88 katana

[EndlessProject93]

I'm still kinda new to the GS but is there anything compatible from an 88 katana?? I know there is some stuff out there but I'm not sure of the years. this one is only 500 bux. I got a little extra money this month. what can you teach me all you GS guru's??

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/mcy/2022853934.html

[Jared]

The rear brake rotor. If it was a 750 (yeah it's a 600 -some use the 600's shock) -the shock if it's good shape. You can mod the forks/steering stem using parts from your gs and the Kat to have a better front end ( dual discs etc..).
again I think most wanted the 750's for the front end  (? ? ?)...Can't recall the rear wheel width- that may bolt up too...if it's wider slightly some like that to get a bigger tire on the Gs's rear (not needed but it looks better and you probably get a better selection of rubber too..).

Can't recall any other stuff off the top of my head.

Front end conversion :
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13673.msg116218#msg116218

Sell off the rest to make back some of your money (running would be better....) Kats don't bring much....nice big GO CART engine...heh...
Anyway the exhaust might fetch a few bucks..the engine...you get the idea...

If the parts that will  fit on your bike look like junk ( pitted up forks etc..) -well these things aren't all that rare...

[EndlessProject93]

that post says 89-97. does that mean an 88 wont work? maybe ill have to go look and bring a measuring tape. if i do pick it up, i was already thinking of selling anything i cant use.

[Jared]

I'm not a Tuna-boat expert but I think 88-96/97 600's are the same.

Did they upgrade things through those years....not sure
Ask him if it's 88 or 89 on the title...late 88 production on the Vin sticker will make it an 89 anyway.

Non running repainted Kat...haggle...

[EndlessProject93]

hmmmmm....so FE, matching wheels and the possibility of breaking even. im gonna talk to him tomorrow

[The Buddha]

88 kat fe is weirdly different in a bad way from the later FE's, but it will fit the same way and work the same way ... sorta.
Rear shock is good, and carbs, well they had that 1 piece float ... but carb parts work on a GS.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Jared]

What changed ( better spring rate  etc?) on the FE's Buddha...and what year...?

[EndlessProject93]

can you define wierdly different?

[The Buddha]

The 88 has a metal plug retained on top with a clip. The later years have the screw on top. However the 88 does not have rebound adjustment that the 89-96 does, a big part of why I call it inferior. BTW its also near impossible to take it off, and I have the right tools for it.

Its still 41mm though ... so its a bit better than a GS.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Jared]

Ok... so 89- 96 or whatever are the better ones to get.

[EndlessProject93]

sounds like an all around PITA. my search continues.

[The Buddha]

The 89-96 is better than the 88. But if a 88 turned up @ my door cold wet and shivering I'd machine it and toss it on the bike sitting in the driveway ...
96 on IMHO is even worse than the 88, so essentially 89-96, then 88 then 96-97 then 98+ ... I think. 96 and 97 had some weird stuff in it. I am not even sure of 96+ I avoid them ...
Cool.
Buddha.