What do you guys think about katana's for a first bike my cousin says its to heavy but alright for my first bike? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

can-o-tuna was my first ride... i don't see anything wrong with it.. its bulletproof, just respect it.

I started out with an 01 katana for my first bike. At the time, I didnt know anyone who rode and enjoyed it thoroughly until I met people with sportbikes. Then, I loathed the thing. I had it about 6 months and logged about 7K miles on it and then traded it in on an 01 gixxer 600. The katana is a good starter bike as far as power goes, but it is very heavy. I am only 150 pounds so that bike wasnt for me really, I shouldve gotten an SV. If I were you, I would get an SV because they are lighter, feel more like a sportbike than a katana, and you can get lots of aftermarket stuff to make them look cool, like full fairings and such. Anyways, whatever you decide, just respect it because *any* bike can get you in tons of trouble if you arent careful.

I started on a 91 Katana 600 as my first streetbike. Worked fine for me. Heavy...yes but very forgiving. I would say go for it.

93' can o tuna 750 was my first "sportbike". Worked out great for me, though it was just over 500lbs, that fat biiiiootch http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The katana is a great bike, as a matter of fact I have one for sale. Its a 2002 katana 750 with only 1500 miles on it. I have invested over $1000 in after market parts for it. There isn't a scratch on it. I just wanted a gixxer.

angryoriental said:

can-o-tuna was my first ride... i don't see anything wrong with it.. its bulletproof, just respect it.

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I had a 2000 Katana 600 for my first bike, I still have it. I need to sell it, I did not want to get ripped by trading it in on the busa.

Man, I think a heavy bike is fine. I started on a TLR and that thing is a beast, just start out slow and don't push yourself no matter who you are riding with. But most of all, do not forget to have fun!
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I sorta started on a can-o, I started with a zx-7 and a kat 6, but I learn tons from the kat

I also started on a kat 600.... i'll agree that its a great starter bike....

My first bike was a 92 Katana 750 and I did just fine. Admittedly I had about 15 or so years on an MX bike behind me, but still, I did just fine with it. Logged in about 3000 miles in about 5 months and now moving up to a GSX-R750 because I got a great deal on it through a friend. Otherwise, I'm sure I'd still be riding my Katana.

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94' 600 canatuna was first bike for me too. Just think...you can be like the rest of us when you grow up. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

Yeah, the Kats are heavy and kinda old-fasioned with those oil/air cooled engines. It's great for touring but less great for sport riding. And it's got a lot of fairing to crack if you drop it - not uncommon with a first bike. I'd recommend a naked SV - you might think that I'm kinda biased, having an SVS, but it's not my first. I have ridden a good number of very different bikes, the SV(S) having been my favourite, great for both sport AND touring. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Yeah I got a katana 750 for a first bike this year. It's pretty forgiving. I know if it wasnt I would have already been dead by now. it is a little on the heavy side. That's my main complaint. Other than that it's a great all around bike.

Although the Katana is very heavy,and somewhat clumsy it is very forgiving. And due to the fact that it does not respond like a Gixx, nor does it have anywhere near the power of a Gixx, it forced me to become a better rider, If I had started on a GSXR I fee it would have given me a false sense of rider skills, and ultimately I would have gotten my self in a heap of trouble. Just a couple of things to remember don't override your brakes, the brakes on the Kat are not world class, but they get the job done, also if it doesn't have one put an aftermarket slipon on it YOU WILL NOT BE LET DOWN, the sound alone will make it worth it and you get the added bonus of a couple hp gain and some added safety. One last thing be very careful in parking lots with low speed moves, it will go over if your footing is not good(same with any bike, but the Kat is heavier) I hope my rambling has helped http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Started on a '95 Katana 600.... Heavy but very forgiving... Still got her... Kind of sentimental... Gave it to my daughter's boyfriend which he still rides today. It's a good starter bike... I would say go for it but expect to get somthing else soon after you're comfortable on it...

I still have mine and use it as a daily commuter. Tuned right and with a decent rider, they are actualy capable of riding well even though they are heavy. The engines are pretty much bullit proff and you can become a better rider on them because they force you to if you are trying to keep up with others. Some of my riding buddies are amazed that I can keep up with them in the twisties on mine, but as soon as we hit a straight strech of road, it is done!

Go for it. Learn how to ride the Kat well and you can be assured that you can ride well enough to move up. I put over 10K miles a year on mine. Yeah, she may be wore the hell out, but I still ride the shit out of it and love the old girl.

I gave my 2001 Kat 600 to my uncle as his first bike--he loves it so far---