rode a new Katana 600 yesterday.

[Honzo]

Never rode one before but used to frequent an '87 600 Hurricane that yanked a lot more than this bike. Oh, the Kat was smooth, comfortable, a looker of a bike and would be a lot more fun than the '85 Wing I'm on right now but I don't think I'd own one. Just wasn't the performer I was expecting. Good thing too since I'm totally jealous that this guy just bought 2 new bikes and I can't afford to pay attention right now.

Opinions please...or did I just insult some Katana owners?

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Never rode one before but used to frequent an '87 600 Hurricane that yanked a lot more than this bike. Oh, the Kat was smooth, comfortable, a looker of a bike and would be a lot more fun than the '85 Wing I'm on right now but I don't think I'd own one. Just wasn't the performer I was expecting. Good thing too since I'm totally jealous that this guy just bought 2 new bikes and I can't afford to pay attention right now.
Opinions please...or did I just insult some Katana owners?

I don't think any Katana 600 owners expect that you'd feel like your arms almost got pulled out of their sockets. Katanas are a sensible, good handling, inexspensive, durable and comfortable bikes. They aren't made to perform in the same class as the GSXRs/R6/FZ6/etc class. For an inexspesive sport tourer (with some aftermarket add ons) they are a good platform!

 

[Fencer]

I had a 750. It was pretty nice. Prob about the same as a 600 True sportbike, minus some handling.

It did have some GO to it.

 

[JasonB]

I don't think any Katana 600 owners expect that you'd feel like your arms almost got pulled out of their sockets. Katanas are a sensible, good handling, inexspensive, durable and comfortable bikes. They aren't made to perform in the same class as the GSXRs/R6/FZ6/etc class. For an inexspesive sport tourer (with some aftermarket add ons) they are a good platform!

Gunny +1

I had a 97kat600 that I sold for my 07FJR. It was a great bike I surly miss its size and the ease jumping on and running around town. I only ever had to do basic routine maintenance on mine, oil/tires and carb cleaning every few years. It is a great middle weight sport bike and capable of touring.

I rode with frinds that have gsxrs/r1/zx6,7,9 and even a few st1100 and I never had a problem getting left behind. Just keep it of the track, or only compete with older 600 class bikes as you will get your *** handed to you.

If you are considering any substantial highway riding definitely grab the 750, the 600 is way too buzzy for hours on the freeway. On this forum you hear folks complaining about the 4k buzz on the FJR and needing grip puppies. The 600Kat has more buzz at idle and only increases from there. Simply get your self a nice set of gel padded gloves and enjoy the ride.

 

[Honzo]

Not planning on getting one. It was the most modern bike I've been on and thought there would be more kick. My Nighthawk would have stayed with it.

"Captain, I'm giv'n 'er all she's got."

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>.....It was the most modern bike I've been on and thought there would be more kick.

I'd suggest 'getting out more'.....

The Katana you're talking about is a Suzuki of the '90s with technology from the '80s. There's nothing wrong with that technology/performance -- just dated. Air/oil-cooled GSX-R based engines have been tested to the limit over-and-over on race tracks around the world. It is a decent bike; although, the 750 (for a few $$$ more) offers much more engine, better suspension, better ergos -- even tho it doesn't all show.

 

[angus]

I just sold My 06 CBR 600 RR it was bad *** would do 100 mph wheelies.It was a blast to ride for short hops but a trip was out of the question. befor I purchased it i rode a Suzuki 750 Katana The Honda would eat it a live.

 

[Fred W]

I just sold My 06 CBR 600 RR it was bad *** would do 100 mph wheelies.It was a blast to ride for short hops but a trip was out of the question. befor I purchased it i rode a Suzuki 750 Katana The Honda would eat it a live.

The CBR is a "Race Replica". The Katana is a sport touring model. Wouldn't Suzi's GSXR be more comparable to the CBR? That's what I would think...

BTW - How's that Corbin working out for you? Never heard back from you...

 

[angus]

I just sold My 06 CBR 600 RR it was bad *** would do 100 mph wheelies.It was a blast to ride for short hops but a trip was out of the question. befor I purchased it i rode a Suzuki 750 Katana The Honda would eat it a live.

The CBR is a "Race Replica". The Katana is a sport touring model. Wouldn't Suzi's GSXR be more comparable to the CBR? That's what I would think...

BTW - How's that Corbin working out for you? Never heard back from you...

It sits taller than stock have hard time touching toes on ground plus it moves me back i needed a close i'm only 5'7.

 

[Fred W]

PM'ed you

 

[Randy]

I had a Kan - o - tuna 600. It was a slow pig. Air/oil cooled, 2 valve per cylinder, horrible suspension, ****** brakes, less than 70 hp. Got rid of it in the early 90s and rode one last year. Seemed like the longest 10 minutes of my life.

 

[Fred W]

I had a Kan - o - tuna 600. It was a slow pig. Air/oil cooled, 2 valve per cylinder, horrible suspension, ****** brakes, less than 70 hp. Got rid of it in the early 90s and rode one last year. Seemed like the longest 10 minutes of my life.

Lemme see. A Kan-o-tuna 600cc makes 70hp (your number, I don't know), and an FJR is more than twice the displacement at 1300cc. So it should make 151hp?

Wow, this FJR is a slug!! Nowhere near the power/cc of a Kan-o-tuna...

 

[coop]

What year was the kat?

They haven't made katanas in 2 years.