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Author Topic: Talk to me about the Katana  (Read 3844 times)

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Online CLAY

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Talk to me about the Katana
« on: April 24, 2014, 08:52:24 PM »
I have a buddy that is thinking about starting to ride.  Would the Katana be a decent choice?  2001 650F?  How's the riding position?  I don't want him on a 600SS or a 1000 anything- too much too soon.  A SV650 or Bandit 600 would be awesome, but they are in short supply around here.  Middle aged rider just starting out.  Thoughts?
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Offline Meemuh

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2014, 08:59:40 PM »
I know where he can get a screaming deal on a Magna.
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Online CLAY

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2014, 09:11:50 PM »
He's looking for more of a sport-standard I think.
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Offline Blunder

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2014, 11:02:10 PM »
For all intents and purposes, the 600 Kat and Bandit 600 are the same bike.

There are detail differences, surely to be explored in other's posts, but as a starter bike the only consideration is cost of plastic.
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Online Max Wedge

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2014, 06:22:45 AM »
I thought the Kanatuna was the old 600SS bike that they just continued on as price leader. :headscratch: I didn't think there was a 650 version. How about GS500F or a variant of that?  Are dual sports out of the question. I always thought a dual sport would make a great starter bike (generally).
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Offline sleazy rider

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2014, 06:42:44 AM »
It's not a bad choice.  Lower on the power, less violent acceleration than a SS.  More sit up and beg versus lay on the tank type ergos.  Cheap to acquire too from what I've seen on CL.  Trans has some weak spots in the dogs, so test ride it well.


http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/4438565579.html


A nice unmolested example.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2014, 06:58:58 AM by sleazy rider »
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Offline CosmicCowboy

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2014, 08:38:39 AM »
Quote from: Max Wedge on April 25, 2014, 06:22:45 AM
I thought the Kanatuna was the old 600SS bike that they just continued on as price leader. :headscratch: I didn't think there was a 650 version.

There were some OLD 650 Katana's, but a 2001 would be a 600 or 750. Not a 650.

It's a decent bike, fun to ride. Not an overabundance of power, but it does the job. But keep in mind that I'm apparently one of the few people that LIKE the Katana.  :P

Downside: pretty much no aftermarket support.
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Offline open sore

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2014, 09:40:09 AM »
I had a 750 Katana that I really enjoyed.  Good comfort for long days of riding.  Decent fun power but not crazy.  The 600's of course had less power, but I think one would be good for a beginner into intermediate level of rider.
Personally I liked the looks of the mid to late 90's models over the revamped body work in the later model years.
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Offline Downs

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2014, 09:47:30 AM »
www.maximum-suzuki.com is a great resource for Bandits, Katanas, and DRs. 

Katana is a solid bike.  I knew a Master Sergeant out in North Carolina that used to race his.  I think he still owns it.  It's one of those bikes he never wants to get rid of. 

Engine is derived from the older GSX platform so it's an oil/air cooled lump that is reliable as an anvil. 

http://www.holeshot.com/

Good source for aftermarket exhausts and Dale Walker knows his stuff about the GSX line of engines.  I used him for exhaust and jet kits for my old 2000 Bandit back when I had that bike. 
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Online BuckeyeRider

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2014, 01:38:04 PM »
I had a 750 Katana for a few years that I abused the hell out of back in the 90's, and never once had a problem with it. Nothing remarkably good or bad about the bike. Looked fairly sporty, but was comfortable enough for a 3 hour ride I made quite frequently.

I didn't miss it much when I sold it, but I liked it well enough when I owned it.

jim
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Offline Veefer800canuck

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2014, 10:51:22 PM »
A naked bike will be easier to fix if he has a 0 MPH tipover.

Bodywork is expensive. I'd suggest the naked SV over the Kan 'O Tuna.
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Online CLAY

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Re: Talk to me about the Katana
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2014, 09:31:52 AM »
Quote from: sleazy rider on April 25, 2014, 06:42:44 AM
It's not a bad choice.  Lower on the power, less violent acceleration than a SS.  More sit up and beg versus lay on the tank type ergos.  Cheap to acquire too from what I've seen on CL.  Trans has some weak spots in the dogs, so test ride it well.


http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/4438565579.html


A nice unmolested example.


That's actually the one my OP is about.  I think it's mislabeled as a 650, but seemed a good bike at a good price for a starter.

Quote from: Blunder on April 24, 2014, 11:02:10 PM
For all intents and purposes, the 600 Kat and Bandit 600 are the same bike.

There are detail differences, surely to be explored in other's posts, but as a starter bike the only consideration is cost of plastic.


Huh.  As I went back and look at it, I do see that.  Interesting.
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"Most accidents happen when the meek meet the douchebags."  -Viffergyrl
"The wider the road, the worse the food." -Coho
Let's do some science.
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