I'm a new old rider, when i moved to FL 17 years ago I gave up my bike because of the heat, when i turned 40 last Oct. midlife crisis kicks in and I bought a new 03 600 Katana. Now that old memories are coming back I'm looking for ways or ideas on how to tweak this bike for both speed and looks. Starting easy to begin with and progressing from there. Any help would be greatly appreciated on my part. As in fav. sites online to buy aftermarket add on's or whatever I'm open to anything at this point. Everything on the bike is stock now.
New bike needs tweaking
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well i would reccomend getting an exhaust and maybe a jet kit personally i prefer being loud espically in south florida where theres alot of senior citizens that beleive they are god when driving. if your just trying to turn heads tho there are many options such as neon lights, alarm/remote starters/blue xenon headlights/ but hey if its a true midlife crisis you could strap wings on it and install a 5000 hp concord jet engine on it check out the guys at:
http://www.katanaplanet.com/kp/forumdisplay.php?f=2
they usually have some good ideas for katanas
http://www.katanaplanet.com/kp/forumdisplay.php?f=2
they usually have some good ideas for katanas
I'm not a fan of really loud pipes myself, I kinda like that Ferarri sound the bike makes when I pull up. Although I am going to add a new exhaust as one of my first changes, just not going for that extra loud one, just makes me think of a 4 cyl honda accord with a tin can on the back :lol:
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4,574 Posts
A-HA! The key word there is "some". I would say MOST can not. That suspension gets vague when pushed hard, and doesn't leave a lot of confidence for the rider. Especially someone new.
There are not enough adjustments to take advantage of the stock nor the potential power available in that motor. Of course, I am used to high-quality suspension for the track.
BUT, I ride my street 1986 1100 with only stock suspension. Believe me, I know a good rider can dominate on the street with stock stuff. And I'm running almost 20-year-old stock parts that really suck. My friends watch me, and they say my suspension SCARES them! I can keep up though.
The Kat suspension is not really that good. I have ridden them before. It can be made to handle a lot better.
- Nut
Guess what I meant, was that a rider should concentrate on their skills first, it is agreed that a Kat in capable hands will run with the best of them so why cheat by modifying the bike when you should be improving your skills first .
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4,574 Posts
I agree with that. He asked about what he should do. Skills are of course most important to me. It is a never ending quest. Instead of recommending motor mods, I recommended the suspension. As your skills get better, you can use what you have motor-wise and save money by helping out the suspension.
I guess what I am saying is skills and suspension will gain you more "speed" in the long run than a built motor (pipe etc), if that is what you are after.
Is everyone as confused as I at this point?
:lol:
- Nut
I guess what I am saying is skills and suspension will gain you more "speed" in the long run than a built motor (pipe etc), if that is what you are after.
Is everyone as confused as I at this point?
:lol:
- Nut
I agree with all of the above, I'm all into improving my old almost forgotten skills again before I go way over board. I'm going for the easy "tweaks" to start with. First off is a new saddle from Corbin..taking the advice of another person on the forum. Along with that I'm taking off my rear fender as suggested. But need to figure out what to do with the turn signals. Also along with these first upgrades are new grips. My right fingers tend to fall asleep.. but only my right ones. Riding with gloves seem to help a little but I'm sure some better grips should solve most of those quirks.
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