Is the katana 600 or 750 a good starter bike?

Hi I'm really getting into the street bikes and riding and i'm pullin cash together to get my first bike, and I really like the look of katanas 600 & 750 but are they good bikes to be starting off on. I've never rode a bike before and really don't know what to really look for. THx 8)

The first time I touched a bike it was a Ninja ZX6. Been riding ever since and thank God I've never been down or caused anybody else to go down. The katana is really a girls bike but it is ok for a guy to have one to learn on. It's a 600 but a low end 600 with not as much power as say a gixxer or cbr. It sits low which is good. Take an MSF course though.
Practice on back roads and empty parking lots. Don't be quick to hit the highway or join the pack.

If you already know and understand how to drive a manual transmission, it helps learning a motorcycle because it's one less thing you have to focus on when learning. The common saying is that if you can drive a stick and ride a bicycle, learning a motorcycle will be easy. If you can practice discipline and restraint when riding, you may be fine. It's not all fun and games on a sportbike. Even if you ride perfect you need to know how to react when other cars and bikes and trucks don't drive so perfect. That comes from building new instincts and reflexes, and driving habits. While I definitely recommend the class, the class doesn't usually teach all you need to know. Many, many riders go down every summer due to overconfidence gained by taking the class.

When I ride on the highway, I assume that every car I pass or that passes me, doesn't see me and is looking to come into my lane. I'm ready for any move that car makes half a second before he makes it.

You have to learn aerodynamics. If you get to close behind a rig, the wind can trap you there. When you pass along side of a rig the wind will pull you closer to the truck at one point and push you away at another. You have to learn all this and have counter balence and movements programmed into your body reflexes. You need lots of practice.

People recommend smaller CC bikes for beginners because most newbies are into it for the speed and flashiness of it and often underestimate the seriousness of riding safe. The temptation to tap into that power is usually too great to overcome. If you know you can and will respect the bike and get at least 3 thousand miles of practice before hitting the highway, and before group rides, then maybe you can start on a 600cc bike. Otherwise, help yourself out and start small.

600 is too many ccs for a starter bike. Plus the Katana has been called a "bitsa bike" as in, made from bits of other bikes, not particularly well built. Look into a Ninja 250 or 500 first.

I started out on dirtbikes, then a Katana 600. It's not a great starting bike because it's really heavy. Also, because of it's 'semi-sportbike' attitude, it can get you into trouble really fast. It's not super fast, it's just quick enough to get you seriously injured or killed if you lose control. A 250 would be best to start out on, but I doubt you'd have the patience to buy a small bike and learn slowly (which of course is a very dumb move). Take it from someone who lost his leg in a motorcycle not two years ago, you want to be as safe as you possibly can while riding. Hope this helps, keep the rubber side down buddy!

It's not a bad starter bike. I've never actually ridden one or known anyone that rides one, but i see plenty of them around where i live. Also, a bike that is a little heavy is okay. Especially for a beginner since it won't blow around in the wind as much or be as twitchy. Katanas are entry leval sportbikes, so they'll be okay to start out on... As long as you take an MSF course.

Seeing as this will be your first bike, you NEED to take the course before you start riding. By completing the class you dramatically reduce your statistical odds of having a wreck. Of the people that wreck on bike 90% have no formal training. You're only about 1/9 as likely after you take the class. Plus your insurance will be cheaper.

Another good bike to look at would be the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Yamaha FZ6, Buell XB9 (S, R, X..it's your choice), Suzuki SV650... People that tell you you'll kill yourself on anything but a 250 are pretty narrow minded. You can easily kill yourself on a 250 if your dumb enough. Hell, people are hurting themselves all the time on those 50cc pocket bikes! The main thing you got to do to be safe is wear full riding gear and take the MSF course. Once you've got both of those things covered, you'll be in a very small group (statistically) that have bad wrecks...

Oh, and on what to look for... Look for a bike that is comfortable for you to sit on, NON-SUPERSPORT 650 or less (except for the buells 'cause they have low top speeds), USED in good condition... If your short, also look for low seat height (under 30" is probably good).

One last word of advise. If you get a bike with a full fairing, buy some frame sliders for it. You'll regret later if you don't get them. They'll save you a lot in repair bills when you drop your bike.

try a suzuki gsf bandit 400 or a SUZUKI GS 55O FOR FIRST BIKE OR MY FAVE BANDINT 6

Hi. If you have not ridden motorcycle before, just start with 250cc bike first, when you have enough experience, then go to 600cc (that will save your life). I started with scooter 200cc, and now, I have Suzuki SV650. Good luck.

I have a 97 Katana (GSX600F) and I've been riding since I was 12...its a little too powerful for me. I would recommend a 250 Ninja if you've NEVER rode before. Or if you know anyone with a bike (any kind of bike) see if they'll teach you to ride. Sport bikes are a dif breed from Harleys, I prefer a Harley myself since I've hurt myself so damned much on my Katana. They are GOOD bikes though. The first bike that I ever rode was an old dirt bike, then a 883 Sporty, easy to handle and to let you get used to a bike before you get something that's too powerful. If you don't know how to handle the power, you WILL get hurt, and get hurt bad. Be careful.

Since you've never rode before, I would also recommend buying frame sliders for whatever bike you get (if its a sport bike). Just to save you some money in the long run.

I can tell you they are a good solid reliable motorcycle. If "bitsa bike" means it has a GSXR motor in it then that is what it has - the early GSXR oil cooled motor. It is a "budget" GSXR. They have a steel frame which makes them a little heavier - but it is a stable frame. As to starting off - the GS 500 might be a better choice. If you are big and strong enough to handle the Kat - and can keep your throttle hand under control - you could start out on the Katana. The 750 is going to have more power yet and i think the seating position is a little more roomy than the 600.

A Katana 600 or 750 is so much less aggresive than todays 600s that most people consider beginner bikes. I'd say its a great beginner bike.

CBR600RR will be a perfect bike.