Noob needs info on Katana - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Watersharer · 04-26-2005, 09:56 PM

After 12 or so years I am back in the market for a bike. Fuel costs and long commutes have reached the critical mass needed to get me motivated.

After reading up a bit on the forum, I decided to add my experience, to offset the guys who will say "get something small, noob". I rode a CBR from 1990-1992, then went cruiser with a 750, and then 1100 Virago...total of about 5 1/2 years on bikes, but it has been a while. I am not buying to be a StarBoy, I just want enough power to get out of trouble if needed, and to haul my 190lbs around without wheezing. I will always have a helmet on, and intend to cover myself in good leathers unless its 115 degrees out, I might leave the lowers off and just wear a jacket.

I have looked around, been to a couple shops (and may I say that bike shops have the worst salespeople and crappiest attitudes I have ever seen outside of WalMart, in particular Metro Motorsports in Phx.) and now I am down to a couple choices.

I like the feel and fit of the Katana, its a proven, if a bit obsolete design. Something to be said for having the bugs worked out though.

I am looking at the 600 and 750 models, and will be purchasing a new 2005 model.

I would like to try to find out:

a. What is a good price to pay for each?
b. What is a great price to pay for each?
c. Is the 750 a better choice long term than the 600, as my skills come back?
d. What other bikes should I look at?
e. Any special things to look out for?
f. Any other tips and tidbits you guys think are relevant?
g. What are the HP and torque figures for these bikes, I looked but cant find em?
h. Estimated gas mileage?
i. Estimated insurance costs per year for a 35 y/o with ultra-clean record?

I also like the look and fit of the F4i, and the Zx-6, but the Katana is so much cheaper that for the marginal differences in performance I cant really justify the extra 1000's...

Thanks for the info, in advance.

Marc