06 Suzuki Katana 750 owners opinions?

[BluStreak]

Looking for feedback & opinions from owners of this bike.  As a former rider who's coming back to the sport after 30 years, have sniffed out an excellent deal on one w/ only 1500 miles on it.  I'm interested in sport-touring, probably will largely be weekend and day trips and have decided not to start with a larger bike - but longer range plan would be FJR, ST1300, etc.  Last owned bike was a honda 500-4.  Definitely want a fairing to extend season here in New England.  Sat on one, played with the throttle and was very impressed with the value for the $.  Wanna stay under $5,000, preferably around $4,000.  Have done some reading on it, only consistent negative I see is some vibration issues through the bars, especially while decellerating.  Read about a bar end option that could help.  Prefer relatively upright seating position.  Other bikes I'm looking at are SV650S & Kawi Ninja 650R.  Would luv to hear about your experiences with this bike.  

[Hickey]

Looking for feedback & opinions from owners of this bike.  As a former rider who's coming back to the sport after 30 years, have sniffed out an excellent deal on one w/ only 1500 miles on it.  I'm interested in sport-touring, probably will largely be weekend and day trips and have decided not to start with a larger bike - but longer range plan would be FJR, ST1300, etc.  Last owned bike was a honda 500-4.  Definitely want a fairing to extend season here in New England.  Sat on one, played with the throttle and was very impressed with the value for the $.  Wanna stay under $5,000, preferably around $4,000.  Have done some reading on it, only consistent negative I see is some vibration issues through the bars, especially while decellerating.  Read about a bar end option that could help.  Prefer relatively upright seating position.  Other bikes I'm looking at are SV650S & Kawi Ninja 650R.  Would luv to hear about your experiences with this bike.  

It is the last of the air-oil-cooled Suzuki in-line-fours.  It is a carburated motor.  It has remained largely unchanged since 1998.  In fact everything about the bike is a little dated, old-fashion, and out of style.  Which is why the used bike you've found is such a bargain.  There just isn't much market for the Kat.  

All of that said, it is a good platform for building a sport-tourer.  It isn't terribly heavy.  It has nice power and torque for its weight.  Although not fashionable its styling is good.  It has been around forever, so getting parts or accessories shouldn't be a problem.  I personally like the more subdued paint schemes Suzuki has tended to use on the Kat.  It carries a very respectable volume of fuel, giving a tank range of 200+ miles if you ride conservatively.  

GSX750F Specifications 1998—on

Engine Type: 4-Stroke, 4-Cylinder, Air Cooled with SACS, DOHC, TSCC
Piston Displacement:
Bore/Stroke: 70.0mm x 48.7mm
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Carburetor: Mikuni BSR36SS
Starter System: Electric
Transmission: 6-Speed Constant Mesh
Drive System: Chain, 116 Links
Overall Length: 2135 mm (84.1 in.)
Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in.)
Overall Height: 1190 mm (46.9 in.)
Wheelbase: 1465 mm (57.7 in.)
Ground Clearance: 120 mm ( 4.7 in.)
Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Dry Mass: 211 kg (465 lbs.)
Suspension:
Front Telescopic, coil Spring, oil damped, rebound damping force 4-way adjustable
Rear Link type, gas/coil spring, gas/oil damped, spring pre-load fully adjustable, compression damping force fully adjustable, rebound damping force 4-way adjustable
Brakes:
Front Disc, twin
Rear Disc
Tires:
 Front 120/70 ZR17
 Rear 150/70 ZR17
Ignition Type: Electronic ignition
Fuel Tank: 20 ltr (5.3 US gal)


Some more info:

http://www.motorsports-network.com/suzuki/Katana75/kat750.htm
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide/Suzuki-GSX750F-Katana.htm
http://katriders.com/

[Cale_Kat]

I have a 00 Katana 750 and really recommend it for the sort of light sport touring you're describing. I've put 20,000 miles on mine, mostly two and three day trips and its never given me any problems.

My very biased opinion, the 98+ Katana 750 is one of the most underrated used bike values but I'm not certain I'd spend more than $3k for one. They depreciate very rapidly and haven't changed since the 98 redesign. The light mileage 06 would probably appeal most to someone that is crazy about Katanas and plans to keep it for a very long time.

Pros:

Decent wind protection and excellent comfort.
Excellent highway stability and credible cornering capabilities.
Durable engine design and ease of maintenance (screw and nut valve adjustment, cable clutch, center stand, excellent parts availability...)
Good online community (katriders.com) where almost every aspect of the Katana is known and discussed.
Excellent range from 5.2 gallon tank (42+ mpg on the highway).
Twin headlights offer excellent illumination.
Powerful alternator can handle heated gear, driving lights, etc.
Power can be boosted without expensive electronics (look up Ivan's jet kit).
Clear gauges including fuel.
Air/oil cooling add simplicity.

Cons:

Weight and more specifically top heavy location of weight.
Fairings are expensive (or time consuming if you do it yourself) to repair.
Fairings must be removed to perform most engine maintenance (but not for oil changes).
Budget quality suspension and brakes.
Low resale value.
Limited hard luggage options. (The new GSX650F is a much better choice if you have hard luggage in mind.)
Poor rear vision in mirrors.
Petcock reserve system (manual switch to reserve, manual reset after fueling).
Air/oil cooling increases potential for overheating.

What other people say about the Katana but doesn't really matter:

Kanatuna factor (If you're considering a Katana and have heard or read the "put-downs" you probably don't care what other people say or think.)
Vibrations. With six speeds and a 12k redline, you won't have too much difficulty keeping unwanted vibrations to a minimum.
Too heavy. It not as light as modern sportbike but it's no slouch off the line.
Tough to wheelie. Yep.
Old technology. True but it works incredibly well.

Good luck. I'd like to hear if you do buy a Kat.

[JamesG]

Where is the poll?

Actually it hasn't changed much since 1989 which is when its engine and chasis were designed. All it got in '98 was new (and uglier IMO) bodywork.

Yeah is a decent street motorcycle in that it will go down the road and around a corner, but if 4-5K is your budget, there are much better bikes on the used market. If you want full faired, YZF600R, ZX6E/R/ZZR600, CBR F3 or F4i. An S model Bandit is also well within range and is a much better bike. More comfortable, and easier to work on (I briefly owned a '91 and had the displeasure of working more).  

[Cale_Kat]

Oh so ugly...





Not!

[JamesG]

Looks like a real sport bike left in the dryer too long and it melted.  

[Cale_Kat]

Looks like a real sport bike left in the dryer too long and it melted.  

Good one. That's hilarious.

[BeeGee]

Where is the poll?

Actually it hasn't changed much since 1989 which is when its engine and chasis were designed. All it got in '98 was new (and uglier IMO) bodywork.

Yeah is a decent street motorcycle in that it will go down the road and around a corner, but if 4-5K is your budget, there are much better bikes on the used market. If you want full faired, YZF600R, ZX6E/R/ZZR600, CBR F3 or F4i. An S model Bandit is also well within range and is a much better bike. More comfortable, and easier to work on (I briefly owned a '91 and had the displeasure of working more).  

Actually the engine is based on the 1986 GSXR750

[BluStreak]

Oh so ugly...





Not!

Nice Cale!  I would guess not a stock color?

Scott

[JamesG]

Probably stock plastic/paint but without the stickers in order to emphasis its jellybeaniness.  

Actually the engine is based on the 1986 GSXR750

Based on but not the same. Carbs, cam profiles, and other stuff is different. "Detuned" is the industry term.

[Thor]

A GSX1100R engine bolts right in.

With a full exhaust I got 43ft lbs of torque and 82 horsepower out of my 750.  Aftermarket suspension is a must.

I liked the steel frame and the bike let me know long before I got in trouble that it wasn't happy.  I was so comfortable on it that I would slide it through corners all the time.  People thought I was nuts, but to be honest I didn't even realize I was doing it.

It works for two up and with the full steel frame it can haul quite a bit.

It has ground clearance issues, but not horribly so.

I'd buy one if it were an absolute steal, otherwise I'd look at something else.

Oh ya, the brakes suck.  I finally started using Galfer Green on the front and Galfer Black for the rear (I think?).  It got much better with that combo.

From what I've seen people asking for them, I haven't seen one that comes close to being a value in my mind.

The Bandit is better touring bike and a better value in my mind.  "There's no replacement for displacement".  Plus there is still an aftermarket for the Bandit.  Not so much for the Katana.

[Cale_Kat]

Probably stock plastic/paint but without the stickers in order to emphasis its jellybeaniness.  

You really think Suzuki made the Katana 750 in Shoei Axis Yellow?

[Cale_Kat]

Carbs, cam profiles, and other stuff is different. "Detuned" is the industry term.

You could call it detuned. Suzuki thought that folks that bought the Katana weren't really interested in the sort of power curve that a race bike offered and modified the engine to bring torque down to lower RPMs and as a result, there's less maximum hp. Most Kat riders ride the bike, not the spec sheet.

[Cale_Kat]

The Bandit is better touring bike and a better value in my mind.  "There's no replacement for displacement".  Plus there is still an aftermarket for the Bandit.  Not so much for the Katana.

Sure there are a ton of better touring bikes. My 03 DL1000 is a better touring bike. But it doesn't connect me with the road and still offer all-day comfort like my Kat. Big displacement, it's a blast but I've never gotten close to really knowing the limits of what the Kat is capable of. Technique, not equipment, is the holy grail I'm interested in.

[JamesG]

You really think Suzuki made the Katana 750 in Shoei Axis Yellow?

Yes, they made a yellow Kanotuna for a few years. Its probably very close to your banana jellybean yellow.
 

[tjhess74]

my last year of college i bought a new 99 red 600.  i know its not the 750, but they were extremely close.  i loved the body style and the simplicity in maintenance.  i put 42k miles on that bike in approx 2 years and never had a single issue or problem with it.  i gave it oil changes, checked the valves (never needed adjusting), and lubed the chain (never had to change the chain or sprockets). i used it in everyday conditions here in the south and it never once overheated (which kinda surprised me).

for its size and bargain price, it was plenty fast and was very comfortable.  its probably the best stock seat ive sat on.  it handled very well and did everything i asked it to.  the only reason i dont still own it is because it got stolen. it was recovered a few months later, but it was butchered.  

the 750 was alittle heavier and faster, but overall the same machine.  i would definately recommend it if youre not looking for a streetfighter, but rather a good looking comfortable bike that will go as fast as you need it too.  i SERIOULSY considered buying a brand new one last year for a second bike, but rather decided to trade my concours 1000 in for the new concours 14.  

i would have no qualms hopping on a katana again.  the only thing i didnt like is that they put stripes and stickers on the new models and dumped the chrome badge (which i thought looked good).

if you find a nice one thats not ragged out, you should pick it up.

[Cale_Kat]

Yes, they made a yellow Kanotuna for a few years. Its probably very close to your banana jellybean yellow.
 

Now you're just talking smack. I'm starting to like you...

[BlueRidgeKat]

Cons:

Weight and more specifically top heavy location of weight.

I had a 01 750 and loved it. Quite comfortable and totally reliable. It worked very well for sport touring, I was using soft bags at the time. Fuel gauge, dual tripmeters and clock are things that I just have to have on a sport tourer and the 750 had those. Mine seemed very tame and user friendly until the tach got to 8k then it would come to life.

The only little thing about it that I didnt like is what Cale_Kat mentioned above about it being top heavy. I mostly noticed this when you were pushing it around by hand or a very slow speed tight turn, it would keep you on your toes.

I dont care what anybody says about the look of it or it being old tech, you cant beat it for the money. Go for it.

[Baz]

Don't the Brit's call these tea pots?

I have had a couple of Air cooled Suzukis. Pretty rock solid engine, buzzy, and as someone mentioned budget suspensions. They are an OK bike though.

You may also want to look at 2nd gen Bandits which I am sure can be had for around the same price range.

[Kraz]

The um... look... of the Katana isn't popular, but it's a personal call.  I think, for the money, the SV650 N or S is a better bike.  You can DEFINITELY find one for 4-5 g's... even less.  I bought an '01 in '03 for under 4,ooo.  The reliability is there on both bikes.

Acceleration, handlding, braking will be better on the SV, but not wx protection, and comfort will depend on you, but I'd be the Katana would win that one out.

If you ask me, simple is good... that includes carburation and air cooling.

You can't figure out what you really want by sitting around on-line.  What you need to do is ride one, or at least sit on one, then make your own decisions.

-m

[Kat-Rider]

I have an 06 750 and like it.  I commute most of the year on it and have taken several trips on the bike.  
Hard bag options are limited but you can find them used on ebay if you look.  I picked up a set of Cortech softbags and Santa was supposed to get the tail bag that went with it.  (He got me an iPod instead so I think I came out ahead.)
I put 18k on mine since 06 and have had no issues.
It is heavy due to the steel frame and the exaust.
Mine has 91 HP according to the service sheet I got at its last service.
Mine has a slight buzz in the bars at around 4k but it goes away about 4.5k.  This is not uncommon on this bike.
So far it has been a good bike.  
As far as the manual switch to reserve I just keep mine set to reserve and fill up every 150 miles or so.  I have pushed it to 185 miles and may have got 200 out of the tank, but I was getting nervous because I have never pushed that far.
It is not the fastest bike out there, and some of the sport bike riders will poke fun at you about the bike  If you want to drag knees around a corner this may not be the best choice.  

[Johnny Monsoon]

Now you're just talking smack. I'm starting to like you...

It's true, actually, it did indeed come in yellow.  I think it was the 600cc though.  In fact, I think maybe it is in the brochure I have that I picked up the day I grabbed my B12S.  I'll poke around later.  

However, yes, it was VERY close to the color.

[BluStreak]

Well gents, end of the story is, I just bought a Honda Super Hawk VTR 1000.  Had decided that if the negotiations didn't work out on the Honda, I was gonna make an offer on the Kat.  In the end, I'm sure I would enjoy the hell out of either, but I am very excited about the Hawk, it's torquey motor, light weight and narrow profile and great looks.  Price was excellent (probably comparable to a properly priced Kat) and it only has 5500 miles on it.  I do plan on working on the ergos to make it more comfortable for sports touring.  Bought some VTR 800 bars for it, plan to add a higher double bubble windshield and would like to add a Corbin or Sargent seat when I can.  Anyway, I'm on a bike I will have a blast with as soon as the weather becomes somewhat less beastly.

Thanks for all your feedback!

[Cale_Kat]

Congratulations!!! Sounds like an excellent choice. Post up a picture when you get a chance.