Total Motorcycle Community Forums

swatter555 wrote:I think Katanas are pretty heavy and cumbersome for a new rider, but they are not terrible beginner bikes.

I concur. If the weight was centered lower, they'de be pretty decent. They're gutless as far as inline 4's go. Not to say they're a BAD bike, just not as fast as a GSX-R 600. I think even the Kat 750 is slower than the GSX-R 600 as well (straight line. Twisties it's GSX-R FTW vs Kat), but don't quote me on that one. But I'm pretty sure tha Kat would be more comfortable.

I sat on a 03ish Kat 600 at the dealer, and I must say, I rather liked it except for the fact that the 1986 GS700E i sat on felt LESS top heavy than it. BUT I only got to try the GS, not the Kat, so I may be wrong in this assumption.

A big problem with the katanas is the difficulty to control them in slow-speed maneuvers as a beginner due to their weight orientation. They tend to want to tip more than a lot of other bikes.

The reasons for the GS500, EX500 being recommended are their predictable powerband, their manageable weight, and their availability. Not to mention, they should be cheaper on insurance.

I have and started street riding on a 600 kat 1992 version. Like these fellas said, its not the fastest sportbike, or the best handling.

It is however, no matter what they call it, still a sportbike. Though bigger heavier, and more top heavy than the others. Up to speed, eh big deal, handles nice, plenty of power for me, and always puts a grin on my face.

Having said that, if you ride a gixxer every day, then hop on a katana its going to feel slow and cumbersome. if you ride an s-10..then its gonna knock your socks off.

Kats are also dipped in plastic. and that plastic crap is spensive when you decide to let the bike take a crunch nap in the driveway. its a doable beginner bike i suppose, but i would reccomend something like the others here have, gs500, the littler ninjas, maybe even go and do some serious sittin on other types, standards, dual sports, etc...

What about the SV suzuki series. I like the GS after reading about it, and i think it looks a 1000 times better then the EX nijas. The only problem is there is not to many GS500s available used. Remember, i dont want to spend to much, because if i were to say buy a new bike, i would want full coverage on my investment, if its a 2000 dollar bike, i dont be as stressed if it gets bashed up a little bit.

You could probably find a well used SV650 for 2-3k. These are a little top heavy also, but then so are most sportbikes.

Also, you need to do some serious research on your insurance, companies will give you vastly different qoutes.

You also need to save some money for the MSF and the proper gear. Getting some textile gear, helmet,gloves,and boots is going to run $800+.

From my experiences with my '89 Katana 600 (back when it was running ), it would have made a "pee"-poor starter bike. It's heavy, and top-heavy, at that. Which means it's difficult to control at low speed. It also lends itself to teaching abd habits, such as a wrist-up position on the throttle.

As for power, it has more than enough to get you in trouble. I don't believe in the bullcrap about "being able to hang with most cars on the street." It's more like being able to beat 999 out of 1,000 in terms of acceleration. At about 85 HP, they are no slouches.

As said before, the plastics also make it expensive if/when you drop it.

Not a good starter bike at all.

Skier wrote:From my experiences with my '89 Katana 600 (back when it was running ), it would have made a "pee"-poor starter bike. It's heavy, and top-heavy, at that. Which means it's difficult to control at low speed. It also lends itself to teaching abd habits, such as a wrist-up position on the throttle.

As for power, it has more than enough to get you in trouble. I don't believe in the bullcrap about "being able to hang with most cars on the street." It's more like being able to beat 999 out of 1,000 in terms of acceleration. At about 85 HP, they are no slouches.

As said before, the plastics also make it expensive if/when you drop it.

Not a good starter bike at all.

What he said. theres a reason mine has an O ring impression in the seat.

What happened to your father? Oh and GeoffXR200R, your Avatar is disturbing, is that a bike injury?

go for the SV650 if you can find one for 2-3k

Which will be a journey in itself.

3500 is the cheapest I've ever seen an SV650 at.