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2004 Suzuki Katana 600 – Review, Pics, and More!

Cameron Martel — Sat, 07 May 2011 20:44:49 +0000

The Suzuki Katana, or the “Can-A-Tuna” as it is sometimes called, is one of the most misunderstood motorcycles ever produced. Coming in 600cc and 750cc trims, with 80 hp and 92 hp respectively, the Katana was a capable sport/sport-tourer hybrid that is both welcoming for new riders and powerful enough to be entertaining.

Weighing in at 458lbs (600cc), the Katana is far from a light bike- that’s what makes the Katana such a great bike for new riders. With that much weight it feels planted on the highway, handling bumps and small potholes without fuss. Twist the throttle and the front end will stay planted, allowing you to enjoy maximum acceleration with minimum wheelie-time. For a new rider, that’s perfection.

The “Guts” of the 2004 Suzuki Katana 600

Powering the Katana 600 is a 600cc inline-4 based off of an older generation GSXR-750 motor. The engine has been modified and detuned to 600cc, creating approximately 80 horsepower, and a helluva good time. With “1 down and 5 up”, the transmission will feel perfect for just about anyone.

Other utilities loaded onto the Katana include electric start, dual headlights (hi/low), vented front and rear disc brakes, a fuel guage, and a digital clock. Thanks to the bulletproof motor, the Katana 600 will run through just about anything.

The Suzuki Katana is a bit of a “parts bin special” due to the fact that it was made from bits of pieces of other bikes. To save money, corners were cut in areas so that the bike would be a good overall performer and still be price competitive. As a result you get a bike that is good at a lot of things but fails to excel.

Riding the 2004 Suzuki Katana 600

If you’re used to the low-end torque provided by v-twins, or the crazy high-end power offered by supersports, the Katana may seem disappointing. The 600cc inline-4 lacks low-end toque, but by the time you hit 7,000rpm the Katana is ready to throw everything it’s got at you. The result is a bike that is easy to “ride slow”, while at the same time, can be a screamer up top if you want it to be. This means new riders can comfortably learn the limits of the bike without having to scare themselves senseless.

As mentioned previously, the Katana 600 weighs in at 458lbs. This bike is definitely not light, so don’t expect to be able to flick it around the corners in the same way you would with a smaller motorcycle (like a Ninja 500R, for example). Of course, this pays off when you’re making long trips- the weight lends stability and traction that it wouldn’t otherwise have. When we said that it was a sport/sport-tourer hybrid, we meant that in every sense you can imagine: it’s got the engine, transmission, and adjustable suspension of a sport bike along with the stability, riding position, and comfort of a sport-tourer. It also has a ton of storage (for a motorcycle)- more than most litre bikes.

Down low the Katana feels like a powerful V6 car. It moves with traffic and can certainly negotiate itself well. Up high, however, is where the V6 becomes a V8, packing lots of accessible power and sounding like a bat out of hell. For someone with limited riding experience the power may actually be a bit too much, but thankfully the bike gives you the option of choosing how it is going to be ridden.

Finding the Suzuki Katana 600 Used

Suzuki stopped production of the Katana in 2006. During its production run over over 15 years over 50,000 Katana’s were sold. This means that they are relatively easy to find, and their pricing is competitive. The yellow 2004 Katana we reviewed, for example, was purchased for $3,650 with just over 20,050km on the odometer.

For a bike that requires nearly no extraneous maintenance, looks great, and is lots of fun, the Suzuki Katana fails to disappoint and provides a riding experience that smaller motorcycles just can’t replicate. If you want a motorcycle that will easily last you 3 or 4 years, the Suzuki Katana 600 is an excellent choice.

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Yamaha FZ6R

Cameron Martel — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:09:04 +0000

Yamaha FZ6R Video Walkaround

Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the Yahama FZ6R.

Fast Tube by Casper

Summary:

A detuned R6 motor from the last generation R6 provides plenty of power and torque throughout the rev range, and a solid suspension setup keeps this bike stable when it counts. New riders may find the FZ6R a little intimidating, but those who take the time to master it will find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable ride.

Engine Size: 600cc
Price (new): $8,799 CDN/$6,990 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki SV650S, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Suzuki GS500

Our Yamaha FZ6R Review:

Most of the competition of theYamaha FZ6R pack their mid-range sport bikes with v-twin or parallel-twin engines (the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and Suzuki SV650 come to mind), so it’s a somewhat odd choice for Yamaha to give it’s new-for-2009 FZ6R an inline 4 that has been taken from the last generation R6 (Yamaha’s 600cc super-sport model).

Not that it’s a bad thing, as the 600cc former-R6 motor is excellent and has all of the latest features, including digital fuel injection. Some may note that Yamaha has had the FZ6 on the market for some time, and that’s true, but the all-new faired version of the bike (aptly named the FZ6R) is brand new for 2009 and a serious contender for this segment. The Suzuki SV650 had enjoyed being the de-facto standard for a while (despite intense competition from the Kawasaki Ninja 650R), but the FZ6R promises to take a substantial chunk from Suzuki’s bottom line.

This bike could be the perfect bike for someone looking for something sporty, easy to ride, and capable on the highway. Moreover, the suspension has been designed to remain as responsive on a mountain road as it is in big city traffic. It certainly feels taut, though it is also quite comfortable. Every time we get on one we find ourselves blending right in with the bike- a very good trait to have.

Yamaha has been very hush-hush about engine specifications, though we suspect that this bike has roughly 75-80 horsepower and around 45-50 ft-lbs of torque. Yamaha claims that maximum power delivery is at 10,000 rpm and we agree- this bike feels at its best in the middle-upper end of its power band. Riders used to torquey v-twins may need to take some time getting used to the FZ6R’s power band, but once you are comfortable with it you suddenly find that the power is very easy to take advantage of.

We prefer the SV650’s motor to the one in the FZ6R as we find that it is less peaky, and hence more suited to city riding. Of course, we also share a bit of a bias having plenty of experience with the SV650. The Ninja 650R also rallies right on in with the FZ6R, though we prefer the looks of the Ninja. With that in mind, the FZ6R does have a more aggressive appearance, and it has a larger selection of color schemes than the Ninja.

Once you’re on the bike and comfortable with it the bike becomes very predictable. It’s a very solid bike to ride and one that new or even experienced riders will enjoy. Riders that are looking at the Ninja 650R or SV650S would be doing themselves no justice in overlooking Yamaha’s sporty and exciting FZ6R.

The Bottom Line:

The FZ6R is a great addition to the middleweight section by Yamaha, and one that new riders looking for a middleweight bike should definitely consider. A powerful inline-4 and sporting suspension combine to make a solid platform that anyone can appreciate.

Yamaha FZ6R Update – July 30, 2009

It was by chance that the yellow-decaled 2009 Yamaha FZ6R sat before me, propped ever-so-gingerly on its kick-stand. I’ve always been partial for the “twins” when it comes to a good all around motorcycle that a beginner could feasibly hop on and ride without too much fuss. The Yamaha FZ6R, with its inline-four cylinder engine and relatively peaky power band (compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 650R or Suzuki SV650) didn’t seem like the kind of bike that we’d be gung-ho over.

However, as you could tell from our review, we quite liked the FZ6R. When we reviewed it back in late-January we found it to be a responsive, peppy machine that any rider, regardless of experience, would enjoy. This, of course, brings us back to today.

At a local meet and greet I happened to come across a rider who, ironically, had read a review of the Yamaha FZ6R on this website (I didn’t think beginner motorcycle reviews was that popular yet). As you can imagine, after a bit of conversation and some analysis into what a beginner motorcycle truly is, I quickly found myself sitting on a Yamaha FZ6R. The fellow I had met took the reins of my Suzuki SV650.

Not only that, but a friend of mine who owns a Kawasaki Ninja 650R happend to be there as well (read our 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R review). It didn’t take long before the three of us were out on the highway.

I’d like to officially change my opinion on the FZ6R, having found it to be an exceptional motorcycle that any new rider that feels confident, or any experienced rider looking for some inexpensive fun, will have have a blast riding. Through the corners the FZ6R feels taught and refined, with suspension that’s quite stiff – if almost too stiff – and incredibly responsive. I was able to throw this bike around and, like clockwork, know exactly how it was going to respond.

Acceleration is slightly behind the Ninja 650R or SV650S in the lower portion of the rev band, but once you hit around 8,000rpm it takes right off. Though it didn’t leave the Kawi or Suzuki in the dust, it did pull on both bikes through most of third and fourth gear. Very, very cool.

At the end of the evening, when I was forced to return the Yamaha FZ6R to its rightful owner, I found myself wishing for its smooth power delivery and excellent riding dynamics during my ride home. It’s official: The SV650 has been replaced by the FZ6R as my favorite all-around motorcycle.

Hell has apparently frozen over.

Suzuki GS500

Cameron Martel — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:04:31 +0000

Summary:

Like the Kawasaki Ninja 500R, the GS500F offers a sporty ride for a minimal investment. It looks sporty, rides sporty, but falls just short of the benchmark set by the Ninja 500R.

Engine Size: 487cc
Price (new): $6,899 CDN/$5,499 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki SV650S, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Yamaha FZ6R

Our Suzuki GS500F Review:

Suzuki GS500 has been one of the “learner bike” staples since its introduction nearly 20 years ago. It has a long and praised history, and a lot of that praise is well deserved. Since its introduction it’s be heralded as the ultimate beginners bike, a title that it shares with the Ninja 500R.

However, we aren’t as convinced that it’s the case now. Kawasaki has recently revamped the Ninja 250R and Ninja 650R, making both bikes much more competitive and appealing in the “learners bike” segment. Suzuki has updated the GS500 a few times as well, with the most obvious update being the addition of the “F” (faired) version. The GS500F is a great bike that sports aggressive bodywork and is definitely worth your consideration.

However, we found the Ninja 500R to be both more response and quicker off the line- two things that beginner riders are going to want to see in their bikes as it offers more longevity to their purchase. That being said, we did notice that the GS500F did get slightly better mileage: 50mpg as compared to the 45mpg we got on the 500R.

The Suzuki does handle very well. Its light weight and low ride height make this bike a joy to thrash around corners, and it remains surprisingly stable during commuting and highway situations. It has a claimed top speed of 190kph (118mph) but we did not feel confident testing that. We did take it up to about 140kph where it felt solid, though anything above that and the bike began to become a little twitchy- perfectly acceptable for such a small bike.

That does make the Suzuki GS500F a great all-around bike that both beginners and somewhat experienced riders will enjoy. It’s not a drag queen, with a quarter mile time of right around 13 seconds (some quote an exact figure of 13.8 seconds), but that’s not why you’d want to buy this bike anyway. This bike is something you’d buy when you like the idea of having a fast machine that can handle traffic, highway riding, and still return exceptional fuel economy. This bike is as much a weekend tourer as it is a commuter go-to guy.

A new rider who wants something small to start off with has a lot of options, but in the 500cc range it pretty much comes down to the Sukuki GS500F (or the regular GS500 if you like naked bikes) and the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. We’re a bit partial to the Ninja, but really the differences between the two are pretty minimal. Buy the one you think looks the best and have fun, either bike is a joy to ride.

The Bottom Line:

It’s slightly slower from a standing start than the Ninja 500R, but the GS500F is no slouch. Don’t count it out based on what you read or the numbers that are posted. Ride it for yourself and experience the bike before you count it out.

Suzuki SV650

Cameron Martel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:46:54 +0000

Suzuki SV650 Video Walk Around and Startup

Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the Suzuki SV650S.

Fast Tube by Casper

Summary:

Engine Size: 645cc
Price (new): $8,899 CDN/$6,999 USD
Comparable bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Suzuki GS500, Yamaha FZ6R

A strong v-twin engine and a sporty chassis combined to make the SV650S one of the best all-around bikes you can buy. With both naked and faired versions, including versions with ABS, the SV650 is a bike that anyone can build to suit.

Our Suzuki SV650 Review:

There may be a bit of a bias in this review since the Suzuki SV650S is a favourite among many of the contributors to BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com. Most of us prefer the faired version, though that’s not saying that the naked version of the SV650 isn’t a look either.

Regardless of which version you go with you’ll find yourself in command of one of the best all-around bikes you can buy, especially if you get the version with ABS (anti-lock brakes). A stiff chassis and sporty suspension allow the bike to really lean into the corners, though hardcore riders may find the suspension a tad bit soft when pushing the bike to the limits. A common modification to these bikes among those who ride them hard is to swap out the suspension for that of a Suzuki GSX-R600- an upgrade that most riders, including riders who race their bikes casually, won’t likely need or want to do.

The v-twin motor packs plenty of punch, with roughly 73 horsepower and 47ft-lbs of torque on hand. The best part is that all of this power is usable- full delivery is before 9,000 rpm, with maximum torque at 7,500 rpm. The v-twin may not redline at stratospheric levels, but its linear power delivery will keep all but the most advanced riders smiling as they twist and turn through the corners.

In fact, the SV650S is quite popular among the racing crowd as the bike is so balanced and predictable that you commonly see them placing ahead of some super-sport bikes. Thanks to a usable power band riders find that they can accelerate through the corner without worry of hitting a sudden power spike, something common on the super-sport bikes being sold today.

With a quarter mile time of 11.8 seconds, and a 0-60 sprint of just 3.6 seconds, the Suzuki SV650S will likely be the fastest vehicle you’ll ever pilot. All but the most exotic sports cars will only see your taillights if you so choose, and while doing so you’ll enjoy a consistent 45mpg.

One complaint we do have about the SV650S is that its engine is very responsive to every little input. While we grew to appreciate the engines responsiveness, new riders may find it intimidating until they get the hang of it. However, that being said, we feel that the Suzuki SV650S is probably the best “big 650” that a new rider could learn on. It’s smooth, very reliable, and not a bad looker either. Just exercise caution when you first get on, as if you’ve never piloted a motorcycle before the SV560S will be a fantastic, though somewhat daunting, experience.

As always, new riders should take time to get familiar with the bike before attempting to use the ample power it provides. Like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, the SV650 is capable of reaching extremes that will exceed a new rider’s abilities. Being gentle with the throttle and brake inputs and the bike will reward you with a smooth and relaxed ride; twist the throttle quickly and be prepared to get to wherever you’re going in a hurry. In either case, the SV650 is capable of being a cuddly teddy bear or a raging bull- which one it is depends on how you want it to be.

The Bottom Line:

This bike may be too much machine for riders who are afraid to spending some time to learn its capabilities, but if you are willing to dedicate the time required to learn how to control it properly it will reward you with a great ride, good fuel economy, and smile after g-force induced smile. Highly recommended.

Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Cameron Martel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:42:02 +0000

Summary:

The Ninja 500R has been the first bike of countless riders, and with good reason. Balanced, quick, good looking, and easy to ride, the Ninja 500R is like the Civic of beginner motorcycles: there’s a reason why they sell so many of them.

Engine Size: 498cc
Price (new): $6,899 CDN/$5,499 USD
Comparable bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Suzuki SV650, Suzuki GS500, Yamaha FZ6R

Our Kawasaki Ninja 500R Review:

Honda has sold countless Civics, and Kawasaki has sold more 500R’s than they probably can keep track of. The Civic sells well because consumers know it to be an affordable and capable car that is both reliable and economical. Well, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R is probably the most popular learner bike by a long shot.

The actual design of the bike hasn’t been updated since 1994, but that doesn’t mean that it looks dated. Far from it- in fact, the Ninja 500R is one of the best looking 500cc bikes on the road today: dual exhaust, a narrow profile, and a front chin scoop keep the aggressive appearance active, while a low riding position allow just about anyone to sit on the bike and be comfortable.

With approximately 55 horsepower and 30ft-lbs of torque, the Ninja is no slouch. It has enough usable power to get anyone anywhere with city limits, and the bike can be taken to 140km/hr (approximately 70mph) with ease. Its 6 speed transmission is smooth and accurate, making for easy shifting and low-hassle riding.

0-60 is done in approximately 3.8 seconds, with the quarter mile blowing past in 12.9 seconds. Compare that to most sports cars, which cost many times the price, and you’re laughing as you’re still faster! This “slow” bike is faster than 95% of the vehicles on the street, so new riders should take care to mind their throttle.

We averaged 45mpg on this bike over the course of 1,900 kilometers, with our test rider (Cameron Martel) seeming to enjoy every second of it: into the corners low and fast, out with plenty of throttle. It’s light, narrow, agile, and an absolute blast to ride.

In our opinion, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R is the de-facto standard by which other 500c sport bikes are measured, and some 650cc bikes pale in comparison. It’s not the sub-10 second crotch rocket that many people envision when they think “sport bike”, but it is a friendly and unintimidating bike that will help you advance your capabilities as a rider.

If you want a quick little rocket to start with, but don’t want something larger (such as the Kawasaki Ninja 650R or the Suzuki SV650), the Kawasaki Ninja 500R is the bike for you, period.

The Bottom Line:

Good looks, great economy, and a fun ride will provide an excellent learning experience and plenty of fun around town or on the highway.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Cameron Martel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:11:57 +0000

Kawasaki Ninja 650R Video Review:

Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R.

Fast Tube by Casper

Summary:

Engine Size: 649cc
Price (new): $8,199 CDN/$6,799 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, , Yamaha FZ6R

Over 40 updates make the Ninja 650R a real competitor for 2009. Its smooth 649cc engine, dynamic and aggressive styling, and modern chassis make it a real treat to ride. For a new rider looking for a first bike with longevity, the Ninja 650R could be a great match!

Our Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review:

We’ve always been fans of Kawasaki, and when I say “we” I’m referring to the collective group of motorcycle junkies that power BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com. It’s not often that “we” all agree on something (countless debates over which first bike is ideal come to mind), but after experiencing the Kawasaki Ninja 650R for ourselves we have all come to the same conclusion: this bike is a good one.

The Ninja 650R is good for a lot of things, and because of that we’re inclined to recommend it to new riders looking for something that’s economical, but with a larger emphasis on fun and excitement. After all, while a 650cc sport bike may not get the same fuel economy as a 250cc bike (such as the 650R’s little brother, the Ninja 250R), but it still gets great mileage and seems to be adept at doing something much better than a smaller bike: implanting large grins on our faces.

There’s no denying that a new rider will find a 250cc bike a thrill, but unfortunately that thrill will tame itself over time as the rider becomes accustomed to the power and handling characteristics of that bike. Since it’s such a small engine, those limitations are found quickly and that’s when the “hum-drum” syndrome takes hold. The 650R, however, packs enough punch from its 649cc engine that a new rider should be satisfied for a few years before wanting to trade up- assuming they get tired of it at all!

The Ninja 650R is a great handling machine; a smooth parallel-twin provides plenty of power (right around 65-70 horsepower) and more than enough torque (around 45ft-lbs) for city riding and highway touring. As well, the comfortable seating position enables the rider to enjoy the Ninja for long periods of time without worry about back or joint pain.

Enter a corner and the Ninja 650R feels balanced, and after a few corners for practice the rider will quickly find the Ninja 650R to be predictable and controllable- traits that a new rider should seek out and an experienced rider always appreciates.

Let us be clear: this 650cc bike is not faster than the Ninja ZX6R (Kawasaki’s 600cc super-sport), despite having 50 more cc’s. However, a quarter mile time of 12.1 seconds and a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds is hardly something to scoff at- all but the fastest supercars will be left in your dust.

Riders will enjoy the smooth-shifting 6 speed transmission, linear power delivery, and excellent riding dynamics. It may not sound like an F1 racer (like the 600cc super-sport bikes), but the v-twin has a great sound and combines with the rest of the bike to create a capable and well-mannered machine.

The Bottom Line:

As far as first bikes go this may be a bit much for some people, but spend some time riding it with caution and you will find yourself piloting a fast, good looking, capable motorcycle that you’ll enjoy for some time. Highly recommended.

Kawasaki Ninja 650R Update – April 23, 2009

When the weather is right, and a good friend decides to swap bikes with you for the last leg of your ride, you can really get a feel for a bike. In my case, it was the decision to swap my 2008 Suzuki SV650 (read my Suzuki SV650 review) for my friends 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Both bikes are fairly comparable in their capabilities, performance levels, and even horsepower figures.

There are differences, however. As one commenter noted, the 650R is powered by a parallel-twin engine, whereas the SV650 is powered by a v-twin. As well, the 650R features a slightly more upright riding position, where the SV650 is a bit more sports-bike like in its riding position (but not terribly so). These differences, along with the aesthetics of the bikes, are small, but they are significant enough to warrant switching from one bike to another over.

We were in Banff, Alberta and decided to make the final leg of the ride home to Calgary, Alberta. At just over an hour it’s not exactly a marathon run, but with varied terrain (mountain roads, followed by foothills, followed by prairie) I knew that I’d be able to get a great feel for the bike (I wasn’t the person who reviewed the Ninja 650R in the original review).

Launching the Ninja is easy, just like my SV, and the acceleration is brisk. It may be just me, but my SV650 feels a touch quicker- it may be the Yoshi pipe and K&N filter, or it may just be a mental bias. Regardless, the Ninja takes off with a reassuring growl from its engine and plenty of thrust forward. Every time, no matter how quickly it ends, the acceleration of a bike like this puts a smile to my face.

Through the mountains I found the Ninja 650R to be very predictable. Within a matter of minutes I found myself leaning it over quite a bit, and like my SV650, the power band is linear enough that I was able to apply throttle during the turn without worrying about breaking traction. Motorcyclists live for the twisties, and this bike is about as much fun as I’ve ever had in them.

I stuck with 3rd and 4th gear, finally moving into 5th and 6th once we reached the highway. The highway, which is a long and relatively straight/flat drive, made up the last 30 minutes of our ride. On the highway the Ninja is slightly more comfortable, and I believe that to be entirely due to the riding position that’s just a touch more upright. In 5th and 6th gear I found the Ninja to have enough power to pass traffic that was moving at highway speed with ease.

When we finally reached our destination my friend and I swapped bikes. “It’s a nice bike,” he said in reference to my SV, “but I think I’ll keep my Ninja.”

It’s funny he said that, because the Kawasaki Ninja 650R is a great bike… but I think I’ll stick to my SV