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This is a posting for my buddy, as I`m not into these style of bikes, but he wants to get into motorcyclesa and he`s been loking at the suzuki Katana 600 for a first bike. Do you guys think that would be a good bike? I also suggested the Kawsaki Ninja 250. What do you think would be good, He is really into sport bikes
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Um, I bet a lot of people are going to tell u to get the 250cc, I think it mite be smart too. But my cousin had a katana 600 as his first bike, then got a hayabusa and now hes looking for either a 750-1000cc bike. And he ride fine.

I think the Katanas are neat bikes, but maybe not as well suited for some new riders. One thing I think they're a little heavier than other comperable bikes. That may or maynot be a factor.


Has your buddy looked at the GS500F? Just thought I'd throw that out there.

There are countless factors that go into deciding what a good first ride is, and no great cookie cutter answer. Most people here will recommend a smaller bike. Read the stickies. They're not gospel, but they should give you more information to go off of.

My answer is yes, your friend should be able to handle the Katana.

One of the nice things about 600s like katanas is theyre really easy to find used (and so you can usually get on the cheap). While its true that people don't use 250s for very long so they get moved around a lot, theres a lot more 600 bikes out there so just by shear volume theyre easy to find and u can shop around

I would split the difference and get either a GS500 or Ninja 500. The Katana does not have the crazy power level of a modern 600 super sport, but its a very heavy bike and can be a handful at low speed due to the weight.

both the GS and ninja 500 will be lighter and easier to handle and may very well out corner the Katana. Both of these 500s are still more than fast enough to lose your license in a hurry.

I dont think the Katana 600 has too much power for a new rider. I ride a bandit 600 which is basically a Katana 600 motor stuffed into a naked bike frame, its 40 lbs lighter than a Katana 600 and I would consider it on a par with the SV650 for a new rider.

jmillheiser wrote:I would split the difference and get either a GS500 or Ninja 500. The Katana does not have the crazy power level of a modern 600 super sport, but its a very heavy bike and can be a handful at low speed due to the weight.

both the GS and ninja 500 will be lighter and easier to handle and may very well out corner the Katana. Both of these 500s are still more than fast enough to lose your license in a hurry.

I dont think the Katana 600 has too much power for a new rider. I ride a bandit 600 which is basically a Katana 600 motor stuffed into a naked bike frame, its 40 lbs lighter than a Katana 600 and I would consider it on a par with the SV650 for a new rider.

I agree....it will go plenty fast, and with a few mods handle very well for what it is. but it IS heavy. While maybe it is a grey area .... at least mine was since i didnt kill myself on it. I would still reccomend something a bit lighter at least.

They are pretty easy to find used, and mine at least has been pretty dang reliable. Did have to replace the coils, and i need to do a synch/cleaning. but all in all, when i ask it to run, its almost always ready to come out and play.

And...if you decide after you've ridden a bit that you need more power..a bandit 1200 engine bolts right in.

hello i'm the friend he's talking about, ive been lookin at the ninja but it appears that the ninja has a great amount of insurance, but thanks for the help guys

I'll throw in my $0.02 on this.

A Katana, with any engine in it, is a "pee"-poor first bike. First, it's a heavy bike. The lightest ones weigh about 450 pounds, dry. To make it worse, the weight is really high on the bike. Once it starts going over, that's it. No stopping it. This makes low-speed maneuvers difficult. Which isn't a problem, so long as you don't have to park your bike. Most of us do.

It also carries a decent insurance cost to go with it. Insurance agencies see the "GSX" part of the model designation (GSX-F) and break out the 60 grit condom.

All that said, it'd be a fun little sporty-sporty-touring bike. As a second bike.

regarding insurance... some companies only go by engine size.

if you like sportbikes, it's best to choose such insurance since sportbikes have smaller engines but way more power than big engine Vº twins.