GSXR750 vs Katana 750

[Queso]

When I upgrade, I'm staying with Suzuki, but I'd like something a bit faster. I've been looking around for big carbureted air cooled engines for the sake of easy maintenance... But I'm really diggin Suzuki's sporty 750's. What I would like to know is why the Katana is a couple grand cheaper than the gixxer? If the Katana is a lot comfier, I'd probably go with that. I'll bet insurance would be cheaper too. Plus I like the Katana styling... Anyways, wondering how much faster the gixxer is, and what other little differences there are that make that huge price difference.

I'm not tradin up anytime, soon. I'm going to master the GS before I take on a new - far more expensive - bike. I'd like to make my next bike my first brand new vehicle! I'd also like to make darn sure that puppy is at virtually no risk of touching the ground in the wrong spots due to user error  So... It's gonna be a while.

One other thing... How much harder is it to work on a liquid cooled, fuel injected, fancy faired new bike than it is our little machines? I rather like how simple the GS is... One of it's strengths, if you ask me. Cheap, good mileage, nothin fancy, and it stills holds it own with all the 20-40k sports cars 

[makenzie71]

First, if you get anything shy of a K5/K6 EFI GSXR, tuning is easy...a whole hell of a lot easier than with carbureted bikes.

I don't think I'll ever buy a carbureted bike again...at least not with the intention of keeping it as a daily rider.

The Katana is more comfy to ride...because it's basically a cruiser in wolf's clothing.  They're heavy, somewhat sluggish (but they really do wind out) and I personally think they're ugly.  If you're interested in a Katana, I'd strongly suggest getting a Bandit.  Much better bike (lighter, cheaper, and prettier).

The GSXR is a supersport.  It's light, it's powerful, and it's mean.

[pantablo]

One other thing... How much harder is it to work on a liquid cooled, fuel injected, fancy faired new bike than it is our little machines? I rather like how simple the GS is... One of it's strengths, if you ask me. Cheap, good mileage, nothin fancy, and it stills holds it own with all the 20-40k sports cars

If you're the type that likes to break into the carbs for a rebuild you'll be dissapointed with a modern supersport-little to no maintenance in comparison. It actually takes me the same amount of time to do an oil change on my 600rr than it did on my naked gs500. other maintenance? like what? valves arent due till 16k or 20k miles (can't remember), you dont mess with the FI system except to install a power commander to make better use of your slip on, but isnt necessary. Sure, every year or two I have to refresh the coolant but thats about the only difference between it and an air cooled bike IMO.

people may talk about the maintenance on a gs as being simple, but in reality its not that much more complicated on a modern supersport.

[octane]

My brother has a '00 Kat 750. Nice bike, very comfortable, easy to work on and get parts for, etc. The Kat is quite a bit faster than my GS, but only when the revs get high. The Kat is a sport-tourer and is really quite docile at low rpm. If you're looking for a big power/speed jump, look at the GSX-R, but if you're looking for more comfort with additional power and speed as a bonus, the Kat would be a good choice. And yes, they are much cheaper to buy and insure than a gixxer.

[Jake D]

When I read this, I was thinking, "Easier to work on?  If you get a fuel injected bike, you won't be working on it.  You'll be riding it."

Working on bikes is over-rated. 

[blue05twin]

Not sure on this but wasn't Suzuki going to discontinue the Kat's after 06?  I think I read an article about it but can't remember for sure.

[TragicImage]

Not sure on this but wasn't Suzuki going to discontinue the Kat's after 06?  I think I read an article about it but can't remember for sure.

yea, I was gonna say that, but you beat me to it.


JERK FACE!!!

[blue05twin]

    I'll wait for your post next time 

[Jake D]

People from all walks of life, including GStwiners, refer to the Katana as a "Can-a-tuna". 

If you can live with that shame, get one.

People from all walks of life, including GStwiners, assume you are a squid if you have a Gixxer.

I could live with that kind of shame.

Really, the only answer is to get an RC51.

[My Name Is Dave]

Really, the only answer is to get an RC51.

Yeah, I'm gonna have to go ahead and agree with you on this one...

[Kasumi]

Katanas suck - styling is old theyre big a bulky, get a gixxer you will grin for the rest of your born days 

[aplitz]

Really, those are two totally different bikes.  The Kanatuna is the under-achieving, older, ugly step son in the Suzuki family.  If you aren't going to get a cutting edge bike, at least get one that is a good bargain.  The Bandit and SV bikes are great.  The SV giving the aforementioned FI and aftermarket the Bandit offering value and kicks.  The Kanatuna would be my last choice, yes I'd ride a H**da first.

[makenzie71]

RC?  pshhhh...get a TL.

[yamahonkawazuki]

naah see the kanatuna is the bastard child of a gs and a gixxer

[Kasumi]

. . .. . . born by throwing the parts at each other and hoping something comes together 

[JasonD]

My next bike is a Ducati Supersport 800. Once this bike gets past 5000 mlies or so.

[Queso]

I guess I'm one of the few that likes how the Katana looks... But the lack of low rev power is definitely a big turnoff... I'd like a full faired bike, which is why I'm shying away from the Bandit and SV. I'm not really concerned about what others think of my ride (you should see the cage I sold to buy a GS...) I kind of like the SV100, but I'm not too keen on getting a liter bike. Guess I'll keep my sights on the gixxer. But I'll have to check out an SV, too. Doesn't look like they sell new Bandits, anymore, and I definitely want a new bike. 

[Jake D]

Suzuki has factory lower fairings for the SV.  There are also some aftermarket lower fairings that look sweet.

check out www.svriders.com


Then look at the SVof the Month threads.  Really sweet rides in there.

[Queso]

Umm... I didn't see anything but ads on that site...

[Jake D]

what?

http://forum.svrider.com/index.php?topic=66497.0