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grendal · 04-26-2005, 11:29 PM

Hi guys,

I'm a noob. Heh. I am wondering if the Katana 600 is a good bike. I sat on one today at the dealership and it is the "best fit" of all the sport bikes for my 320lb a**, while not breaking the bank or going too big on engine size....

I had gone in to look at Kawasakis, but I didn't find a reasonably priced Kawa that was anywhere near as comfortable as the Katana.

Why do some people call them "Can-o-tuna's"? Is there some reason for using a derogatory term for this bike other than that it's heavier than some of the little 600 sports? The big-ness of the bike is what makes it comfy for me, so I don't consider that a negative at all.

How about reliability? Fuel mileage? Affordability/availability of parts (after warranty)? Power? Brakes? Resale?

I noticed some great deals on used Katana's online. They seem to drop in value faster than the Kawasakis or the GSX-R's, is that typical? I was considering a used one, if the price is right and I can come up with the money... but only if it turns out to be a good bike.

The next choice is probably to step down to a Suzuku GS500 (sits very nice!) or a Kawasaki (Ninja) EX500 (500R), which also sits very nice. Not looking for a race bike... just a fun bike that I can ride 200 miles without having to get an azz transplant or a back brace.

Thanks,

Michael

04-26-2005, 11:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
grendal Newbie Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7	Is a Katana 600 a good bike?.... Hi guys, I'm a noob. Heh. I am wondering if the Katana 600 is a good bike. I sat on one today at the dealership and it is the "best fit" of all the sport bikes for my 320lb a**, while not breaking the bank or going too big on engine size.... I had gone in to look at Kawasakis, but I didn't find a reasonably priced Kawa that was anywhere near as comfortable as the Katana. Why do some people call them "Can-o-tuna's"? Is there some reason for using a derogatory term for this bike other than that it's heavier than some of the little 600 sports? The big-ness of the bike is what makes it comfy for me, so I don't consider that a negative at all. How about reliability? Fuel mileage? Affordability/availability of parts (after warranty)? Power? Brakes? Resale? I noticed some great deals on used Katana's online. They seem to drop in value faster than the Kawasakis or the GSX-R's, is that typical? I was considering a used one, if the price is right and I can come up with the money... but only if it turns out to be a good bike. The next choice is probably to step down to a Suzuku GS500 (sits very nice!) or a Kawasaki (Ninja) EX500 (500R), which also sits very nice. Not looking for a race bike... just a fun bike that I can ride 200 miles without having to get an azz transplant or a back brace. Thanks, Michael