Almost bought a katana

[formula154]

The first of May I went to the LBS to test ride and then buy a Katana. If I liked it i was going to buy it that day. The sales man said they didn't let people test ride sport bikes. I told him I didn't buy bikes that I haven't ridden so we weren't going to do any business together and i left. Two days later I bought a FZ6 with 4000 miles on it for 1000 dollars cheaper than the Katana.
I'm happy. I was just wondering if any one has ridden both bikes and how they compare?

 

[jamesfz6]

I have ridden both the 600 and 750 katana. Not really anything to compare. Kind of like comparing the fz6 to a harley.....completely different.


If i had to say something i guess i would say that the katana is more comfortable. The fz6 is faster. Katana has 12yr old technology in it. Not really anyhting to compare. Just look at it as comparing a 92 ford taurus to an 08 lancer evo.

 

[fz6nick]

My friend just bought a 98 katana 600. Its a tad more agressive riding position. It could use a complete carb rebuild. Lots of flat spots throughout the rpm range. things like that. Might have a torn diaphram.

But other than those, It would make a good trackbike.

 

[nskitts]

I had a Katana once. They are heavy, cheap, beginner bikes with a pretty aggressive riding position with bulletproof, oil-cooled (I believe) engines. To compare them to the FZ6, I would say the Katana is like having a Ford Mustang......with a V6. What's the point? The FZ6, on the other hand, is the brother of a thoroughbred race horse; same genes but his brother is just a little bit better of an athlete.

 

[reiobard]

katana's are gobs heavier (or at least the feel that way) and nowhere near as fast or responsive as the FZ. not even comparable bikes. I also find the FZ much more comfortable.

 

[rent-a-reaper]

katana's are gobs heavier (or at least the feel that way) and nowhere near as fast or responsive as the FZ. not even comparable bikes. I also find the FZ much more comfortable.

I've ridden both and the fz is waaay more powerful. The katana seemed sluggish and...well...kind of boring. The owner said he could never even get his front wheel off the ground lol. :thumbup:

 

[D-Mac]

Katana was an alright bike (I've only been on one ride on one). They are heavier and less responsive than the FZ6. Not as comfortable IMO.

Basically it's the difference that 10 years of technology makes.

 

[Wolfman]

We4 only ever had the 1000cc version of the Katana in Australia..and they went like stink in their time...but handle like poop...like most bikes of that time, and yes they are heavy as ten men....

The FZ6 romps allover it an so many ways, as it should, technology on FZ6 is 15 years ahead of the rather quirky old Kat's...you made the right choice...no doubt at all.

:thumbup:

 

[formula154]

We4 only ever had the 1000cc version of the Katana in Australia..and they went like stink in their time...but handle like poop...like most bikes of that time, and yes they are heavy as ten men....

The FZ6 romps allover it an so many ways, as it should, technology on FZ6 is 15 years ahead of the rather quirky old Kat's...you made the right choice...no doubt at all.

:thumbup:

I was just lucky that they wouldn't let me test ride it.

 

[poorwboy]

My very first bike was a katana, and I loved it. Though I do not own a fz6, I have ridden one, And I would rather have a fz6. But if I found a katana for a good price I would probably buy it. There is alot of dirty things you can do to those motors.:sinister:

 

[MisterX]

The first bike I ever owned was a '94 Katana 600. This bike was a great and fun ride. Lots of power and comfortable. However, compared to the FZ6, the Katana felt like it had lead weights attached to it. Granted, it could blast away in a straight line, but on twisties, I'd say that it handled more like a Hayabusa. It was a heavy bike. Even though the Katana sits more upright compared to other sport-type bikes out there, I think that the sitting position of the FZ6 is more comfortable.

Overall, I think I preferred the FZ6 over the Katana. Both are great bikes, but in my opinion, the FZ6 handles better, is more comfortable, and has more than enough get-up-and-go. I'd have to say that you made the right choice.

X

 

[616ah]

My impression of the Katana is that the seat has the potential to be more comfortable, but the design is somewhat dated and the riding position would be too much for my shoulders etc. However that said - it did make my short list - although it is too heavy. My 2c.

 

[RyanK]

I had a Katana once. They are heavy, cheap, beginner bikes with a pretty aggressive riding position with bulletproof, oil-cooled (I believe) engines. To compare them to the FZ6, I would say the Katana is like having a Ford Mustang......with a V6. What's the point? The FZ6, on the other hand, is the brother of a thoroughbred race horse; same genes but his brother is just a little bit better of an athlete.

Very well said. I bought my Katana as my first sportbike, rode it for about 3 years, and bought the FZ. MUCH faster & MUCH more comfortable. My wife strongly agrees with both when riding 2-up too. Katana's a great starter bike.

 

[Dunno]

Righto........................... Im up to speed now. I was having some technical difficulties due to different bagdes on bikes in different parts of the world.

Where I come from they stopped making Katana's in 1985 & they looked like this. I love the pop up head light.


When it was mentioned that someone bought a 94 model Katana I near fell off my chair.

For those of you playing at home in Aust, we would call it a GSX-F.

 

[CanadianFZ6]

This is a modern Katana.... (I think 2006). It is called the Katana... There is/was a 600cc and 750cc version... Were these sold "down unda"?

 

[wrightme43]

As an added benifit the fairings on the above Katana are extra ugly at no extra charge.....

Sorta looks like it melted or something.

 

[CanadianFZ6]

Yep, it's fugly.....:spank:... My friends and I used to call it the "can-a-tuna"... Only newbs and "the motorcycle image challenged" bought and rode them.

 

[chunkygoat]

katanas are heavier and slower.

i used to know a guy who had one and he said every day "this is slow as s**t.

 

[Dunno]

This is a modern Katana.... (I think 2006). It is called the Katana... There is/was a 600cc and 750cc version... Were these sold \"down unda\"?

Weve got these & call em a "GSX-F". :thumbup:

 

[D-Mac]

Weve got these & call em a \"GSX-F\". :thumbup:

Yup. It's sorta called that here now as well. Good starter bikes, but they are heavy. The new GSX650F also has the LARGEST exhaust cannister I've ever seen on a sportbike. It's even bigger in person than it looks in photos.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX650FK9

Comes in orange for 2009. It does have a gear indicator which is a nice feature, but for the same MSRP as an FZ6 and more $$ than the new FZ6R I'd say it's not worth it.