[Monkey Fist]

Looks great, I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun ridin her.

[bdcastrantas]

It'll be quite a change from the v-star. From a 650 that screams in pain doing 70 mph to a 600 that purrs doing 70 mph. I'll have to take it easy for awhile, really get used to the difference between a cruiser and a sport. It's a whole new world for me

[cubeblock]

Thats a really nice looking bike. I have often thought about upgrading to the newer style of Ket and maybe one day I will do that

[The CyberPoet]

It'll be quite a change from the v-star. From a 650 that screams in pain doing 70 mph to a 600 that purrs doing 70 mph. I'll have to take it easy for awhile, really get used to the difference between a cruiser and a sport. It's a whole new world for me

Tips:
Use both brakes, and use the front more heavily that you probably did on the cruiser.
The right seating position should not load up your wrists/hands at 40+ mph, as the wind should support your torso.
Tire pressure is critical. Check it at least twice a week.
Powerband lies between 7200 and 9800 RPM. Most cruiser-riders aren't used to a powerband higher up and tend to never get to it at first.

Good Luck!
=-= The CyberPoet

[LMT]

You should be fine. I'm 5'6 with 29" inseam so I know the story. I went from a Ninja 250 to a Suz. GS500F to a Kat 600 also yellow & black like yours. Looks like an 03 if I'm correct.

[bdcastrantas]

It's actually an 04...i thought it was an 02 originally. Here is a shot I took, and one of my old bike. Any tips on cleaning up the lay down?

I am so happy with this thing. I rode about 50 miles today to get a feel for it...what a machine! The smoothness, the acceleration, the balance...an incredible change. You guys were right about shifting. 90% I change gears before 6000 rpms...its a hard habit to get out of. The bike is so beautiful to look at too. i'm in love

[KatanaSoldier]

That yellows looks awesome.

[The CyberPoet]

Any tips on cleaning up the lay down?

Strip off the decal and decide if you want to repair/paint/redecal, or just want to strip the decal off the other side to match.
Get a quote from Bob over at EmpireGP on what a little plastic welding and respray would be for that fairing panel.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[esdparamedic]

Great bike! I myself am 5'8" and 150lb, my Kat '94 (750) is a bit tall; when I am stopped and put both feet on the ground all that touches is the balls of my feet so I'll typically lean and go flat-footed on one side or the other. It's such a heavy bike at what, 500 lbs or so? (ps. you guys don't think this is too big?? I handle the bike well and am well accustomed to it, so it's a pleasure not a pain to ride!)

You know I've never rode a cruiser, but these Kat's and SS bikes are where it's at. I sat on a gixxer the other day and it's just not the same though. The Kat's so much more comfortable to sit on and ride. I wouldn't want to ride that gixxer for almost three hours to San Antonio, this Kat's another story though!

Enjoy!

[bdcastrantas]

Great bike! I myself am 5'8" and 150lb, my Kat '94 (750) is a bit tall; when I am stopped and put both feet on the ground all that touches is the balls of my feet so I'll typically lean and go flat-footed on one side or the other. It's such a heavy bike at what, 500 lbs or so? (ps. you guys don't think this is too big?? I handle the bike well and am well accustomed to it, so it's a pleasure not a pain to ride!)


Enjoy!

500lbs really isn't that bad..unless its laying on top of you. So lets just hope that's never the case. My v-star was about the same weight, just a LOT lower. My dad is roughly the same height I am, and he has a kawasaki concourse (1000cc) with is about 600lbs. He's got a busted knee and he manuevers it pretty well on his tip-toes. I don't think its too big especially considering some of what's out there.