What to look out for in Katana 600s?

[RyanR]

Hi,

I am going to check out a 2000 600 on Saturday, and aside from the basics, is there anything katana 600 specific I should be looking out for? Also, is there anything I should be looking out for on the pre98 600's? (I am considering these as well since they are a little cheaper)

Thanks in advance

[teddy]

check the trans for smooth shifting....2nd gear tends to have some issues if it was abused....depending on how the bike was stored/cared for, it may or may not have fuel petcock issues

aside from that, they are pretty much bulletproof really...just buy it intending to do a valve adjustment, oil change, check the air filter(if it's a K&N get rid of it ASAP)

oh yeah, check the fork seals...if the forks are oily, it's may have been wheelied and came down real hard, blowing the fork seals out

[LAsunbird86]

Teddy, weren't the pre's more prone to the 2nd gear problem?

Also, make sure you ask the PO what he has done to it (no sense installing a shift kit/new carb needles/etc if they have already done it).

[teddy]

I've seen a few posts with a 2nd gear blowout....severe abuse...

[RyanR]

aside from that, they are pretty much bulletproof really...just buy it intending to do a valve adjustment, oil change, check the air filter(if it's a K&N get rid of it ASAP)

how expensive of a fix is a valve adjustment?

As far as a test ride goes, changing from 1st to 2nd is about all i'll be testing since it's cold and snowy out... Luckily my jacket is built like my columbia ski jacket.

The bikes mechanicals are slightly modded, it has a pipe and a rejet. Other than that, it's just cosmetic stuff; I'm not looking to mess around with the engine anyways.

[LAsunbird86]

Valve adjustments are easy on the posts, the pre's use shim type adjusters if I remember correctly.

[DreKat]

Change the oil ASAP

[clark827]

Hi,

I am going to check out a 2000 600 on Saturday, and aside from the basics, is there anything katana 600 specific I should be looking out for? Also, is there anything I should be looking out for on the pre98 600's? (I am considering these as well since they are a little cheaper)

Thanks in advance

I don't have or know much about the pre's, but here are some things some ppl (pointing at myself on a few of these) neglected to check:

brake discs for wear, master cylinder, chain for sag/rust/proper lube, gauges & turn signals/lights for signs of past humidity, check for the VIN, let it run for a few min til its warm & then take the choke off, make sure it isn't burning oil or running to rich/lean.

I'm sure there are other things that ppl with more mechanical minds than me could tell you, but that's a one-up from the basic lookover many do before buying.

Good luck!

[Sky]

OK .. here goes .... 2 wheels ... handlebars ... seat ... plastics .. headlights ....

[steves]

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/motorcycle/how_to/mc_buyingused.html

[loudnlow7484]

As far as a test ride goes, changing from 1st to 2nd is about all i'll be testing since it's cold and snowy out... Luckily my jacket is built like my columbia ski jacket.

When you're in 2nd, chop on and off the gas a few times. If it stays in gear, you're good. If it doesn't, then walk away.

[RyanR]

When you're in 2nd, chop on and off the gas a few times. If it stays in gear, you're good. If it doesn't, then walk away.

hopefully the roads are good haha

[RyanR]

Bought a 99 600 today 11,500 miles and runs/rides perfectly! The plastics are not in the best shape, but they are functional. I plan on replacing them and painting them blue in the future.
today...

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[Kreylyn]

Grats on the new ride!

Krey