I'm in the market for a yamaha R6 or a GSXR 750... I'll probably buy it when it gets warm again.

quote Originally posted by Spektrum-87GT: The 500R is ok for scooting around town and tearing up the twisties. It's so easy to ride this bike fast around the corners. Slow in a straight line. The Katana was decent. Ugly, extremely heavy and slow... faster than the 500 but slower than the cbr. It was comfortable at speed though.

Slow is relative. To a modern SS bike those two are slow, but compared to any Harley *minus V-Rod* or 99% of the cars on the road it's a rocket.

I spent the summer riding my younger brothers 2005 CBR 600RR. I believe it has over 100hp. Felt like a rocket.
My other brother just bought a 2005 Suzuki SV40 (savage) and got it for a song since it's the end of season. It's a 650cc single cylinder and only rated at 30hp but tons of torque. I put a couple hours on it sunday.
Given my recent experience on sport bikes and cruisers, I much prefer riding the SV40. The instant torque can get you out of trouble with the twist of the throttle. No waiting for the revs to build. And it just looks cool...

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got boost? L67 in progress...

quote Originally posted by Spektrum-87GT: The Katana was decent. Ugly, extremely heavy and slow... faster than the 500 but slower than the cbr. It was comfortable at speed though.

The Kat is such a misunderstood bike for the general population. It's a "Sport-Touring" Bike - not a Sportbike/SS/Rocket. My Kat 750 weighs in at 550lbs - which is about 70lbs heavier than RM24's similarly-aged FZR 600 (primarily due to the steel frame). I put 400 miles on it in one weekend a couple of weeks ago - that's not something many can do on an SS without feeling the pain pretty bad (although admittedly I was pretty tired and a bit sore over the last hour - getting a corbin to remedy that). It's really most comparable with the Honda VFR of the same era - then similar models all jump up quite a ways in displacement.

I wanted a bike that was comfortable (not cramped like an SS bike), has solid power (my kat is rated at 107hp and redlines at 12.5k rpm), and was reasonably priced (less than $2k is easy for a Kat of that style). Sure, they're not for everyone - but they are an excellent bike for doing what they were intended for!

I agree the t-pot is a great bike, seems very popular in this thread. Doesn't have a great reputation over here, no idea why. I only sold mine to do some serious long distance stuff (and wanting a punchy twin).

Its odd that they gave it the Katana name....which is this bike in the UK: http://www.katanacentral.co.uk/ ...an entirely different machine.

The t-pot (US Katana) is officially known as a GSXF here.

Cheers
Pk

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: The Kat is such a misunderstood bike for the general population. It's a "Sport-Touring" Bike - not a Sportbike/SS/Rocket. My Kat 750 weighs in at 550lbs - which is about 70lbs heavier than RM24's similarly-aged FZR 600 (primarily due to the steel frame). I put 400 miles on it in one weekend a couple of weeks ago - that's not something many can do on an SS without feeling the pain pretty bad (although admittedly I was pretty tired and a bit sore over the last hour - getting a corbin to remedy that). It's really most comparable with the Honda VFR of the same era - then similar models all jump up quite a ways in displacement. I wanted a bike that was comfortable (not cramped like an SS bike), has solid power (my kat is rated at 107hp and redlines at 12.5k rpm), and was reasonably priced (less than $2k is easy for a Kat of that style). Sure, they're not for everyone - but they are an excellent bike for doing what they were intended for!

Amen. Until the bus driver's strike ends, I'm riding my Kat 94 miles a day, 4 days a week over a mountain range to get to school and back. The only thing that ever gets sore are my wrists and my neck (riding tucked for slightly better gas milage). Its nice and comfortable for long rides. Whenever I'm getting something for it or me at the bike shop, I jump on a few bikes on the floor, and man I would not want to ride most of them for more than 30 minutes. May as well be sitting on a cinder block. Granted, I haven't had the opportunity to have some fun on a new bike, I think my Kat hauls if I go WOT, and its an '88. Plenty quick enough for me, I can't believe I haven't been pulled over on it yet anyway.

PK - The Katana is the GSXF here too, they just added the Katana name on it. My owners manual says Suzuki Katana GSXF600.

[This message has been edited by Fastback 86 (edited 10-11-2005).]

My bike?

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: The Kat is such a misunderstood bike for the general population. It's a "Sport-Touring" Bike - not a Sportbike/SS/Rocket. My Kat 750 weighs in at 550lbs - which is about 70lbs heavier than RM24's similarly-aged FZR 600 (primarily due to the steel frame). I put 400 miles on it in one weekend a couple of weeks ago - that's not something many can do on an SS without feeling the pain pretty bad (although admittedly I was pretty tired and a bit sore over the last hour - getting a corbin to remedy that). It's really most comparable with the Honda VFR of the same era - then similar models all jump up quite a ways in displacement. I wanted a bike that was comfortable (not cramped like an SS bike), has solid power (my kat is rated at 107hp and redlines at 12.5k rpm), and was reasonably priced (less than $2k is easy for a Kat of that style). Sure, they're not for everyone - but they are an excellent bike for doing what they were intended for!

Agreed

Penny for Penny, Kats are about the best all around bike you can get. Comfortable, more then enough power for doing anything except the Really stupid stuff, economic, and they look preaty dang good too. I know I love mine. We'll have to go on a ride sometime after I'm done with school in May. Untill then I dont' even have time to breath.

Oh yeah, I'm over on Katrider too, Same name, mainly just lurk around, only posted once or twice.

[This message has been edited by DrRodey (edited 10-12-2005).]

85 Yamaha Maxim 700 and 73 Honda CB500 but I'm looking at Triumph Thruxton or Ural Patrol

[This message has been edited by Gokart Mozart (edited 10-12-2005).]

quote Originally posted by MinnGreenGT: The Kat is such a misunderstood bike for the general population. It's a "Sport-Touring" Bike - not a Sportbike/SS/Rocket. My Kat 750 weighs in at 550lbs - which is about 70lbs heavier than RM24's similarly-aged FZR 600 (primarily due to the steel frame). I put 400 miles on it in one weekend a couple of weeks ago - that's not something many can do on an SS without feeling the pain pretty bad (although admittedly I was pretty tired and a bit sore over the last hour - getting a corbin to remedy that). It's really most comparable with the Honda VFR of the same era - then similar models all jump up quite a ways in displacement. I wanted a bike that was comfortable (not cramped like an SS bike), has solid power (my kat is rated at 107hp and redlines at 12.5k rpm), and was reasonably priced (less than $2k is easy for a Kat of that style). Sure, they're not for everyone - but they are an excellent bike for doing what they were intended for!

+1 on the corbin. My kat had one and it was mega-comfy.

I don't have a problem with katana's... I'd still own one if I primarily did straight line, long rides and didn't care about speed.

I also recommend going +2 on the rear sprocket, -1 on the front. Makes a world of difference.

Also, to the guy that said harley's are slow compared to the 500r and the kat.... think again! I've ridden a 02 1450cc softail standard and the thing was incredibly fast to 60. Faster than both the 500r and the kat.

[This message has been edited by Spektrum-87GT (edited 10-12-2005).]

quote Originally posted by litespd: My bike?

Nice! Here's mine.

quote Originally posted by Spektrum-87GT: Also, to the guy that said harley's are slow compared to the 500r and the kat.... think again! I've ridden a 02 1450cc softail standard and the thing was incredibly fast to 60. Faster than both the 500r and the kat.

It might be quicker to 60mph, but after that I know for a fact both the 500r and the kat are quicker. The softail is rated at 63hp and 78ft lbs of torque and with a weight of around 650lbs or so. The 500r is rated at 50hp and weighs 390lbs. Doesn't make too much of a difference though. I tried sitting on cruisers and find them extremely uncomfortable, SS bikes aren't much better either. That's why I ride naked

quote Originally posted by Fastback 86: The only thing that ever gets sore are my wrists

Get a set of Throttle Rockers and crampbusters. Put one on the left side also. Check your local Goldwing touring type place or http://www.aerostich.com.

[This message has been edited by Gokart Mozart (edited 10-20-2005).]

Here is mine, 03 R1 sorry its such a crappy pic, its a cell phone camera. i used to have a 04 gs500f before this. it was way more comfortable then this thing.

[This message has been edited by 84fierotrevor (edited 10-20-2005).]

quote Originally posted by Gokart Mozart: Get a set of Throttle Rockers and crampbusters. Put one on the left side also. Check your local Goldwing touring type place or http://www.aerostich.com.

Thanks, I'll check 'em out!

does anyone here ride in the orange county californa area?

It's nice to see how many other Fiero owners own motorcycles.

I currently own two. An 85 Honda VF700 Sabre and an 84 Honda V65 Magna. I just bought the Magna and it needs some work. But it's a 90* DOHC V-4 1100cc with 105hp and revs to 10,000. Here's a pic of the Magna before I took off the rack and cleaned it up:

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-Rick Stewart
85GT 5.0CaddyV8/Getrag 5-spd in progress...
www.V8Fiero.com

When the day comes that anyone can bend our country’s laws and lawmakers to serve selfish, competitive ends, that day democratic government dies.

-Preston Tucker
Founder of Tucker Motor Cars
June 15th 1948

[This message has been edited by GT (edited 10-23-2005).]

quote Originally posted by GT: I currently own two. An 85 Honda VF700 Sabre and an 84 Honda V65 Magna. I just bought the Magna and it needs some work. But it's a DOHC V-4 with 105hp and revs to 10,000. Here's a pic of the Magna before I took off the rack and cleaned it up

Funny you should mention that... my wife & I ride as well, and hers is a '94 Magna. Wild machine, though an unweildly beast at low speeds IMO.

Mine be a '98 Suzuki Marauder which I've had since new, though a Road Star Warrior will likely be finding a home in my driveway within the next couple of years.

Yeah, the first generation Magna V65 is TOTALLY different from what it later progressed into. The V65 was capable of 10.88 in the quarter with a good rider (not me).

I still have my 1984 Kawasaki 550 GPz (Silver with red and blue stripes). I added a full fairing and 4 into 1 headers with Kerker pipe.Really should register it again in California. It currently has a Oregon plate. Ah, to ride again.

[This message has been edited by kooljess (edited 10-23-2005).]

quote Originally posted by GT: It's nice to see how many other Fiero owners own motorcycles. I currently own two. An 85 Honda VF700 Sabre and an 84 Honda V65 Magna. I just bought the Magna and it needs some work. But it's a 90* DOHC V-4 with 105hp and revs to 10,000. Here's a pic of the Magna before I took off the rack and cleaned it up:

That Sabre was wicked fast for its day, and still a bike to be treated with respect if ya wanna come home alive. I'd trade my 97 Magna in a New York minute for the earlier (shaft drive) style VF-700 or V65 Magna. Do not care for the chain at all, although it does make changing ratios easier. Wish they'd left that part alone, but it's my understanding that when they changed the styling on the Magna, they decided to use the sportbike motor and chain drive.
On Suzuki cruisers, one of the best bikes ever built, IMHO, was Suzuki's Madura, a high-revving V-4 shaft drive with a monoshock rear suspension, smooth even on bumpy roads. My brother used to own one (now wishes he'd never let it go); we swapped bikes one day and I almost decided to offer to trade him even. Had I known how hard they are to find in good shape, I would have.

Thanks Vonov, that post made my day. Not many folks these days know what hit 'em.

Started out with a 650 ( yes, the bike was inside the house ! )

Then the Goldwing

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 10-25-2005).]

Since everyone is posting their VFwhatevers, does "used to ride" count?
I had a VF1100F (V65 Sabre), similar to this one. Mine just had a small windscreen instead of the fairing.

It went like a rocket ship. Unfortunately, it handled like a steam ship.
I also rode a VF700 that seemed to handle better. Didn't end up buying that one, however.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-25-2005).]

1984 Yamaha FJ1100 .... BBTs

quote I had a VF1100F (V65 Sabre), similar to this one. Mind just had a small windscreen instead of the fairing.

See, I think the V65 Sabre was the best of the two between the Magna and Sabre. You had the power of the 1100cc V4 and the styling and the handling of the Sabre. Nice bike.

What I want is a Ninja 250, but I have yet to see one I could afford.

JazzMan

It's easy Jazz, all you have to do is buy a bike and pay too much. A week later you'll find what you want for the right price in the right color.

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-Rick Stewart
85GT 5.0CaddyV8/Getrag 5-spd in progress...
www.V8Fiero.com

Almost forgot another one, gets great mpg !!

quote Originally posted by Vonov: That Sabre was wicked fast for its day, and still a bike to be treated with respect if ya wanna come home alive. I'd trade my 97 Magna in a New York minute for the earlier (shaft drive) style VF-700 or V65 Magna. Do not care for the chain at all, although it does make changing ratios easier. Wish they'd left that part alone, but it's my understanding that when they changed the styling on the Magna, they decided to use the sportbike motor and chain drive. On Suzuki cruisers, one of the best bikes ever built, IMHO, was Suzuki's Madura, a high-revving V-4 shaft drive with a monoshock rear suspension, smooth even on bumpy roads. My brother used to own one (now wishes he'd never let it go); we swapped bikes one day and I almost decided to offer to trade him even. Had I known how hard they are to find in good shape, I would have.

If you like to go fast, especially if you are a corner carver, the shaft can be a killer (ask me how I know). When you move the throttle while leaned into a turn, the pinion "climbs" the ring gear, changing the steering geometry and ground clearance.
OUCH!!
Major OUCH.
Ever see a superbike or a GP racer with a shaft? Not in this (or the last) decade.
Shafties are reliable, clean, quiet, and maintainance free, but I personally will put up with a nasty old chain until something better comes along.
Just MY .02 worth.

If I win the Lottery this week I may have to find room for one of these: http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/bike/bike_360.asp

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 10-25-2005).]

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What I want is a Ninja 250, but I have yet to see one I could afford. JazzMan

What's your budget? I bought a 2002 last year for $2100 with 2000 miles on it. I sold it this year for $1900 with 5000 miles on it. They haven't really changed much at all since '87 or so, so it should be real easy to find one.

My wife want's to sell her Ninja 250, 2001 just over 1000 miles, She's asking $1500 if you are interested. I'll PM ya about it too.

quote Originally posted by DrRodey: My wife want's to sell her Ninja 250, 2001 just over 1000 miles, She's asking $1500 if you are interested. I'll PM ya about it too.

Shoot me a PM too! I'm local & My wife is looking for one as well (and $1500 is right where I wanted to spend!)

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Shafties are reliable, clean, quiet, and maintainance free, but I personally will put up with a nasty old chain until something better comes along.

Just say "yes" to belt drive. Clean, quiet, lower maintenance than a chain, lighter than a shaft, no funky geometry changes under accel or decel.

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What I want is a Ninja 250, but I have yet to see one I could afford. JazzMan

I taded a car amp that was sitting in my garage for my Ninja250. I then spent the next year aquiring what I needed to make it run again.

I'm all american with mine.
Red, White and Blue

http://www.HMICustoms.com

[This message has been edited by achawkins (edited 10-27-2005).]

None at the moment, but did have a FatBoy... Next one will be a RoadKing.

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3rd Annual California Coast Run, November 11-13, 2005

I've seen this thread for a while, just havent gotten around to getting the picture up. Here's my ride, a 1985 Honda Nighthawk 650SC

Tim