Thoughts on new Katana purchase

[Touchy]

So I'm looking at getting a bike for my brother along with his wife. He's getting back from Iraq in a few months and deserves a good return present. So we have $3000 to spend and I found a great condition 2006 600 Katana with 9k miles. My question is my best friend thinks I'm biased towards the Katana's since I have one and another bike would be a better purchase. For the same price I've found 2000-2002 GSXR 750s with around 24k mileage. This will be my brother's first street bike. He's ridden before but never owned.
Is the Katana so new and with low mileage a good deal or should we look at an older and higher mileage (better) bike? Opinions?

[purplekatgirl]

I would look at how they have been taken care of and what exactly they will need. But that is my opinion. I bought a 95 with low miles that has never been laid down because it didnt need any work except on the carbs. I was looking at newer bikes that costs more that had been abused and had higher miles and passed on them. I guess its all a matter of preference.

[expvet]

I would go with the Kat for the following.
You know the bike and can help orient him with maintenance and repair.
It is a better entry bike that due to the year and mileage if he later decides he wants something different will have no trouble selling for a good price.

[Touchy]

I completely agree. My main question is if you guys had to it over would a Kat still be your choice?

[Psycho1]

After owning my Kat since '96, I wouldn't say I would go out and buy another one, but even though I have since purchased 2 more bikes, my Kat is still in the garage, and not going anywhere.

[flash007]

I would go with the Kat for the following.
You know the bike and can help orient him with maintenance and repair.
It is a better entry bike that due to the year and mileage if he later decides he wants something different will have no trouble selling for a good price.

[houstonrider]

I vote the Kat a well, they are great bikes and hopefully the one you found is well taken care of.

[ITSSLOW]

I would vote Kat because its his first bike. They are simple, cheap to repair, and a bit down on power (with a bit of extra weight). It makes them a good first bike. A Hell of a lot better than a beat up 600 or a Ninja

[wfrpalm]

I think the Katana would be a great bike to get. I think a GSXR or any SS bike is a bad choice for a learner bike. Tell him good luck and thanks.

[Scout]

Tell him "Welcome Home" from a fellow veteran.

And yes, get the Katana. For all the aforementioned reasons. If I had to do it over again, I would *still* get my Kat. It's a great bike to learn on, fairly easy to work on, and a blank canvas for personalizing. And it's dam near bullet proof...like a HMMWV.

[BadLuck]

So I'm looking at getting a bike for my brother along with his wife. He's getting back from Iraq in a few months and deserves a good return present. So we have $3000 to spend and I found a great condition 2006 600 Katana with 9k miles. My question is my best friend thinks I'm biased towards the Katana's since I have one and another bike would be a better purchase. For the same price I've found 2000-2002 GSXR 750s with around 24k mileage. This will be my brother's first street bike. He's ridden before but never owned.
Is the Katana so new and with low mileage a good deal or should we look at an older and higher mileage (better) bike? Opinions?

Like has been said ther are number of things to consider:

1st bike - THIS IS THE BIGGEST ONE

A Kat 600 is a good starter bike and makes a great gift.

But wait, theres more...............

You intrduce a vet to riding his own bike
You already know Kats
You gain a riding partner
Many other +'s

Dude, I commend you for laying out that kind of cash for one of our service men returning from the field.

If you want to get it for him than do it. I dont have a doubt in my mind he wouldnt appriciate it.

[jerry]

First thanks for his service to this country. I would say I vote for the katana, less mileage and sound like better condition. You know what he likes , it will be nice to both brothers riding kats. It's just my opinion.

[kat600rdr]

My question is my best friend thinks I'm biased towards the Katana's since I have one and another bike would be a better purchase. Opinions?

Tell your best friend to buy your brother any bike he wants too, your the one shelling out the cash. .. I'm just kidding.. My first bike was a Katana and I love it due to the fact parts are cheap and it seams easy to maintain. Also like everyone has already said.. You know these bikes.. That is a great +.. Good Luck with whatever one you decide to get.

[BareKat]

We're biased so of course you should get him a Kat.

But seriously, I don't know what the prices are like where you are but what about a Vstrom? liquid cooled and fuel injected. Also easy to maintain, great fuel economy and plenty of aftermarket stuff.

[NMwildKatB]

I'd choose the newer Kat. Reliable, more comfortable, newbie friendly, and less likely to be beat on. Cant know how much hot-rod beating the GSXR or any super-sport bike that old has had.