Description
Please Note: the carbs need cleaning and the tank is dirty so we ran this bike on the bench instead of our usual cold start video:
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Suzuki Katana 600. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The Katana name originally debuted with one of the most striking motorcycles of all time. But in the late 80s, Suzuki brought the name back for a much more conservative model that was tasked to compete with some impressive midsized sportbikes like the Yamaha FZ600 and Honda Hurricane. 1988 was the first year for the updated model, which was offered in 600, 750, and 1100 displacements.
Basic specifications for the smallest option were a 599cc inline four engine that produced 86 horsepower and 44 pound feet of torque through a six-speed transmission. The tank carried a hefty 5.3 gallons. It was officially Suzuki’s first 600 – the Gixxer 600 didn’t come until 1992 – and while it didn’t sell as well as the competition the press still thought it made for a good streetbike.
Fun fact: The Katana 600 was one of the top three best-selling sportbikes from 1990 through 1997! With approximately 40,000 sold during that period and a four cylinder identical to the Bandit 600’s, there are plenty of parts available at affordable prices. MCN noted the bikes comfortable and roomy seat and that it’s, “a superb all-rounder.”
Manufactured August 1996, this example is VIN: JS1GN72A9V2100991. The history is unknown, the seller is letting it go to help pay off a service bill.
The odometer shows 7,699 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for this listing, our service department performed an inspection on the bike. They note the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Fail, bottom of tank is rusty
Tire Years – Front: 3809; Rear: 2704
Tire % – Front: 0%; Rear: 0% TIRES CRACKED
Tire Pressure – Front: 15 PSI; Rear: 15 PSI
Brake % – Front: 80%; Rear: 30%
Front Hydraulic Fluid: Fail, > 3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: Fail, > 3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: NA
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Good, age unknown
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok, NO FRONT SIGNALS
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: DAMAGED
Fork: FRONT LEFT LEAKING
Shock/s: FAIL, NO DAMPENING
Final Drive: FAIL, RUSTY
Battery Standing Voltage: NO BATTERY INSTALLED
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM:
Test Ride: None taken, runs poorly on bench
Notes:
-Starter switch has high resistance
-Carbs dirty
-Project bike
Modifications:
Vance & Hines exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo tires with date codes of 2704 and 3809.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Katana 600 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
