YOSHIMURA SUZUKI KATANA

Katana: yes, it means blade.

The sort of blade a Samurai warrior uses.
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Could there be a better name for a weapon of such brute delicacy? We don’t think so.

There’s a zennish conundrum at the heart of the Suzuki Katana – especially this one, which was raced in the AMA champs by legendary racer David Aldana, for equally legendary Superbike pioneer ‘Pops’ Yoshimura.

The styling is a little awkward – especially on the stock version of the bike (below) – but there’s something off kilter, yet elegant about it too.

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The awkwardness probably comes from the design being outsourced to Target Design – a German agency that was commissioned to revamp Suzuki’s aesthetic at the end of the 1970s. At the time there were the predictable purist sneers.

The Katana always felt a little left field – but now, with minds opening up the world over to fusions of all colour and creed –

– it is looking better than ever.

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CLOSER TO THE EDGE

Whatever you think of the ethical whys and wherefores of the Isle of Man TT, hold tight until 22 April, when the the 3D documentary Closer to the Edge will hit screens all over the UK.

It focuses on self-style maverick Guy Martin and his love of Road Racing – and examines the motivations, action and consequences of some of the most dangerous racing ever taken on by man and machine.

Not having seen the film at time of writing we can’t really comment – but we’ve always been of the opinion that danger is an inherent and wholly understood aspect of motor racing of all kinds.

As long as there are roads and machines, men and women are going to want to race them – no matter what the consequences.

Look out for the movie. It’s bound to be a worthwhile watch.

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