What is the difference between a Yamaha XSR900 GP and a Suzuki Katana?

Retro throwbacks capture the spirit of nameplates that enjoyed much success back in the day. We check out two styling schemes that rode high on reputation in the past but have since enjoyed a resurgence.

Lawrence Minnie

2 May 2025 · 14:54Buying a Bike1 min read

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Throwback showdown

Consumers generally enjoy a good modern retro bike. Bike manufacturers have gotten pretty good at making these throwback specials. These bikes cram new technology and updated styling into a bike that harkens back to the glory days of these models. There is a certain appeal to the nostalgia invoked by these names or styling packages, and consumers will gladly pay to get a piece of those memories.

Related: What is the difference between a Kawasaki Ninja 500 and a CF Moto 450 SR-S?

Two bikes that have perfectly captured this are the Yamaha XSR900 GP and the Suzuki Katana. The XSR900 captures the spirit of early Grand Prix racing with its bright colour scheme and styling, while the Katana falls back on a fierce nameplate that lays claim to the styling that modern sportbikes enjoy. These bikes share much, but how different are they?

Suzuki Katana (2023) Review

Specifications

	Yamaha XSR 900 GP	Suzuki Katana
Engine	890 cm³4-stroke Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valves 3-cylinder	999cm³ 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission	6-speed sequential, wet multi-disc clutch	6-speed sequential constant mesh
Power figures	87kW / 93Nm	112kW / 106Nm
Top speed	235km/h	240km/h
Suspension Front	KYB 41mm upside-down telescopic forks	KYB 43mm inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-damped 120mm travel
Suspension Rear	KYB Link type suspension, Swingarm	63mm travel link type, coil spring, oil-damped monoshock
Brakes Front	Hydraulic dual disc Ø 298 mm, 4 piston calliper	Brembo 4 piston calliper 310mm dual disc
Brakes Rear	Hydraulic single disc Ø 245 mm, 1 piston calliper	Nissin 1 piston calliper 240mm single disc
Fuel Tank (litres)	14l	12l
Fuel Consumption	5 L/ 100km	5.6 L / 100km
Weight	200kg	215kg
Seat Height	835mm	825mm
Price	R 269 950	R 232 950
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

Verdict

From a power-to-cost perspective, the Katana is an incredible value proposition if you're in the market. Both machines have a history that they harken back to, and both offer an incredible riding experience. We, however, would take the Katana in a heartbeat. It offers a greater range of power, comfort, and heritage.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more