[Kreylyn]

[acraze]

I always though a squid was what a mangled human body looks
like after getting plowed by industrial truck With no gear i dunno

you won't regret the katana

[loudnlow7484]

I always though a squid was what a mangled human body looks
like after getting plowed by industrial truck With no gear i dunno

you won't regret the katana

The origin of the term "squid" is debatable, but it's usage currently is pretty standard across the board. No gear, too much bike, too little experience, riding like an idiot = squid

[Psycho1]

SQUID = Super Quick Until I Die . I first started hearing the term back in the early 80's reffering to the riders that were out of control, riding a bike that was way to powerful and fast for their obvious lack of eperience to handle. Back then when I first started hearing Squid, nobody wore full leathers, riding boots etc on the street, and probably only about half the riders ever wore a helmet.

Now I consider riders in shorts, flip flops and no helmet (along with the guys riding SS bikes with 2" chicken strips parked in front of Starbucks) Posers. You can be a poser without beign a squid.

With only 5 months experience on the EX500, I would highly recommend buying the Katana instead of the GSXR1000. Being a newish rider and young, the bike you buy now most likely won't be your last, as long as you survive. A GSXR1000 as a 2nd bike with little experience, may be your last bike.If you are really worried about becomming bored with the Katana (not likely to happen for at least a year or two), then I'd consider posibly looking for a GSXR600 instead of the 1k.

[Kano1017]

I will go with the Katana, remember the smart people ride for the joy of it not to be riddig @150 + I don't remember who send this but here you go http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

Alejandro

[96katana96]

The Katana will provide you with better gas mileage, a more comfortable riding position for normal use with the ability to occasionally take a quick turn or accelerate somewhat quickly. The Katana is also a better beginner bike. So if by *some* you mean a few hundred miles stick with the Katana.

The gixxer will be faster, better for riding in groups that love speed (acceleration or cornering) and will probably be flashier and attract more girls. The 1000cc engines also tend to last a little longer than the 600's.

If you plan to use the bike primarily for transport get the Katana. If you want something to take out on the weekends get the 1000cc bike. I love my kat and probably drive it everywhere in spite of having a car. I probably won't ever replace it. I might add a true sport bike for weekend riding though.

that pretty much summed it up very well

[BigFish]

theft issue

The gixxer 1k is more likely to be stolen too. Those who generally steal bikes tend to go for Harleys and super sport bikes. Though someone tried to steal mine 5 years ago the Kats are usually left alone.

[BigDub]

I especially like the tip about theft. As a reforming Squid, I know that my first bike the 600 Kat has enough power to skoot my big sasquatch azz down the road at a healthy pace. I weigh 235ish pounds and it has tons of pick up. I've test ridden 1000 cc bikes and was amazed at the power. I felt like it wouldn't take much of a bump in the road to make you slip on the throttle and end up on your back or holding on for dear life. I suppose that at least at your age maybe you wouldn't have to worry about a heart attack if that happened to you. But, me in my early 30's, I could have a coronary if I accidentally power wheelied going through traffic or on rough road after turning around to check traffic or some other such mundane task.

Choose wisely.

[andrewm921]

im 19, went with a 96 kat 600 - had a dynojet jet kit and full exhaust on it... its gonna keep me happy for a while... the way I see it, get a bike your gonna be able to enjoy and ride. not one that your going to be scared of and thats gonna take you for rides. that sh*t will get you hurt.

[LeroyClark]

Prob a stupid question but what are chicken strips? Pardon my lack of knowledge on the subject.

[paul.miner]

Prob a stupid question but what are chicken strips? Pardon my lack of knowledge on the subject.

Areas of a tire's contact surface that has no wear because the bike has not been leaned far enough for that area to make contact with the road (i.e. you were too "chicken" to lean the bike over enough to scrub that part of the tire).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Chicken_strips_rear.jpg/180px-Chicken_strips_rear.jpg

[Dom]

If you get the Kat and in a year or two begin to grow tired of it.
You may be tempted to tell yourself this:
"Wow everything went so well, I should've picked the Gixxer!"

Don't forget that everything went well BECAUSE you took the Kat which is more beginner friendly.
Of course thing might not go well even with the Kat.

In my personal opinion, look around a bit and check if there's a Kat 750 lying around.

[flashstar]

I will go with the Katana, remember the smart people ride for the joy of it not to be riddig @150 + I don't remember who send this but here you go http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

Alejandro

WOW!

[GSXfs600]

So I am to purchase a 2006 Katana 600 this week for $2700. It has 8k on it. I have just recevied a call from the dealer where I am purchasing the bike. He informed me that they now have a 2001 gsxr 1000 with 10k on it for 3200. I am a fairly new rider and have some experiance on a ninja 500R. Which bike should I get? BTW I know the bikes are in WAY diff classes. I am looking for whatever bikes is best for riding in a small town and some small (2 lane) highways. Thanks in advance

If your not to worried about dying or getting hurt? Or if your goal is to race?
And if you wont be doing any touring, get the gsxr.

If you just want to ride for the love of riding, like comfort and will be doing some touring, than the kat will work well. But the dealer should take $2500.

The gixxer 1k is more likely to be stolen too. Those who generally steal bikes tend to go for Harleys and super sport bikes. Though someone tried to steal mine 5 years ago the Kats are usually left alone.

True! When they stole my Blackbird, it was chained and cabled with the kat.

They cut the chain/cable, took the Honda and left the unlocked Kat.

[Shifty]

Some great advice here but I'm on the "Katana" side, for all the reasons already listed.