I got rid of my headache on two wheels.

The SMAS monster finally got me today.

I was cruising Craigslist and found an ad for a '93 Katana about 50 miles away from Des Moines.

I think to myself, "Screw texting, I'm gonna call him." He answers the phone and I ask the usual questions. He told me someone was showing up at 2:00 with cash to take a look at it. He's selling it because he got engaged and wants money to buy her a ring. I went and talked to my supervisor, also a bike nut and got to take a long lunch to go take a look at it before the other guy gets there. Got to his house before he got home from work and looked the bike over. It's got the requisite scratches and such that come from 16 years of use, but cosmetically seems fine.

He showed up and went in to get the keys. He tells me it's a little cold blooded, but when I went to start it, it fired right up. He looked a little surprised. We talked a bit while waiting for it to warm up. It's only 30 here today. I took it for a spin around the block and was much impressed. Quite a bit more power than I'm used to, but nothing that judicious application of the right hand can't handle.

I was pressed for time, as I was on a short lunch and there's a snowstorm on the way, so we concluded our deal, I put my gear back on and headed out with my new baby. About 15 miles from home, the weather turns to $h!t. The storm has arrived. I encountered my first of three bridges between me and the house. Already icy. Just what the inexperienced rider on the unfamiliar bike needed. Then the snow starts coming down. Sportbikes don't like snowy roads much, do they?

I sold my Maxim 400 last night and I had $2400.00 with which to buy a new(er) bike and I picked up a 1993 Katana with 23000 miles for $1000.00. Not bad...

And of course.... PICTURES!!!!

 

I like it! I've been wantin' one myself for sometime, Katana or a Bandit.
Off subject: I got a ZX3 myself, the best car I've ever had, bought it new in 2000, have 170,000 miles on it now. Still using the origional battery and clutch plate. Have only replaced the tires, oil and gas. People say it looks new.

 

I've had about the same luck with my ZX3. It's an '05 with 68,000 miles though. Got a bit of catching up to do.

 

Nice bike great buy! glad to see you got it home safe
Shaun

 

Yeah I think you can be forgiven for trading up from your 400 Max. NICE FIND!

 

My first bike was a '93 Katana 600. Bulletproof bikes, a lot of fun. Just make sure you keep up on valve jobs, or the motor will pretty much self destruct.

 

thats a good looking bike. something about the graphics on red...

on a side note:

you dont drive very many miles do you. '07 caliber with 90,000 miles. actually a handful more than that, just flipped on the way home today...

 

Wow. dave... How many times have you went coast to coast????

 

nice deal. Now lose the fairings and streetfighter the hell out of it!

 

I had a Katana in the late 80's and traveling in the Rockies. Left Goergetown CO with temps at 78. Traveled up over Loveland Pass. Nearly at the top it started to snow. On the way down the other side my rearwheel was locked up more than it was turning till I passed Arapaho Basin. Tha the weather way back to sunny and warm.

Oh how I miss that bike. It was another one of the best bikes I ever owned. (they are all the best when they're running right)

Enjoy the new machine, Good on ya

The Buff

 

I am not a big fan of the crotch rocket type bikes,but that Katana is absolutely beautiful! Enjoy,and ride safe.

 

+1 not a fan but a great find on a nice bike. Scary ride home - glad you made it OK.

 

Great looking bike! I've been keeping my eyes open for a Katana. I like the upright riding position. Would be a great addition to my maxim.

 

Great looking bike, Wraith!! How much you get outta the storm? We got about 8-10" here in Lincoln Friday afternoon. At least it covers the 2" worth of ice!! :roll:

 

We got 7.5" over here.

 

ya those pink decals gotta go, i'd also ceramic coat that 4-1, looks rusty i think

 

It's actually black. Mostly that's just dust and road grime. Keep in mind, I rode it 50 miles on wet roads in a snowstorm just before I took those.