In Depth Review - Living with the Suzuki Katana
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- Опубликовано: 14 дек 2019
- In Depth Review - Living with the Suzuki Katana: Having ridden the Katana for a couple of weeks I've had the chance to understand the bike much more - in this video I test the bike in various scenarios and then give you my lessons learned on the bike. If you're interested in the new Katana then this video is for you!
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Развлечения
I love the display. I love that retro cyberpunk style and to me that's what the bike is about.
Should be amazing in Akira red
But it could have been TFT and used the same retro font/styling. It doesn't need to actually BE old to look retro. I dunno I hear what you are saying but golly this bike is expensive compared to the competition and it feels like the cheaped out on some things the competition didn't. I love the overall look of the bike though...straight out of the EARLY 90s.
InstaBlaster.
Love the display, love the headlights and pilot lights, love the tail lights, love the whole thing. Looks like something out of blade runner or Akira
It's subjective and I understand why you don't like it, but I love that LCD display. Makes it feel like its from an 80s Sci-fi movie like Blade Runner.
Its even better at night.
Agreed. I'm a sucker for retrofuturistic stuff and this embodies retrofuturism.
I agree man
Good Review again TMF. I have one and love the looks, 130 mile range in the real world, super fast and comfy, not laden with a lot of useless expensive tech that I don't know how to use, and a bit different from everything else, looks are completely subjective and wouldn't it be boring if we all bought the same thing!
How is the clutch on this bike? I have seen a guy on youtube complaining it is easy to stall it. 130 miles range is achievable in mixed riding or only on motorway driving 60mph? I love the look of this bike and seriously consider it as my next daily commuter
I remember this bike in '82. I had a poster of it in my wall. I believe it had a Kerker exhaust on it. Who here remembers those back in the day? Cheers great review
I had a few during 80's and 90's. Never had a problem with any and Suzuki have my trust in motorbikes. Snapped up quick smart when I sold the last one during the 90's... I wanted one immediately when these new ones were released.. Silver for me.... I'm sure they are comfortable and fast. But I don't like looking at the handle bars / mirrors.... For me it looks like they do not belong on this machine. ( I don't argue they work great )
My mate bought a Katana in the summer and had exactly the same problems as you, the bike tipping into corners and not good feel from the tyres, he changed the Dunlops for Metzler sportec M5s and said it's now like a different bike, it's amazing what a difference good tyres make.
Good tip - thanks for that!
Yep dunlops SUCK.
thanks for the advice----this is what bike clubs are for -----practical how to thanks again.
I’ve got them on my KTM adventure,they have a pointy profile which is good for edge grip on lean but like you say they do feel tippy ,I’ll stick to a flatter profile tyre in future .
dunlops are cheapo shit, might as well be Chinese ShingChen Deathmasters
I think it looks absolutely stunning.
That fuel tank is the deal breaker for me.
This is the first bike review that has a night time riding portion of the review. I can say it is greatly appreciated as it is a common over looked major detail about motorcycles in general
Glad it was helpful!
I love how Suzuki is the only one that will COMPLETELY black out a bike. I hate how other companies will make a black model but have silver pieces throughout.
You ain't lying I hate seeing black bikes with all them ugly ass silver peices
Yes! Thanks for this in depth review of the mighty Katana - I've been hoping for this and now it's here. Good work, mate! I'm really into this bike. That being said, I would get a tail tidy fix asap...
I got the Barry Sheen edition, I love it now I had an after market quick shifter put on... But I agree with all his comments to be honest. The tank ain't a worry for me but I can see how it would irritate some. The ride however always puts a smile on my face and it's very light and very quick!
The hugger actually worked perfectly. It kept all the crap under the seat rather than all over you back.
Glad to hear you mention the vibes! I like the look of it in black. I used to watch the old Katana at brands Hatch in the 1300cc production races back in 1983. They used to make a lovely whispering sound on the straight.
Really nice bike! Love the head lights, retro LCD screen (like how people viewed the future back in the 80s), tail lights, fierce looks etc. Am pretty used to small tanks as I've ridden custom Harleys with 5 to 6 litre tanks ahhaha! The original Katana came with a pop-up headlight option, so freaking 80s man!
The 750 import did, standard was fixed on all other models.
I love the cost comparison that you do.
That's my only complaint with the katana the regular beam sucks, and the Gas tank only give you 120 miles per tank or 192 klm, but Absolutely love the bkie.❤
I have the Dunlop roadsmart2 on my Sprint GT and love them, very good in dry and wet. The tyres are profiled in a way that does aid tip in, which is why I put them on. Great review as always keep up the good work!
Just for information, I believe that Shad now do a full hard luggage fitting kit for the Katana.
Thanks for that!
Excellent video, thank you. I love the in depth reviews!
Thanks very much for the in-depth review. I'm looking into this bike because I love the styling (even the retro-futuristic LCD dash), but it looks like there are some weaknesses like the fuel capacity that can't really be fixed, even through modification.
Very thorough, balanced review, I happen to love the looks, much better than most bikes in this category. Perfect for weekend blasts, but like you, I wish they’d found a bit more room for fuel. Not a deal breaker for me, though.
I was gutted but the fuel was a breaker for me I literally could do a one way to London with having to refill on the way up and again on the way back only 12 litres is crazy
I had a Katana back in the day. The design was very futuristic at the time and caused quite a stir. Up until then bikes looked like they always had. I've very fond memories of the old girl.
It's interesting that it's looks now polarise opinions.
Nice review as ever TMF
Katana's looks polarized opinions in 1982 as well.
Thank you for posting. As usual, a great review. I like to use a rag to cover the exit of the exhaust to prevent water from getting down the pipe. Just my $0.02 worth, ymmv. For horns, I installed a Denali small bomb horn. It gets people's attention. Prevented a driver from pushing me off the road the other day. Will be looking forward to your next review. :)
Good thorough review, quite a handsome beast, paintwork looks top notch.
Lovely looks, lovely sound. I think i may have to take the plunge.
Best in-depth review on RUclips!
You're too kind!
As always a comprehensive review .... Well done sir 👌
Thank you....
Thank you for a good review! From a proud Swedish owner.
I enjoy your style TMF. Never feels like you are pressuring someone to buy something or that you are selling something.
Have watched a bunch of your videos, but finally broke down and hit that subscribe button.
You and FortNine I think put out the best quality (maybe not quantitiy).
Wow thank you very much!
Thank you for the good and nice review !!
I really like your videos. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, will do!
I also like the display. Reminds me of "Tron" the movie. I'm definitely going to test ride one but its going to be a tough call between this and the Yamaha XSR900, Especially given the value for money of the Yamaha.
Top review TMF, thanks
A beautiful bike. I've got the gsxs1000f. Not as good looking but alot more practical. 170 mile range to my tank and under the skin is the same bike. Another great review.
Love
Love Love
Love
IT!
Good unbiased review. Great. I have the gsxs1000 and agree with your comments on looks of the katana vs the gsxs.
Actually the front is ok and the rear end apart from the remote mudguard which is not unique to suzuki it’s the sides that are a bit of a jumble.. I found it had a lovely gbox and engine as usual ... suzuki maybe if the tank carried on a bit under the seat like a few recent designs that would help capacity and some engine /frame side panels to tidy it a bit... it’s nearly there
Love the bike! Great review
Very helpful interesting review. I really appreciate you giving this a fair crack as I know you weren't keen.
Surely use a rear paddock stand to lube the chain, rather than moving the bike along.
Re "touring", I'd have thought the 90 mile range would be really painful.
Another excellent review , thanks :)
Another great review. Subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
Excellent, accurate review. As an owner I confirm the OE tyres do need heat before they grip but are then excellent. A Power Bronze Hugger reduces rear spray and a Tail Tidy not only looks better than the Euro compliant silly number plate thingy but appears to reduce it too. The engine is a peach, based on the best Suzuki 4, the K5 ,as I have already said. With a better can it sounds awesome. Nice one TMF:-)
Excuse me. Do you know what temperature the electro fan should start?
@@ulisesvidalmolinamelo1132 About 103°/105° C.
It amazes me how many new bikes that needs headlight adjustments. The Yamaha MT07 I had in -16 needed it, the BMW RnineT Pure I had in -17 and -18 needed it and now, -19, my new Honda CB650R aswell!
And new cars too!
i love these reviews and i especially like the katana. Of course i dont own a bike tho. one day soon.
We are rooting for you!
I use tesco shower shine myself. Nice upload.
I was around when the 1st Katana came out and didn't like the styling then. Looking at the latest one I still don't, plus the naff welding on the frame would really annoy me but each to their own I guess. Not for me but some might like it and with 150 donkeys on tap it won't be short of go.
Agree with you regarding the small tank but I rode next to one yesterday and personally I think it looks sexy as hell but growing up in the eighties I thought the original Katana was pretty foxy looking as well.
Yes I have no history with the original so don't get that nostalgic vibe - great bike to ride though....
Great bike. Great review.
The Suzuki bosses / accountants need to let the design and engineering teams have a bit more freedom / money!
Good, honest review as usual TMF
Another good video TMF. As you said about the bike only having a 12 litre tank is a let down.
Great frank and honest review young Mr Flyer.
I have a request/question ?
would it be possible to include tyre sizes on the walk around part of the bike reviews ? I understand if this is an extra bit you could do without as you are very thorough already..
but weirdos like me are obsessed with tyre sizes (I know strange ) ..
Any how not a problem either way .still love the videos..
Peace and love brother 👍🏻☮❤
That’s easy google it.
@@marksimpson5218
yes obviously but i would like to see it in the review as part of the overall spread. I could google everything about every bike but I like watching TMF present the information. 👍🏻
I love the motorcycle. Look forward to own
Great video 👍🏼
Great review!
Thanks!
Solid review
great vid, really good job, I really like the look of that bike, but the tank size put me off in the end and I went for the VRF800 instead (20 litre tank, heated grip and up quickshifter) but I think if the tank was bigger the katana would have won me over! Keep up the good work man! well done!
Thank you - will do!
Absolutely fantastic review ! I love the new Katana and would have one in a heartbeat but I’m still in love with my 2005 Hayabusa . Maybe if Suzuki updates the Katana with a quick shifter and cruise control I’ll maybe consider having one along side my Busa. Love the black also !
Do it. My 2020 Katana joined my 2005 and 2008 Hayabusas and they all seem to get along fine.
The latest Katana version has got ride by wire and quickshifter with blipper. I added IRC quickshifter to mine (due to the cable throttlem no blipper) and it works very well.
I love this dang thing!!!
Nice one 👌 Tmf good review I like the katana I would like one but I have the new mt10 that you gave good review and chops gave thumbs up as well so I purchased in April this year and really 😁 happy with .thanks from Danny
Yes I loved the MT10 - awesome bit of kit - probably time that had an update I reckon?
danny curtis MT10 feels like a beast, test rode one last year before buying the Triumph Street Triple 765Rs... two things led me to the Street, 1 I got a great price OTD of $12,500 and the MT-10 was 1200 more, plus the idea was to get the Street for my wife size wise.
@@Bikerbug2020 haha yep very fast naked and fun .
TheMissendenFlyer I expect to see it get the same Euro 5 ‘update’ as the 2020 R1. Basically same power but heavier due to extra emissions kit. In my opinion MT-10 although not retro is competitor to Katana - similar power, similar fuel range (MT-10 has 17l tank but poor MPG). I would have liked to have test ridden Katana but nearest Suzuki dealer is 100 miles from me.
It has a cool name
*S o l d*
Dude it looks wicked!
SHAD do luggage for the Katana. Top box and hard panniers, all in £578 including the scaffolding.
Looks like something from a manga film . Its awesome and the retro lcd screen is super cool. Great review 👏
I had this for 10 days from Suzuki stoke, very generous of them. Beautiful bike, does everything , just couldn't connect with it but couldn't fault it. I never walked out to it every morning looking for an adrenaline ride. But thats bikes these days, they're very safe I suppose. I'm now looking at a gsxs 750 just to thrash and have fun.
My dream bike.
I have been to see two of these over the last two days. I’m over 6’ tall and I found it quite tall, in fact felt it was difficult to put flat feet on floor. It also felt wide to stand up. Ok when feet in pegs though. I think I need to ride one to be certain. I was also surprised to see such a modern bike with a cable clutch. I personally love the styling. I bought the 650 katana when they first came out. I have also owned the 750 pop up headlight version for over 35 years (needs rebuilding. Project for next year).
TMF...always loved the first Katana when i was a young biker....but never bought one!, so was in the Suzuki dealers the other day asking about the new 2020 V Strom 1000!....when I saw a black Katana like the one you have just tested!.. "made me want one"...pure love at first sight!..lol.
Ps: SHAD do a pannier and top box kit for the Katana!... Keep up the great Vids!
Did you buy one?
I don’t have any desire to get one of these but I just love your reviews! One thing though. You always refer to your height and inseam in feet and inches 5’8” 32” inseam but tell us the seat height in centimeters. That’s too much maths for me!! Lol
Great review thanks . I'm not keen on the headlight at night time . I like to be able to see some distance in front of me . The best bike I've ridden for night time riding believe it or not was a ktm duke 125cc on a 18 plate I had for a short time .. that thing lit up the road with out blinding other drivers for about 100meters
I love Suzuki i4's. Love and want this bike and the GSX-S750. My problem is my 28 inch legs. Makes these bikes feel extremely tall.
Personally speaking I prefer the old Bandit and they were better value for money I think, Excellent video I really enjoyed it thanks .
You don't need much weather protection on this bike, because you'll spend a lot of your time under the roof on the petrol station forecourt. ⛽
i actually love the looks of it and i don't normally like modern bikes.
Such an amazing looking bike. It is a shame the US doesn't get any new models. I got the next best thing. 2023 GSX S1000. Love love love this bike.
My dream bike
Great review TMF. I guess Suzuki is going for a fast bar hopper with the small tank.
Very thorough review as per usual. I actually like the looks, which is odd for me, because I'm a curvey bike appreciator, but there's something unique about this one - perhaps the brutal compact nature. The tank isn't a show stopper for me, as I feel the bike is a sunday afternoon local twisties bike, so the saddle shouldn't be an issue either. Think you're right about the pricing, it should be at least be on a par with the donor GSS1000s bike (which btw I acutally do not like the looks of :-). Still, it aint a z900rs, so I won't be getting one!
As a naked GSX-S1000 owner on which this bike is based; I'd add that if you intend to ride in both wet & dry conditions & year around... Fitting fender extenders front & rear is a must. Negatives: Ditch the OEM Dunlop tyres for better rubber for your personal requirements. You also need to be prepared for comically poor quality fasteners & bolts etc from Suzuki. If you intend to ride spiritedly, then get the suspension properly setup, as the stock forks setup is too firm for UK roads IMHO, but the rear shock is also quickly overwhelmed as the pace goes up (consider fitting a better shock). The wheel & radiator paint also quickly bubbles & flakes as it's so thin. The biggest negative on the GSXS is the poor low throttle fueling... On/off jerky euro4 annoyance! The Katana actually has a new throttle tube cam design, which GSXS owners are switching to, or using a G2 throttle tamer. And it makes a very positive difference to smoothing low throttle input. That all said... Positives: The naked GSXS looks fantastic IMO (like a proper modern streatfighter), insurance is very cheap for a litre bike, mechanical grip is excellent, the engine is a real gem (Gixxer thou K5 derived) particularly the induction noise & Suzuki still make the best + slickest gearboxes IMO (so clutchless upshifts are peachy). Save your money & buy the GSX-S1000 & fit it with a Katana throttle tube for smoother throttle response. Use the remaining left over change to buy & use cleaning products regularly + apply corrosion inhibitor a couple of times a year & towards replacing the quick to fur up fixtures/fittings/wheel bearings; together with repainting the flaking wheels.
I've had my 2020 for two and a half years now and have some observations of my own.
LIKES: 1. Styling. Having owned several original Katanas, but now being old enough to prefer a more relaxed riding position, this bike was aimed directly at me. I love the way that it looks. 2. Ergonomics/Comfort. The riding position is very comfortable, with a slight lean forward (I'm 6'1", FYI). The wide bars are excellent for control. 3. Engine/Power. What can I say about the K5 GSXR1000 engine that hasn't already been said? Addictive sound and power. 4. Throttle Cables. As stated in the video, back to basics biking. Motorcycles today are far too complicated, with far too many electronic nannies. Let me ride my own bike, please. 5. Lighting. When delivered, the headlight seemed pretty poor, but once I adjusted it the world lit up. Missed on the PDI, perhaps? Factory mistake? Don't know, but once aimed properly, it emits a far-reaching bright white light. The auxiliary "fang" lights are a nice addition as well since position lights on a Suzuki are rare. 6. Lightweight. Being a litre-bike, it's not what you'd call light, but manoeuvring it around my garage is just too easy compared to my two Hayabusas. Grab the handlebar and the pillion strap and the thing can be pushed and pulled anywhere without worry.
DISLIKES: 1. Display. It's only fully legible at night, or when the sun is directly on it. The clock is so tiny that I need glasses to read it, but that could just be an old-guy problem. 2. Rear fender/plate assembly. Needlessly big and heavy, too low for cars to see your indicators clearly. Just ugly. None of the other GSX-S1000 models are so equipped, so why the Katana? I replaced it with a tail tidy from Kijima which dramatically improved the looks of the rear end. Saved a bunch of unsprung weight too. 3. Fuel capacity. Yup, it can be annoying that the tank is so small. Having to fuel up twice in a week of commuting takes time that would be better spent riding to your destination. 4. Fuelling. Not nearly as snatchy as the early GSX-S1000 models, but a bit of that remains in the Katana in stock form. Bikes today are forced to run so lean due to draconian emissions, it's amazing that detonation and holed-pistons aren't a major problem for the industry. An ECU flash completely resolves these issues but may be illegal where you are.
Overall, I'm very happy with the Katana. It's my main go-to bike (of my four) for commuting or just going for a spirited rip around my area. I can't see myself ever wanting to part ways with it. Of course if Suzuki follows it up with a pop-up headlight model in the future, all bets are off. 😎
That’s fabulous feedback - thanks for taking the time to share it with us…much appreciated
The oe Dunlops on my GSX-S1000F were terrible generally, & scary in the wet. It's a transformed bike on Roadtec 01s or Pilot Road 5s. As you say in the summary, the GSX-S has a 17 litre tank, is near identical mechanically, & far cheaper; so the only reason to buy the Katana is for the styling / nametag.
my left ear loves this video
Nice bike, the front instrument pod sits quite forward which looks strange from the side.
A tip for you while on the side stand jack the back wheel up and lubricant the chain mate
Honest review 👌👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
What’s bad is you’ve got me reading the name plates on the back of delivery vans now 😆😆🤪.
Oops - sorry!
I've never quite understood the "low speed fuelling" issue people talk about, isn't it easiest to just work the clutch at lower speeds to smooth out any throttle input?
I had a Katana 1100 many years back for a short while. Biggest regret was getting rid of that bike due to money problems. Literally needed to be man-handled in every respect. Wonderful iconic brute of a machine. I'm afraid this new iteration is an utter travesty of the original name. If it were at all possible, I'd somehow purchase the copyright from Suzuki and never let them near the name ever again!
Why is the new one an utter travesty? 🤔
@@kkiwi54 boomer logic
I've been looking at a Katana in December 2020 Shad do a luggage rack and cases and a better windscreen for this bike .
that fish eye lens made it look a lot nicer than it really is, at least from the rear end anyway
Great review as always Mr F, thanks. You say you don't like the styling because you weren't into bikes when the original was out (nor was I) but your most recent purchases are styled to look like bikes a decade or more older than the original Katana. Fair to say that you just don't like it? Personally I do like it, because it's a modern looking bike that has a nod to a well liked older bike. Rather than a modern bike that just looks like an old one. Horses for courses though eh!
Spot on review and conclusion. I like Suzukis, but this one has missed the target. It's a 'get less for more' machine. Shame as it could have been a winner at £1500 less.
Having taken one out for a day overall, I agree with you matey. The puny fuel tank is a joke. There are better and cheaper bikes out there in this range, although you didn't use those exact words, I felt in your summing up, that's more or less what you were trying to get across. love the presentation and your style
Thank you!
Ciao, hi. I'm 3 years late commenting your video and 1 year and a half, since I bought mine. First of all, compliments for the video. Clear, honest, useful.
I want to add my opinion about this bike that I know very well now. It could be useful in case potential customers still exist 🙂. I won't talk about the aesthetics; it's too personal. However, In my opinion this is a bike that doesn't follow the trends: if you like it you are going to find it amazing forever. Maybe more difficult to sell in the future? Maybe yes, maybe no. But the future is... in the future. Mine is grey and to make it suit more my needs, I've changed that heavy, horrendous single arm mount for the plate with a Rizoma tail tidy; mounting the plate as far as possible from the tail light. Then the exhaust. I agree that the original sounds beautiful but changing it with a SC-Project CRT titanium matte black, the look is much more modern, it made me save more than 1 kilo and the sound got more angry. And it's homologated. Third and last thing I've done is a IRC quickshifter (of course only up, not down). Every bike deserves a quickshifter! 🙂. To me the Katana now is at it's best.
WHAT I LIKE.
95% of every single aspect of this bike. In short I'm very happy and suggest anybody interested to give it a chance. I also was concerned and a bit pissed off by the 12 liters tank. But when it comes to a ride (not too angry) in the weekend, after about 220 km I want to stop. It's not a touring bike.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE. I'm a bit struggling. Not easy...
- The low rpm assist. Because of that system, when you start releasing the clutch the engine gives 500 rpm extra, making more difficult to understand how much rpm you're actually giving.
- To check the level of coolant the right low cover must be removed. It would have been easy to imagine a hole in the plastic for inspection.
- The Dunlop Roadsport 2. It's personal, of course, but I never trusted them. I can't wait to change them with something else.
- The front brakes. I've owned many bikes and what I like is a more precise feel. I mean, the bike brakes well but the feeling under the finger is a bit "filtered".
- ABS, sometimes too intrusive.
- There's no space under the seat. I cannot even fit in there a small disk lock.
- Like every japanese bike, the standard rear shock it's crap. But that's not a news.
My conclusion is also a suggestion. Katana is a wonderfully made bike. Many of the things highlighted in good and bad by bloggers and journalists are not really important. Go and buy the bike you like. Any bike. It's easier to forgive a defect in the bike you wanted than in the one chosen only with the brain. A dashboard more or less readable is not an issue. What is really important when you ride? Speed, fuel level and, sometimes, rpm and gear. That's it. Another example, the heat coming from the engine in summertime (btw it's not the case of Katana)? Everybody should expect heat and even in a Ducat it's bearable. It doesn't burn neither pants nor boots 🙂. I sat on my bike in the shop and my body told me that it was my bike. And after 15 different bikes owned, I knew I was right. Ciao to everybody from Italy and compliments again for this interesting video.
Thank you for taking the time to write that lot down - appreciated
@@TheMissendenFlyer My pleasure. Your channel is really cool 👍
Thanks for all your excellent videos. If you had to choose a daily commuter which would you choose between the katana, rninet, cb1000r or the z900rs?
For commuting only probably this!
What about putting a tail bag on it? The passenger pegs can be used for the front harnesses but where to anchor the rear harnesses for the bag? Don't see any mounting points as the rear mud guard is now right behind the wheel.
Interesting review(as always!) I rode a Katana earlier this year and thought it handled well for a big bike but was hugely disappointed with the motor. It went well above 7k revs but I wanted much, much more at the bottom end. I felt that a bike with that riding position and styling should have lot's of grunt and it just wasn't there, I would happily trade the top end for more low down, road friendly torque.
The tanks size is rediculous - 12ltrs?? Good luck doing the NC500 on that!! 😂 It's a no from me. Great video TMF 👍🏻
There are 32 fuel stations on the NC500 (not including Inverness). Map on scotlandsroute66 dot co dot uk
@@nigelren3719 one of the gaps between fuel stations is about 50 miles (there is a warning sign saying so). the katana may actually struggle to do that without an extra can of fuel. In any case 12 litres is really unacceptable for a road bike
@@duncanfraser2390 53mpg x 12 L = 138 miles
It would maybe have sparked my interest with that unique 80s design, but 12 litres is a no go... never sacrifice usability for style - form has to follow function - not the other way around.
It's not that bad i own the bike and 12 L is good little below what you expect but if you ride slow you wil get 200+ km in single fuel plus you will never ride for more than that in a day i usually ride for a full day when I finish riding i go to fuel abd go home
Great review and it certainly looks good in black, don’t like it in silver. One question I have thought for ages is to check that you definitely have a 32inch inside leg at 5f7? - I am 6ft with a 32inch inside leg and have no problem getting feet down on most bikes.
Excuse me - I’m 5’8.5” I’ll have you know!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes, but do you realise that you seem to have the leg length of someone over 6 foot? Sometimes your reviews are confusing when it comes to actually sitting on bikes , like the Katana , which you describe as low seat height, only to find one foot swinging way up in the air ! Personally, I have never felt the need to get both feet down but , these days , it seems to be a big issue! 🙂
Aun Oates from earlier MSF vids it would appear he has telescopic legs as the inside measurement varies with the weather. Unusually however getting longer rather than shorter. Must send him a calibrated tape measure and Mrs MSF can take a reading..
I've got new road 5's on my tiger 800 and that tends to drop into corners. It does ease off later as they wear so maybe that was the problem.
Had a 2017 gsx 1000s,same motor , very similar bike loved the motor amazing power ,the thing screams, only prob i had is the rear shock witch near crippling is set for a 80kg plus rider and fully backed off ,i being only 70kgs jars every bump on the road ,i traded it ,please check this first before any long journeys, too much for me suzuki .