After forging its all-new Katana motorcycle in silver and unveiling at last month at Intermot in Cologne, Suzuki has now taken to the Milan International Motorcycle Show to launch a black version of the modern retro.

Regardless of color, the new Katana, coming in Spring of 2019, draws inspiration from the original icon that was styled by ex-BMW top designer Hans Muth launched nearly four decades ago. The design has been modernized, though it clearly pays homage to Muth’s original, especially in silver that highlight the almost rectangular healights and sharp creases on the fairing and fuel tank.

In building the new Katana, which like its predecessor is named after the famous hand-built Japanese sword, Suzuki used the same lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame that is specific to the GSX-S1000 series. The inline four-cylinder unit was sourced from another, slightly older superbike, specifically the 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 K5, though heavily updated for a less frantic delivery, boasting a peak power output of 150 PS (148 HP) at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 108 Nm (79 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm.

While the original Katana was only available in Silver, modern day customers can choose between two color options for 2019, the classic silver and the more stealthy black.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer will be displaying the new Katana at Motorcycle Live at the NEC, between 17-25 November in Birmingham. Buyers will however have to wait until Spring of 2019 for the new model to arrive in UK dealerships.