Newbie with lots of small questions

[rteichman]

Hi all, I just bought a 95 Katana 750 and have a bunch of questions. Before I start let me tell you about myself. I'm new to motorcycles, having taken the MSF class last summer and renting Buel Blasts for about a half dozen day rides. Its been a sort of mid-life crisis type of thing. I wanted to buy a used bike for around $2,500 and wanted a late model Kawasaki Ninja 500 but could not find any. Well actually I did find a great 97 but the deal fell through (long story). In the end I found the 95 Katana 750 with 16,000 miles and bought it. I did not have the knowledge to look it over real well, but it seemed OK when I test rode it. My questions are:

1) Did I buy something OK (or am I in trouble)? The bike had new brakes, tires, a chain, oil change, inspection, etc.. Should I be worried that it had all that done, and that it was done to hide something? I am a bit worried about why the chain was replaced. A friend who saw it after I bought it said the bike was droped. Looking closely at it, I see that is the case, the fairing is scratched on the kickstand side, and there are cracks on the fairing by the mirror to indicate it fell on that side. I don't care about the cosmetics, though the "loosness" of the mirror is annoying (vibrates a lot while riding). Should I worry? If yes what should I do?

2) I just saw a picture on the web of someone elses bike (same model/year/color) and noticed that it has exausts/mufflers on both sides. Mine only has it on one side. The previous owner replaced the stock muffler with a Yoshimura, but is it normal to go from dual exhausts to single?

3) The exhaust is too loud for my taste, I would prefer the stock and wanted to change back, however it seems like the Yoshimura is a single piece all the way back to the header. Is this possible/normal? Whould I need to replace everything?

4)Now that I am going to be riding more, I think I need to concern myself more with my clothing/helmet. When I was renting I just wore work boots, jeans, motorcycle jacket, gloves and a cheap helmet. I know the gloves are OK, but I am concerned about the other items:
a) The jacket is one of those balistic type material jackets with pading built in on the back, shoulder, elbows and forearms. It cost about $120, had labels saying that the padding was from 3M and other stuff. Is it OK? I know leather is better, but I prefer this type since with its removeable liner and vents it is comfortable for lots of conditions.
b) Do I really need kevlar lined jeans, or anything of that sort?
c) Are the work boots OK, or do I need something better. If yes what is considered better.
d) Most importantly, the helmet. I bought a closeout over the internet a Lazer (now mfg is AGV) "Century" helmet (http://www.lazerhelmets.com/century.htm) . It was a closeout and very cheap under $100. It fits well, and had the features I was looking for, but is it safe??? I mean its DOT rated and all that, but I see these helmets for $500 and wonder what's the safety difference?

I guess thats all my questions for now. Thanks for any help that you can provide.
Rob

[87gsxrnut]

Did I buy something OK

Yup

Should I be worried that it had all that done

Nope. You are lucky that it was recently serviced.

but is it normal to go from dual exhausts to single

Yup. Been doing it with this motor since 1985 when it debuted.

Is this possible/normal?

Yes it is possible. No, I would wait until you know if the carburetors have been jetted. I'd leave it alone. On the plus side, stock exhausts are real cheap.

Do I really need kevlar lined jeans, or anything of that sort?

Do you really need to spend hours in the emergency room while they scrape gravel out of your skin with a wire brush? Buy some leathers now and be done with it.

- Nut

[rteichman]

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

Do you really need to spend hours in the emergency room while they scrape gravel out of your skin with a wire brush? Buy some leathers now and be done with it.

Thanks for the quick reply. OK so I need better pants (although the MSF course said jeans were ok) what do I get? I'm not a fan of leather pants... its just not me. Its my understanding that balistic type stuff is as good at leather, but only last 1 fall as opposed to leather than can survive multiple ones. Is this true? Are lined jeans good enough, or do I need to go with special pants?

Also, is the helmet ok? If not what's not good about it so I know what to look for in the replacement.

[stevie c]

Personally,I think the helmet is THE most important safety equipment you will ever have.
The way I see it is what value do I put on my own safety,I get the best I can afford without paying extra for race reps.
In the UK you need a helmet with a gold stamp on the back for track days,and if its good enough for them its good enough for me!

As for your other safety stuff,I wont ride without full leathers,or a full set of ballistic style clothing(jacket/trousers),good boots and good gloves.I learn't this after a fall at slowish speed and saw the damage to my kit that could of been done to me!

Safe riding mate,dont break the bank,but get the best you can,
Stevie

[pitbull76]

The Kat's a good bike. The 750 is a bit powerful for a beginner, but it's not too crazy. What color's your Kat? Mine is Black/Purple. I concur with nut that having all of that service done is great.

As far as the fairing damage, if it doesn't bother you and the turn signals are OK, I say leave it alone. Mine has a very small scratch on one side and a dent in the muffler. It ain't getting fixed.

oh yeah, about the helmet: If it's also Snell rated, it's about as safe as they get. More expensive helmets will be lighter, more comfortable and quiter. as for boots, you should look into riding boots but personally that was one of the last pieces that I picked up. They aren't really all that expensive though. Look at www.newenough.com and check out their closeouts.

[rteichman]

Originally Posted by pitbull76

What color's your Kat? Mine is Black/Purple. I concur with nut that having all of that service done is great.

Mine is the same color scheme as yours (looks identical). As a matter of fact it was your pictures on the net that got me nervous about the 2 mufflers vs. 1

I know my helmet is DOT certified but not SNELL. Accroding to an on-line review SNELL at the time did not rate ANY flip up type helmets. Is that bad? The MSF people just said it should be at least one or the other. Interestingly enough the review said it was noisy, maybe rather than changing my muffler I should change my helmet , although it seemed to be OK when I rode the Buel Blast.

Since you have the same bike, I'd like your input on a clutch question. This bike has a weird clutch engagement, which I noticed because of the low idle. With the clutch level pulled all the way back, and then let out just a hair the gears start to engage to a point where at idle the engine will stall. However, there is not enough traction to actually move the bike. From there to just a hair before having the clutch all the way released there is little to no traction. All that occurs in the last "hair" of relase on the lever. Is this a problem, can it be adjusted....please don't say that I need a new clutch!

[pitbull76]

I can't really help much with the clutch... Mine works alright. There is an adjustment right on the clutch lever. Also, what oil is in it? If it's old or the wrong kind, it can cause clutch problems. Put fresh 10W40 MC oil or 15W40 Shell Rotella HD oil and see if it sticks better.

You might also just need to get used to the clutch. Different bikes behave a little different. If it ain't slipping, you will probably be able to get used to it. Come to think of it, mine might even behave a bit like yours, but it's never bothered me.

[98corona]

Originally Posted by rteichman

My questions are:

1) Did I buy something OK (or am I in trouble)? The bike had new brakes, tires, a chain, oil change, inspection, etc.. Should I be worried that it had all that done, and that it was done to hide something? I am a bit worried about why the chain was replaced. A friend who saw it after I bought it said the bike was droped. Looking closely at it, I see that is the case, the fairing is scratched on the kickstand side, and there are cracks on the fairing by the mirror to indicate it fell on that side. I don't care about the cosmetics, though the "loosness" of the mirror is annoying (vibrates a lot while riding). Should I worry? If yes what should I do?

Chains begin to stretch after time and eventually need to be replaced. Fairing scratches can occur in many ways other than dumping a bike (garages, storage, abrasive pants, protruding metal on boots, etc. Fairing cracks are normal sorta like stress fractures around bolts.

The big misconception can be with mileage. Most people blow the engines on bikes before 20K which is the reason you rarely see high mileage bikes but a bike thats been cared for (proper valve adjustments and maintenance) should last at least 25K and maybe more for late model bikes. I would suggest a valve adj. now or if you dont want to spend wait until 20K then pop for it. Of course the typical re-jetting and check fuel lines for garbage.

[Louis]

Welcome rteichman.

I think you got good answers on the previous posts so I won't repeat the same stuff.

Your jacket is good. It has the padding in the right places. And yes, textitle jackets will be good for only one slide but they also protect for smaller slides than a good leather. Same thing for the trousers.

As for your helmet, as long as it fits properly and it's DOT, you're ok. A $100 helmet that fits well will protect you better than $700 one that doesn't fit so well. The extra is often for the brand name and cosmetics.



Glad to see people with safety in mind.

[rteichman]

I just looked and the jacket is an Arlen Ness Sportech. I'm glad to hear that my gear seems ok. I was looking on the web and saw Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh pants that can be worn alone or over other pants. Is this any good (meaning better protection than jeans)? I figure in normal weather I could wear it over jeans and on hot summer days I would ware it alone. The price seems OK also.

I am a little worried about the comment of blowing out motors before 20k miles. I would have thought they normally lasted longer. I didn't think that 16,000 was high milage, but from that post it seems it might be.

[Louis]

The Pheonix pants offer more protection than jeans. They are made with tough fabric and offer armor on the knees. However, only on the knee. But still pretty good. (That's probably one of the style I'll personnally buy).

As for the motor 20k issue. Up here, I see lots of bikes with more than 20K miles. I guess it depends on what you do with your bikes or what the previous owner did. If the bike was used for racing, then the life expectancy of the engine is indeed reduced. But then again, I'm no expert and this is just my opinion. Have a good mechanic that you trust have a look, he should be able to give more information on the current status of the engine.

[pitbull76]

Originally Posted by rteichman

I just looked and the jacket is an Arlen Ness Sportech. I'm glad to hear that my gear seems ok. I was looking on the web and saw Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh pants that can be worn alone or over other pants. Is this any good (meaning better protection than jeans)? I figure in normal weather I could wear it over jeans and on hot summer days I would ware it alone. The price seems OK also.

I am a little worried about the comment of blowing out motors before 20k miles. I would have thought they normally lasted longer. I didn't think that 16,000 was high milage, but from that post it seems it might be.

If it's running well now, it ought to last a lot longer. Does it smoke or use oil? How about knocking noises? If it doesn't smoke or knock, take care of it and it'll last a long time. I've heard of many people with 50-60K+ on their Katanas.

Since the Kat is oil-cooled many people recommend frequent oil changes. Like about every 2-3K miles.

[Uncle Bob]

20K max on your bikes ???

What the heck are you doing to them ? Pulling tree stumps?, hauling a family of five ?.

A reasonably cared for bike engine can easily go for 50k before needing any major work, now by major work I'm not talking of having to replace the engine just a little more in depth tune up. Have three friends with over 100k on their bikes and another with an ST1100 with over 200,000 miles on it.

People just use having to spend a couple of hundred bucks on an overhaul as an excuse to buy a new bike.

[cerastes]

I'm with Uncy Bob on this one. It's only 2 stroke poppers that blow up around 20K, cos they need thrashing to work properly.
You've gotta 4 stroke. My first big bike was a GPz 750. I bought it with 58,000 on the clock and put another 25,000 on it and sold it 6 years ago. I still see the bike around - so no worries on that score. Regular oil changes is the secret.

When it comes to safety, a helmet is a must. Secondly, but just as important is gloves. Get the best you can afford, make sure they fit well, though they do take some wearing in. Hitting tarmac with bare hands is soooo painful and with your hands bandaged up - you virtually useless.

Welcome, this is the start of a new way of life.

[Phease]

As far as the mileage goes the katanas are very good touring bikes and are bulletproof when it comes to high mileage, you shouldn't have many problems up to 50-60k if it is looked after properly. Now you mention it the clutch on my 96 katana used to be the same until it got adjusted on the last service it had, now it's fine, try letting the biting point out a little. I have the 4 into 1 nexxus exhaust on mine it's not totally silent but it's nice to hear the the revs building when your accelerating from the midrange to the top end.

[rteichman]

Well I'm glad to hear that 16,000 is not high milage on my bike and I can look forward to many more miles on it. It sounds like the Joe Rocket pants will be a good solution, using them primarily as an additional layer of protection over jeans.

Yesterday I almost droped the bike while pulling it out of where I have it stored. Luckily it never did drop, but it did get me worried. What if I ever do drop the bike and I am by myself. How on earth would I get it back up. I found some sites on the net that explain the technique. Do people practice this?

[87gsxrnut]

A reasonably cared for bike engine can easily go for 50k before needing any major work

I second that. The only issues even on well maintained O/C Suzi motors are:

1. 2nd gear fork wearing out
2. Pistons eventually going a bit oval from wear
3. Valve wear

All normal in any motor, but moreso it seems on those. Don't worry about the motor yet, I've raced on motors with more miles than that!

- Nut

[Louis]

Originally Posted by rteichman

How on earth would I get it back up. I found some sites on the net that explain the technique. Do people practice this?

We actually did in my version of the MSF. They showed us the way the police do it. You can put a GoldWing back in its feet that way. Without too much effort but mostly withou hurting yourself.

Can you post the link?

[rteichman]

Originally Posted by Louis

Can you post the link?

Ok, but no comments about the site! I figure if a 118lb woman can pick up a 500+lb bike the instructions must be good!

http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

[Louis]

Originally Posted by rteichman

Ok, but no comments about the site! I figure if a 118lb woman can pick up a 500+lb bike the instructions must be good!

http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

As long as we don't have to wear frilly pink panties to follow the instructions...

Seriously, that's the way I was taught to do it. And no, I'm not telling the color of my panties... oups