[thetable]

As to the Kat, I have been very pleased with mine. In the last year I have put nearly 18k miles (bringing the total up to 44k miles) on my Kat without mechanical failure. My bike has done everything I ask of it, and if I had it to do over again, I would make the exact same decision, except maybe I would spend a bit more time haggling on the price. My Kat is my primary transportation, so it handles everything from commuting to weekend jaunts in the mountains to medium distance touring. It does exactly what I want a bike to do, and allows me to be comfortable doing it.

[JBLUE]

my wife's nephew three years ago when we both got the bug and wanted motorcycles I told him about the katana how its a very forgiving bike and would be a great bike to buy but his friends had sports bikes and he liked the look of them well he brought a 2005 750 gixer fresh out of msf up to that point he has never ridden a motorcycle in his life he takes the bike out for a spin kicks the bike into first gear lets the clutch out too fast and down he goes now he scare to ride the bike the bike is three years old and he has less than 100 miles on the bike should have brought the katana

[loudnlow7484]

my wife nephew three years ago when we both got the bug and wanted motorcycles I told him about the katana how its a very forgiving bike and would be a great bike to buy but his friends had sports bikes and he liked the look of them well he brought a 2005 750 gixer fresh out of msf up to that point he has never ridden a motorcycle in his life he takes the bike out for a spin kicks the bike into first gear lets the clutch out too fast and down he goes now he scare to ride the bike the bike is three years old and he has less than 100 miles on the bike should have brought the katana

Sounds like somebody could get a good deal on a 2005 gixxer.....

[MyFriendFats]

The Katana is a sport touring bike, it you want to go fast, wheelie, stunt or in general own a crotch rocket the Katana is not for you.

That said in defense of my bike, I must love denial. It is heavy yes, but that works for me as I am a bigger guy and would rather have a heavier bike. It is faster then most bikes on the road but it isn't a SS bike in any means, its a sport based cruiser. As for gas, mine is decent but I didn't buy it for gas mileage, if I did that I'd have a 250 or a scooter.

Given the choice beween the Ninja and the Kat, ride both and pick the one that fits you. The kawi is much lighter and more nimble but it is a sports bike, and yes I know the Ninja will best the kat at the pumps as well. Before you choose after riding them see if you can sit on them for a while, get used to the position, they are both simular but different. I looked at a Ninja 500 but liked the looks and feel of the Kat much better.

Not everyone needs a GSXR to enjoy riding. I have a friend that sold his 96 kat for a GSXR 600. Enjoyed the racing/stunting thing for a while but still misses the kat for the long rides and normal everyday around town riding.

In the end get what you want and don't listen to any of us.

Excellent advice. I totally agree. It's heaviness is more confortable for me as as I am 6'4''. This weight is perfect if you are a beginner like me. I tried a Kawi and it felt more like my son's bicycle with a motor on it. I commute to work 40 miles per day and is very comfortable as a sport touring bike.

[cut_cutta]

Thats funny, I just bought a 94 katana 600 as my very first bike a couple weeks ago. I'm a big guy too, about 250lbs, and wanted something sporty but comfortable and not too hard to learn on. I had to have the guy i bought it from ride it to my house, LOL i didnt even know how to take it for a test ride. But I've been learning ever since, and the kat 600 really is a great learners bike. Its fast enough to give a big adrenaline rush, but not too fast. It's forgiving.... but still corners really well.

How much would you be paying for yours? Mine was 1500, but has a horrible paint job, one of the fairings is cracked, bad front tire, hasn't really kept up on maintanence. I mean it runs great but I'm spending some time and money to get it up to shape.. Probably gonna repaint it this winter... but hopefully I'll be able to get my money out of it when I buy something newer, and maybe a little bigger.. But this one will last me for a year or 2, for sure, I dont see it getting boring!!

[soulpatch]

Sounds like somebody could get a good deal on a 2005 gixxer.....

He thinking of selling it??????



Dude the kat is a great bike for one reason a lot of people on here fail to mention. 2 up riding. It is comfortable for not only you but any ladies you want to have riding with you as well (though being your first bike it should take you a bit before you do any 2 up riding)

I am looking at a GSXr 750 or Busa for my next bike and my fiance and I have sat on them in the shop and all she said is that I have to keep the kat.

As for the bike being slow.....I find most on the supersports do not know how to ride it properly. I am not that great in the corners but I understand when to brake and floor it and as such normally beat out the others. Sure the bike will not wheelie or run the quarter in less then like 12 seconds but you can ride it around all day and live it up....

[JBLUE]

Sounds like somebody could get a good deal on a 2005 gixxer.....

his pride would not allow him to sell the bike

[soulpatch]

his pride would not allow him to sell the bike

too bad I like the 2005 looks.......