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Greetings fellow Katana riders.
I joined this forum some time ago without any real expectation. Here I have read about some tips and ideas that are worthwhile, others that don't fit my personal style. While I don't post much here (I'm not a Master like the others here
) I want to share the things I have done to my Kat and the ones I still want to do. Maybe others have things to chip in and contribute.
I'll begin by describing my riding style:
My Katana is a tool. It's an escape. I moved to CA not even 24 months ago and I like to explore it on my bike. I avoid anything with and "I' and a blue shield around it (interstates). I love back roads and even dirt roads. Have you ever seen Z-rated tires handle fire roads and gravel roads? Even better, have you ever done it?
At the same time, I like speed. But not on the street. I'd very much rather take it to the track. I have only been two days at a track, my next one this weekend, but I love every minute of it already.
I don't think the Katana was built for the things I make it go through. But it has handled pretty well all this time, never failing me, or me it (meaning, it's always been kept sunny side up
).
So then, what have I done to it?
1- For the long trips, I replaced the custom seat with a Corbin seat. In itself it added some long-range comfort, but I'm still not sure it was worth the expensive cost. Better than stock, yes. All the wonders I hear about them, no. But more on this later.
2- For the night rides, I replaced the stock head light bulbs (55/60) with high beams (55/100). The difference in illumination power at night is impressive when running the high beams, the same when running low beams (as expected). The bad part about it is that I only use them when no one is in front (for considerate reasons).
3- For overnight trips (short or long) I needed change of clothes. Givi discontinued the Katana hard cases some time ago, and I really can't afford it. So I went with the Ventura Pack System. A nice bag that fits enough clothes for up to 5 days out (I'm a light packer). I still wish I had hard cases, though.
4- For the varied terrain that I transverse, I changed the suspension. The rear stock spring is not as good as you would expect, so I changed it. I also had someone modify the front springs and add a higher density oil to the forks. This change just happened this week and I will test it in the track and on the street in the next couple of weeks.
5- Tires. Many options out there. I've used the Dunlop stock tires, I have used Metzler M6's, and Michelin Pilot Powers. In my humble opinion, Pilot Powers are the best for handling (curves, grip, sensitivity) but I get better mileage from the Metzlers. I don't think I'll ever use a Dunlop again.
6- Throttle lock. Priceless comfort at $39.99. For the long trips where I go through farm lands (long straights) or I do have to end up in an interstate, this little guy is a great thing to have.
The last thing I want to do:
I want to raise the handle bars, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. What I want is to raise them to have a more sit-up position while riding on long trips. I have not looked much for a kit, but just to consider all the re-wiring it will involve I get discouraged from doing it.
Overall, the Katana has been a great bike for me. My previous bike was a cruiser (Suzuki Marauder 800). After having owned these two bikes I have come to realize I belong more in a DL-xxxx model more than the Marauder or Katana, but for the time being I am very happy.
Just wanted to share this story with other fellow Katana owners.
If anyone happens to have information or opinions on raising the handle bars they are always welcome.
Peace.
Ride safe.
-Pablo
[/b]
I joined this forum some time ago without any real expectation. Here I have read about some tips and ideas that are worthwhile, others that don't fit my personal style. While I don't post much here (I'm not a Master like the others here
) I want to share the things I have done to my Kat and the ones I still want to do. Maybe others have things to chip in and contribute.I'll begin by describing my riding style:
My Katana is a tool. It's an escape. I moved to CA not even 24 months ago and I like to explore it on my bike. I avoid anything with and "I' and a blue shield around it (interstates). I love back roads and even dirt roads. Have you ever seen Z-rated tires handle fire roads and gravel roads? Even better, have you ever done it?
At the same time, I like speed. But not on the street. I'd very much rather take it to the track. I have only been two days at a track, my next one this weekend, but I love every minute of it already.
I don't think the Katana was built for the things I make it go through. But it has handled pretty well all this time, never failing me, or me it (meaning, it's always been kept sunny side up
).So then, what have I done to it?
1- For the long trips, I replaced the custom seat with a Corbin seat. In itself it added some long-range comfort, but I'm still not sure it was worth the expensive cost. Better than stock, yes. All the wonders I hear about them, no. But more on this later.
2- For the night rides, I replaced the stock head light bulbs (55/60) with high beams (55/100). The difference in illumination power at night is impressive when running the high beams, the same when running low beams (as expected). The bad part about it is that I only use them when no one is in front (for considerate reasons).
3- For overnight trips (short or long) I needed change of clothes. Givi discontinued the Katana hard cases some time ago, and I really can't afford it. So I went with the Ventura Pack System. A nice bag that fits enough clothes for up to 5 days out (I'm a light packer). I still wish I had hard cases, though.
4- For the varied terrain that I transverse, I changed the suspension. The rear stock spring is not as good as you would expect, so I changed it. I also had someone modify the front springs and add a higher density oil to the forks. This change just happened this week and I will test it in the track and on the street in the next couple of weeks.
5- Tires. Many options out there. I've used the Dunlop stock tires, I have used Metzler M6's, and Michelin Pilot Powers. In my humble opinion, Pilot Powers are the best for handling (curves, grip, sensitivity) but I get better mileage from the Metzlers. I don't think I'll ever use a Dunlop again.
6- Throttle lock. Priceless comfort at $39.99. For the long trips where I go through farm lands (long straights) or I do have to end up in an interstate, this little guy is a great thing to have.
The last thing I want to do:
I want to raise the handle bars, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. What I want is to raise them to have a more sit-up position while riding on long trips. I have not looked much for a kit, but just to consider all the re-wiring it will involve I get discouraged from doing it.
Overall, the Katana has been a great bike for me. My previous bike was a cruiser (Suzuki Marauder 800). After having owned these two bikes I have come to realize I belong more in a DL-xxxx model more than the Marauder or Katana, but for the time being I am very happy.
Just wanted to share this story with other fellow Katana owners.
If anyone happens to have information or opinions on raising the handle bars they are always welcome.
Peace.
Ride safe.
-Pablo
[/b]
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