Suzuki just released its third teaser video of its upcoming superbike on its YouTube channel. While the first and second teaser videos didn’t reveal much, the third one reveals part of the bike's tank and it looks similar to the one on the 2017 concept bike (based on the GSX-S1000F) that was on display at EICMA 2017. All three teasers also gave away the October 2 unveil date at INTERMOT 2018.
However, before these teasers were dropped, leaked documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office stated that on February 8, 2018, Suzuki filed a new application for the name ‘Katana’ along with the Japanese character mark and a sword logo. This confirmed the re-introduction of this motorcycle to Suzuki’s line-up.
To give you a brief history, the Katana was first designed in 1979 by German company Target Design, for Suzuki. The company used the name for its semi-faired sport-touring motorcycles in circulation between 1981 and 2006. The Japanese bike maker produced 550cc, 650cc, 750cc and 1,100cc displacement Katanas, of which the 1,100cc model was the most popular.
While we aren’t sure what engine will power the upcoming Katana there are rumours that it could be turbocharged. Rumours also suggest that the factory title for the upcoming production bike is GSX700T (implying a 700cc turbocharged motor), but it could hit the market under the Katana nametag.
Stay tuned for more information on this upcoming motorcycle when it is completely revealed at the INTERMOT show in two weeks’ time.