The original SUZUKI KATANA, released in 1981, has been so popular worldwide, that the company unveiled the NEW KATANA in October 1983.

The 4 cylinder 1100ccm machine which was available outside of Japan due to restrictions on cubic size in Japan, became a very popular touring machine.

The Japanese motorcycle enthusiast also wanted this styling for their bikes in Japan and the SUZUKI came out with the 750ccm version for them. At this particular time, the HONDA CB 750 F was the number one seller, but with the release of the GSX 750 S KATANA, the competition became fierce.

This KATANA II had a front 16 inch and a read 17 inch wheel and the power was upgraded to 72 hp. Nothing dramatic but enough to keep up the good sales.

In October 1983, the Japanese motorcycle fans gathered for the opening of the annual manufactures showing of new bikes, and over the SUZUKI corner was the 3. generation of the KATANA.
It is a complete model change, not just a face-lift, and even more futuristic than before. Designed by the SUZUKI company, it still has the popular Hans A. Muth lines (but not designed by him), but now sports a fully retractable headlamp making the wedge shaped front end even sharper. The mechanics are based upon the original bike; however, with a new Positive Damping Fork (P.D.F.) in front. The famous motorcross Full Floater suspension is used for the rear wheel damping. Using an air cooled DOHC 16 valve, 4 cylinder engine of 747ccm's is develops a full 77 hp - in Europe 85 hp/9500 rpM (the instrument shows only 180 km/H sorry I have only the German version of speed). The center of gravity is a little lower than in the original model for even more stable running, and much of the new technology utilized in its design comes from SUZUKI's considerable knowledge of racing motorcycles.

To end an old rumour, even if we are now outed as not "real" Katana-riders...
...the NEW KATANA is NO Hans A. Muth Design. :-(

Only where the Katana-sign is original on it (or was on it), is Muth/Target the father/inventor of the design.

The pop-up-nose is developed in his style, a further Katana-design, but not of him.

Maybe a small comfort...
...he mentioned he would not had made it better and judged the design as very successful.
Mentioned when he was in June 1996 at the "Hard-Rock-Cafe" in Berlin to give a lecture.
Here are the pictures of the meeting with Hans Muth ->

Unfortunately it is often claimed, that this design is also by Muth.

Could the future look like this?

 To see the result go with the mouse over the picture.