Sport bike skirmish: Suzuki Katana vs. Honda CB 1000R

The Suzuki Katana is a motorcycle that lives up to its namesake

Sport bike skirmish: Suzuki Katana vs. Honda CB 1000R

Sport motorcycles are a popular breed of motorcycles and we understand why.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What powers the Suzuki Katana?

    The Suzuki Katana is powered by a 999cc engine.
  • How much is the Suzuki Katana?

    The Suzuki Katana is priced at P817,000.
  • They’re versatile rides that pack a beefy engine capable of taking on both short and long trips with ease. Plus, they have just the right amount of fairings that they catch one’s attention without making you look like you’re competing in the current MotoGP season.

    On that note, we take a look at two of some of the more popular sport bikes on offer in the Philippines today — the Suzuki Katana and the Honda CB 1000R. Let’s take a quick dive at what these two-wheeled steeds have to offer to find out which of them suits you best.

    Join us in this sport bike skirmish.

    Body, appearance

    First up, the Suzuki Katana.

    Like its namesake, the motorcycle’s look and appearance boasts sharp lines and aggressive accents that — according to the brand itself — were “forged to perfection and polished to a magnificent radiance.”

    At the front is a tapered fascia with a boxy headlight flanked by aggressive-looking fairings with turn signals on each side. Sitting above is a small wind shield while below is a short front fender that houses the motorcycle’s 17-inch wheel wrapped with 120/70 tubeless tires.

    Suzuki Katana from Suzuki PH

    The side profile of the Suzuki Katana flaunts a beefy build with most of the motorcycle’s mid-section taken up by its large engine. Its generous 12-liter fuel tank is covered by durable-looking fairings that both serve as protective claddings while offering some aerodynamic advantages.

    At this angle, one can also see the Suzuki Katana’s sexy saddle, solid metal foot pegs, short and stout exhaust pipe, as well as the engine guard that offer some sort of protection for the motorcycle’s underbody components.

    The rear end of the Suzuki Katana is emphasized by its tapered tail that holds the rear lamp. A very small rear fender can be seen under the motorcycle’s tail and has an extended arm that acts as the holder for the number plate and the bracket for the rear turn signals that stick to the side.

    Here, one will also find the Suzuki Katana’s 17-inch rear wheel with 190/ tubeless tires.

    On the other hand, the Honda CB 1000R dons a neo sports cafe look, and from a distance, resembles the silhouette of a Husky (Husqvarna).

    That said, it offers a very different vibe than the Suzuki Katana as it wears rounded headlamps, two turn signals on each of the side of the fascia, and no windshield. Since the front end does not have any cowling, its long and girthy front suspension can easily be noticed from the said angle.

    The Honda CB 1000R is fitted with a short front fender that holds a 17-inch wheel shod in 120/70 tires.

    Its flanks are somewhat bare with the majority of the engine exposed. On that note, the naked underside of the Honda CB 1000R adds some level of angst to the sultry sport bike. The large powerplant is complemented by a similarly large fuel tank that can hold more thanks to its 16.2-liter capacity.

    Other notable features found on the side of the Honda CB 1000R include its sleek seats, durable-looking foot pegs, and bulky exhaust pipe.

    The back of the Honda CB 1000R flaunts a taillamp that echoes the same design as what can be found at the front. Likewise, the rear turn signals have the same angular design as the ones at the fore.

    A small mudguard serves as the rear fender of the Honda CB 1000R and houses a 17-inch wheel with 190/55 tires.

    Overall, the looks of both the Suzuki Katana and the Honda CB 1000R represent the two ends of the style spectrum. So, we’ll call this round a tie.

    Engine, power

    The Suzuki Katana is equipped with a 999 cubic centimeter (cc) engine mated to a six-speed constant mesh transmission system. The Euro 4-compliant mill is fuel-injected and is liquid-cooled.

    Stopping power is facilitated by twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear.

    Honda CB 1000R from Honda PH

    Meanwhile, the Honda CB 1000R is slapped with a 998cc powerplant paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The engine is also liquid-cooled.

    For its brakes, Honda gave the CB 1000R double discs at the front and a single disc brake at the rear.

    While both motorcycles are neck and neck in this round, we give the win to the Suzuki Katana for having just a slightly larger engine displacement.

    Variants and pricing

    • Suzuki Katana: P817,000
    • Honda CB 1000R: 865,000

    Verdict

    The Suzuki Katana is a good choice for those in the market for a dependable sport bike.

    Not only does the motorcycle have eye-catching looks but it also boasts a capable engine to help its owners go to places where the average motorcycle couldn’t. That said, the victor of this matchup is the Suzuki Katana.

    Photos from Suzuki Philippines Incorporated and Honda Philippines Incorporated

    Also read:

    Suzuki GSX-R 1000R: Top 3 reasons to buy

    Lightweight naked bike battle: Suzuki GSX S150 vs. Yamaha MT15

    Suzuki Gixxer 250: A backbone motorcycle worth buying?

    Paulo Papa

    Paulo Papa

    Fueled by his passion for cars and a good dose of caffeine, Paulo loves taking his readers for an exciting spin with his writing. A self proclaimed nerd, epigrammatic writer, and a doting father. 

    Read Full Bio

    Suzuki Katana vs Honda CB1000R Comparison

    Suzuki Motorcycle Models

    • Suzuki Raider R150 Fi
      Suzuki Raider R150 Fi
    • Suzuki Burgman Street
      Suzuki Burgman Street
    • Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EX
      Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EX
    • Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
      Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
    • Suzuki Gixxer FI
      Suzuki Gixxer FI
    • Suzuki Gixxer 250
      Suzuki Gixxer 250
    • Suzuki Gixxer SF250
      Suzuki Gixxer SF250
    • Suzuki Skydrive Sport
      Suzuki Skydrive Sport
    • Suzuki Avenis
      Suzuki Avenis
    • Suzuki GSX-S750
      Suzuki GSX-S750
    Suzuki Motorcycles Price

    PIMS 2024

    You might also be interested in

    • News
    • Featured Stories

    Compare & Recommended

    Suzuki Katana
    Yamaha XSR900
    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
    BMW F 900 R
    Aprilia RS660
    Power 148
    117
    126
    105
    100
    Maximum Torque 108 Nm
    93 Nm
    70.8 Nm
    92 Nm
    67 Nm
    Seat Height 825 mm
    810 mm
    830 mm
    815 mm
    -
    ABS Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Pass Switch Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Riding Modes Road, Race
    Sport
    Road, Race
    Road
    Road, Race
    Rear Brake Disc
    Disc
    Disc
    Disc
    Disc
    Front Brake Dual Disc
    Dual Disc
    Disc
    Dual Disc
    Disc
    Compare Now

    Trending Sport

    Suzuki Katana Motorcycle Articles From Carmudi

    • journal
    • advice
    • insurance
    • Suzuki PH expands Gixxer lineup with SF 155 launch
      Suzuki PH expands Gixxer lineup with SF 155 launch
      Ruben Manahan IV, Today
    • Honda PH rider finishes 11th in 2024 IATC Round 4
      Honda PH rider finishes 11th in 2024 IATC Round 4
      Paulo Papa, Oct 11, 2024
    • Royal Enfield launches 'Borderless Warranty Program'
      Royal Enfield launches 'Borderless Warranty Program'
      Ruben Manahan IV, Oct 10, 2024
    • SPH to bring Suzuki Gixxer SF 155?
      SPH to bring Suzuki Gixxer SF 155?
      Ruben Manahan IV, Oct 09, 2024
    • Yamaha Motor PH welcomes new President
      Yamaha Motor PH welcomes new President
      Paulo Papa, Oct 07, 2024
    • Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Motorcycle
      Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Motorcycle
      Cherryl Anne Cruz, Jul 21, 2017
    • Insurance for Motorcycles
      Insurance for Motorcycles
      Cherryl Anne Cruz, Jul 21, 2017

    Compare

    You can add 3 variants maximum*