[photon9]

Hey I'm a new cycle enthusiast. Just got my permit a month ago and love it! My family all cycles so it was natural for me to take it up. Anyway I am considering purchasing the katana 750 when I get the funds next year most likely (in college too poor right now!). I know it will get smoked by a gixxer or pretty much any other higher level racing bike but feel like it could be a good bike to have with just one year riding experience under me. What is your experience with the katana? Has anyone found that they outgrow it too quickly with as little as experience as I have? I don't really care too much about hauling ass right now I just want to get a feel for a racing style bike without killing myself because the controls are too tight. Anyway... any info would be great. Thanks!
Josh

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Here we go . . .

:lol:

 

[Gix-N-8or]

I'd get a gixer 6 before a Katana 750. Oh wait...that IS what I did. The Katanas are too heavy and they just don't handle anywhere near the same as the gixers do. Plus, the gixer 6 will probably outrun it AND be less on insurance due to the smaller motor.

Hey...he asked.

 

[themeatmanlandry]

You'll want to upgrade after you get used to the bike. GO for the GSXR-1000. Screw the insurance, you need to be popping wheelies and running 10 second quarters. That Katana 750 is simply not going to keep you happy.

Take the money you were going to spend on gear and buy a bigger bike.

I'm just kidding . . . if I have to type one more response about not getting a 750 for a first bike, I'll explode. People come here about once or twice a week and ask about what would make a good first bike. Half of the people offer safe, sound advice . . . and the other half tell the new guy to buy whatever he/she wants. The new person always buys the big bore sport bike, regardles of the answers to the post. Enjoy your Kat.

My boxed answer from now on: Go for it. Just don't get insurance.

 

[Gix-N-8or]

For the record, the gixer 6 did 1/4 mi. in 10.58 sec according to Sportrider mag. Don't need a liter to do 10's. :wink:

 

[themeatmanlandry]

That's nice. 8)

Actually, they're running 10.8's this year . . . and the best they've done is 10.74. Not that that little bit of a difference really matters.

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_perf_nums/#suzuki

 

[87gsxrnut]

Kat 750 is a great bike. It's lineage is impeccable.

- Nut

 

[KatanaMatt]

<Ahem> Back on topic. I bought a 600 Kat for my first bike, and I love it! These people are right, though. The Katana's a heavy bike. I'm 6'2" and 160lbs, and I have absolutely no problem with it. It handles extremely well, given it's weight, and the sporty look is just that much cooler, beacuse it doesn't come with that oh-so-sporty "I'm bent over and my back is really killing me" feel. It's actually considered a sport-tourer bike, but don't let that fool you. This baby can wheelie and stoppie with the best. So, all in all, as a first bike, I highly recommend it. Just know your limits... Maybe the 750 is a little too much for a beginner, but you said you have a year experience riding, so use your own judgement.

 

[pitbull76]

I wouldn't recommend a 750 for a beginner, but of all the 600-750 sport bikes, the Katana is probably the best choice for a beginner. The Kat is forgiving and not too terribly fast, but it is very heavy. Have you at least considered a Kawi EX500 or Suzuki GS500?

 

[KatanaMatt]

Um, Pitbull just recommended a Kwak on a Suzi forum...

Get a rope.

 

[photon9]

thanks but no wheelies for me

Hey thanks for your responses especially meatlandry... sarcastic and helpful. For the record I have no interest in tricking or anything like that. My friends are always popping wheelies and crap and it's the most annoying ride ever because they will slow down to 50 then speed up to 100 in wheelie then slow down to 50 again and start all over. It's excruciatingly annoying when you are driving behind someone doing that to be perfectly honest but whatever gets your goat you know! I'm just looking for a bike that handles well, is comfortable and has some guts to spare. I haven't even broke 100 yet and probably won't for a while. Like I said I want to get comfortable and feel in control of the bike and be responsible. I just don't want a bike that will be a borefest after a year or two on it. Still if it's safer to go smaller I will certainly consider that strongly. I will be test driving as many models as possible once I get my license! Thanks a lot everyone.
Josh

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Sorry for the sarcasm. Good luck with your decision.

 

[photon9]

No I thought it was funny! I'm from NY sarcasm is our primary form of communication with other human beings.

 

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah, I hear ya there Jerky!

- Nut

 

[themeatmanlandry]

I'm watching you, GxrNut. :shock:

 

[DaMaNP750]

Im almost in the same boat. If you haven't read this thread already then you probably should, it's pretty good.

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3858

 

[coves27]

KatanaMatt- You've popped a wheelie with a Kat 600, I was under the impression that kat's couldn't do that because of their weight...

 

[KatanaMatt]

I never admitted to popping a wheelie. I said that it can wheelie. I personally have seen it done (although, I'm not sure if it was a 600 or a 750...) Get up to about 6000 RPM's, maybe a little higher, and let out on the clutch while giving some throttle. That front tire will come off the ground if done right.

 

[axel_2078]

I had a Kat 750 and tried to pop a few wheelies, but the only thing I ever managed to do successfully was slam my cahones into the tank! 8) Then again, I'm no pro either.

 

[DaMaNP750]

OUCH :shock: