1992 Suzuki GSX 400S Katana

Since its launch in 1981, this very iconic and recognizable bike designed by the German trio from BMW, then Target Design, set new trends in the biking world. You will find more detail and history under our GSX 1100S Katana write up.

10 Years on and Suzuki released an incredibly faithful reproduction of the original 1100cc, as a pocket rocket in the form of a 400cc, using the Suzuki Bandit motor as its heart. This little Katana sibling was primarily released to satisfy the current Japanese trend for “retro”styled bikes with a smaller bore. At a distance this little 400 Katana is almost indistinguishable from its larger ancestor.

This Baby Katana GSX 400S was so faithful in its recreation, even the wheel design mimicked the classic Suzuki cross-over star pattern, right down to the 17 inch rear wheel and 19 inch front wheel, true to the original. Clocks, fly-screen, two-tone front mudguard, sharkfin’s below the headlight, two-tone seat, 4-into-2 black chrome exhaust, dual rear shocks were all mirrored off the original. This siblings main deviations from the original are, wider tyres front and rear, upgraded brakes, no anti-dive front forks and most importantly and very cleverly concealed was the liquid cooled 400cc motor vs the original aircooled 1100cc. This was achieved by the cunning illusion of positioning the radiator high up, above the 4 header pipes, between the tiny quarter fairing. 

Basic Specifications:

• Engine – 399cc, four stroke, inline 4 cylinder transverse, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
• Bore x Stroke – 52x47mm
• Compression Ratio – 11.8:1
• Induction – Mikuni BST32 carburetors
• Transmission – 6 speed, wet multi-plate clutch
• Final Drive – Chain
• Tyres – front 100/80-18 , rear 140/70-17
• Weight – 182 dry
• Max Power – 39,5kW (53hp) @ 10500rpm
• Max Power – 38,2Nm @ 9500rpm