First bike..Pre vs Post???

[hawk]

I am looking at a Katana being my first bike. What are the advantages and disadvantages of post and pre bikes? This probably does not matter but I am looking to get a 750.

[Black_peter]

Pre.. Cheaper buy in. less crying when it drops.

[md86]

And look better .

[chinto]

And look better .

+1

[bubba]

I got a 1999 750 for sale pm me if interested.

[hawk]

So the differences are basically cosmetic? Bubba thanks for the offer but when I do decide to look I will most likely look locally.

[catfish]

mechanically they are different, but i feel the ride is much the same. mind you i ride mostly pre 98s...

if it is your FIRST bike, i'd advise finding a cheaper pre 98 bike with preference to one being mechanically fit, rather than aesthetically pleasing. the odds are you'll drop it a few times

and take your tests on a smaller bike if you can; they aren't Kat friendly!

[Black_peter]

mechanically they are different, but i feel the ride is much the same. mind you i ride mostly pre 98s...

Mechanically they are 95% the same. The post 98 are not better mechanically.

[tminus3]

I just bought a '93 Kat 750 with lots of scratches on the bodywork and some issues. Fun to ride and fun to work on. Main advantage to me of getting pre was price. Get me on the road for practically nothing, get me experienced and then I can upgrade to whatever bike I want later.

[fgrejdus]

Just make sure it's Blue because they are the fastest

[The CyberPoet]

Advantages of a post:
(A) All parts are still available through the Suzuki supply system, as well as many aftermarket vendors (Corbin comes to mind)
(B) Dual headlights.
(C) Less age/exposure in general, therefore likely to be in better shape, esp. regularly ignored parts such as swingarm bearings, etc.
(D) More tire choices available with the larger rear wheel rim size (up to a 160/60, although 150/70 is still the best size for it IMHO).
(E) IMHO: better all-weather commuter & tourer (more fairings to block the wind/rain).

Advantages to a pre:
(A) Cheaper.
(B) Many people think they look sexier.

My advice: it depends heavily on what kind of $$ you are working with. If you're going to spend $2500 or more, I'd go for the 98+, because you can find them in good shape for $2500 and over ($3200 is common). If you're working with less than $2500, you're pretty much looking at a pre-98 whether it's your preference or not, unless you get really lucky. Either way, use NADA.com to get realistic values of what you should expect to pay, and use my Pre-purchase inspection checklist for motorcycles to help make sure you're not getting a lemon.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[blackzc]

Just make sure it's Blue because they are the fastest

Wait...i thought black was, thats why i got black. What mods other than paint can i do to get up to blue power?

[Zepp]

Wait...i thought black was, thats why i got black. What mods other than paint can i do to get up to blue power?

I thought everyone knew that Blue was the fastest.

[crazypj]

one advantage of pre is the lower fairings cover up the crankcase covers(starter clutch/signal generator) so when it falls down the plastic take the hit and you probably wont need to buy new covers. I've seen both fall over and the early ones come off best.
My 95 has a bent/dented left side engine cover (starter reduction gear cover) but it doesn't leak oil and you cant see it with lowers fitted (which is why I didn't know about it when I bought it)
PJ

[The CyberPoet]

I thought everyone knew that Blue was the fastest.

Nah, it's just riders who have a preference for blue tend to be faster... It's not the color that makes the bike faster

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet