GSX600/750F owners - ride naked or not?

[Lord Derosso]

The first time I lifted the tank on the 600 it was a real hassle compared to the old single bolt, undo the fuel line and put the tank to one side to work on the engine etc. Put everything back on and then found a small rubber bung on the ground.... oh dear. Fuel tank frame rubber seat. Undid all the screws, tried to get the darn thing back in whilst holding the tank up with the other hand! Neighbour helped with that and rubber seat back in its place and tank back on. Gee what a hassle. I really wouldn't mind getting hands on the entire engine to check things out but I understand from other forums that getting the side fairings off is a real hassle. Accordingly, my question is ...
Do you ride with or without(naked) the full fairing of the Katana, or any other similar type styled bike? Obviously, this protects what must be expensive fairings if you do store them, and I presume the bike will run a lot cooler, and maintenance and cleaning would be far easlier, but what are the downsides.
Please dont go into the damage falling off does to the side frame etc. Lets assume that I dont intend to fall off the bike. Anyone have pictures of a naked 1995-98 Katana ??? Appriecate feedback from any owners of these models or similar. Ta

[James Deuce]

Just sell it and go buy a Bandit 600.

I owned a 2000 GSX600F and the fairing gave phenomenal weather protection.

Running cooler isn't necessarily a good thing, plus it will probably run cooler with the fairing on.

Sell it and go buy a Bandit 600 if the fairing is THAT big an issue. It is the same bike with no clothes on for all intents and purposes. But you will get wetter in the rain.

[dhunt]

The first time I lifted the tank on the 600 it was a real hassle compared to the old single bolt, undo the fuel line and put the tank to one side to work on the engine etc. Put everything back on and then found a small rubber bung on the ground.... oh dear. Fuel tank frame rubber seat. Undid all the screws, tried to get the darn thing back in whilst holding the tank up with the other hand! Neighbour helped with that and rubber seat back in its place and tank back on. Gee what a hassle. I really wouldn't mind getting hands on the entire engine to check things out but I understand from other forums that getting the side fairings off is a real hassle. Accordingly, my question is ...
Do you ride with or without(naked) the full fairing of the Katana, or any other similar type styled bike? Obviously, this protects what must be expensive fairings if you do store them, and I presume the bike will run a lot cooler, and maintenance and cleaning would be far easlier, but what are the downsides.
Please dont go into the damage falling off does to the side frame etc. Lets assume that I dont intend to fall off the bike. Anyone have pictures of a naked 1995-98 Katana ??? Appriecate feedback from any owners of these models or similar. Ta

I've ridden my bike without fairings but it is soooo much more comfortable with the fairings on espesially when you want to cruise at higher speed or in the rain etc. I would second Jim2 in saying either buy a proper naked bike or stick with the fairings, they aren't just there for the looks. Mine escpecially as the don't look brillant at the moment but function just fine.

[Lord Derosso]

I agree with the reasoning. Is it much of a hassle to get the fairings off though? Do you have to take the indicators off to get either side fairing off?
I plan to spend the $60 and get a proper workshop manual so that I can do a few things myself.