Opinions on Katana 600 (GSX600F)

I have ridden for 7-8 years on smaller 250 cc bikes. After a long lull from riding, took my MSF course and have my license. I am eyeing a great looking 2001 Suzuki Katana 600. Any feedback will be appreciated.

Also any tips to on what to look for when buying a used motorcycle. Engine noise? ride feeling? shock absorbers?  

If the bike has low mileage, the chain looks healthy (no rust, kinks, properly adjusted), the bike has no scratches, the tires look in good condition, brakes look fine with decent pad material left and no excessive gouging on the disc, and no weird engine noises, then it might be a good starter bike for you depending on the price.  It's a bit difficult to coach a newbie (even though you've ridden in the past) on what to look for in a used bike; it's always a good idea to have someone well-experienced in bikes to be with you when you look at it.

Not sure if the owner would be willing to let you take off on a test ride, but if he does, that's great. However, it's doubtful that you would notice much during a short test ride; the engine, suspension, and chassis would have to be in terrible shape for you to notice something right off the bat.  

wheelspin, thnx much. That sure does help, but you are right its difficult to gauge something wrong till its used for some serious riding. Unless ofcourse you are an experienced mechanic or a rider.  

BTW the bike has about 13k miles and we have settled for around $2800.  

I'm hoping then that the bike did meet all the prerequisites listed before you "settled"?  

you may also want to look for built up debris under the rear fender.  Also, some buyers will not mention any title irregularities, i.e. salvage, odometer readings etc. Have you considered anything else?  Personally, I can not stand Katanas, mostly for weight and asthetic reasons.  That's just my opinion, though.  Good Luck!  

"Also, some buyers will not mention any title irregularities"  Or should I say Sellers.  

Dr.Pop u r absoloutely right. Its the heaviest bike in its class amongst the Janpanese manufacturers that I compared it with. However it is classified as sports touring bike, which gives it very good stability and one of the lowest insurance about $400 , total coverage for the whole year. Also it seems to have lesser power (80 hp) and torgue compared to other 600 cc motorcycles.
The bike has cracks,scratches and blemishes on the fairings.Also looks like it was down cuz the engine cover has scratches. But the chain looks like its been greased well, new lube chage (synthetic), suspension made no noise but can't tell much. cuz I have to get the cash before I take it for a spin. Title is clear, the seller is giving me a "pink" slip, no ideas what is that. That was something u get when u get fired or something.  

"Pink slip" is basically the slang term for the bike's title/registration.

I would try to talk the seller down a bit if the bike has scratches and whatnot. It's not like the Katana 600 is a bike in high demand. I think the bike would have to be in excellent condition to be an '01 model selling for $2800.  

wheelspin. You have a point. Katanas are at the bottom of the list for any serious sportbike rider. SV650 gets better marks. You definitely cannot do wheelies cuz of less torque and weight. It was for $3000 and I proposed $2500, not wanting to sound a low baller and then the seller said the last point is $2800. BTW the Kelly Book says $3595, but i.e probably for a perfect bike with no blemishes. Do you think $2500 is fair?  

Well, hate to pound on the seller, but a five-year-old bike that isn't exactly on the best-seller/most desirable list and has cracks and crash marks doesn't exactly warrant anywhere close to KBB. You need to look at all the other details. What condition are the tires in? Chain adjustment? (just because it's well-lubed doesn't mean it hasn't had a hard life) Brakes?  

Thnx a bunch wheelspin, you are like the Gecko "saved a bunch of money on my first bike". It is a tough one to pick the first bike.
Now my next choices are Yamaha YZF 600R or Kawasaki ZX-6?  

Don't thank me yet, you haven't bought anything yet.

When you list the Yamaha and Kawasaki, are you thinking of buying used or new?  

Used, definitely. I will let an used bike take all the abuse coming from dropping it, not that I am being pessimistic but just being realistic.  

i would take 2300 cash to that guy and show him it, tell him to take it or c u neveragain!!! katana is a good starter bike i know this because i never rode a bike in my life untill i baught a new katana for 6800 brand new. i was a noob too and paid a noob price for one. i could get them now for around 58-61 lol...guess what elese my noob self did droped it in 2weeks right before i was gonna trade it in for a gsxr600!! well the drop caused me a delay scratched fairing broke mirror and bent handel bar plus a pist off wifey!!!! so i hung on that bike for almost a year (let the wifey cool off and baught here a couch) and built my knowledge on all the bikes then moved to a r6 and so forth till i got this r1.learn it from someone who knows ill save u money big time i have traded in two bikes now and with those trade-ins i lost around 5g's thats half of my r1 in a drain pretty sad!!buy u a cheap piece of crap that looks decent and is n decent condition, ride the crap outa it have fun then when u get some riding time in get u a nicer faster bike!! in my opinion the katana is a great learning bike they are big and heavy if u can drive and maneuver that u can ride any bike.. the power sucks on them only around 75 but ur new u dont need 124hp u will be pleased with the 75 then u will dukie yourself with the 124hp bikey. i know i did. btw no big deal if it has scatches on it they can only see them if ur standing still wich im sure u wont be u will be flyin!!lets us know on what u decide!