Newbie Biker Requesting Knowledge

[icekillah]

ok guys never been on a bike before but ive been looking at the...you guessed it suzuki katana 600 or as you guys like to call it a Gixxxer. i know the gs500 would be a more logical choice, but visually i wouldn't be caught dead on that thing(has a double meaning i know) but come on wheres the rest of the gs500, it looks like its only half built. Now I never been on a real cycle before, but been mountain biking and dirt biking ever since i was a tike. I know most of you guys won't agree with my choice but i would still like the oppertunity to benefit from your knowledge and experience. Like for instance I have no idea where the clutch is, I heard it has 3 brakes 2 on the front and one at the right foot? is there a way to stop the bike if everything is out for control? how easy should i go on the throttle when shifting? can i go to easy and stall out? gearshifter is on the left does that shift up and down? i am planning to take the MSF course i just may have to pick it up before i get the chance also any helpful websites that you may know of would be greatly appreciated thanks a mill and just remember.....If i can't do it homie, it can't be done

[pitbull76]

Well Ice, your first bike doesn't have to be your dream bike. What's the harm in riding a beater for a bit first? Anyway, the Katana 600 is much more forgiving than a gixxer for a beginner. It wouldn't be my first choice, but you could do a lot worse. As for controls etc., definitely take the MSF class, but in addition I think that your state's motorcycle license manual should have the basics. If not, Illinois has theirs online and it talks about a lot of good topics. Others here will likely chime in with some good books to read as well.

Oh one more thing: Did you consider the Kawasaki EX500? Good luck.

[98corona]

I think there is a book called "An Idiots Guide to Motorcycling" Ive read all most the entire book. Not because Im an idiot but because it was good reading and you learn something new.

My first bike was a Honda CBR 600F4 now I ride a Gixxer750. I dont think speed had as much to do with the transition as gearing and the powerband.

Secondary differences as far as seat and peg height and handling were a bit of a change.

Get a bike you will be happy riding. It should be an enjoyable experience not something that you have to strain your brain trying to handle.

As far as the GS I thought they restyled those this year

[gsxrjeffro]

THE KATANA IS NOT A GIXXER
KATANA =http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX600FK4/
GSX600=http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK4/
GS500=http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK4/
I SUGGEST THE KATANA. I HAVE HAD BOTH AND I WOULD PIC THE KATANA. NOT OVERPOWERING BUT NOT TOO WEEK..

[Gixxerdale]

Originally Posted by 98corona

Get a bike you will be happy riding. It should be an enjoyable experience not something that you have to strain your brain trying to handle.

As far as the GS I thought they restyled those this year

The GS500 is a full fairing bike in 2004. Have yet to see one at at any of the shops around SoCal though. Considering one for the wife to get back into riding. She had an old Katana in the early 90's, to heavy, and top heavy, though. I'm sure the new Katana's are a lot lighter but I haven't checked. Even an old GS is a good bike to get your feet wet as a first bike or just to get back into riding. They have a good resale value if it bores you after a year or so, or they make good track bikes.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by gsxrjeffro

THE KATANA IS NOT A GIXXER

I thought the same thing, but then I realized he was listing bikes rather than comparing. He's looking at both.

[icekillah]

thanks guys for all your helpful input and info i've seen the new 04 gs500 and it looks like something i would be ashamed to ride but i think its gonna be the katana one last question tho whats the best brake/braking method to use if you wanna come to a fast yet sturdy stop front brake/back brake/engine brake/a combination of them?

[stevie c]

For a fast stop,as in an emergency stop,it will be mostly front brake,dont snatch it straight on though,you will bottom the suspension out(not good!),nice and steady on it to get the weight on the front,then hold it harder,back will lift or skip on a 600,the heavier the bike though,the harder it is to lift the back.

But,to be riding like that you have quite a way to go mate,just work up to it,be patient and learn from your mistakes.

Stevie C

[gsxrjeffro]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I thought the same thing, but then I realized he was listing bikes rather than comparing. He's looking at both.

ok guys never been on a bike before but ive been looking at the...you guessed it suzuki katana 600 or as you guys like to call it a Gixxxer.

this was what i was talking about...

[gsxrjeffro]

Originally Posted by icekillah

thanks guys for all your helpful input and info i've seen the new 04 gs500 and it looks like something i would be ashamed to ride but i think its gonna be the katana one last question tho whats the best brake/braking method to use if you wanna come to a fast yet sturdy stop front brake/back brake/engine brake/a combination of them?

+

why? the 04 gs500 looks like its bigger brothers (03-04 gsxr1000. 04 gsxr750 and 04 gsxr600) i'm not saying the katana is a bad choice. i'm just saying the 04 gs500 looks pretty damn good.

[Rees]

Howdy doody all

There is a dude getting around this town on an 03 GS500. It's not as bad as I first thought. Has enough poke around town as this fella seems to be on the throttle a lot. It's got enough get up and go and surprised me (admittedly I have not seen it at it's top end.......)

Pity the rider's sense of safety gear is shorts and a t-shirt, must those high impact ones that don't exist. Oh, that reminds me, I saw a dude riding around wearing a pear of thongs the other day, I think you guys and gals in the US/Canada call them 'flip flops?'. I bet the soles of that guy's feet felt *REAL* safe. I was stunned, he may as well have ridden barefoot. The tosser.

Anyhoo

Hooroo y'all.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by gsxrjeffro

this was what i was talking about...

So was I. He was listing the two bikes that he's considering, not calling a Kat a GSXR.

[neu_sp8str]

Heya Ice,

Take the MSF and read "the complete IDIOT's guide to motorcycle" alpha books w/David Holmstrom.

Compare the Katana and GSX-R......

Katana= Sport Tourer lots of fun and great to get k's under your seat before jumping...!

GSX-R= (Technically) it's meant to be raced excessively and dumped then bought again, if you have money to spend...? obviously we're human don't have a money tree in the backyard...!

Merc...