing engine!
90 mile range?????? Sometimes (well, always) I'm frustrated by my Tenere's lack of power BUT if you hold your nerve you can just about squeeze 300 miles out of it - ideal for the commuting and touring I use it for. Horses for courses I know but 90 miles is just a useless toy.
While I'm here, a very Happy Christmas to you & thanks for all the entertainment this year - great shame we've lost teapotone but still brightens a day when a new one lands from your good self.
Bruce will be back - I'm sure of it!
Had the original katana in 93 and it had oil leaks every where .hope theve solved this ...
Good second video of the katana. I like the looks of the katana but I got mt10 so I must like weird looking bikes thanks from danny
The MT10 may look a little weird but it's the best bike I've ever owned in nearly 40 years of riding.
@@Banditmanuk yes brilliant bike as you said best bike you had and same for me.
Perhaps take the Honda CB1000R out as a comparison test.
53mpg x 12 L = 138 miles
How much did you fill it up with? Because it's got a theoretical range greater than all the bikes we rode in the 90s.
I think Andy was riding and ‘flying’ at the same time..⁉️
@@anthonycharlton8491 Yea maybe I missed the video where he's not stuck in traffic.
@ Nigel Ren. 🏍.... 🌬.... 🚛
Yes he must have ridden with the ‘taps’ open....
They should make a 750 version of this bike! As long as the fuel tank was the same as the GSX-S 😆
Looks like it fell out the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Good review as usual.
Camera is fine, but the visor up and down is a bit annoying. Lamp chop doesn't do it etc
We can't all be as good as Lamb Chops - sorry...
@@TheMissendenFlyer 😂.... Are you still flying?
@@TheMissendenFlyer and I fully share your opinion with the bike
Its Suzuki's take on the nostalgia market, so compared to triumph Bonneville or BMW r nine t or perfect example Kawasaki z900 ( ooo I'm droolin) it's not hit the mark, may be a rehash of gs1000 or the 750 kettle (2 stroke) would have worked for present market.
I am shocked you have only been biking 10 years I was late in life been riding 20 years
Better late than never! 😉
They could have made the bike electric and likely would have had a longer range than that 12l tank ;)
On the bright side, you can fill up 12l quicker than you can fill up 17 :)
It is definitely a bike that divides opinion... I'm not a fan of black bikes but I love the look of the black one, in the flesh it is stunning!! I did however buy the GSX-S750 in white instead... mainly because I am still on a journey up the BHP table. Another Suzuki with a "creamy smooth" engine! Just a point on the Hero 8 doing your rear view... Give the Insta360 ONE X a try. It has brilliant stabilization and you can make it as wide as you like. Not very robust though and the batteries are pants but you can easily attach a powerbank to extend battery life. Good synopsis on the Kat though. Cheers.
ruclips.net/video/jwitvue1Lp8/видео.html
Even a mediocre bike like this knocks spots off most 70's machines..(Z1300 excluded of course!)
What spoils it for me is the ridiculous handlebars. The original had sports bars whereas this has wide bars that require you to sit straight up. It’s meant to be a cafe racer type bike, not a commuter.
Stupid small capacity too.
Suzuki missed the mark by a long way with this. What a travesty.
Hi TMF, The GoPro 8 footage seemed dark. When you changed camera views the camera mounted to your helmet had a definite brighter and clearer view.
My opinion on the Katana (for what it’s worth) handlebars are too high and it’s only vaguely reminiscent of the original model. I own a current GSXS1000 and I wouldn’t swap it for the new Katana...and that’s sad to say as l must confess to being a long time Suzuki fan. I think that Suzuki just didn’t get it right.
All the best for Christmas 🎄👍.
Cheers.
You too - cheers Peter....
Never re introduce an old name.. Suzuki Cornetto would have done. I think its a mean looking bike. Does anybody know an 'Adolph'? Exactly..
I honestly don’t see the point in this bike. Suzuki could have done something with their other bikes instead. How about a sports tourer?
Like the GSX-S 1000. Don't like this version.
Did you ever ride it ?
Didn't like original looked a moose, this one looks same
FIRST!!!
Lol posted 4 minutes after a 7 minute long review was uploaded.
Impressive
urbanfireblade : Perhaps Peter Forster watched the video at double-speed.
@@PVAPPE I can comment and watch at the same time. I have a keyboard attached to my PC....;-)
@@PVAPPE Tbf, after 6mins it wasn't really about the bike but couldn't resist jumping on his comment lol. Sorry Peter!
Look mate, it's not creamy smooth. I've ridden the GSXS-1000f and that has the same engine and it is COARSE, and not smooth at all. At 3-4000 revs it buzzes annoyingly. It's not creamy smooth, you are talking crap. I have been riding bikes for 38 years, and you haven't, you are talking crap.
Merry Christmas to you sir and thanks for watching!
whined your neck in, it’s Christmas
blimey, tmf is giving us his opinion. You cant please everyone. It sounds "creamy smoove" on the video. It sounds excellent. What a beautiful bike. That engine is a real peach according to missenden flyer.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Stay cool and have a nice and merry Christmas! Sorry for the rant but i'd had a few pre-Christmas gin and tonics and the truth will always come out. I love your vids but like to give my honest opinion! Cheers!
@@markpeter1968 and i was only giving my opinion. The thing is, i have ridden that same GSX engine so surely i qualify to give an opinion, a different opinion.
Hey TMF! Cheers for downvoting all my comments. Don't worry, this is the last one. By the way, I watched your last Spain ride. You turn-in too early into corners.
What’s downvoting?
I wouldn't know how to down vote a comment - I can assure you I haven't! ...and thanks for the advice!
The bike is disgustingly hideous. Ugliest bike I’ve ever looked at, just as bad in person.
paintup46 so what are you saying???
Actually, I agree 👍🏻
Ye, but ye but well, errrr Im old I could not afford one when they first came out, you can compare it now to the h2 kawi, it was the fasted bike around in its day it was futuristic it was the bike you wanted but could not afford. To the point I would and may get an original (still a head Turner to a chap of a certain age) but no way on new model.