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Suzuki has discontinued the Katana in India after a brief threeyear stint. With the Suzuki Katana discontinued, people looking for a big fourcylinder option from Suzuki have just one choice — the Suzuki Hayabusa. The last recorded price of the Suzuki Katana in India was recorded at Rs 13.61 lakh, exshowroom.

Suzuki Katana — What made it special?

The name ‘Katana’ has been around for many years now in the global market, and with the latest motorcycle, Suzuki offered a good mix of retro styling, modern equipment, and safety features. The half front fairing and the square headlight gave the motorcycle an unmistakable identity in the litreclass sport naked category.

However, what made it shine was the 999cc, inline fourcylinder engine — a trademark Japanese feature. The engine made a healthy 150 bhp and 106 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a sixspeed gearbox with a quickshifter, and the motorcycle features a host of Suzuki’s latest electronic aids for safety.

The motorcycle featured Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Suzuki Traction Control System (STSC), Ridebywire Electronic Throttle System, Bidirectional Quick Shift System, Suzuki Easy Start System, and Low RPM Assist.

On the equipment front, the motorcycle is suspended by fully adjustable USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, runs on 17inch cast alloy wheels and gets disc brakes at both ends.

Why did the Katana fail in India?

While the Suzuki Katana ticked all the boxes one would want from a litreclass Japanese sport naked, it somehow never managed to rake in sales numbers. The motorcycle was frequently seen with massive discounts across the country. However, for the handful of customers who bought the motorcycle, they are content. The only other competitor in the segment was the Honda CB1000 Hornet, which is now the only option.

Currently, if one is looking at a fourcylinder option from Suzuki, the Hayabusa is the only choice. If not the flagship Busa, one has to pick from the VStrom 800 DE or the GSX8R, which are both powered by a 776cc, paralleltwin engine. Suzuki has also resurrected the GSXR1000R, but there is no word if the flagship litreclass sportbike will make it to India.