Is a Katana 600 a good bike?....

[grendal]

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

[Gixxerdale]

I' d suggest not buying a bike right away but take the MSF class first. You'll learn a lot about riding, safety and bikes. Then decide what bike fits your needs. You'll be much better informed to make a buying decision.

Kats are good bikes, just depends on what you want from 2 wheels and a motor.

Oh Ya, Welcome!

[grendal]

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

I' d suggest not buying a bike right away but take the MSF class first. You'll learn a lot about riding, safety and bikes. Then decide what bike fits your needs. You'll be much better informed to make a buying decision.

Kats are good bikes, just depends on what you want from 2 wheels and a motor.

Oh Ya, Welcome!

I will not be buying a bike until after the class, which is one month from now (I'm already signed up).

As for what I need? Nobody NEEDS a motorcycle I *want* a quick, but not necessarily scary-fast bike (because I'm a noob), an affordable bike (money is a big part of this equation.... regardless of everything else), a sport/sport-touring style bike (not interested in cruisers... they're not my style), etc. I *want* to be able to drive it to work occasionally or as much as twice a week (that's 25 miles one-way, mostly freeway), I *want* to be able to cruise 100 to 200 miles down the highways or Interstate to visit family/friends and use less gas (and have a little fun on the way there, but nothing too scary), and I *need* to remain safe and learn motorcycles. Also, I'd love to get over 50mpg gas mileage, even if it is at the expense of power.

However, shopping for a big-$ purchase should take a lot of time/reading, etc, hence why I started sitting on bikes even though I have no license yet.

I'm considering everything from a Ninja 250 up to an SV650, with a strong "lean" towards either a 500cc (Kawa EX500 or Suzuki GS500) or the Katana 600, both used. It seems like for a couple hundred more than a 500 Ninja I can get a 600 Katana and have a more comfortable, better highway cruiser....

Hence the quest for advice. I'm not buying anything tomorrow, just info gathering.

-Michael

[grendal]

P.S., you also didn't address much about the Katana specifically, which was what I was hoping for ...

-Michael

[naskie18]

Originally Posted by grendal

P.S., you also didn't address much about the Katana specifically, which was what I was hoping for ...

I've had my '95 Katana for a grand total of about two weeks now, put about 500 miles on it, and the first time I got on it was the first time I'd ever been on a motorcycle, so there's my disclaimer. Take my statements for what you want

I love the bike. Mine is a 750, and has plenty of power to it, I highly doubt a 600 would be underpowered. Brakes are pretty good, reliability I can't speak for, as mine's only got 4400 miles on it as she sits hiding under her cover right now. Fuel mileage has been mid 40s, although I'm sure it can get better, but hey, I've only been riding bikes since I picked up this one a couple weeks ago

As far as prices of parts, when I bought my bike it needed a bit of work, a new windshield, headlight, taillight, turn signals, and mirrors, as well as a fluid change and a good carb cleaning. All done in a couple weeks for about $400. Don't know if that gives you any idea of prices for stuff, or if you were looking more for prices of performance parts, but that's my experience thusfar.

Welcome to the forum

[FIVEINCH]

There are better opinions than mine on this board.

If your looking for a sporty, inexpensive, and forgiving motorcycle then buy it and ride it.

Should make a good starter for you. Its got a fair horsepower to weight ratio. That just means when you have a tendency to lose your mind, the Katana will compensate much better than a full-blown race bike.

Have fun and enjoy. The MSF course you're going to sign up for is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

[grendal]

Originally Posted by naskie18

I've had my '95 Katana for a grand total of about two weeks now, put about 500 miles on it, and the first time I got on it was the first time I'd ever been on a motorcycle, so there's my disclaimer. Take my statements for what you want

I love the bike. Mine is a 750, and has plenty of power to it, I highly doubt a 600 would be underpowered. Brakes are pretty good, reliability I can't speak for, as mine's only got 4400 miles on it as she sits hiding under her cover right now. Fuel mileage has been mid 40s, although I'm sure it can get better, but hey, I've only been riding bikes since I picked up this one a couple weeks ago

As far as prices of parts, when I bought my bike it needed a bit of work, a new windshield, headlight, taillight, turn signals, and mirrors, as well as a fluid change and a good carb cleaning. All done in a couple weeks for about $400. Don't know if that gives you any idea of prices for stuff, or if you were looking more for prices of performance parts, but that's my experience thusfar.

Welcome to the forum

Hey! I recognize you from the ColoradoFans.com forum I drive a 2004 Colorado Crew Cab I have the same username on that site, too.

Thanks for the info. So it seems Katana's can be a really good deal... It seems some of the Ninjas are overpriced in some people's minds... for instance, it seems almost silly to buy a used Ninja 250, when a new one is $2,999... (and used ones seem to be asking 2,500?!). Whereas, I saw at least two Katana 600's for $3500 in the trader and they were individuals, so I'm sure that's somewhat negotiable. Even if I have to pay 3k, that's the price of a new Ninja 250 and less than 1/2 the price of a new Katana.

I'm also looking to find maybe a used 500cc, but they seem to be hard to find?... Where are some good online classfieids? Cycle Trader seems fairly slim on some models that I know sell very, very well (e.g. Katanas, Ninja 500's).

Michael

[mikesvsix50]

Well, I'm pretty new to this site, so I'm sure the other dudes/gals know quite a bit more. But I'm happy with my SV. They're loaded with tourqe and are priced very cometitively. Check it out, Suzuki SV650S. Get's lots of looks and thumbs up's.

[naskie18]

Originally Posted by grendal

Hey! I recognize you from the ColoradoFans.com forum I drive a 2004 Colorado Crew Cab

I was trying to figure out why I recognized your username..hehe.

Katanas and Ninjas can usually be found all over ebay, cycle trader is usually pretty good...I'm trying to remember what site I found mine on...ah, I found mine on carbuyer.com

Good luck with the search & be patient, you don't have to buy the first one you find (but you can if you want to...I did )

Nick

[Clint]

I think that would be a good choice. You'll still need to take it easy, since there will be some surprises during the learning process. You could ride that bike for a number of years and still enjoy it and learn on it.

[Miyamoto]

I've had a Kawasaki Ninja 500 and I ride a Katana 600 right now.
Available parts are plentiful and fairly inexpensive. Its "better" looking than the Kawi (my opinion) and you're right, the Kat is a comfier sit.
And...if your @$$ is really 320lbs you have NO business looking to get on a 250cc bike anyhow (that's just asking for trouble in my humble opinion).
If the Kat is comfy for you right now then that's the most important thing for a beginner. In fact, for all riders, because trust me, if you're not comfy on the bike, you lose focus, your mind starts to wander and do other funny things that lead to bad judgment on the road.
Take the course, get the bike, be comfortable on it as you get USED to it.
Performance-wise, its a powerful enough bike. You won't outrun any Gixxers (at least, not until you've ramped up some experience points), but that's not what you're getting the bike for anyway.
As you feel more comfortable, you can always jet the engine and install a performance pipe for more zip.
Ride Smart.

[jsvickers]

I have a Katana 750 and love it. It's a sport-touring bike, so the riding position is not as aggressive as one of the super sport bikes. For me, that makes it a lot more comfortable. It's an older engine design than the new super sports, so it doesn't have nearly as much horsepower as say a GSX-R (I think a Katana 600 has 80 hp compared to a GSX-R600 that has 115). On the other hand, it's a very solid engine design that is pretty easy to work on and is very reliable. It has plenty of power without being too much for a new rider (in my opinion).

As soon as you hear that kan-o-tuna remark, you know what kind of person you're dealing with. They want a bike to impress their friends and maybe even do a little stunting in front of McDonalds on Friday nights. Their minds are still in high school and they're probably upset because their VCR just ate their favorite skateboarding video.

If they don't like your Katana, then don't ride with them. Trust me, you'll be better off.

[Miyamoto]

Well said Vickers.

[axel_2078]

I had a '01 Katana 750 as my second bike. I loved it. It was very comfortable. The seat was very plush and the riding position was more upright. I could ride it for hours and not get tired. Plus, it came with a fuel gauge, which is really nice. As far as power goes, it had more than I needed. It accelerates very quickly from a stop, but tops out sooner too. I pimped it out with some aftermarket parts and it looked pretty nice. It was a very reliable bike.

Bikes like the Katana, Bandit, and SV650 are often overlooked because just about every newbie wants a gixxer. That, and most motorcycle magazines only cover supersport bikes and/or cruisers.

[theoldguy]

Originally Posted by mikesvsix50

Well, I'm pretty new to this site, so I'm sure the other dudes/gals know quite a bit more. But I'm happy with my SV. They're loaded with tourqe and are priced very cometitively. Check it out, Suzuki SV650S. Get's lots of looks and thumbs up's.

I've been away from riding for quite some time and I have to agree, the SV650S is a GREAT bike. It's got quite a bit of power down low, so you'll have to be careful, but if you ride responsibly, it's a wonderful experience. Take these $.02 for what they're worth b/c I've been on mine and I'm admittedly biased. Can't help it, it's an amazing ride.

[LayinLo]

yes.

[scottdog129]

I bought my 94 Kat from my friend who was the second owner. It had 24K miles on it when I bought it. I have almost completely restored it and painted it. The parts were well within the realm of resonable and it is turning out great!

As far as reliability, she is an old woman but she still wakes up in the morning when I want her to (with a little coaxing via the choke). I take good care of her and she takes good care of me. It is the first (and nowhere near the last) sport bike that I have owned and I can say that it was the perfect starter sport bike, even with my 235 lb frame.

[nurider]

Or, if you want totally UNBIASED opinions about Katanas, check out:
http://www.katriders.com/

BTW, I have a '97 Katana 600.

[AZkatana]

i just bought my 99 kat 600 and absolutely love it. i had logged a few miles on a friends ninja 900 before he broke it and had considered rebuilding that bike as my first when i discovered that kawasaki's keep their value because there are so few left - seems they keep self-destructing.
long story short: i paid for my 99 kat 600 what i would have had to spend on PARTS to get the 95 ZX9R running again, no labor for assembly or installation or tuning, just parts.
i am 6'4" 260lbs and find my kat fits me well, and moves me very quickly. i thought she'd be a first bike and i'd move onward and upward but i can already see i'll be satisfied with this one for a long while. i'm still in the honeymoon period with this bike and sometimes just look at it and trip on the fact that she's so damned cool and all mine! even so, i do see the value in starting with a 500 or 250 as a first bike because the mistakes that i make are amplified so much, its sometimes frieghtening and often discouraging to a new rider.
you can only go as fast as the cage in front of you, and usually, even a 250 is faster than that guy. thats just what i've found

[GIXXER-Mike]

Originally Posted by jsvickers

As soon as you hear that kan-o-tuna remark, you know what kind of person you're dealing with.

Kan-o-tuna ! Where'd that come from? Never heard that before. Now that's funny!

Honestly speaking, I've heard a few riders say, "Katana's don't/wont ride w/us."