Basic Questions

[etcthorne]

And yes, I did search first. I have an 06 750 Katana (red/silver).

1. What are some common problems with these bikes?

2. Are there risers that would raise the handle bar about an inch?

3. Is anyone having problems running 10W-40 synthetic (non-energy conserving of course)?

4. How many miles can I expect to get out of a set of tires?

5. Does this bike require constant chain adjustments? (I don't ride like a maniac and I'm smooth on the clutch and shifter).

Thanks!

Mark

[Anonymous]

Re: Basic Questions

1. What are some common problems with these bikes?

Worst problem is poor maintenance by owners. With such a long running line, the Katana is considered almost bullet-proof in road failure. But there are areas that definitely need improvment...such as the suspension (but it doesn't constitute as a problem persay.)

2. Are there risers that would raise the handle bar about an inch?

Yes, the 750 is already taller than the 600...(at least the Pre-98 years are)

3. Is anyone having problems running 10W-40 synthetic (non-energy conserving of course)?

Of course not. The preffered actually (after your break-in period of course)

I like Mobile1 MX4T (10W-40)

4. How many miles can I expect to get out of a set of tires?

Depends on the Tires (Touring, sporttouring, sport, track). Depends on your riding style (Touring, Commuting, drag, race, twisties). Period.

5. Does this bike require constant chain adjustments? (I don't ride like a maniac and I'm smooth on the clutch and shifter).

No, not really, but still requires frequent lubing (every 600 miles)

Joe

[Jax]

Yeah what he said....

[etcthorne]

thanks kickitjp!

I still would like to know if I can install some after market risers...


Also, the tire question: My VTX1800C got 6500 miles on it before it needed new tires. I'm hoping the Katana treats them a little better.

[Selby]

Check this thread for good experiences with the LSL superbike handlebar kit. It raises the bar a bit.

[fordfurious]

not many problems so far here. everyone worries about price of oil, but how fast are you going to go 4000 mile increments after breakin.

[The CyberPoet]

Re: Basic Questions

1. What are some common problems with these bikes?

Newbies: heavy bike, coming to a standstill on an uneven surface and dropping it, plus all the standard panic reactions.
Mechanically: 2nd gear failures due to user error (failure to shift properly), as they age there are cam chain tensioner issues but the tensioner was redesigned in the 98 model year so it should be less of an issue. Aside from that, everything can usually be tracked down to lack of preventative maintenance or common sense.

2. Are there risers that would raise the handle bar about an inch?

Yes, although I would suggest lowering the seat height by switching to a corbin saddle as the first step instead. Same total effect (change of arm placement), but you ride closer to the center of gravity and have far more support under your bum.

3. Is anyone having problems running 10W-40 synthetic (non-energy conserving of course)?

Not as long as they are using motorcycle oils or API SF/SG as called for by the owner's manual. Use of API SJ thru SM may be problematic. For more details, see:
CyberPoet's "How to understand and choose motorcycle motor oils"

4. How many miles can I expect to get out of a set of tires?

If you keep the pressures up diligently, the OEM tires should last 6 - 8k typical commuter miles, although many people run into scalloping/cupping issues way earlier. There are far better tires out there than the OEM tires, which will handle far better, reduce your braking distances, decrease the odds of hydroplaning and last 10K+ miles (Metzeler Z6 and Pirelli Diablo Stradas are the two I recommend).

5. Does this bike require constant chain adjustments? (I don't ride like a maniac and I'm smooth on the clutch and shifter).

Shouldn't. One of the biggiest newbie mistakes is to overtighten the chain when the adjust it, which just accelerates the chain stretch. Keeping the chain oiled well and set to 1" or a hair over of slack should maximize the chain life. More details here:
CyberPoet's "understanding Motorcycle Chain Wear, Lubrication, Cleaning and General Maintenance"

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet