I'm looking to upgrade next season, or before then, and have seen several decently priced katana 600's  (1999-2001)  Is this step up even worth it?  I've heard they're slow and heavy, but this ahs been from riders of the latest supersports out there, who would also call the GS a piece of crap most likely, what do fellow GS riders think?

i would not waste my money.. some gsowners on here have said its not that big of a stepup ..... but thats my .02  ....

Talk about coincidence! I was toying with the idea of upgrading to a VERY well priced, low mileage Kat 600 in great condition. My subsequent research into Katanas unearthed a few interesting facts. Although massaged and repackaged (with its love-it-or-hate-it fairings) in 1998, the 600 is still a throwback to 80's sportbike technology. Heavy steel frame, old GSXR derived engine (detuned for more reliability?), adequate (non-sporting) brakes, lights, tires and comfortable seating. They're supposedly awkward and top-heavy (~500 lb wet weight) at slow speeds; that same weight is also a problem for the suspension when pushed. As befits a gixxer engine, it needs lots of revving to bring out the power, though it sounds similar to the gs500 (nothing significant until 6-7k RPM--the full 75 hp doesn't show until 10k RPM). The 750, despite being ~40 pounds heavier, is ironically a better commuter and tourer due to the cleaner carburetion and extra torque provided by the extra cc's. Don't forget the Katana was discontinued by Suzuki for 2007 (low sales, emissions regulation?); a redesigned version based on the new Bandit 1250 remains a rumour.

Looks don't bother me too much, but the sheer ugliness of the Katana has kept me from buying.  I look for used bikes all the time and stumble across Katanas for pennies on the dollar.  I finally realized why they're so cheap.  Nobody wants them.  I've never met a former Katana owner suffering from seller's remorse. 

The reason I don't base my opinions based on looks alone is that some ugliness is a byproduct of function.  Take the Busa for example.  Not the most beautiful bike, but designed with purpose in mind.  What is the purpose of the Katana's ugliness?

Kats (also called the "Baby-Busa" by many of its fans, are old and ugly, two valves per cylinder (i think), air cooled, steel framed, etc.   

BUT....

There is a huge parts bin for them and the technology has been dialed in for the past two decades, making them reliable and easy to work on yourself 

For similar money there are lots of other sporty options if that's your thing.  If you plan on taking the rider evolutionary route to a Hyabusa, then go for a Kat, its the perfect intermediate ride.

Honestly, I think the "purpose" of the Kat's ugliness (at least these days) is to avoid cutting into sales of higher-end sport bikes like the GSXR.  Why spend resources beautifying a bike that will only hurt your bottom line if it sells better?

Kan o tuna ...
The 88-98 models are great. have had 3 and yes I regretted selling 2 of them, and the third I regret even more, it got stolen.
The 98+ models are pit bull ugly ... yea I'd grant you that. And yes I think its ugly on purpose so they can get people out of them ...
They are air oil cooled 4 valve per cyl motors with threaded adjusters (except 92-94 I think which had the mini shims like the GSXRs of the prev gen). They aren't much of a big step up, and they make more power, but they have more heft ... oddly they are lower than a GS for seat height. My faves are the 600's that are gorgeous in black and blue spalsh they had a few years.
Cool.
Srinath.

I read all the messages and kind of knew what to expect.  I went from a new Ninja 250 to an 05 GS500F (which I still have) and bought a beauty of a Katana (my strong opinion) 2003 600cc for 3K with 1400 mi. and 2 AGV helmets.  I very much like it and personally recommend it as it is comfortable, has enough power for me (5-6 and 152 lbs).  It is decidedly heavy but controllable and feels secure on the highway or in heavy cross winds.  I found mine on Ebay and went to look at it and won the auction, by 3 seconds.  To me it looks great and doesn't have the aggressive riding style of the Gixxers nor the theft and high cost insurance dilemma.  Feel free to Email for more info. and pix.  leonardtomsik@yahoo.com

 One of my riding buddies has a 750 Can-o-tuna, I have ridden it very often, and it rides very nice and sporty on the streets but it is no Super Sport, and its true that they are a bit harder to work on because of the way its all Canned up in the fairing, hence the Can-o-tuna. 

The Katanas are probably great bikes. As someone said the "sportbike in-crowd" are going to be the ones to throw off on your bike. I always liked the early Katanas from '89 up to around '96 or '97 before they changed the body style. One online motorcycle magazine actually did a test between the 600 Katana and FZR600. As of today I'm the owner of a '97 FZR600 so I'd be partial to the Yamaha. The online article said the Katana was more top heavy and slower steering than the Fizzer. My first thought about the Fizzer was this thing feels top heavy and slow steering, probably due to wider than stock tires. The article also mentioned that tire choice can greatly improve the Katana's slow steering response. I'd definitely try to get a test ride if possible to see how the Katana feels to you.

what kind of car do you drive?
why did you decide on that car?
did you ask a bunch of strange people what car to buy?

same logic....
what kind of riding do you do?
what do you expect from your new bike?
what kind of power do you want?
what do you want?

there is nothing wrong with the kat...then again there is nothing wrong with a gs.... or a scooter..... or a busa
is it a step up.....
how.....
it is heavier....more planted to the road....better in a cross wind....yes
ugly.....eye of the beholder....
is it better....again eye of the beholder...

thanks for all the help!!!  I do a lot of commuting but also a TON of riding just to ride, the biggest reason i want to step up is for better stability at higher speed(70 and +), but i still want a nimble bike.....

Quote from: serbianstunna on December 27, 2006, 11:25:20 PM
thanks for all the help!!!  I do a lot of commuting but also a TON of riding just to ride, the biggest reason i want to step up is for better stability at higher speed(70 and +), but i still want a nimble bike.....

Change your springs and handle bars.  In stock form, I didn't feel comfortable going fast.  I changed to Progressive and SM2 bars and now i feel comfortable at my max 115-120 indicated.  Or maybe it was because I was a brand new rider and I just didn't feel comfortable period.  I'd say give it some time and do some simple mods to your GS before you throw it under the bus.

Quote from: serbianstunna on December 27, 2006, 11:25:20 PM
thanks for all the help!!!  I do a lot of commuting but also a TON of riding just to ride, the biggest reason i want to step up is for better stability at higher speed(70 and +), but i still want a nimble bike.....

I still say check out the Katana.  I looked at 5 used ones and each of the owners let me test ride each one...dealers won't.  (Again I found mine on Ebay under GSX/Katana).  Good luck!

Nope

B1200 + Hot GSXR1100 cam (same motor, bored/stroked) + exhaust + lunchbox/pods

Yes. Oh yes. (Third gear power wheelies are totally vulgar...)