1991 Katana just had exhaust put on carbs jetted , K&N filters and new chain with sprockets. Runs great for 50k miles .just sold it and picked up a 86 gsxr 750 and a YZ 490 . fun fun
@Twan S, I'm 43 years old and have been riding since as far back as I can remember. I've owned numerous motorcycles, from Honda CB 350s, all the way up to a Honda CBR 1000. For period of 2 years between 2004 and 2006 I've even owned a 2000 katana 750. I've always considered myself an agressive rider, and while I have mellowed out considerably since I'm approaching middle aged I still have to admit that while the katana 750 is getting quite long in the tooth by today's standards, it has far more ability then you and I both combined. They are by no means beginners motorcycles!
+Joe V. I'm a beginner so maybe I'm not qualified to respond ;) I must say I have 30+ years experience with driving cars (also some on track) so that helps as a beginner motorbike rider. I'v a lot of experience in traffic. I now see that helps. I had a Aprilia Shiver for some months, certainly not a beginner bike). Luckely I own a 1999 Suzuki GSX 750 F (Katana) since 4 days, (after 3 months of riding and +2.000 Kms [1.300 miles] on the Aprilia). So maybe not a bike for smaller or very yound beginners. But I have the impression it's a very good beginners bike for me. Can ride it comfortably, easy handling, smooth. But can be aggressive if you push it.
+MrMarcie I have almost two decades of SCCA racing experience and own an 89 750 Kat. The Kat is not a beginners bike. Not just for the power, the clip-on bars and fork angle do not make for the most nimble bike at low speeds. It is also a bit heavy/top heavy for its class. Still, I love mine. Dead nuts reliable and can run the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds without trying.
+Tom Byrne Maybe your right ;). I had some motorbike experience some 30 years ago (without license). Driving the Kat now for over 6 months. I realise now your points are right. For me it was not a problem but I can imagine it will be for others. Anyway, still love the Kat.
well, everyone is diff. my experiences on the kat was fun i loved it for the most part but i out grew it pretty fast. im not saying its SLOW but for me and my experience it wasnt enough for me.. but id deff say it would be a good beginner bike. not so easy to lift if you whisky throttle, not too fast, not TOO slow.
I know I had a 88 no matter what year it is 88 / 2006 the katana 600 and 750 ain't no beginners bike no different than starting on a gsxr 600 / 750 I'll take a old 600 750 katana over a newer sports bike any day they look just as good as a new bike if they are taken care of and with a few mods they'll give em a run for their money change the front and rear sprocket's aftermarket exhaust jet the carbs your good
I had a 88 Suzuki katana and I loved it all my friends rode newer bikes and I kept up with no problem 97 Suzuki gsxr , 2002 Honda CBR 600 2000 Honda 900 and ninja zx 14 my dad also had a 82 Suzuki GS 650 witch kept up with the newer bikes as well
My first bike was a '99 750 and i out grew it within that summer of getting it. Of course its faster than a ninja 250 but it has nowhere near the power of a real sport bike. I think its the better choice for a beginner, you can feel speed but too much to handle with novice experience..
+Twan S The Pre-98 Kat only have up about 15 HP to the contemporary GSXR. It was the Kat's extra weight that "slowed" it down. Keep in mind that the 100 HP 750 Kat was making about the same power that liter bikes were making in the early 80s. There is nothing slow about the Kat, unless you are comparing it to the latest generation of 750 sport bikes. Any street vehicle that can run 0-60 in under 4 seconds and the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds is quick.
ahahaha 4 years ago.. but... "real sport bike"? katana is not a sport bike... is a Sport-touring.. xD not the same as the gsxr750... with the aluminum frame.. and the 112hp.. dont compare.
Extremely reliable. They are GSXR engines de-tuned. So, in the Katana they are under less stress then they are designed to run at. That makes them very reliable. People have gotten 100k out of them.
***** Have you ever ridden and air-cooled bike before? Without the water jacket around the engine you can hear a lot more of the engine's internal mechanisms hitting and moving. That said, I haven't heard your bike and can't say for sure. I can say that if the piston is hitting the valves, you will know it. That will be really loud and incredibly noticeable. The fact that you are questioning it makes me pretty sure that isn't the case.
I have an 89 750 Katana and when properly maintained (and often when they are not) they are dead-nuts reliable. Mine has nearly 42,000 miles and it pulls like a train. Well-maintained air-cooled Kats can go 100,000 miles or more without a rebuild. Air-cooled engines make all kinds of noise You will hear the pistons moving up and down their bores, etc. This is normal. Mine almost sounds like a water-cooled engine with pistons rocking in their bores, but this noise is normal. My 12,000 mile 79 Honda CB400 is equally as noisy and that engine is in extremely good condition. Check the compression. If compression checks out and the engine runs well, ride it. Trust me, if you had something bad, like a spun bearing, you would know it. If you had a piston hitting a valve, the engine would run poorly as you would be essentially running on three cylinders. This would not go unnoticed.
Need to do the carb sync.. put the bike at 2000rpm.. use an auxiliar fuel tank..like a bottle with a hose.. need to sync first the 3-4 carb... at the same level of vacumm... then move to the 1-2 carb sync... and finally sync the 1-2 to 3-4.. with the center screw.. its more easy than you think..
this guy is tweaking something crazy I'm getting vertigo watching it maybe he is maybe he isn't but I hate the fact he can't keep his head still that shit is bunk because I have the same bike and I want to enjoy the video but I can't anyways have a good one stay safe even though this is a old video hope you find this in good health as buda says peace be with you bro home boy deuces player o bye the way I have the exact same bike but mine is gray on the bottom and BLACK ALL OVER WHEEEEE!!!!!!!
What's with the swaying back and forth,.... What exactly does it do for you? I know on a track and extremely fast pro bikes need rubber warmed but that's hardly a superbike. Just curious.
When riders duck walk or sway back and forth it let's others around them know that they are new at riding or never received proper instruction. They are likely to make erratic movements. Then the observer can choose to keep distance and keep an eye out.
you are lucky that you do not live in MD. the first time you pulled up to a light "lane splitting" the cops would have busted your ass. a lot of drivers here wouldn't have put up with it either and you very well might have been knocked off your bike or had someone open their door on purpose so you would run into it.
@Twan S, I'm 43 years old and have been riding since as far back as I can remember. I've owned numerous motorcycles, from Honda CB 350s, all the way up to a Honda CBR 1000. For period of 2 years between 2004 and 2006 I've even owned a 2000 katana 750. I've always considered myself an agressive rider, and while I have mellowed out considerably since I'm approaching middle aged I still have to admit that while the katana 750 is getting quite long in the tooth by today's standards, it has far more ability then you and I both combined. They are by no means beginners motorcycles!
+Joe V. I'm a beginner so maybe I'm not qualified to respond ;)
I must say I have 30+ years experience with driving cars (also some on track) so that helps as a beginner motorbike rider. I'v a lot of experience in traffic. I now see that helps. I had a Aprilia Shiver for some months, certainly not a beginner bike). Luckely I own a 1999 Suzuki GSX 750 F (Katana) since 4 days, (after 3 months of riding and +2.000 Kms [1.300 miles] on the Aprilia). So maybe not a bike for smaller or very yound beginners. But I have the impression it's a very good beginners bike for me. Can ride it comfortably, easy handling, smooth. But can be aggressive if you push it.
+MrMarcie I have almost two decades of SCCA racing experience and own an 89 750 Kat. The Kat is not a beginners bike. Not just for the power, the clip-on bars and fork angle do not make for the most nimble bike at low speeds. It is also a bit heavy/top heavy for its class.
Still, I love mine. Dead nuts reliable and can run the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds without trying.
+Tom Byrne Maybe your right ;). I had some motorbike experience some 30 years ago (without license). Driving the Kat now for over 6 months. I realise now your points are right. For me it was not a problem but I can imagine it will be for others. Anyway, still love the Kat.
+MrMarcie I am almost 49 and love mine as well.
well, everyone is diff. my experiences on the kat was fun i loved it for the most part but i out grew it pretty fast. im not saying its SLOW but for me and my experience it wasnt enough for me.. but id deff say it would be a good beginner bike. not so easy to lift if you whisky throttle, not too fast, not TOO slow.
Bought my 2000 750 in April and then bought the busa too. Guess which bike I’m driving in 2024?
i have one and i love it
beautiful sound..music to my soul... katana foreverrrr !!!! la mejor...
beautiful bike!
PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT BEGINNER BIKE HECK MY 1989 KAT GOES 150MPH STOCK WHAT 106HP ON TWO WHEELS ISNT ENOUGH
I know I had a 88 no matter what year it is 88 / 2006 the katana 600 and 750 ain't no beginners bike no different than starting on a gsxr 600 / 750 I'll take a old 600 750 katana over a newer sports bike any day they look just as good as a new bike if they are taken care of and with a few mods they'll give em a run for their money change the front and rear sprocket's aftermarket exhaust jet the carbs your good
looking to get this bike as my second bike started on a honda rebel
Perfect bikes I loved mine and for a older bike they still fit in with newer sports bikes
I owned the same one and enjoyed it a lot, thank you for the rememberance but please wear gloves !
I had a 88 Suzuki katana and I loved it all my friends rode newer bikes and I kept up with no problem 97 Suzuki gsxr , 2002 Honda CBR 600 2000 Honda 900 and ninja zx 14 my dad also had a 82 Suzuki GS 650 witch kept up with the newer bikes as well
Passando pra deixar o like Tmj
Nice when you mom drive for you and help whit your truck
My first bike was a '99 750 and i out grew it within that summer of getting it. Of course its faster than a ninja 250 but it has nowhere near the power of a real sport bike. I think its the better choice for a beginner, you can feel speed but too much to handle with novice experience..
+Twan S The Pre-98 Kat only have up about 15 HP to the contemporary GSXR. It was the Kat's extra weight that "slowed" it down. Keep in mind that the 100 HP 750 Kat was making about the same power that liter bikes were making in the early 80s.
There is nothing slow about the Kat, unless you are comparing it to the latest generation of 750 sport bikes. Any street vehicle that can run 0-60 in under 4 seconds and the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds is quick.
That is right, Paul. Acceleration has more of a "linear" feel due to a fairly flat torque curve.
ahahaha 4 years ago.. but... "real sport bike"? katana is not a sport bike... is a Sport-touring.. xD not the same as the gsxr750... with the aluminum frame.. and the 112hp.. dont compare.
"Outgrew"? LOL I bet you'd lowside trying to corner at 20mph
Very few riders will every really outgrow this bike’s capabilities. Sure straight line is easy. But that ain’t the only characteristic of a bike.
You didnt show the bike
Hey Im looking at a 89 katana 750 how reliable are these engines known to be?
Extremely reliable. They are GSXR engines de-tuned. So, in the Katana they are under less stress then they are designed to run at. That makes them very reliable. People have gotten 100k out of them.
+Joe Jackson Way overbuilt for their purpose. A well-maintained Katana engine that is not abused should easily last 100,000 miles.
*****
Have you ever ridden and air-cooled bike before? Without the water jacket around the engine you can hear a lot more of the engine's internal mechanisms hitting and moving.
That said, I haven't heard your bike and can't say for sure. I can say that if the piston is hitting the valves, you will know it. That will be really loud and incredibly noticeable. The fact that you are questioning it makes me pretty sure that isn't the case.
I have an 89 750 Katana and when properly maintained (and often when they
are not) they are dead-nuts reliable. Mine has nearly 42,000 miles and it
pulls like a train. Well-maintained air-cooled Kats can go 100,000 miles or
more without a rebuild. Air-cooled engines make all kinds of noise You will
hear the pistons moving up and down their bores, etc. This is normal. Mine
almost sounds like a water-cooled engine with pistons rocking in their
bores, but this noise is normal. My 12,000 mile 79 Honda CB400 is equally
as noisy and that engine is in extremely good condition.
Check the compression. If compression checks out and the engine runs well,
ride it. Trust me, if you had something bad, like a spun bearing, you would
know it. If you had a piston hitting a valve, the engine would run poorly
as you would be essentially running on three cylinders. This would not go
unnoticed.
42000 on mine it purrs and has good power and throttle response still
anyone have carb experience on this bike? I added a slip on exhaust and a K&N , can't get the carb set just right , mine is an 04' 750
Del Amo motor Sports southern Cal.
Need to do the carb sync.. put the bike at 2000rpm.. use an auxiliar fuel tank..like a bottle with a hose.. need to sync first the 3-4 carb... at the same level of vacumm... then move to the 1-2 carb sync... and finally sync the 1-2 to 3-4.. with the center screw.. its more easy than you think..
How come these bikes aren't as popular as the ninjas for beginner bikes?
Weight. These bikes are a bit longer and heavier than the ninjas.
True but they are cheaper and more of a bike to grow into. I dont care about an extra weight. only time i feel it is at a stop.
gaivoron They are also significantly faster than a small CC ninja. Having owned one, I don't think it's a wise choice for a first bike.
they are heavy as shit and if you drop one... and assuming it doesn't crush you... you're going to need someone else to help you pick it up
An Anna nah i work out. lol
this guy is tweaking something crazy I'm getting vertigo watching it maybe he is maybe he isn't but I hate the fact he can't keep his head still that shit is bunk because I have the same bike and I want to enjoy the video but I can't anyways have a good one stay safe even though this is a old video hope you find this in good health as buda says peace be with you bro home boy deuces player o bye the way I have the exact same bike but mine is gray on the bottom and BLACK ALL OVER WHEEEEE!!!!!!!
Wonder how one of these would sound with a Vance & Hines sidewinder without the baffle! 🤔
🐾🐾🐾
91 gsxr 1250 is this Arizona California or Florida
California
Granny says i take the katana you the corolla?
Gud 👍
What's with the swaying back and forth,.... What exactly does it do for you? I know on a track and extremely fast pro bikes need rubber warmed but that's hardly a superbike. Just curious.
When riders duck walk or sway back and forth it let's others around them know that they are new at riding or never received proper instruction. They are likely to make erratic movements. Then the observer can choose to keep distance and keep an eye out.
please mind other people.. it is'nt that difficult... nice bike though.. please act like a motorcycler.. it makes us all better
D
you are lucky that you do not live in MD. the first time you pulled up to a light "lane splitting" the cops would have busted your ass. a lot of drivers here wouldn't have put up with it either and you very well might have been knocked off your bike or had someone open their door on purpose so you would run into it.