1989 Suzuki Katana GSX750F
Purchase Date: Spring 1994
I was eighteen years old and wanted a sporty motorcycle to have some fun with. I would read in magazines about motorcycles increasing top speeds and low quarter mile times. The numbers were intimidating to me and I was not prepared for a liter bike such as a Yamaha FZR 1000 or Suzuki 1100 GSXR (probably a smart decision).
I did not have much income at 18 and my part-time job was not creditworthy for proper financing. I asked my father to help out with a loan, which was daring for how strict he was. Albeit to my surprise, he was open to it and took out a small loan through his job as long as I made all of the payments, missing one was unacceptable.
I found myself with a 1989 Suzuki Katana 750. Given my previous bikes, the power was an reasonable step up for me.
The 1989 Suzuki Katana GSX750F is oil and air cooled. The inline four, dual overhead cam engine has a displacement of 748cc. The 97.21 hp @ 10,400 rpm Katana has a torque of 50.89 lb/ft. Top speed is 142.92 mph, not bad for a middleweight motorcycle. The cable operated clutch drives a six speed gearbox with a chain driven final drive. Dry weight is average at 465.2lbs. The Suzuki has a large gas tank of 5.28 gallons.
I did not have much income at 18 and my part-time job was not creditworthy for proper financing. I asked my father to help out with a loan, which was daring for how strict he was. Albeit to my surprise, he was open to it and took out a small loan through his job as long as I made all of the payments, missing one was unacceptable.
I found myself with a 1989 Suzuki Katana 750. Given my previous bikes, the power was an reasonable step up for me.
The 1989 Suzuki Katana GSX750F is oil and air cooled. The inline four, dual overhead cam engine has a displacement of 748cc. The 97.21 hp @ 10,400 rpm Katana has a torque of 50.89 lb/ft. Top speed is 142.92 mph, not bad for a middleweight motorcycle. The cable operated clutch drives a six speed gearbox with a chain driven final drive. Dry weight is average at 465.2lbs. The Suzuki has a large gas tank of 5.28 gallons.
The Katana is a fun motorcycle. There is enough power put some fear into you while at the same time it has the right braking to make you stop. Posture is relaxed/sport. Suspension is average, not too hard not too soft. The engine valves chatter a lot during high revs, this is common with the Suzuki engines of the era.
I had a bad habit of accidentally knocking the Katana over in the garage. It actually happened 3 times! Clumsy. Each time one of the mirrors broke off and it cost me a $40 trip to the local Suzuki dealer.
I drove the Suzuki for about two years and made payments as promised. When I needed cash for a reliable car, my only option was to sell the Katana. I was able to get the exact same amount back for it that I paid. This put some extra cash in my pocket and the whole deal worked out well.
I had a bad habit of accidentally knocking the Katana over in the garage. It actually happened 3 times! Clumsy. Each time one of the mirrors broke off and it cost me a $40 trip to the local Suzuki dealer.
I drove the Suzuki for about two years and made payments as promised. When I needed cash for a reliable car, my only option was to sell the Katana. I was able to get the exact same amount back for it that I paid. This put some extra cash in my pocket and the whole deal worked out well.
Sale Date: Spring 1996