Developed out of the GSX1100E, the GSX1100S is renowned as a masterpiece to this day. Given a sensational welcome, it made a huge impact at the 1980 Cologne Motorcycle Show when its original design was unveiled. Production began the following year. The GSX1100S KATANA superbly combines a high-performance engine with sharp-edged styling based on a Japanese sword motif. The design of the GSX1100S attracted a great deal of attention, including the unique instrument cluster, synthetic suede seat cover, and large choke dial on the side cover. The model gained massive popularity throughout the world, becoming a long-running seller that was produced up to the year 2000. The KATANA series was expanded widely into variations including 750, 650, 400, 250, and 125 cm³ models, and has attracted a large number of customers.

The GSX1100S KATANA gained increasing popularity since its debut in 1981 as an export model. This model was launched for the domestic market to mark the removal of maximum motorcycle engine displacement limits in Japan. Retaining the imposing silhouette and styling that makes the KATANA unique, the GSX1100S also features a newly designed power-assisted clutch and a lighter clutch lever. Other enhancements include a temperature-stabilizing oil cooler and inverted gas shock absorbers with a separate tank in the rear cushion unit.

The 2019 KATANA was developed under the concept of “Forging a New Street Legend.” The result is a figurative expression of a master swordsmith hammering out steel and patiently forging it into an intimidating yet stylish blade. The new KATANA is designed with finely honed sword-like sharp flowing lines extending from the fuel tank to the edges of the chassis. The angular LED headlight and LED position lights shaped like the cutting edge of a sword at the lower extremities of the chassis result in a distinctive face inspired by the GSX1100S. The new KATANA combines an enhanced powerplant based on the 998 cm³ in-line 4-cylinder engine installed in the GSX-R1000 with a lightweight aluminum frame, as well as the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) designed to transfer the power of the engine to the road surface as efficiently as possible. This combination produces exhilarating acceleration as well as a comfortable riding experience. The new KATANA is also perfectly suited to city streets, featuring the Suzuki Easy Start System and the Low RPM Assist system to help realize smoother launches from a standing start.