Katanas are practically bullet-proof. They don't break down anymore than any other bike, and actually probably break-down LESS than a good number of other bikes. They are SUPER simple to work on, VERY easy to maintain, and run seemingly forever.

Most guys with SS bikes need to get their heads out of their arses. They just talk down about the Kat because they repeat garbage they've heard which isn't true...

The Kat is cheap. It's fast enough for the street. It's relatively comfortable.

Now, having said that, it's also quite possible to reach the potential of, especially in stock form. It's heavy, its stock suspension could be described only as pure garbage. It requires more frequent valve adjustments than most bikes. It's under-powered compared to pretty much every other sport bike of equal displacement. Ground clearance leaves a bit to be desired.

Moving up from a Buell Blast, I think the Kat would be a decent progression if the weight doesn't bother you.

Since you're already looking used, you cannot not consider a YZF600 though. It'll cost you more, but IMHO it's well worth the extra $$$ if you can swing it. Much more capable bike to grow with. Also, look at the SV650. You will need to upgrade the suspension of it, too though. Or, an F3 or F4 is an awesome bike to consider. Put Heli-Bars on an F3 and you've got a bike which is more comfortable than a Katana which will absolutely blow it out of the water in the twisties and on the track.

That is total BS!
The Katana is one of the most reliable bikes on the road....hands down.

thanks man! I would much rather take it from a Katana owner, than from my buddies who have never owned one. I dont mind the weight increase, Ive been riding my buddies R6 around and its a bit heavier than my blast, so im not worried about it.

Quite the enthusiast arent we Nice to see such a loyal following, thanks man

just tell yer buddys you got a huge penis and dont need to compensate by buying a super sport like they do. and i agree with the guys above me and probbably everyone esle that responds to this thread

Dee Dub has it exactly right. Its total crap, and you can feel confident that if you choose a Katana for your next bike that you'll be very happy with the purchase and you'll have many years of fun riding ahead.

Now go tell your buddies to go huff some more SS exhaust !

FYI Rob....Steve has an Aprilia Tuono, DeeDub has a TLR1000 and Sin...well...he has several bikes.

and I have a Triumph, NOTHING wrong with a Katana....Steve put it best!
(consequently...we all have HUGE Penises...Jackal told me)

One of the best descriptions of the Kat that I've read in a long time!

The Katana is considered a very reliable bike and easy to maintain. It's also very versatile. It won't beat a SS sport in the twisties or in a straight away but it is well rounded a performance machine. For touring, which the Katana is better suited, it does a very admirable job of keeping the wind from you and is a stable riding platform.

I don't know Dave.....last time I knew, calling someone a prick did not mean he had a huge penis

I now have a large Penis too. It's Black and Yellow. Like a Hornet.



Honestly, it is bullet proof.
If you neglect or are abusive to any machine, they'll let you know with a world of troubles. But, show it the attention it requires and deserves and it'll be super reliable.

And then you'll have more time to ride it. That's when you'll really appreciate it.

If you do the proper maintenance the Kat will not I repeat will not break down...13 years and never left me hangin,,besides a dead battery or two.But what a nice bike you wont regret it in my opinion. On a Kat you can rideone hand and style and profile and not be in race ready position all the time,but when needed it will fulfill the job and you will keep up with all the RR's.kRide within your range though.

hey, nothing wrong with us SS owners :P We arent all jackasses. But anyway, I say buy the katana. My first bike was the katana and i loved it. Did i mention that the katana is very forgiving? hehehe..


Dont always believe what your friends tell you, do what you feel is right. Afterall, its your money not theirs.

An R6 is heavier than your Blast? Eh, might be so... There's a huge difference between the weight of an R6 and a Katana though. A full 100 lbs heavier, actually.