[jog5000]

Well, I've just been offered a 650 Katana, GS 650 G, for 900 Pounds.... not sure in Dollars. The bike is in EXCELLENT condition, engine having been re-done 2 months ago. Goes like a dream.
First off: Is there anything I should look at that I should be weary of?
Second: Is it a good bike?
Third: Compared to a Yamaha XJ 750 Seca...... any comments?
Fourth: You think I'll enjoy this bike? I think I will. Problem is I'm 6'8", 110 Kg.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Well first there is no such thing so offering an opinion is difficult.LOL

It's either a 600 or a 750, great bike, it's sit up straight riding position probably offers you the best chance for comfort at your height without going to extreme mods.

 

[jog5000]

Well first there is no such thing so offering an opinion is difficult.LOL

http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1982/1982_GS650G_Katana_450.jpg
Thats a 650. I will, however, do a bit more research into the bike, to make sure about what he is talking about..

 

[Gixxerdale]

The link lists it as a 450 ?

What year is this bike? A GS or a GSX? :?:

 

[jog5000]

http://www.suzukicycles.org/GS-series/GS650G_brochures.shtml

Thats the brochure for it. Its a 1982.

 

[Gixxerdale]

I don't believe any of those models were imported to North America, and there lies the confusion. They were sent to Australia, NewZealand and I believe Europe. A dressed up GS 650 with a new name, Katana.

 

[DragonKat]

To the best of my knowledge either, I dont know of any here either. The kats, ever since thier existance began, have been vastly bullet proof, reliable, run to ride, and a bike that will treat you well for a long time.

 

[jog5000]

Well, this is what it looks like.--> http://www.geocities.com/jogsbmw320i/katana.jpg <-- Apparently, after asking a lot more questions, its a GSX 650, 1984 model. I cant find anything on the net........ Its a South African bike, by the way.
So any ideas?
Thanks.

 

[Crazy1ear]

Found this (and cleaned it up a bit):

The GS650 Katana was introduced at the same time as the GS650GT Tourer that it shares most of its mechanicals with. The most noticeable difference with this Kat was its shaft drive. Although it is generally the slowest of the first Kats (the 550 with its 6 speed gearbox could be pressed into out performing it), the shaft drive together with Suzuki's tough 8-valve motor, meant that there was very little maintenance to do. In fact the 650 was a great motorway bruiser and was very popular amongst dispatch riders.

The styling wasn't quite as radical as its larger brothers (which look more like the early Katana's we in North America are used to) due to it not having the sharp, distinctive fairing (remember the flip-up headlight?).

There were two models - the GX (up to 1982) and the GZ (1982 to about 1984) during the model's life span. With the GX, Suzuki didn't quite get the oil supply right (this was also the case on one or two other models, most notably the GSX400F), and it was possible to strangle the oil supply to the big ends when the oil level was low. The GZ cured this problem and also sported anti-drive forks and a fuel gauge.

Great site devoted to the older Kats: http://www.katanacentral.co.uk/index.asp