Just bought first Katana, Need Help!!!

[Curt-P]

Hey guys,

Names Curt.

I just bought my first bike, a 1996 katana 600. the bike has about 23000 miles and has been beat around a bit. Bike starts and runs fine though it looks lilke crap. Some of the faring is slit were the mirrors mount and alot of the bolts that hold the faring on are missing. The guy I bought the bike from told me that it just had the carbs cleaned and it has a jet kit installed. It has a vance hynes exhaust. Bike runs like a bat out of hell.

What i'm wanting to do is paint the whole bike flat black and upgrade the head light to someting newer looking.

Also wanted to wrap exhaust in header wrap from block back to muffler.

Any help is greatly needed.

Thanks Guys!!

[scottynoface]

So what part do you need help with? Sounds like you've already got a plan.

[KatDawg]

I was thinking the same thing.

[DOCTORNITRO]

Welcome to KR

[gobigorange189]

welcome to kr

So what part do you need help with? Sounds like you've already got a plan.

+1

[Slofuze]

Damn!!! Who just did their light in dual retro???? Welcome to KR.

[jasn_2120]

Welcome to the Forum

[VifferJim]

Welcome. If your Kat idles steady, rev's smooth, shifts well and does vib your hands numb, I think you're in pretty good shape mechanically.

I always recommend inspecting, servicing and/or replacing every wear n' tear item on the bike before getting too deep in the season. Act like your life depends on them... 'cause it does.

Someone did a Yam side-by-side light set up... looked sweet. Search and ye shall find.

[Zepp]

Hey Curt, welcome to KatRiders

[Kreylyn]

Welcome to KR!

Krey

[GytRDunKat]

Don't wrap the headers, moisture in the wraps make them look like a mummy shortly. They stilll look like mummy, but very little structure underneath.

welcome, btw!

[wepainters]

welcome to kr kurt

[The CyberPoet]

Don't wrap the headers, moisture in the wraps make them look like a mummy shortly. They stilll look like mummy, but very little structure underneath.

+1

It's an air-oil cooled bike -- the heat shedding off the headers is good for the heat dissipation. Wrapping the pipes with fiberglass simply holds in sand/clay, which in turn sands the surface AND holds moisture against the mild steel. If you want to get a barrier effect for some reason, talk to your local powdercoater about either ceramic coatings or exhaust powdercoat, both of which won't weaken it over time but will give you the same benefits.

I like a man with a plan

Cheers
=-= The CyberPoet

[Curt-P]

Thanks Guys

Wow. Been on several sites and never had a reply from members like this one. Didn't think of the header wrap as a way to make the bike not rid itself of heat!!! So,,,, Thanks again. If anyone knows who did the headlight mod, Give me a buzz.

Thanks, Curt.

Didn't even cross my mind about the heat not being able to escape, LOl, I was after looks!! Great point. Thanks!

[diavolo]

Welcome to KR! Ride safe