QuestionHi,
I had never ridden a motorcycle before so I took the 20 Hour MSF course and it was great. I never thought I'd learn so much in one weekend as I was a complete novice. Since then I've taken the ERC (Experienced Rider Course) which is one day (8 hours) and again, learned a heck of a lot.
With that out of the way, I feel very confident riding now. Since I took the beginner course, I've been riding a 2000 Buell Blast 500. My brother almost gave it to me because he hated the bike and everyone including him said the handling was terrible. However, I've enjoyed riding the Blast and I was used to riding it after about 1 day. I've been riding this bike for about 8 months now (living in Florida I can ride all year) and it handled fine for me the entire time. Only one close call and the bike did exactly what it needed to to in a hurry - IT STOPPED!
However, after riding the Buell for a while I feel ready to move up and I have fallen in love with the looks of the Suzuki Katana 600. I'm just wondering if it's a good bike. Reading online reviews I hear that it's too heavy and has an overly wide turning radius. I've also read that there's "not enough power". However, I haven't read anything bad about the actual mechanics of the bike.
I've gone to the dealership and sat on the bike and it fits me like a glove. It doesn't feel heavy to me either. Also, I just love the look of that machine...
Anyway, would you recommend this bike or does it have shortcomings that I just don't know about? I'm not looking to pop wheelies or go 150 MPH - I just want to ride it like a normal person. It's just that the Katana is less expensive than many other bikes and I'm wondering if that equates to lower quality. Any advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much,
Kat
AnswerKat,
Thanks for the question. Hello from Portland, Oregon.
I think you are ready to get the Katana 600. You've taken and passed two MSF classes and put in 8 months on the Buell Blast (which is a great beginner bike despite what your brother says). You have enough experience and maturity to make the transition, if your statement about wheelies and speed is any indicator.
The Katana 600 is a fine bike. It is a "budget" sportbike, as it does not have top-shelf suspension or a frame like a full-on sport bike. But it has a great engine that is both reliable and powerful, and plenty capable suspension. Don't worry about a big turning radius, most sport bikes have that problem.
The Katana is plenty capable for your intended use, and it will take a long time to outgrow (if you ever outgrow it at all). It will be a good bike to learn advanced cornering techniques and brake use. It's also more comfortable for longer rides than a pure sportbike, as it has higher bars, a better seat and very good wind protection.
It's also more adjustable than the Buell. You can adjust the front forks and rear suspension for your weight and riding style. Be sure to get a manual, and ask a Suzuki dealer if someone at the dealership (an experienced rider or mechanic) can show you how (and why) to adjust the suspension if you desire to change it. Also, if you are getting a used bike, be sure to have a Suzuki mechanic check it out before you give the seller any money. If the seller refuses to let you get the bike checked, pass on that bike. It may have a hidden problem, no matter how nice it looks.
Last of all, I recommend you take a track class once you have been riding the Katana for a while. I think you should given your MSF class experience and enthusiasm for the sport. I recommend Reg Pridmore's CLASS school (www.classrides.com). Racetrack schools (at least the good ones) are not about “going real fast” or learning to race. They are about advanced bike control, taught in an environment free of cops, traffic lights, potholes and other dangers. They are about understanding your physical relationship with the bike, how it behaves in motion, and how it interacts with the road. That may all sound touchy-feely, but the reality is that really good riders, the ones that avoid accidents, have a greater understanding of the unique skills needed to really be a competent rider. And as you saw with your ERC class, you get “more out of it” when you are more aware of what to do. A racetrack class is like getting a B.S. in motorcycling, while the ERC could be considered graduation from motorcycle high school. Judging from the tone, content and maturity expressed in your question, I think you would benefit greatly from a track school. I urge you to consider it. It's also enormous fun.
Good luck with your new bike, Kat. Take it easy those first few weeks, as there will be a definite transition period from the Buell. The Katana will feel taller, be touchier on the brakes and go a whole lot faster than the Blast. It will also be smoother, more confidence-inspiring and comfortable. Keep your disciple going, and try to take some long trips on the bike if you can. There's a lot of great riding just up North of you, as well as in Florida.
Ride smart, have fun,
Bill Roberson
www.greatoldbikes.com
