I may be literally trading my GS500 tomorrow for a '97 Katana 600. What do you guys know about them and how they compare to the GS? I want to make an educated choice here, not just a "oh hey... POWERRRRRR" kind of choice 

More power, comfort, brakes, I suspect better handling but worst mileage...I think you made the most rational choice, I wasn't able to do it in my time!

They do have more power, that's for sure.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are 4 carbs that must be kept in sync and in tune...which can be a challenge.

 I had a 750 Katana for 15 years/50k miles and my only regret is that I don't have it anymore. As comfortable a sport(ish) bike as you will find. My 750 got just over 50mpg on the highway, so not what a gs will get, but pretty good.
If you are doing much freeway riding I think it makes sense. If you're mostly in the city the lighter weight of the 500 is nice.

Quote from: jestercinti on December 05, 2012, 08:29:59 AM
They do have more power, that's for sure.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are 4 carbs that must be kept in sync and in tune...which can be a challenge.

balancing four is just two extra balances from two.  Balance the right pair, balance the left pair, then balance the two pairs.  having the right tools is a start, like a CarbTune Pro.

Pros: more power and torque, mid 40-50 mpg depending on whether it's been looked after and how you ride it, made for lots of years with only small changes except bodywork, reliable motor, came with a centrestand.

Cons: nicknamed Can-O-Tuna, was an interesting design when it came out in 1989 but not so much in 1997, fairly heavy for a 600 even back in 1989.

Although it slowly fell in popularity compared to other more powerful 600/750's with better suspension and lighter weight, the Katana's were dependable motorcycles based on proven engineering.

Current motorcycles that are similar to what the Katana's were when they first came out would be the Yamaha FZ6R and Suzuki SV650. Good all-round bikes that you could use pretty much wherever and however you saw fit.

If the one you are looking at is not a junkyard dog, I would definitely consider it.

My buddy has a Katana 750, it's more comfortable than my GS was. Faster too. Not sure what it's like to work on though.

Quote from: jestercinti on December 05, 2012, 08:29:59 AM
One thing to keep in mind is that there are 4 carbs that must be kept in sync and in tune...which can be a challenge.

And 16 valves to adjust...

Thanks guys for the helpful tips I ended up not making the trade, couldn't make a deal for it, wanted too much cash on top of the trade. Really nice bike though, I'll just hope it's around in a month here when I have more money saved up!

Looks like its back to finishing up the little GS. Valve adjustment, new tire, oil change, service stuff. And 2 new hand control things on the bars. Both of mine are old and parts don't like to work sometimes

Quote from: piresito on December 06, 2012, 10:46:56 AM

Quote from: jestercinti on December 05, 2012, 08:29:59 AM
One thing to keep in mind is that there are 4 carbs that must be kept in sync and in tune...which can be a challenge.

And 16 valves to adjust...

The newer ones, IIRC, use a tappet system instead of the shim&bucket system. Much easier.

This is a '97 Kat, would that have the tappet?

By some stroke of I don't know what happened, the guy called me again yesterday and wants to try and see if we can make a deal agreeable to the both of us... Fingers crossed guys, I'm going to meet him at 12:30

Also, easially swapped out for a bandit 1200 powerplant!

Liter powered oil-boiler FTW!

@$$hole didn't show.

I'll just save my money for a GSX-R or a CBR and have fun

Sorry to hear that...

Yep, save your $$ for what you really want.  Don't settle, otherwise you'll end up selling another bike soon after you get it.

Yeah... But for a straight trade, what's there to lose in checking out my options, right?

Too bad it didnt work, i know as soon as im done with school im getting a much bigger bike, trying to decide between KTM and a 60's - 70's Harley. Probably going to get the KTM first, but the GS isnt going anywhere

I don't have the space around here for 2 bikes and my bike. Plus I know since I'm really wanting a super sport, the next bike will be a cruiser/standard/GS500/etc for going custom with.

Quote from: mustangGT90210 on December 09, 2012, 08:09:35 PM
I don't have the space around here for 2 bikes and my bike. Plus I know since I'm really wanting a super sport, the next bike will be a cruiser/standard/GS500/etc for going custom with.

If you want a supersport then go for a supersport! The GSXF is comfortable and fast, does everything what the GS500 does just better, it's the best logical choice as I think you said earlier. Although it's not utra-f*cking-scary-deadly as the gsxr750, which is what I got. The GSXR is fast, corners like it's on rails, but that's it, forget comfort, fuel economy...and forget about a two hour long rides, after 1 hour you will be sore enough to stop, believe me...  Don't get me wrong, I love my GSXR, more and more as I ride it, but it's not a logical choice.
That said you will be always looking for a supersport until you get one. 

Well ya see, I've ridden my buddies CBR600... and it's more comfortable than my GS. Makes no sense? Well I have Clubman bars on my bike, and stock rear sets... But I still ride the thing over 50 miles a day normally.

I want one baaaaaaaaad lol. Then I'll get practical for a second bike to commute on and stuff. But I know I won't be fully satisfied until I own one to have it out of the way so to speak 

50 miles a day is ok,  fun actually. BTW, I had a CBR600 F4, and it was much more comfortable than the GSXR and also fast and fun (not as much though). I think any CBR 600 except for the RR are going to be more comfortable than the GSXR, at least your chin won't be down on your knees.. 

Don't forget to post you "new" bike!