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Edition:
Suzuki GS 550 M Katana - [1981]
This edition of the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1981. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1982 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk and the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim.This particular Suzuki GS 550 has a 549cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1981 GS 550 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the GS 550's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.1957 Norton Dominator 77 | 1957cc.
Weighing in at 215 kgs (473 lbs) this makes the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 549cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 53.7 bhp (40 kW) @ 9400 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 30.2 lb-ft (40.9 Nm) @ 8200 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki GS 550 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1996 Honda XR 400 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana.
The 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a Power to weight ratio of 249.7 bhp per ton and 140.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1981 GS 550 competing with the 1996 Honda XR 400 R [274.3 bhp\ton] and the 2001 Honda XR 400 R [274.3 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki GS 550 generating around 140.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1994 Yamaha WR 200 R [165.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 1991 Yamaha WR 200 R [165.5 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 14.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 15.1 secs, this makes the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana similar in acceleration to the 2017 Honda CB 500 F (14.8 secs) and the 2014 Honda CTX 1300 cc (14.8 secs). This Suzuki GS 550 M Katana also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana and the 1976 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC
When talking about the performance of the 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.7 secs @ 94 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1976 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (13.7 secs) and the 1992 Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow American Classic Edi (13.7 secs).
The 1981 version of the Suzuki GS 550 M Katana has a maximum speed of 104mph.
Top Speed of the 1981 GS 550 equals the 2022 Yamaha XP 560 T-Max
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1981 Suzuki GS 550 M Katana then how about a 2022 Yamaha XP 560 T-Max (115 mph) and the 2021 Yamaha XP 560 T-Max 20th Anniversary Edition (115 mph).
