Performance names in Motorsport (cars and motorcycle) are scattered throughout history. As we age, we love to hear the names, Daytona, Bonneville, Cobra, GT, Bobber, and KATANA.
The Katana name , for many of us in the midlife days, is synonymous with performance. At once time, Suzuki even claimed it was the fastest performance bike ever (not that is actually was). This bike was cool. Aggressive, powerful, and edgy. During a time when American motorcycles were not in as much demand, the Suzuki Katana WAS SPORT.
Recently, Suzuki has been releasing teaser videos leading up to INTERMOT.
Memories Sell
Nostalgia and memories can anchor you to a feeling. Even it there might be other bikes with more performance, more technology, and more exotic, the Katana name for many of us will cause a second and even third glance. We like old school names with modern spin. The new Bonneville, the new Camero, the new Honda CB.
We want to forget the crap thats going on around us, twist the throttle, and have fun. As the new Katana is released, there will be many among us that flock to it because of that name. KATANA!
Since its also likely to not be a race bike, the ergonomics will be more appealing to the midlife crowd (dad jeans).
Suzuki needs a boost, while their GSX models are known for super bike performance, they have seemed to fall behind in popularity as a brand, from my uninformed and completely clueless opinion. Bringing back a model that lights a fire in forty something midlifers, might be a way for Suzuki to return to main street. Whats next? A new Cavalcade??
Looking forward to the release next month and a first hand look once its released.
Keep riding, whatever it is. Have fun, stay safe, and ride within your limits.