Buying a Katana?

[Amorok]

So I've been thinking of buying a sport bike for a while. Ran across a 600cc Katana, I'm not sure of the year but it's carbureted and at least a couple of years old. It's been parked and only has 76 miles on it, the girl bought it and had surgery right after so it's been in a garage ever since. Everything is brand new obviously with no corrosion, carbs need cleaned since it's been sitting for a while but no other issues. It's in the class I want, asking price is 4500 but I can probably get them down to about 4k. Does this sound like a good deal or should I pass unless the price drops?

[Homeslice]

To each his own, but I wouldn't pay more than 2K for a Katana, even a new one. Thing weighs like 500 lbs and is butt-ugly IMO.

With 4500 you could buy SO many other bikes.......shit like 954's, 636's, 03-05 R6's, etc.

[Captain Morgan]

I agree with Homeslice. I use to own a 600 Katana. It's not worth it. It was somewhat fun, but if you're wanting a sport bike, get a real one.

[tallywacker]

Katana's are a waste of money. Any other used bike would be better.

[derf]

Can I just echo what everyone else has already said? Or would I sound too much like a copy cat?

[tallywacker]

Can I just echo what everyone else has already said? Or would I sound too much like a copy cat?

Nope

[OTB]

I have an 05 with 900 miles on it you can have for $3500........

I happen to like the Katanas...comfortable bikes that are damn near indestructible.

Reasonable handling for a 20 yr old design and I've shocked and smoked my share of "pure sports" bikes on a few of them.

I know it's popular to knock the bikes, but I've had 1st 2nd and 3rd gen Kats in 600, 750 and 1100 sizes and they have always started, done what I've asked them to do and done it cheaper than about any other bikes I've owned.

If you are looking for a decent all-round type of bike, you can do a lot worse than a Kat.



JMHO

[smileyman]

The last gen was a pretty fair sport tour type sortbike, OTB said it, indestructible. Also heavy. Still 4500 is a bit high.

[Dave]

1500 will put you on an equally indestructable and far more fun f2. Just saying

[DLIT]

A 600 katana is exempt from being labeled as a 600-class bike. They're shit.

[Homeslice]

a 600 katana is exempt from being labeled as a 600-class bike. They're shit.

real talk

[Porkchop]

Rough crowd. :lol:

Its your money, get what you want. But yes, you can find them for much cheaper than that.

[Rangerscott]

A sittin bike is an instant price drop. They an say all they want on "it just needs his done blah blah" crap all they want. Nobody knows until someone starts working on it.

[LeeNetworX]

The Katana is the 1986 Hyundai Excel of the sportbike set.

[Mr Lefty]

Christian there are much better bikes to be had for the price. don't let the low mileage fool ya.

look at a late 90's or early 2000's 600. they'll have comfort as well as performance. That was the last of the glory days of a STREET Bike... now they're mostly Track bikes that are street legal.

[101lifts2]

Katana's are pieces of crap. My brother had one and it was heavy as fuck, not to mention the thing wouldn't stay running until it was 200 degrees.

I would suggest an 04 or higher SV650s. Much much better bike and for 4500 you could land an 07.

[Dave]

Christian there are much better bikes to be had for the price. don't let the low mileage fool ya.

look at a late 90's or early 2000's 600. they'll have comfort as well as performance. That was the last of the glory days of a STREET Bike... now they're mostly Track bikes that are street legal.

like i said, f1-3. fun, quick, cheap, and reliable

[Mr Lefty]

Yes shit F1-4i

Zx6's R6's GSXR600's also good IMO

Loved my ZZR which was just a 02 ZX6R. comfortable as hell still quick enough to be fun... and didn't feel all that heavy once moving

[Dave]

Yes shit F1-4i

Zx6's R6's GSXR600's also good IMO

Loved my ZZR which was just a 02 ZX6R. comfortable as hell still quick enough to be fun... and didn't feel all that heavy once moving

troof just about everything from those times are good. cept maybe thundercats.
i specifically mentioned the f bikes due to price/availability

[Mr Lefty]

troof just about everything from those times are good. cept maybe thundercats.
i specifically mentioned the f bikes due to price/availability
true...

shit here's some I found on Craigslist in a quick search
05 R6 6300 miles for $4600
http://gulfport.craigslist.org/mcy/1821742643.html

07 R6s 5000 miles $4400OBO
http://gulfport.craigslist.org/mcy/1820962540.html


good god there are a lot of stretched out 1000's in the gulfport biloxi area

[derf]

A decent F4i, and you can prolly talk the guy down a few hundred

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/mcy/1773824844.html

and this one too, for the price you cant go wrong (unless there is MUCH more than a fuel pump)

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/mcy/1755085419.html

[Homeslice]

The 03-05 R6 is the absolute best 600 in that price range. Best fit & finish of all the 600's, and the smoothest engine.

[Dave]

The 03-05 R6 is the absolute best 600 in that price range. Best fit & finish of all the 600's, and the smoothest engine.

real usable torque too, unlike the later one

[dReWpY]

My vote is a first gen 636 ftw

[Riceaholic]

Shit for another 1k I'll give you a shot at my vintage 1000...:lol:

[Inferno]

I thought this was going to be about Japanese swords

[Dave]

My vote is a first gen 636 ftw

2nd Gen has more power and way better looking

[Particle Man]

I would suggest an 04 or higher SV650s. Much much better bike and for 4500 you could land an 07.

Nothing wrong with an 03 either :nee:

It's still a 2nd gen.

[Homeslice]

My vote is a first gen 636 ftw

Shit, you could find one of those for only 3500

Not as smooth or comfortable as the R6 though, IMO

[Mr Lefty]

I was always partial to the ZX6R... it's what got me into motorcycling... and when I had my ZZR... and thew in the HID's... fuck'n A! it was like day time... head lights are fuck'n awesome.

comfortable as hell, parts are cheap (got a full system muzzy for $400) and still IMO one of the best looking bikes.
http://ebbs15.com/Motorcycles/Indianapolis-MotoGP-Trip/20080902-Indy-Trip-036/381833176_STXDD-XL-1.jpg


yeah don't mind the chicken strips... had just put on those tires and had only ridden in Fargo ND

[Amber Lamps]

SV1000 FTW! Heck, if you would of decided to get a bike a few months ago, you could have gotten a new Buell 1125R for that price...:lol: Seriously, I'd shop some more, I'd just about sell my bike for that price.:idk: $5000 is reasonable money for a used bike. If you have that in cash, I'd check for some local auctions as well.

[101lifts2]

I was always partial to the ZX6R... it's what got me into motorcycling... and when I had my ZZR... and thew in the HID's... fuck'n A! it was like day time... head lights are fuck'n awesome.

comfortable as hell, parts are cheap (got a full system muzzy for $400) and still IMO one of the best looking bikes.
http://ebbs15.com/Motorcycles/Indianapolis-MotoGP-Trip/20080902-Indy-Trip-036/381833176_STXDD-XL-1.jpg


yeah don't mind the chicken strips... had just put on those tires and had only ridden in Fargo ND


The suspension on the ZZR600 is crap. It's a damn good commuting bike (and a killer lane splitting bike) but the suspension is terrible for canyon carving.

I would agree with Homeslice. 03-05 R6 or a later R6S.

[Dave]

Woah woah woah. Don't be suggesting those dangerous useless on the street litre bikes!

[Amber Lamps]

Woah woah woah. Don't be suggesting those dangerous useless on the street litre bikes!

OMG! You're right! No one should have all that power! They are all but un-ridable on the street!:lol:

[Mr Lefty]

I would recomend him starting on a 600... unless he's ridden sport bikes before... :2cents:


the suspension on the ZZR isn't track quality but fine for the street. and here in MS there aren't many canyons.


SV is a great choice IMO... suspension mods are decently easy to get (just get GSXR parts) huge aftermarket, bullet proof motor...

[CrazyKell]

Your money but you couldn't pay me to buy a Katana.

Way better bikes out there for the same price range. Take your time and you'll find the right one.

[Rangerscott]

I'd rather go Indian.


http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/yamaha-r15.jpg

[Homeslice]

Is that a 125?

[Rangerscott]

Is that a 125?

Not with that size of pipe before the can.

[dReWpY]

I'd rather go Indian.


http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/yamaha-r15.jpg

wtf is that?

[Rangerscott]

Yamaha R15. Duh drewpy titties.

[101lifts2]

Chick looks like Michael Jackson...

Is it is she or a he....

[Smittie61984]

I'd rather go Indian.


Does that say R4 on the tail?

Had a buddy who weighed over 400lbs and wanted a sportbike style bikef or his 1st bike. The Katana was a good choice for him (once he got the suspension adjusted).

My buddy picked up a nice 1st Gen SV650 for $2500 in perfect condition a couple years back. You can find the F2-F3s for pretty cheap in good condition.

[gavilan]

Err... I don't like Kan-a-tunas either... and I agree with what has been said about getting something better for that price. :)

[Porkchop]

The suspension on the ZZR600 is crap. It's a damn good commuting bike (and a killer lane splitting bike) but the suspension is terrible for canyon carving.

I would agree with Homeslice. 03-05 R6 or a later R6S.

Fuck no. If you look closely at the R6S, yamaha skimped on the parts.

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2005/21652_0_1_2_yzf-r6_Image%20credits%20-%20Yamaha.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motorcycles.org/images/2006YZF-R6S.jpg

2nd Gen has more power and way better looking

2nd gen is a fantastic bike. Friend of mine has one, love when I get to ride it. The first gen is fugly.

[Mr Lefty]

Fuck no. If you look closely at the R6S, yamaha skimped on the parts.

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2005/21652_0_1_2_yzf-r6_Image%20credits%20-%20Yamaha.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motorcycles.org/images/2006YZF-R6S.jpg



2nd gen is a fantastic bike. Friend of mine has one, love when I get to ride it. The first gen is fugly.

Yes the R6s reverted to 02 suspension I believe.

[Homeslice]

Fuck no. If you look closely at the R6S, yamaha skimped on the parts.


It isn't something most people would notice. All they really did was use the 03-04 forks and brakes, instead of the 05's. In fact I've heard a few club racers say they prefer the 03-04 because it has more "feel" or whatever.

[derf]

Its gotta be small, look at the tire size, I think its a125 with a big pipe

[Mr Lefty]

Its gotta be small, look at the tire size, I think its a125 with a big pipe

the R15 was a give away for a 150 IMO

[EpyonXero]

1500 will put you on an equally indestructable and far more fun f2. Just saying

I agree. Get an older CBR, Katanas suck.

[VatorMan]

Here is one that should be cheap.

http://turbo.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2010/04/marin-funeral-home-motorcycle.jpg

[Smittie61984]

the R15 was a give away for a 150 IMO

Before I was really into motorcycles I thought on the Yamahas that a R6 was bigger than a R1 because it had a bigger number. I probably would have thought an R15 was a spacebike from the future

[Mr Lefty]

Before I was really into motorcycles I thought on the Yamahas that a R6 was bigger than a R1 because it had a bigger number. I probably would have thought an R15 was a spacebike from the future
:lol: never paid much attention to the numbers myself... to be honest... thought there was only one sport bike offering from each manufacture... mainly cause the fuck'n GSXR's looked all the same and so did the ZX6, 9, and to the n00b 12r's

[Homeslice]

Back in the day, I had a couple dipshits ask me if my blue '02 SV650S was an R6, just because of the color.

[Amber Lamps]

Back in the day, I had a couple dipshits ask me if my blue '02 SV650S was an R6, just because of the color.

I had a guy accuse me of putting 1000 stickers on a 600 because I had the M4 Gp exhaust on it.:lol:

[Mr Lefty]

My ZZR above was called an R1 several times... even with them saying " I love Kawasaki's (reading the tank) it's an R1 right?" :lol:

[Dave]

:lol: never paid much attention to the numbers myself... to be honest... thought there was only one sport bike offering from each manufacture... mainly cause the fuck'n GSXR's looked all the same and so did the ZX6, 9, and to the n00b 12r's

we were talking to a kid at atco with a zx9 that he swore up and down was a 600. too bad his tach said he was a liar mc liarpants

[Amorok]

OK, so no Katana. Ulu wasn't really enthused about me buying it. I rode one yesterday and it seemed alright, but I'm not getting a great feeling from the sale process, it belongs to a woman I know but she's having a mechanic sell it that she knows, real Cro-Magnon kind of guy and I'm getting two different price quotes. I had originally thought about GSXR's or SV's but this seemed like a good deal. Heavy doesn't bother me coming off of a cruiser and I wouldn't want anything bigger than a 600 since I'm trying to learn the basics of sport bike riding. Thanks for the input, guys, I appreciate the suggestions and warnings.

[Mr Lefty]

we were talking to a kid at atco with a zx9 that he swore up and down was a 600. too bad his tach said he was a liar mc liarpants

huh... most lie the otherway... unless he just couldn't keep up and was using it as an excuse... :idk:

OK, so no Katana. Ulu wasn't really enthused about me buying it. I rode one yesterday and it seemed alright, but I'm not getting a great feeling from the sale process, it belongs to a woman I know but she's having a mechanic sell it that she knows, real Cro-Magnon kind of guy and I'm getting two different price quotes. I had originally thought about GSXR's or SV's but this seemed like a good deal. Heavy doesn't bother me coming off of a cruiser and I wouldn't want anything bigger than a 600 since I'm trying to learn the basics of sport bike riding. Thanks for the input, guys, I appreciate the suggestions and warnings.

True any sport bike will feel light(er) to you coming from your boulevard, but for sport bike standards (and I use sport bike loosely :lol:) the Kat is more of a COW. it's not going to flick between corners with ease like it's brethren will. also when/if you drop it... sport bikes go all the way to the ground. not like your cruiser which will sit at 60*. lifting that weight from 0* to 90* (also remember the COG is higher on a sport bike) fucking sucks.

the main point is there are better bikes to be had. call on some of those Derf and I listed... those were in the Gulfport area... look also in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Mobile, or non ridden sport bike mecca that is Florida!

I know a few people in Ft Walton might be able to get them to check a bike out for you. these are good people know a shit ton more about motorcycles than I do... if not... it's only a 2hr ride

[racedoll]

It isn't something most people would notice. All they really did was use the 03-04 forks and brakes, instead of the 05's. In fact I've heard a few club racers say they prefer the 03-04 because it has more "feel" or whatever.

Most likely why I liked the "s" the best at the bike show a few years ago. It reminds me more of my bike.

Rough crowd. :lol:

Its your money, get what you want. But yes, you can find them for much cheaper than that.

Agreed.

[derf]

kata are cheap, and even new that price sounds high, if you want a katana, you can find one in a similar condition for less. You will also have a much easier time learning to ride a sport bike that is a better sport bike.

[Dave]

huh... most lie the otherway... unless he just couldn't keep up and was using it as an excuse... :idk:



True any sport bike will feel light(er) to you coming from your boulevard, but for sport bike standards (and I use sport bike loosely :lol:) the Kat is more of a COW. it's not going to flick between corners with ease like it's brethren will. also when/if you drop it... sport bikes go all the way to the ground. not like your cruiser which will sit at 60*. lifting that weight from 0* to 90* (also remember the COG is higher on a sport bike) fucking sucks.

the main point is there are better bikes to be had. call on some of those Derf and I listed... those were in the Gulfport area... look also in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Mobile, or non ridden sport bike mecca that is Florida!

I know a few people in Ft Walton might be able to get them to check a bike out for you. these are good people know a shit ton more about motorcycles than I do... if not... it's only a 2hr ride

No he was very quick, he was trying to sandbag and hustle up some sidebets. Its to be expected in the dragstrip state :lol:

[Rangerscott]

Im one of the weird ones so id rather get a new hyo 650 for that price.

[DLIT]

Fuck no. If you look closely at the R6S, yamaha skimped on the parts.

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2005/21652_0_1_2_yzf-r6_Image%20credits%20-%20Yamaha.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motorcycles.org/images/2006YZF-R6S.jpg



The R6S is identical to a 2004 R6...which was my first bike. That raven is from '05.

[HokieDNA01]

F4i FTW.

[Rangerscott]

You can get a new 09 650r for cheaper if u can find one.

[Smittie61984]

huh... most lie the otherway... unless he just couldn't keep up and was using it as an excuse... :idk:


I met a guy at a bike night who got a 954rr because he didn't want to start out on a litre bike. I'm not so sure he's with us anymore.

[derf]

F4i FTW.

Prolly the best suggestion

[Homeslice]

All sorts of good deals on forums....

http://www.socalmoto.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9714

[Dave]

I met a guy at a bike night who got a 954rr because he didn't want to start out on a litre bike. I'm not so sure he's with us anymore.

:lmao:

[Homeslice]

183 hp, what a load of shit :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-SUZUKI-GSXR-750-TONS-EXTRAS-CLEAN-/250661046823?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3a5c900a27

[Mr Lefty]

183 hp, what a load of shit :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-SUZUKI-GSXR-750-TONS-EXTRAS-CLEAN-/250661046823?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3a5c900a27

paid the dealership to send the motor to Yosh? interesting... :lol:

[Smittie61984]

paid the dealership to send the motor to Yosh? interesting... :lol:

Who cares about that. It comes with a Wheelie teach!!!

[Rangerscott]

183 hp, what a load of shit :rolleyes:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-SUZUKI-GSXR-750-TONS-EXTRAS-CLEAN-/250661046823?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3a5c900a27

Easy there. He has "owner" 4 of these.


Retards selling to retards.

[Inferno]

And it hauls ass

[Rangerscott]

And it hauls ass

How much ass and is this ass retarded ass?

[Inferno]

Haulin Ass

[karl_1052]

I met a guy at a bike night who got a 954rr because he didn't want to start out on a litre bike. I'm not so sure he's with us anymore.

He should have gotten a 999R then.

[Mr Lefty]

Why not the R1 :lol:

[Porkchop]

Shit, just found this.... http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=259238

2007 zx-6r for $4500....

[Smittie61984]

Why not the R1 :lol:

That's only got 1cc right?

[Mr Lefty]

That's only got 1cc right?
Yup... perfect starter bike


shit I should have started on the RC211V!
http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/Honda/Best/RC211V_Rossi_1280.jpg

[Zuki4life]

I heard AL got a 241 special on Amazon on Katanas, should try there