1. All bikes I've ever ridden had neutral between 1st and 2nd. I highly recommend the MSF courses to help you get some of the basics down.
2. others answered this well.
3. I would buy boots made for motorcycling. I bought mine on closeout from newenough.com for less than $70.00 and they work very well for riding. No laces to get in the way, and they're designed to make shifting easy.
4. I usually take my helmet with me, depending on where I am at.
5. I think you can get it from the dealer (for $), but I just bought the Clymer service manual and use the maintenence info from it.
6. You're on the right track, but instead of kneeguards, buying purpose-built riding pants is the way to go. I have some that fit right over other pants. Again, check out newenough.com for a good selection.
7. As far as the chain, that bike is almost certainly on its second (or third) chain, depending on how the last owner(s) took care of the chain. It could be in great shape, or falling apart. Get a service manual so you know what to look for on the chain.
Other services to check on:
Tires! Make sure the tread is good and that they're not dry-rotted.
When was the last time the valves were adjusted? They should be done every 4-6K miles.
How long's it been since the break fluid and fork fluid were changed? They should be done every couple years.
How old are the plugs? If you don't know, it's probably worth replacing them cause it's not too hard or expensive.
Overall, that Kat is a good bike and should last a long time. 18K miles is not high at all on them.
2. others answered this well.
3. I would buy boots made for motorcycling. I bought mine on closeout from newenough.com for less than $70.00 and they work very well for riding. No laces to get in the way, and they're designed to make shifting easy.
4. I usually take my helmet with me, depending on where I am at.
5. I think you can get it from the dealer (for $), but I just bought the Clymer service manual and use the maintenence info from it.
6. You're on the right track, but instead of kneeguards, buying purpose-built riding pants is the way to go. I have some that fit right over other pants. Again, check out newenough.com for a good selection.
7. As far as the chain, that bike is almost certainly on its second (or third) chain, depending on how the last owner(s) took care of the chain. It could be in great shape, or falling apart. Get a service manual so you know what to look for on the chain.
Other services to check on:
Tires! Make sure the tread is good and that they're not dry-rotted.
When was the last time the valves were adjusted? They should be done every 4-6K miles.
How long's it been since the break fluid and fork fluid were changed? They should be done every couple years.
How old are the plugs? If you don't know, it's probably worth replacing them cause it's not too hard or expensive.
Overall, that Kat is a good bike and should last a long time. 18K miles is not high at all on them.
It's imbedded in my brain! My 02 requires a minimum of 90 octane. Not sure what is spec for a 96 Katana. Anyone know for sure?
