Mod Suggestions...Newby

[TX_Kat600]

This is my first street bike (2005 Katana 600) and I am pleased thus far. However, I do want to make some modifications to increase performance. I was told I should invest in a Jet Kit and new exhaust.

Will these two mods give me the desired increase in performance? If so any suggestions on brand name for the jet kit and exhaust and a price range i should be looking at? Also, installing the jet kit, is this something I can do myself or should I bring it to a shop?

Any information on this or any other suggestions for mods is greatly appreciated.

[WildKat]

http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/ ..for the jet kit. Alot of members here have used it and have been more than pleased with the results.

A full exhaust will gain you more HP, as opposed to a slip which will just net you very minimal if any actual HP gain. You can gain some more punch on the low end too by changing your front and rear sprockets; you'll lose alittle top end power but the gain off the line will definately help make up for it.

As far as prices go for exhaust, its completely up to on how much you want to spend. You can pick up a slip on exhaust: Yosh, Hindle, Vance & Hines, etc for around 250.00-350.00 depending on if you want Carbon Fiber or chrome. Those prices vary though and if you shop around you can find some great deals on places like ebay and pipecity.com for example. Full systems are more expensive but worth it if you can afford them.

[The CyberPoet]

First, let's talk about what factors of the performance you want to increase...

Handling?
Braking?
Acceleration off the line?
Power through-out the main power-band?
Top end speed?
Touring performance (for long, long rides)?

The answers to those questions change the answer to your original question.

In general, I'm with WildKat on the Ivan's jetkit (I've used Ivans and DynoJet's and Ivan's is superior). The biggest improvement is a good set of new tires (I recommend the Metzeler Z6's) which really change the character of the bike more than any other single mod.

PS - no matter what you do to the bike, it will not beat a modern GSXR with the same engine displacement.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[TX_Kat600]

Good Question? I guess I should define my goals. I am pleased with the top end performance of the Kat and I do not want to lose that as I do a lot of highway riding back and forth to work. I would like to increase off the line performance without interfering with top end performance. I looked at the Ivan web site posted by WildKat and it seems to be what I am looking for. Unfortunately, the web site shows that they only make it for years through 2004...I have a 2005, but I plan on calling them on monday to verify this. Also, the Ivan Jet Kit is designed for a slip on exhaust...which will save me money on replacing the whole exhaust system. The site also mentioned a 5 degree advancer...not sure what this does but I assume it advances the timing.

The Kat handles great through the twisties and breaking seems adeqaute to me. I have brand new tires (800 miles on them) but will consider the better tire when it's time for new ones. I assume the tires you suggested will improve handling.

I hope this is the definition your looking for...I appreaciate all the advice you guys or gals can provide.

BTW...this forum is a great resource...please keep up the good work.

[Jax]

Off the subject..that is a Sweet looking Kat..I really like that color...looks kinda like Lou's....congrats on the purchase and Welcome to the site..

[suzukisportrider2004]

i also love that color!

[The CyberPoet]

Good Question? I guess I should define my goals. I am pleased with the top end performance of the Kat and I do not want to lose that as I do a lot of highway riding back and forth to work. I would like to increase off the line performance without interfering with top end performance. I looked at the Ivan web site posted by WildKat and it seems to be what I am looking for. Unfortunately, the web site shows that they only make it for years through 2004...I have a 2005, but I plan on calling them on monday to verify this. Also, the Ivan Jet Kit is designed for a slip on exhaust...which will save me money on replacing the whole exhaust system.

Yes, Ivan's kit for the 98+ will fit the '05 and '06 model year Kats (since there were no changes at the engine) and will provide the same benefits for those years as for the others. You don't even need to use an aftermarket exhaust can (muffler) to get the benefit.

The site also mentioned a 5 degree advancer...not sure what this does but I assume it advances the timing.

Yes, the 5 degree advancer advances the timing on the US models from the stock 4 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) an additional 5 degrees, bringing it to 9 degrees total BTDC. This shifts the powerband down the RPM range a bit, producing more power in the 4 to 7k RPM range than it did before (possibly at some penalty in the 9.5k & above range). European-spec Kats for markets other than Austria & Switzerland normally already have 9 to 11 degrees of advance on their engines.

The Kat handles great through the twisties and breaking seems adeqaute to me. I have brand new tires (800 miles on them) but will consider the better tire when it's time for new ones. I assume the tires you suggested will improve handling.

The tires I recommend will significantly improve handling and the turn-in and recovery, making the bike much more flickable, plus provide a very high degree of grip while leaned over. They will also mildly improve the braking and acceleration performance over the stock tires by providing better grip at the tire-road interface.
There are upgrades available for the braking and suspension systems as well, but my guess, based on your comments, is that you won't be looking for those until next year

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[WildKat]

The ignition advancer that was mentioned..and explained by CP is a great mod with or without a jet kit. Decreased warm up time, easier starts, its well worth it for such an easy and relatively inexpensive mod to do.

Just about any aftermarket quality tire is an improvement of the stock units that come with the bike. If you do any type of twisty riding you'll more than appreciate the difference once you get them installed.

[TX_Kat600]

Ok...I'm definately sold on the Ivan Jet kit and the Advancer (I will purchase one this week). Will I be able to install this myself or should i have a mechanic do it?

I also read some threads on here about sproket sizes. This sounds like a realitivly easy Mod but what are the pros and cons? I saw a thread a while back about someone going down 1 size on the front and going up 2 sizes in the back. Is it necessary to change both or will simply changing one work?..If so, which one...down on the front or up in the back?

[TX_Kat600]

Thanks for the encouragement jason05...LOL...I guess I want the best of both worlds...speed and comfort...off the line and top end performance...and if I had my way...I would like all of that and get 70 mpg...

As for the color...to each his own...but being in Austin, TX ...UT Burnt Orange ain't bad!!

[brooder]

Disregard jason. He's crabby about something and just seems to be out to make an a$$ of himself.

I haven't done it myself (but I've read enough on the site and I'm bored right now), but installing both the jet kit and advancer should be straight forward. Easy if you've done engine work before, a little harder if you haven't and need the manual.

[The CyberPoet]

Both are managable with the right basic tools (metric socket/wrench set, allen keys, screwdrivers, small pair of vice grips). You can find how-to's on my website for how to do both under the platform-specific section.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[The CyberPoet]

what an ugly color. dont bother jetting it. its a slow bike. if you wanted to go fast, you should have gotten an R bike. katanas are for comfort.

WTF is up with you tonight? This is like the third or fourth thread where you've gone off...

Curious...,
=-= The CyberPoet

[seypea]

the mods suggested are awesome, and if you have realistic expectations, they will be great...... happy throttling

[WildKat]

Absolutely ignore anything Jason has said tonight. It's being taken care of.