THE KATANA, ZEN AND I

The new Katana is a godsend in a world where so many bikes look alike. It was the same back in the 1980s when the first Katanas were released. I still vividly remember the first Katana I laid eyes on, a GS650G, and it was love at first sight. I was 19 and the Katana mantra “Give Them the Sword” became etched into my psyche.

The new Katana is a case of déjà vu. Just like my first Katana back in the ’80s, the new version feels just right in every respect, like a hand in a well-fitting glove. The new Katana also evokes feelings long forgotten. There’s the excitement and anticipation before every ride. There’s the grin every time the throttle is opened. There’s the feeling of contentment regardless of the road being travelled and there’s the Zen enlightenment when nothing else matters other than the here and now.

Riding the new Katana is all about the moment, just like it was back in the ‘80s. Bikes that elicit those sorts of feelings are very special. The new Katana does