Katana-ish SS Bike Recommedations - Page 3

Adequateman · 07-13-2008, 09:13 AM

+1 on the VFR.

billp91311 · 07-13-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djct_watt

Man you guys are making all too tempting! But I am the one who asked, and thanks for the replies. I'm currently looking at a couple of 919's. So far it's one of the best candidates. But quite honestly, I just love the Kat so much. I think a big part of it has to do with me starting off on the kat and being so familiar with it. I know that keeping the Kat will make the most sense with the money I'll get from selling my cage.

Bets MegaMall was selling 919's for 6499 last week or so. If you buy from them tell them to stuff their shipping and handling.

Clipity · 07-13-2008, 04:45 PM

Go with the Blackbird. you will be very happy you did.

djct_watt · 07-21-2008, 02:19 PM

So after trying a few bikes, I'm still very content with the Kat. I'll be holding onto it for at least a couple more years!

Just thought I'd give an update.

Tech · 08-18-2008, 12:14 PM

I am surprised nobody mentioned late models Kawi ZX-11 and the awesome ZZR-1200 which strikes me as the very definition of a Super-Katana (Along with the equally awesome somewhat sportier Blackbird).

the ZZR has ergonomics (seat, pegs, bars, even cockpit layout) very close to the Kat 750, a 160hp, 90lbs/ft liquid cooled engine and an alien-invasion styling any self-respecting Post-98 Kat owner should find appealing.

Insurance premiums are low as this is rightly classified as a sports-tourer (as is the Kat).

Really what's not to love?

Electrical_Tech · 08-18-2008, 12:32 PM

Also to consider and surpised it hasn't been mentioned .. if you were looking at the honda 919, have a gander at the Kawasaki Z1000 also. That will be my next bike, if I ever decide to trade the Kat.

sparkyd31 · 08-31-2008, 06:26 AM

VFR you say?
That is a super sweet ride as many,many have said for me to go that route before buying my 98' 750 kat.Also they have a really huge following at vfrd.com they all ride vfr's as this forum rides mainly if not all kats.94'-97 were bike of the year.BUT MOST WILL TELL YOU go newer.i believe that would be the gen 5's.they make 6 gen years.94-97 are very hard to find.With myself talking to VFR owners they are the so call "OLD MANS SPORT TOURING" bike.They are really cumfy,nice power band from low all the way up to redline (witch most bikes torque is near redline).Most of the owners of VFR's I have noticed take maintence to above average highs.They are guys mostly in there late 30's to ???.They keep the bikes well into the 30,000 range but have recites and keep logs on there maintaince they do.There a different breed of owners that's very interesting to me.VFR's after curtain years that come with ABS brakes and FI.those are nice features to have.The thing i really love is the single sided swing arm on the Viffers(as they call them).It looks so cool and very high tec.Now the only downfall that I have heard were they tend to be top heavy.You ride them and they expect it or say hello to the ER! Most Viffer riders will tell you to ride for years before buying one as the VFR will be the last riding bike you'll own and never go back to other companies(the darkside they say)Going to the dealer you will be sitting on the 800 FI model with ABS.These bikes have so much technology in them it's scarry.Older VFR's are narrower and easier to hold on with your legs instead of your hands too.One of the only(and I mean only) reason I didn't buy a VFR is that I wanted an older 700 or 750.They are hard to come by.i didn't want a newer 800 seeing thats alot of power(but smooth).The thing with the VFR is that they started with the 500 then went to a 700 then 750 then jump right to an 800.So you now have the choice.I wanted used 700/750 but like I said before there hard to come by.I hope some of this helps you out.Sparkyd31

squiggy · 09-08-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tech

I am surprised nobody mentioned late models Kawi ZX-11 and the awesome ZZR-1200 which strikes me as the very definition of a Super-Katana (Along with the equally awesome somewhat sportier Blackbird).

the ZZR has ergonomics (seat, pegs, bars, even cockpit layout) very close to the Kat 750, a 160hp, 90lbs/ft liquid cooled engine and an alien-invasion styling any self-respecting Post-98 Kat owner should find appealing.

Insurance premiums are low as this is rightly classified as a sports-tourer (as is the Kat).

Really what's not to love?

The ZZR1200 is also on my list of next bikes. That and the Aprilia Futura.

I've also read how the headlights on the Zed look like bowling pins laying down.

suzukifan · 09-08-2008, 02:47 PM

I've had four bikes. all suzuki's. In this order, katana 600,gsxr 750,gsxr750, gsxr1000.

I was like you, got bored of the katana after a year or so.

Its a great learner bike.

I'd say go for the 750. It the same size as the 600, but has a stronger engine.

you won't regret it and you'll wonder why it to you so long to upgrade.

remember, those are "real" sportsbikes. they handle way better than your katana. you might have to re-learn how to ride.

Helmet_Hair · 09-10-2008, 11:35 PM

The 919 and Speed Triple are great bikes (I owned a Speed Triple). The only issue one might have with one of these coming off a Kat is the lack of a full fairing. You really do notice it after several miles going 75 mph. A full fairing makes a huge difference in one's ability to handle longer rides.

07-13-2008, 04:45 PM	#23
Clipity Katrider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North Highland CA Posts: 142 iTrader: (0) My Garage	Go with the Blackbird. you will be very happy you did. __________________ My carbon foot print is bigger than yours. 1988 GSX1100F with 93 plastic, Avon AV45 front & AV36 rear rubber and a SS2R full exhaust system. Other bikes: 2 1985 CR500 1 1987 CR500 1 2003 CR85 Supermoto

08-18-2008, 12:32 PM	#26
Electrical_Tech Track Rider Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newfoundland Posts: 836 iTrader: (0) My Garage	Also to consider and surpised it hasn't been mentioned .. if you were looking at the honda 919, have a gander at the Kawasaki Z1000 also. That will be my next bike, if I ever decide to trade the Kat. __________________ 2008 ZZR 600 (His) Black Frame Sliders 2009 Ninja 250R (Hers) Red Solo Seat Cowl & Fender Eliminator

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07-13-2008, 09:13 AM	#21
Adequateman Katrider Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Loves Park, IL Posts: 213 iTrader: (2) My Garage	+1 on the VFR.

07-21-2008, 02:19 PM	#24
djct_watt Knee Dragger Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 517 iTrader: (0) My Garage	So after trying a few bikes, I'm still very content with the Kat. I'll be holding onto it for at least a couple more years! Just thought I'd give an update.

08-18-2008, 12:14 PM	#25
Tech Squid Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 44 iTrader: (0) My Garage	I am surprised nobody mentioned late models Kawi ZX-11 and the awesome ZZR-1200 which strikes me as the very definition of a Super-Katana (Along with the equally awesome somewhat sportier Blackbird). the ZZR has ergonomics (seat, pegs, bars, even cockpit layout) very close to the Kat 750, a 160hp, 90lbs/ft liquid cooled engine and an alien-invasion styling any self-respecting Post-98 Kat owner should find appealing. Insurance premiums are low as this is rightly classified as a sports-tourer (as is the Kat). Really what's not to love?

08-31-2008, 06:26 AM	#27
sparkyd31 Skid Mark Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rochester,NY Posts: 9 iTrader: (0) My Garage	VFR you say? That is a super sweet ride as many,many have said for me to go that route before buying my 98' 750 kat.Also they have a really huge following at vfrd.com they all ride vfr's as this forum rides mainly if not all kats.94'-97 were bike of the year.BUT MOST WILL TELL YOU go newer.i believe that would be the gen 5's.they make 6 gen years.94-97 are very hard to find.With myself talking to VFR owners they are the so call "OLD MANS SPORT TOURING" bike.They are really cumfy,nice power band from low all the way up to redline (witch most bikes torque is near redline).Most of the owners of VFR's I have noticed take maintence to above average highs.They are guys mostly in there late 30's to ???.They keep the bikes well into the 30,000 range but have recites and keep logs on there maintaince they do.There a different breed of owners that's very interesting to me.VFR's after curtain years that come with ABS brakes and FI.those are nice features to have.The thing i really love is the single sided swing arm on the Viffers(as they call them).It looks so cool and very high tec.Now the only downfall that I have heard were they tend to be top heavy.You ride them and they expect it or say hello to the ER! Most Viffer riders will tell you to ride for years before buying one as the VFR will be the last riding bike you'll own and never go back to other companies(the darkside they say)Going to the dealer you will be sitting on the 800 FI model with ABS.These bikes have so much technology in them it's scarry.Older VFR's are narrower and easier to hold on with your legs instead of your hands too.One of the only(and I mean only) reason I didn't buy a VFR is that I wanted an older 700 or 750.They are hard to come by.i didn't want a newer 800 seeing thats alot of power(but smooth).The thing with the VFR is that they started with the 500 then went to a 700 then 750 then jump right to an 800.So you now have the choice.I wanted used 700/750 but like I said before there hard to come by.I hope some of this helps you out.Sparkyd31

09-08-2008, 02:47 PM	#29
suzukifan Rookie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 53 iTrader: (0) My Garage	I've had four bikes. all suzuki's. In this order, katana 600,gsxr 750,gsxr750, gsxr1000. I was like you, got bored of the katana after a year or so. Its a great learner bike. I'd say go for the 750. It the same size as the 600, but has a stronger engine. you won't regret it and you'll wonder why it to you so long to upgrade. remember, those are "real" sportsbikes. they handle way better than your katana. you might have to re-learn how to ride.

09-10-2008, 11:35 PM	#30
Helmet_Hair Katrider Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 124 iTrader: (1) My Garage	The 919 and Speed Triple are great bikes (I owned a Speed Triple). The only issue one might have with one of these coming off a Kat is the lack of a full fairing. You really do notice it after several miles going 75 mph. A full fairing makes a huge difference in one's ability to handle longer rides.