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Suzuki introduces reborn Katana motorcycle

At the Cologne INTERMOT motorcycle show, Suzuki has shown its all-new Katana bike. The model brings back the classic, sword-referencing Katana name, which the manufacturer first used in 1980 — that bike, the GSX1100S Katana, was also unveiled in Cologne all those years ago. The bike utilizes a modified version of the GSX-R1000 engine in a lightweight, twin-spar aluminum frame. The engine's 150 peak horsepower comes at 10,000 rpm; the bike weighs 474 pounds. There's a fully digital gauge cluster, complete with the classic Katana logo. The bike's styling is quite dynamic, as if it were in fact sliced into completion using a Japanese sword. It is highly reminiscent of the Katana 3.0 concept Suzuki showed last year at EICMA — consider the new Katana a road-going version of the concept bike. The stacked headlight has LED running lights, and the taillight, fitted in the angular tail, also comprises LEDs. The plate in turn is fixed on a swingarm extension, as near the rear tire as possible. There are fully adjustable 43mm USD front forks and an adjustable rear shock from KYB, Brembo brakes from the GSX-R1000 and Bosch ABS. A three-mode traction control system is included, but it can also be excluded via switching it off. The system monitors wheel speeds, throttle and crank position, adjusting timing and air delivery to reduce engine output when it notices wheelspin. The related GSX-R1000 and R1000R models are also updated; the latter gets an adjustable swingarm pivot and new stainless steel braided brake hoses. The R1000R's bi-directional quickshifter and auto-blipper are now standard on the R1000, enabling smoother gearshifts. The Katana and the updated GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R reach dealers in spring 2019. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2020 Suzuki Katana View 13 Photos Image Credit: Suzuki Suzuki Motorcycle Bikes intermot suzuki gsx-r1000

The Suzuki Misano is a concept car inspired by motorcycles

Lately, concept cars have become showcases of touchscreens and batteries, but remember not that long ago when they used to get you excited about automobiles, driving, and design? Now Suzuki, of all companies, has unveiled a concept that brings us back to the stirring show cars from a bygone era. The Suzuki Misano is a low-slung, open-top sports car that asks the question, what if there was a four-wheeled motorcycle? Inspired by the Japanese firm's long history of high-performance two-wheelers, the Misano seeks to "merge the adrenaline rush on two wheels with the driving experience on four." The Misano caps off a thesis project for 24 students of transportation design at Istituto Europeo di Design Torino with collaboration from Suzuki. It has a footprint of 157 inches by 69 inches, or about the length of a BMW i3 and the width of a VW Polo. Its height, however, measures only 39 inches, about 50 percent shorter than a Toyota Yaris hatchback. Like concept cars of old, the Misano does pack in one wacky idea that has no chance of making it into production. It offers a tandem 1+1 seating position, even though it's wide enough for a side-by-side construction. Not only that, but the seats are off to one side. We would've expected a side-mounted motorcycle engine on the other, but it actually contains a trunk and small battery pack. Presumably, the Misano is an EV. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Strictly speaking, it's a barchetta because it has no mechanism for covering the cockpit and barely a windscreen. In lieu of a steering wheel, the car is controlled by what the IED statement calls a motorcycle-inspired yoke. Clear openings in the doors provide a view of the road that only a motorcycle can match. It's not the first time Suzuki has answered the question of a four-wheeled motorcycle. In 2001, it showed the Hayabusa-powered GSX-R/4 concept, which featured a more traditional seating position. The Misano is just the right amount of beautiful design and bonkers-ness that makes you wish for an alternate universe where it would make it into production. But alas, we know it'll be a miracle if Suzuki ever makes a sports car again. If you happen to be in Italy and want to check out the Misano for yourself, it will be on display at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile di Torino from Saturday May 15th to Sunday June 6th 2021. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party.

Motorcyclist lucky to escape with life after 100-mph crash

A motorcyclist tried to run from the California Highway Patrol in San Diego in the wee hours of February 9, but things didn't quite work out as he planned. In fact, the fleeing rider is lucky to be alive after colliding with a Kia at over 100 miles per hour during, ending, rather abruptly, the pursuit. The video on The San Diego Union-Tribune below shows the collision, but you might need to watch it a few times to see what happens. The bike shoots by in a flash, and then there are suddenly sparks when the cycle hits the rear of the car. Watch the left side of shot to see the rider standing by the median after the crash. Police quickly arrive to the scene to apprehend him. The guy is wearing a helmet but understandably appears to be in pain after the high-speed accident. The crash ripped the front end off the rider's Suzuki, but the Kia's driver wasn't harmed – though clearly shaken. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, police took the motorcycle rider to the hospital to treat undisclosed injuries. What's Now: A motorcyclist going at least 100 mph slammed into the back of a car on I-805 early this morning. Remarkably, he was left standing on his own two feet before being arrested. Story: sdut.us/1TaOjDM Posted by The San Diego Union-Tribune on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Related Video: