Suzuki Katana 600 (GSX600F) reviews

Unlike the picture, I went searching for the blue/white version of this bike which looks much better. I've been through all four seasons with this bike. It's my second Suzuki and one of many air-cooled motors that I've ridden. This bike is perfect to jump on for a quick run to the store or a joy ride yet is comfortable for extended rides. Warm-up on a cool day is around 2 minutes. Once it's up to temp, I ride normally, enjoying the crisp acceleration. In temps under 40F, the motor actually chills down from operating temperature and needs to be choked again. Unless you're a die-hard, don't ride when the temperature drops below 45F. The tires also will not stay warm (read sticky) which makes for some interesting corner handling (such as two-wheel drift). In 90F heat, idling in rush-hour traffic, the motor does not overheat. It's designed for it. At speed, handling is predictable, crisp and just down-right fun. The bike's weight can be felt during side-to-side transitions but also acts to remind you not to over-do it. I've spent a lot of time riding off-road bikes and low speed manuvering is key to successful control in street conditions on this bike. Spend some quality time in the parking lot working the figure 8's and j-turns (upright position, let the bike do the work using the clutch). Like other solid cam performance motors, it really comes alive above 7000 rpm. From a standing start at full throttle, once the revs sweep into the high end, it feels like a turbo boost. It also means that the motor can be cruised at rpm's under 7K with predicatable forgiving manners. Braking is OK, but not great. That is, it is fast but not race-bike fast. LIKES: Smooth, predictable power. Good handling. Comfortable ride. Reliable. Great appearance. Classic analog gauges. Fuel economy. Easy maintenance DISLIKES: braking power. Show less

After searching around for my first bike, I finally settled on the Katana. Being a beginner, I decided to get something besides a GSXR for my first (and already, at only 700 miles, I have seen why that was a good choice!). It's been said before, and I'll add my agreement: as a beginner you WILL make mistakes, and I don't care how cautiously or maturely the bike is handled, mistakes will happen. Naturally, I made little throttle, braking, and clutch mistakes on my bike (and I've taken the MSF course) which were quickly forgiven and corrected on the Kat. If I had been on something like a GSXR-750 and made these beginner mistakes, I wouldn't still be riding! Also, the seat is absolutely fantastic compared to something like the seat on a CBR (feels like a piece of wood...with sandpaper). The seating position on the Katana is not aggressive like most of the SS bikes out there, but whenever you need to tuck under the windscreen and go, the Kat is ready to accomodate. The power ability of the Kat is perfect for anyone looking for an introduction to sportier bikes without hopping on a gixxer and praying for the best (or spending 3 months in an empty parking lot just learning how to steer the bike). As many have accurately noted, the Kat is a heavy beast. Naturally, being new, I have had my bike tip over (luckily didn't cause any damage...I was right next to the bike and I just kind of let her down gently...accidently). So weight might be something to strongly consider. Go sit on one and shift your weight to each leg and then do the same on a gixxer 600...you'll quickly see what I mean. However, when the bike is moving the weight isn't noticed at all. In fact, the weight really helps combat pesky crosswinds. In addition to all this, the long wheel-base of the Kat helps to make those bumps in the road more acceptable. And, of course, this bike has plenty of power if you need it. Of course, it won't top out at 186 mph, but why would you really need to unless you're going to some kind of racing events? I've heard it said over and over again and I've seen it proven, a skilled rider on a Kat can out-run and out-corner a new rider on gixxer 600...it's about skill, not brute engine force. The best way I've heard the Katana described is like this: It's the swiss army knife of motorcycles...it does everything well, but it's not fantastic at anything. The balance of functions that this bike can serve is exactly what I love about it, and, while I plan on having SS bikes a few years down the road, there will always be a Kat in my garage! Show less

After getting a 600 for my special lady, I fell in love and bought me a 750 in red. The bike is beautiful and comfortable. I am 42 and have ridden for 30 yrs. I did the fast bikes for many years including 1000's and 1100's. I don't need to be the first of the group anymore. I recommend this bike if you are looking for a reliable motorcycle. Good luck! Show less

The Katana 600 is a great bike and a terrific value. Just remember, you're not buying a raw sportbike. You are buying a sport TOURING bike. You sacrifice a bit of the performance (not on the top end) and get a little cushier suspension for extra comfort on long rides. Make no mistake, this thing will stick to the road around corners and scream down a straight away with any Ninja or R6. Add a performance pipe, rejet the carbs, K&N filter and you'll be blowing away many of the straight sport bikes. You can add all of those accessories for less than $450.00. Have fun. Show less

Started with 125cc scooter (still have), completed MSF course and bought new Ninja 250, kept 2 yrs. and sold it, May 06. Bought Suzuki GS500F (Oct 05) still have and will sell in Spring 07. Bought 03 Kat 600 from Ebay and couldn't be happier. Not as maneuverable as the previous bikes but understandable considering its weight. I really like its appearance and style...unique...not many of them around and hope it is reincarnated as rumor has it the Kat may be discontinued. Long live the Kat! BTW Katana means sword in Japanese. Show less

I bought my 750 Katana new June of 2006 and have logged 12000 trouble free miles to date (Nov 2006). Longest day in the saddle was 750 miles and had no issues with comfort. Best fuel mileage 53, worst milage 48. You just can't beat that!!! Show less

I bought my Katana about a month ago (early October 2006) and have ridden it every day since. After doing tons of research, I finally decided on a 600cc engine since I had never ridden a bike before. Even more research convinced me to look into the Katana since '06 is the last year for this bike. I went to the dealership and sat on it and immediately knew it was a great choice. Although it's a little heavy for a 600, it's very forgiving for beginners but has more than enough power for more experienced riders. After a couple 2-3 hour rides, my backside was a little sore, but it's nothing a little more riding won't fix. Overall, I highly recommend the Katana to any new riders out there - you won't regret it. Good riding! Show less

Great all around bike! The performance isn't really there, but I noticed with an aftermarket exhaust, it really increases the torqe! A K&N aftermarket air filter helps a lot too! The main thing I don't like about it is that the bike is way heavy, hard to keep on one wheel past 1st gear and the balance point is hard to find. Comfort wise, you cannot beat it - way comfy! As a seasoned rider up here in B town, I'm disappointed in the fact I have to put it up for winter, but when the sun is shining look out! Show less

I love my Katana! It's my 3rd Katana and I wouldn't ride anything else. When I bought my 06 Katana 750, I was still riding my 90 Katana 750 daily with 25,000 miles on it. It's a shame they stopped making them. I can ride for hours and not have a sore back. Show less

They have the Katana in a 750 one, good for some experienced riders, but if this is your very first bike and you don't really know how to ride, then this is a really good bike. I got this and I didn't know how to ride it at all, so sadly it tipped. The only bad thing is that it is really heavy to pick up. I would recommend it because this is the last year that you will see Katanas around. Suzuki will stop making them after this year. I have a black one, and it is really good. They have really comfortable seats, and if you take a passenger along, I don't recommend lane splitting because this bike doesn't have enough power to get ahead of everyone. Show less