1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 136.4 mph
Weight
243 kg / 535 lbs
1999 Triumph Daytona 955i 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
94.8 kW / 130 hp @ 9900 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h / 167.5 mph
Weight
198 kg / 436 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-1999
Model1985 - 89-
Make ModelSuzuki GSX 1100S KatanaTriumph Daytona 955i
Dimensions
Seat Height775 mm / 30.5 in800 mm / 31.5 in
Wheelbase1520 mm / 59.8 in1431mm / 56.3in
Ground Clearance175 mm / 6.9 in-
Height1195 mm / 47.0 in1170 mm / 46.1in
Length2260 mm / 89.0 in2115 mm / 83.3 in
Turning Circle3.5 m / 11.5 ft-
Width715 mm / 28.1 in720 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight232 kg / 511 lbs198 kg / 436 lbs
Fuel Capacity22 L / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal18 Litres / 4.7 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Oil Capacity3.2 L / 3.4 US qt / 2.8 Imp qt-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed220 km/h / 136.4 mph270 km/h / 167.5 mph
Max Power83.9 kW / 111 hp / @ 9500 rpm94.8 kW / 130 hp @ 9900 rpm
Max Torque97.1 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 70.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm100 Nm / 10.2 kgf-m / 73.8 lb-ft @ 7600 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 191 km/h / 119 mph11.1 sec / 209 km/h / 130 mph
Engine
Displacement1074 cc / 65.5 cu in955 cc / 54.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Air FilterDual element (Paper and polyurethane)-
Bore x Stroke72 x 66 mm79 x 65 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:111.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 15W/40 Synthetic
Fuel Consumption6.4 L/100 km / 15.6 km/l / 36.6 US mpg / 44 Imp mpg6.9 L/100 km / 14.5 km/l / 34 US mpg / 40.8 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction4 x Mikuni BS34SSMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve5 L / 1.3 US gal / 1.1 Imp gal-
IgnitionTransistorizedDigital
Ignition Timing15° BTDC below 1500 rpm / 32° BTDC above 2350 rpm-
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK D8EA (in E-01,24,25,30,34), NGK DR8ES-L (the others) - gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)NGK, DPR8EA-9
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 50.4 kC (14 Ah)/10HR - type YB14L-A2-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plateWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChain, Daido D.I.D 630YL, 96 linksX ring chain
Final Drive Ratio2.800:1 (42/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 (35/15) / 2nd 1.777 (32/18) / 3rd 1.380 (29/21) / 4th 1.125 (27/24) / 5th 0.961 (25/26)-
Primary Drive Ratios1.775:1 (87/49)-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, double cradle frameTubular, fabricated aluminium alloy perimeter, swingarm single sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, oil damped, spring 4-way adjustable with anti-dive45 mm Forks with dual rate springs and adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Suspension - RearDual shock oil damped, damper 4-way, spring 5-way adjustableMonoshock with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Rake29°24°
Trail118 mm / 4.65 in86 mm / 3.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.91 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear109 mm / 4.29 in-
Electrical Systems
Charging SystemThree-phase A.C. generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 275 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 275 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front3.50 - V19120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear4.50 - V17190/50 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Alloy 3 spoke, 17 x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Alloy 3 spoke, 17 x 6.0 in

Verdict

Too close to call

The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1074 cc vs 955 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

1999 Triumph Daytona 955i - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i?
The 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i is lighter at 198 kg compared to 243 kg for the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - a difference of 45 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i?
The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 18 litres for the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i?
Both are strong choices. The 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 1999 Triumph Daytona 955i stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.