Suzuki GSX600F Katana Owners please

**Lord Derosso** · 19th March 2006, 11:03

I have the full fairing 1998 gold version and I am finding that been use to older 750's etc that the 5000rpm at 100kms is a bit high, even though the redline is at 12000rpm. The bike shop recommends a bigger front spronket which will reduce the rpm and of course add to engine life. Has anyone tried this? I am curious to know by how much the rpm would reduce at legal road speeds. Yes, I am aware that the Katana is designed to function at higher rpms and she really does take off once at and above this rpm level, but I am looking at mostly touring use. Lastly, I welcome any recommendations from other owners in general, as I would also recommend the Pirelli Speed Demons which have made a huge difference to the low speed handling. Cheers

**Lord Derosso** · 19th March 2006, 11:09

Can anyone please direct me to an online manual for the GSX600F Katana?

**Edbear** · 19th March 2006, 12:44

My bike is 5200rpm at 100km/h and sits nicely at that speed, though I only have a 130 rear tyre, (I found out after fitting the new one it came standard with a 150). I generally cruise at about 6000rpm and 110km/h. I don't recommend gearing it up too much as there's not a lot of torque under those revs. Mine comes on cam at about 7000 and really boogies from there right through to redline at 12, with a kick at about 9000. 5000rpm is only cruising for the GSX motors.

**Lord Derosso** · 20th March 2006, 17:57

Thanks for that. The new tyres have made a grand of difference and the bike feels very light to handle now and the 5000-6500 range works well. She certainly likes the 90 - 120 kmph range and no need to change down to 5th gear, though I loved the top gear passing on my old Honda VF750 - great engines the V4's. My standard tyre for rear is 140, and I have run in the Pirellis now so the handling is great. Anything to watch out for with the GSX600's ? or they a good general allrounder? cheers

**cowboyz** · 20th March 2006, 18:44

Yep. I cruise at 6000rpm which is about 115k. Great for touring. lots and lots of fun in the twisties. running Pirelli sport demons on mine and they like to go round corners really nicely.

I thought about changing my sprockets but under 5k and the bike really doesn't want to go anywhere. 5-7 and it is criusing. over 7 and the bike wants to leave you behind. Sure it is no R model but plenty of go to make roads fun.

Things to watch out for?

Police and cows.

**Jabez** · 20th March 2006, 19:28

I had the sprokets & chain replaced with 1 tooth more on the front, but not much difference perceived. Need to get to 7k before things really start to happen (to keep up with the 1ltr + friends & wife on back!!).
Its a great handler & was rock steady around Puke at upto 200k.
Mine is fitted with Avon's and i am pleased with them.

**Lord Derosso** · 21st March 2006, 20:26

I am most impressed so far with the Sports Demons. I had them both installed at same time and had to get back to the Wellington CBD in the wet
from Hutt Valley with brand new rubber yet I havent had any slipping at all , have done 100 kms on them and so took the bike around the bays for my first real decent fun ride and no problems. The handlings so light now you can track the corner lines with ease. The bike is far more comfortable at very slow traffic type speeds. Thanks for the advice Jabez - I think I will give the spronket change a miss seeing how everyone agrees that 5000rpms is low revs for legal road speeds. I havent gone pass 6500 yet so havent hit the power band a lot of people have commented on .
PS -
Whats with the L Plate designation. Its this based on how long one is a member? Cheers

**cowboyz** · 21st March 2006, 20:54

really?? you haven't taken a bike that redlines at like 12 or 13000 past 6.5k yet? you have had it for more than 2 minutes haven't you?

Don't you do the customary lets see how fast my new bike can go test??

**pzkpfw** · 21st March 2006, 21:06

Sorry to but in...

The GSX600F new is going for $9,999 and the GSX750F for $10,995.

Any comments (from GSX600F or 750 owners) on whether the extra $1,000 for the 750 is "worth it"?

Thanks,

**Edbear** · 21st March 2006, 21:16

[QUOTE=cowboyz]really?? you haven't taken a bike that redlines at like 12 or 13000 past 6.5k yet? you have had it for more than 2 minutes haven't you?

Mmmm! I think I see your problem! Once you get it up to 7+ you'll understand just where we're coming from! I find there's plenty of passing power in 6th at about 5500 but have become more inclined to change down as I become more comfortable on the bike. I'm starting to really enjoy the power and acceleration now. As an MRB, (middle-aged returning biker), I've been a bit cautious while rebuilding my skills. The old girl gets up to the double-tonne pretty quick and handles very well for my skill level. Glad to see so many other 'F' owners on the site! I think the 600-F is an underrated machine and very good value. At just on 39000k's mine has plenty of life in it and I'm not aware of any particular problems, though someone mentioned second gear in hard used examples can give out.

**Lord Derosso** · 21st March 2006, 21:25

She came with the original tyres which were a bit cracked in places on the inner threads and common advice was it wasn't a great idea to do much riding until new rubber went on which was done recently. I have had several 750's and ridden all sorts so the speed thing is not a big issue. Been here done that for 30 years on numerous tours. Open road is something hopefully for this weekend as I do want to give her a decent run and get some experience in the rev lines. Does anyone know what the small L bracket is for on the inside of the rear muffer about 3 cms from the chain? It seems to have no function then for some form of suspension aid?? Since it has a hole in it I am presuming its used for some aid in changing tyres perhaps ???

**Lord Derosso** · 21st March 2006, 21:32

I see you are a current 250cc rider. How many 750's have you owned? I ask because the world doesnt revolve around just this class and I have to admit I have been very pleasantly surprised by the 'little' 600.
The prices are good but do check out the other costs such as insurance. This can be quite different between the two bikes depending on your age, years riding, record, parking of the bike etc etc. I ma happy with my 600F as shes a better proformer than my last Honda VF750 and much better handler and better on gas and tyres. You need to add all the factors up and if you will be carrying a pillion a lot too.

**cowboyz** · 21st March 2006, 21:49

pzk: I have never thought "gezz I wish I had more power..." The 600 is nice to ride. It is tame. the front wheel stays on the ground when you are hammering it. Close ratio gearbox is nice for the twisty stuff and you can bounce throuhg the gears nicely. In saying that another grand for the 750 might be a good idea. I havent ridden the 750F so Dont know.

my bike clicked 90000k coming home from work tonight. 10000 to go and my bike will be new again!!!! Still running like a rocket. I don't thrash it as much as people think I do but I don't ride at 100k/hr either.

**Edbear** · 22nd March 2006, 08:07

The new 'F's" are pretty good value. The 750 has about the same peak HP as our older 600's but a smidge more torque. Only real difference is the styling, which I personally like but some think a bit naff. The 750 is worth the extra, but don't expect to smoke an older 600. Suzuki played about with the tuning of the 'F's' over the years and they ranged from about 75hp to 80hp with the earlier ones having the edge as Suzuki tried to tune them more to the sports-tourer role after replacing the 'F' with the 'R'.

**dhunt** · 22nd March 2006, 12:49

Originally Posted by Lord Derosso

I have the full fairing 1998 gold version and I am finding that been use to older 750's etc that the 5000rpm at 100kms is a bit high, even though the redline is at 12000rpm. The bike shop recommends a bigger front spronket which will reduce the rpm and of course add to engine life. Has anyone tried this? I am curious to know by how much the rpm would reduce at legal road speeds. Yes, I am aware that the Katana is designed to function at higher rpms and she really does take off once at and above this rpm level, but I am looking at mostly touring use. Lastly, I welcome any recommendations from other owners in general, as I would also recommend the Pirelli Speed Demons which have made a huge difference to the low speed handling. Cheers

Nope haven't ever thought about gearing it up at all. If anything I think I would gear it down so you can use a bit more of the power and get some more acceration. In my opinion 5000rpm is quite low, my 600 really sees less 6-7k out of town and it's quite happly chugging away like that as long as I want.

I've got the printed manuals for the older F's but I would think they are still fairly similar in later years. I haven't seen anything online for them either.