Departure from tradition

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 11

Departure from tradition

By PETER BRITTENDEN Make no mistake, the new Suzuki Katana models are as. different from previous fourcylinder Suzuki road-bikes as chalk is from cheese. This statement was made by several people connected with the trade at the highly successful Two-Wheel Exhibition during the Easter break. To prove the point, I was given the opportunity to ride the 550 cu cm Katana model. As the picture indicates, the styling of the Katana models is very radical and

these differences extend, to some degree, to the handling and riding position of the 550. The ride of the 550 was of only limited distance. It was due to be taken over by one of the CHiPs riders who visited the Two-Wheel Exhibition before travelling further south on motor-cycles. The first real obvious change was the riding position. Instead of the usual “arm-chair” position, the Katana allows the rider to adopt a semi-racing crouch. Although not totally comfortable around town — especially for my short 172 cm

frame — the set-up is ideal for open road riding. The handling during this mini-test was only limited by the newness of the tyres. Ground clearance is certainly improved. On most corners the 550 tracks effortlessly and only a small amount of force is required on the handlebars. The finish is the usual high standard most riders have come to expect from machinery manufactured in Japan. Of special interest was the exhaust system. Anodising,

instead of black paint, is used to colour the pipes. Many people who saw the Katana models at the TwoWheel Exhibition commented on the courage of the Suzuki factory in producing motorcycles quite different from the mainstream of Japanese design.

The design of 95 per cent of the bikes produced in Japan fails to arouse any strong enthusiasm or dislike but the Katana models are bound to do just that. They are an exciting departure from tradition.