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I've pretty much decided on a Katana for my next bike. From what I've heard, they are plenty comfy for the longer trips I put in (200 mile days happen about twice a month, with some 400 milers thrown in). It should handle better than my Rad and has a longer range on a tank of gas. Sure, it's double the horsepower, but I've ridden a friend's bike that has the same amount of power and it wasn't a problem. As a plus, there's room on the back for the GF when she tags along (until she gets her own bike ).

Please share your thoughts on these bikes, all opinions are appreciated. I have some good leads on early to late 90 600 and 750 Katanas, all within my price range and I like the looks.

the katana is pretty much ment for long trips. it has the big 4.2 gallon tank to get you there, a nice seat, comfy ride position for those long hauls. but its not a goldwing either its got the power and handling no question to run up there with other 600 sports bikes. the power is all at high rpms so its there when you want it. just dont put a jet kit on it that will bring your gas mileage down around 100 miles per tank ; /

from what ive read the engine is bullet proof just keep up on it. theres plenty of them out there so theres no shortage in parts either.

Skier wrote:Please share your thoughts on these bikes, all opinions are appreciated. I have some good leads on early to late 90 600 and 750 Katanas, all within my price range and I like the looks.

There are great bikes comfy reliable (in stock form) handle ok they just don't have soul,Someone once said this about them "Surely biking should be more exciting than this"

Sorry to sound negative but thats just my point of view.There are better bikes out there for the money.

Oh, I'd make sure she'd have some soul, if ya catch my drift.

Howdy,
I have a 98 Suzuki GSX 750 F.

They're really nice bikes - economical when treated sensibly, pretty quick when treated not so sensibly. They are also very comfortable bikes.
They tend to get mediocre reviews in magazines over here which complain about the poor looks, lack of power, lack of handling but I'm very happy with mine and would definately recommend the bike.

Skier wrote:Oh, I'd make sure she'd have some soul, if ya catch my drift.

lol

Katanas are on the slower side of sport bikes but they are plenty fast and as far as sport bikes go they are comfy.


Tom

Got insurance quotes for the other bikes I was looking at and it pretty much sealed the deal. '91 Katana 750 insurance is about half the other bikes, even the '89 Yamaha FZR.

Hi Skier...

I just purchased a 2005 Katana 600 last month and I have to say that this bike has been great. It is really comfortable to ride, the riding position is more upright than that of a traditional Sportsbike like the GSXR's and FZR's. I feel no strain in the wrists and my back feels good as well.

Of course there is no shortage of compliments as well. Each stop at a light there are heads turning or eyes checking out the machine. These are beautiful machines ..no doubt about it.

A little underpowered? ... perhaps
More powerful bikes out there? ...definately.
Better looking sportbikes? ...definately not!

My final opinion on those that "dis the kat".... there are those that ride Katana's....and there are those that wish they rode Katana's.

Wether you get a Katana or not is not the issue. The idea is to get out there and ride..no matter what bike you choose.

Cheers...

The older Katanas don't handle very good and are top heavy even for a sport-tourer. I would suggest you find and older CBR which has way better handling and power and is just as comfortable to ride. I loved my CBR and the guy I sold it to still rides the heck out of it and it has 47,000 miles on it with only a timing chain replacement at around 30,000 miles. The seat is very comfortable for a passenger as well.

Just my .02