Hatsuyume SCOOP! Reissue of the first generation Katana at 400? Will 2026 be the year of the "Yonghyak?" This is the second article in a three-day series.

In this Webike Plus annual "New Year's Dream Scoop," we propose three motorcycles that many users would like to have in 2026, centered around the much-awaited and highly anticipated model that will make its debut in the year of the horse. We would like to propose three motorcycles that many users would like to have in the new year, centered around that model that is expected to make its debut in the year 2026. In this second installment of our three-day series, we take a look at the Suzuki version.

<Common Preamble> Will the second 400NK boom be here?

In 2026, the domestic version of the CB500 SuperFour announced in September 2025, the new CB400 SuperFour, is sure to make its debut. With its sibling, the full-cowl sport CBR400R FOUR, also expected to make its debut in Japan, Webike Plus predicts that 2026 will be the year when more attention will be paid to "Yonghyaks" than ever before.Although it is a Galapagos motorcycle with its own license system, the Yonhyoke is even lighter and more compact than the 600-class, which is considered easier to handle, and has excellent maneuverability with good footing. The number of motorcycle license holders is overwhelmingly large, with approximately 10.98 million holding a regular motorcycle license up to 400cc, compared to approximately 7.37 million holding a license for large motorcycles (accordingtoJAMA survey"2025 Japan's Automobile Industry").The year 2026 is expected to be the year of the Yonhyaku boom, but we would like to see another boom like the 400 naked (NK) boom that was triggered by the 1989 Kawasaki Zephyr (400). I think it is the best chance to dream of the return of the CB400 SuperFour.So, my first dream for 2026 is "Yonghyak NK in those days, again! The 400 cc, which is within easy reach in terms of price, will be the first dream of 2026. The affordable 400cc model is a strong candidate for young riders, and the lightweight and attractive YongHyakhas the potential to extend the motorcycle life of veterans who might be willing to ride a little longer. It would not be an exaggeration to say that "YongHyak will be the key to the domestic market for the next 10 years.Anyway, as this is my first dream, I hope you will enjoy reading this article with a dreamy mood and a little bit of alcohol from the toso (Japanese red wine).

Honda CB500 Super Fore unveiled at the Chongqing show in China in September 2025, with a newly developed 502cc engine and E-clutch, it is full of spirit in terms of content; a domestic version of the 400 is expected to appear at the East-West MC show in spring 2026.

CBR500R FOUR, an engine/body coercion of the CB500 SuperFour; the name, which does not refer to the RR, suggests a full-cowl all-rounder character, not a crunchy supersport.

This is a heart-throb! The "MUTO Katana" in Yonghyak!

Suzuki, with the DR-Z4S/SM launched in October 2025 and the SV-7GX unveiled at the Milano show in November, is expected to introduce the GSX-8T/TT in Japan in 2026. It is no exaggeration to say that Suzuki is the most active domestic manufacturer in the world today, and Webike Plus is paying close attention to them.However, these new models are not completely all-new, but rather are converted from existing engines with significant updates. In other words, if Suzuki wants the 400NK, the search for a base engine will have to come first. Webike Plus turned its attention to the GSX-R600, which is no longer available in Japan, but is still in use in North America, where emission regulations are different. We would like to dream of a scenario in which the bore and stroke of this engine are changed to 400cc.

The GSX-R600 (photo shows the 2025 model) will still be in service in North America in 2026. The basic content of the GSX-R600 follows that of the 2011 model, which underwent a major change.

The GSR400 was introduced in 2006, and is best known for a 2009 model change that produced 61 hp, the most powerful of any 400 up to that point. The engine is based on the GSX-R600 used until 2005, and is a different unit from the current model, with a different clutch shaft arrangement.

The Bandit 400 was introduced in 1989, and even today the design is still stunning, with its tubular steel truss frame, water-cooled but finely finned engine, and the beautiful curves of the exhaust pipes.

The GSX400 Impulse was introduced in 1994, in the midst of the naked boom. The "Type S" with a bikini cowl, a GS1000S replica, was added a little later (the photo shows a 1996 model with minor modifications).

I still think this is the one.... (pictured is a 1990 GSX1100S)

Suzuki released the GSX250S Katana in 1991 and the GSX400S Katana (pictured) the following year, both faithfully reproducing Hans Muth's design, and the 400 even had new star-spoke wheels (and 18-inch front).

GSX-4S KATANA (tentative name) CG

While faithfully reproducing Hans Muth's original Katana, the exterior was slightly modernized with a stronger edge. The headlights and gauges have been updated. The engine is based on the current GSX-R600, but with the latest GSX-R1000R-like embellishments. The frame is based on the GSX-8S/R, but the downdraft GSX-R series engine would be a bit tough. (GSX-8S series are side draft).

GSX-4S KATANA IMAGE CG]The design of the original Katana, which still exudes an irresistible charm, can be experienced in the familiar Yonhyoke. The name of the car is in the latest Suzuki style!

Color variation idea #1: Black exterior with gold legs is a classic, but the badass vibe goes well with the Katana!

Color variation idea #2: Black exterior will look great with red or other color wheels. It creates a modern atmosphere!

Color variation idea #3: Reproduce the special Candy Darling Red color of the current KATANA, which was released in 2020 in a limited edition of 100 units. Nice!

Color variation idea #4: Pearl Vigor Blue, introduced on the 2025 model of the current KATANA, would look great on the MUTO KATANA.

Color variation idea #5: A slightly less saturated blue for a fresh look.

Here is a small change. Even the silver color of the Katana's image is given a chic look with the Suzuki logo and blacked out seats. It looks very mature.

Here's another idea for a small change. A bit of line could be added to the bar-end mirrors for a more modern look!