[RocketRide]

hey I'm new to sport bikes but for the money it seems that Suzuki Katana600 might be a better bargin cuz of the specs and price. But does anybody around here own one? Also what is it's top speed?

 

[OFFICER737]

hey I'm new to sport bikes but for the money it seems that Suzuki Katana600 might be a better bargin cuz of the specs and price. But does anybody around here own one? Also what is it's top speed?

Before my D6 I had a Kat 750. They are pretty good bikes but heavy in turns sometimes. I wouldn't worry about top speed considering the posted speed limits for your area are not going to exceed 70 mph and that would be I-24 and 1-65. How much riding experience do you have and such?

 

[JaiBird]

hey I'm new to sport bikes but for the money it seems that Suzuki Katana600 might be a better bargin cuz of the specs and price. But does anybody around here own one? Also what is it's top speed?

Hey, I have a Kat600. (Pic to the left), love it, but I personally want to stunt a little more, and the cat is just a bit heavy. But even officer737 can tell ya, I don't have any problems in the curves with the bike. By the way, we rode through your town yesterday, had a mix of bikes....to include a Harley.

 

[kevinwilly]

I had a Kat 600 before my current bike. Got a hell of a deal on it. Basically i'm just repeating officer's post.

Just replace "Kat 750" with "Kat 600" and "D6" with "D595"

So yeah- good bike, a bit heavy- but easy to learn on. I would be a *little* hesitant to suggest one to someone who's never been on any kind of bike ever...

And for the record (NOT that it matters what the damn top speed of a bike is :rolleyes ) the 600 will go 138. the 750 a couple mph faster

 

[RocketRide]

IC yeah well not that it's built for it but it can be fun, but I can take it to the drag strip and give it the gas legally. I don't have any bike experence except that I have rode on the back of my uncles Road King. I want to take a motorcycle driver's ed. However I have learned the best way to manage higher speed transportation is increasing speed and difficulty little by little until I get the real feel for the vehicle, that way you don't have to push it too much the vehicle will tell you thats going too far way before it's un recoverable. That's how racers get used to new speeds and things. I know you can't be a moron and do somethin you aren't familiar with, otherwise you're a greesy spot on the pavement somewhere.

 

[OFFICER737]

These really don't make good drag bikes! It is a sport/touring bike: good for touring and can play in the twisties with the right rider. Chances are at Union Hill you probably will not the bike's top speed since it is only an 1/8 of a mile. Should probably decide to either run on he track in a straight line or on the street and ride whatever is thrown your way. Taken the MSF yet?

 

[RocketRide]

yes I'm aware they don't make good drag bikes, but it don't mean you can't have fun dragging one anyways just for kicks and giggles. As far as the MSF goes I have no clue what it is (told you I was new to this) so the answer is sadly no.

 

[kevinwilly]

www.msf-usa.org

The motorcycle safety foundation. They offer a basic rider course to teach you how to ride. It's cheap, you get insurance discounts, and you get your license when you're done. They offer it at community colleges and such, and it's only one or two weekends, depending on what class you sign up for.

It really could save your life someday to take it, it's an EXCELLENT thing to do.

 

[OFFICER737]

yes I'm aware they don't make good drag bikes, but it don't mean you can't have fun dragging one anyways just for kicks and giggles. As far as the MSF goes I have no clue what it is (told you I was new to this) so the answer is sadly no.

HEll I would drag race a little red kiddies wagon if I could mount a motor to it nfloor Do what is fun for you bro :dblthumb

Like kevinwilly said, the safety course teaches you some great stuff to survive on the road and will you obtain your M endorsement a little easier. They offer it in 6 or 7 areas around Nashville and if you use one technique you learn and it saves your life then it is worth the money!

 

[RocketRide]

yes saftey on a bike is extremely important, not everybody can see you. I alaways make a rule in my truck that on the interstate to punch it up to 75 and get passed the big rig in a hurry cuz he may not see me.

I'll definately look into it.

 

[stb000013]

I ride an 01 Kat 600, I love it! it's quick, it looks good, and it's forgiving. That is the most important thing for a newbie to have. I have grabbed a handful of brake a few times and have yet to even bring the rear up a little. I have mis-shifted and she didn't throw me into a highside.

Since I got it in January all I have done to it is install a set of Pilot Powers and switched the oil to Castrol GPS. Now she possesses confidence inspiring handling, and she shifts like butter. I enjoy every minute on my machine.

Now I recommend you start on a Ninja 500 or GS500. Either would better suit a rider in your position. Don't get me wrong, the Katana is a great bike, but maybe a little too powerful and heavy for a new rider. Good luck whatever you choose.

Check out www.katriders.com Very good info.

 

[RocketRide]

well actually heavy isn't a problem, I squat over 400lbs, and I'm a big dude. powerful might be, but I plan on taking a few years to get to know the bike and be easy on the gas. if I'm easy on the gas then I don't have to worry about being picked up with a spatula. I plan on being very careful, as a bike requires brains and not stupidity. I'm not 21 years old just for any ole reason, a few years of wisdom comes with it. And it says be sparing to the bike and you'll make it home in one piece. You gotta take it easy for awhile so you can learn.

 

[bush]

well actually heavy isn't a problem, I squat over 400lbs, and I'm a big dude. powerful might be, but I plan on taking a few years to get to know the bike and be easy on the gas. if I'm easy on the gas then I don't have to worry about being picked up with a spatula. I plan on being very careful, as a bike requires brains and not stupidity. I'm not 21 years old just for any ole reason, a few years of wisdom comes with it. And it says be sparing to the bike and you'll make it home in one piece. You gotta take it easy for awhile so you can learn.

It's more of a problem than you think. The amount of weight you can squat isn't going to matter when it comes to low-speed handling - something I can confidently say the Kat doesn't really have.

But they are fun, reliable bikes, and if you can get one I'd say go for it. They're just as comfortable in the twisties as they are on longer rides.

 

[RocketRide]

See that's why I joined the site, cuz I wanted people that have been there and done that. It helps me figure out what the bike will and won't do, when and how to do this and that.

 

[jk750]

Welcome to SBN! :twofinger (standard greeting)

Now, go check out the New Riders forum. Feel free to ask questions in here, too!

 

[stb000013]

It's more of a problem than you think. The amount of weight you can squat isn't going to matter when it comes to low-speed handling - something I can confidently say the Kat doesn't really have.

That is definitely true. That's more what I was getting at, I wasn't taking a stab at your manhood bro!

 

[RocketRide]

oh i knew you wasn't, i just didn't understand what you were sayin

It's all good