11th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a move that marks a significant shift in its big-bike strategy for the Indian market, Suzuki Motorcycle India has silently discontinued the Katana.
Suzuki Katana Discontinued India
The supernaked, with its distinctive retro-inspired styling and modern performance, had been the brand’s only 1000cc supernaked offering in the country for a little over three years.
Its quiet departure leaves a noticeable void in Suzuki’s premium motorcycle lineup, raising questions about the company’s future plans for the high-capacity segment.
Launched in July 2022, the Katana was an intriguing proposition. It was powered by a potent 999cc, four-cylinder engine derived from the renowned GSX-S1000.
This K5-derived motor was a powerhouse, churning out a respectable 152hp and 106Nm of torque. The motorcycle’s chassis components were also borrowed from the GSX-S1000, ensuring a capable and engaging ride.
However, what truly set the Katana apart was its polarizing design, which paid homage to the legendary original Katana from the 1980s. Its edgy, sharp styling was a bold throwback to a classic era, a stark contrast to the aggressive, futuristic designs of most modern superbikes.
Despite its impressive specifications and unique aesthetic appeal, the Suzuki Katana never managed to gain a strong foothold in the Indian market.
In a segment where brand value, raw performance, and a strong online presence often dictate sales, the Katana struggled to capture the imagination of prospective customers.
While it ticked the fundamental boxes that a traditional Indian superbike buyer looks for—the exhilarating inline-four engine sound and the rock-solid Japanese reliability—it failed to translate these attributes into significant sales figures.
The challenges faced by the Katana were multifaceted. One of the primary hurdles was its price point. With a last recorded ex-showroom price of Rs 13.61 lakh in Delhi, it was positioned in a highly competitive space.
Its main rival, the recently launched Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, was priced more competitively at Rs 12.36 lakh. This price discrepancy, coupled with the Katana’s unique but not universally loved styling, made it a tough sell.
Dealerships were often forced to offer significant discounts, sometimes in the six-figure range, just to clear inventory, a clear indicator of its struggle to find a buyer base.
The discontinuation of the Katana leaves a gaping hole in Suzuki’s big-bike portfolio. The company no longer has a 1000cc four-cylinder naked motorcycle in India.
Currently, Suzuki’s premium lineup consists of just three models: the iconic Hayabusa (Rs 16.90 lakh), which continues to be the flagship, and the more recent GSX-8R (Rs 9.25 lakh) and V-Strom 800DE (Rs 10.30 lakh).
Both the latter models are powered by the same 776cc parallel-twin engine, showcasing a shift in Suzuki’s focus towards middleweight and adventure-tourer segments.
While the company has recently resurrected the GSX-R1000R superbike globally, there is no official word on whether the big “Gixxer” will make its return to Indian shores.
The absence of a strong 1000cc naked offering from Suzuki means that enthusiasts will now have to turn to other brands for their fix.
For a brand with a legacy of producing legendary superbikes, this is a surprising and potentially risky strategy. The market, though niche, is a crucial space for building brand image and generating excitement among enthusiasts.
The demise of the Suzuki Katana in India is a case study in how even a great motorcycle can fail to find its footing in a demanding and price-sensitive market.
Despite its heritage, impressive performance, and unique design, it ultimately succumbed to a combination of factors, including its high price, niche appeal, and fierce competition.
For those who did purchase one, the Katana remains a rare and unique machine.
For the rest of us, it’s a sad farewell to a bike that promised a blend of old-school soul with new-age fury, leaving us to wonder when, or if, Suzuki will fill the 1000cc-sized hole it has created in its lineup.
For more: Suzuki Katana Discontinued India