Katana Owners Club U.K.

Hello all,

I've watched the site for ages but finally got round to registering. Why? - I saw an 1100 Kat first at Bike 82!! and was somehow branded for life - always wanted one.

Im 44 now, Work full time, married, have an old Rover I've been restoring for ages and a Yamaha Super Tenere I've had from a year old which I never get to ride either. When my son was born I suddenly became mortal and laid the bike up for 6 years in my utility room! (respect to the Mrs - never got over chain oil on the washing!!)

Ok so I've found some time to get the Super Ten sorted and garaged and I'll probably shift it to liberate some cash for (towards!!) my dream Kat.

Thing is, how do you know the value of these bikes nowadays?- there seem to be some crazy swings on the 'bay.

I want a decent, original silver Katana - my dream would be the 1100 but the 750 is probably nearer my capabiliites!! - been watching one but I've got to shift the S10 before I can replace (that means an MOT and some tyres but nearly there)

Great forum by the way!

Barry

Watcha Barry, A lot of the guys on here go for the Suzuki GSX400X Impulse as its a whole lot more decent bike than the Katana's.

On a more serious note. As with anything, it depends on how much work you wanna put into it. Me, I like to strip a bike down and wave a oily rag at it and then rebuild it I kinda think that the bike then has a bit more of "me" in it (ooohh errr). One of the advantages of buying something cheap and doing it up i think.

Of course you take a chance on how much you end up spending on it as opposed to buying something already sorted. But if you aint in much of a hurry you can buy stuff when you have some spare cash and wait for those ebay bargains that pop up(no pun intended) now and again.

Good luck. And may the force be with you.

Pete

Blix wrote:I'll never get to see the bugger on a bike now

Well here's a pic with him almost on a bike

Hi Barry n welcome to the club.


Word of advise, DON'T listen to Pete







have a list all to myself soon, eh Pete?

Hi 'n' welcome.

Thanks all,
I'll let u know how I get on.
Nb the 400 looks good on paper but at over 6 foot I reckon it'll be a tad small?
That 1100sd looks real nice but an older all silver model is the best kat for me.

The 750 on the bay that finished up with no bids was right up my alley and local but I felt 1800 was a tad strong - looks like you all agreed!

Barry

barryr wrote:Nb the 400 looks good on paper but at over 6 foot I reckon it'll be a tad small?
Barry

Hi Barry, not at all I too am over 6' tall & find the bike nice n comfy it actually feels bigger then the 750 pop up

Yup,I'm 6' and far to many stones but have a pair of Hagon shox with heavy duty (really,really heavy duty ) springs on and have no problems size wise with a 400.

I'd have to agree the 400 is much bigger than other jap 400's , I'm 6'1 and have dispatched mine for 15 years.

Considering the 34" seat height of my current steed these are all a little lower! - never seen a 400 in the flesh so thanks for the info. I've seena few nice ones on evilbay lately but its hard to guess how big they are. Anyway I've lost 2 stone since xmas and I reckon I'm shrinking post 40 so should be ok on any Kat then!!