... Not that I wanted to race at high speed all over the place, but it is nice to have that extra bit of acceleration to get you out of trouble sometimes or to pull away quickly!
Choosing a bike:
I didn't want an out and out sports bike so had a look around and came up with a "preferred" ... Read review
Advantages: More "oomph" than the GS500 Disadvantages: Adding a rack and top box mucks up the aerodynamics a bit!
...Triumph Bonneville (new version);
Suzuki GSX 600F.
Well I sat on the Fazer at the NEC and it felt good, definitely a possibility. Then I knew someone shorter than me with a Hornet who loved it and found it OK for her, so that was also on the cards. I really liked the idea of a British bike but the Bonneville isn't fared and I must admit that with old age, wind chill factor needs to be taken into account! I have a friend with ... ...of a lovely blue 1999 Suzuki GSX 600F.
The Bike:
The GSX600F was apparently introduced Paris Bike Show in 1987. It is classed as a sports tourer and has a 16-valve twin cam engine and a 6-speed gearbox. As with many other Suzuki bikes it has a different name in the USA and Canada where they were called Katanas. Specifications as follows:
GSX 600 F 1999
Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84,1 in)
Overall ... more
Introduction:
Well despite my love for the GS500 that I rode happily for just over two years (see review), I decided the time had come to get a bike with a bit more "oomph". Not that I wanted to race at high speed all over the place, but it is nice to have that extra bit of acceleration to get you out of trouble sometimes or to pull away quickly!
Choosing a bike:
I didn't want an out and out sports bike so had a look around and came up with a "preferred" list as follows:
Well I sat on the Fazer at the NEC and it felt good, definitely a possibility. Then I knew someone shorter than me with a Hornet who loved it and found it OK for her, so that was also on the cards. I really liked the idea of a British bike but the Bonneville isn't fared and I must admit that with old age, wind chill factor needs to be taken into account! I have a friend with a GSXF and sat on his and found it was fine for height etc, but when I followed him over a windy moor I was worried he was going to take off like a kite, so actually had put this out of my mind.
Then whilst I was actually looking up Fazers and Hornets on flea bay and had even bid on one which went for more than I could afford, when Hubbs spotted a GSXF on with two hours to go. We talked about the "kite" effect, but he thought that this was probably caused by the top box on our friend's bike so I took a risk and bid on it. So I am now the proud owner of a lovely blue 1999 Suzuki GSX 600F.
The Bike:
The GSX600F was apparently introduced Paris Bike Show in 1987. It is classed as a sports tourer and has a 16-valve twin cam engine and a 6-speed gearbox. As with many other Suzuki bikes it has a different name in the USA and Canada where they were called Katanas. Specifications as follows:
GSX 600 F 1999 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84,1 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29,3 in) Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47,0 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30,9 in) Wheelbase: 1 470 mm (57,9 in) Dry weight: 202 kg (445,3 lbs) [Incl oil and gas approx 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 599 cc inline-4, SACS, DOHC, TSCC, 16 valves. 86 hp (62,8 Nm)/ 10.500 rpm, 58 Nm (5,9 kg-m)/ 9.500 rpm Displacement: . 599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches) Torque: 55.00 Nm (5.6 kgf-m or 40.6 ft.lbs) @ 10000 RPM Compression: 11.3:1 Ignition: Electric Start Transmission: Chain Brakes: Front - dual disc, rear - single disc Fuel Capacity: 20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)
It is a fully fared bike but the pre 1998 models are very different to those from 1998 onwards (see pics). The later versions many people think are slightly odd looking and indeed have nicknamed "Teapots". Personally I think they are pretty good looking bikes! I understand the earlier models had twin exhaust but the 1999 model only has one and I believe all the later models too.
My Opinion:
Well, I admit it was very strange at first and frankly I was very very nervous riding it. Firstly it is bigger and heavier than the GS. In addition being a fared bike where I was used to a naked bike when you turn the handle bars to corner, the faring obviously does not turn and it looks like you are going straight on! However, it does not take long to get used to this strange sight. It seems a little higher than the GS though actually it is about the same and I have not had mine lowered but still can reach the ground OK - even when on the centre stand I can still touch with my tip toes so feel pretty secure on it. The most obvious difference is that I lean more on cornering. I did not realise at first but several other people commented. No knee down moment yet and frankly this is not something to which I aspire - otherwise I would have got a Ninja or something similar!
As it is a four pot rather than a twin, there is less vibration than the GS, and definitely less wind because of the faring. It is a very comfortable bike and I went to Cornwall and back on it for a weekend not long after I had it and was very happy with it. The soft panniers I had for the GS and the tail pack can strap on with no problems so I can use it for holidays and know I will be comfortable. The only thing I do find is that as my weight is more forward than the GS (and I am a heavy lass), my wrists ached very much at first. However, part of the reason for this is my nerves making me grip too tightly I think. Also adjusting the front brake lever down helped a lot too.
Recommendation:
It is not a grand tourer so do not expect armchair comfort - nor is it a full sports bike, so do not expect to hit 150 mph on your track days, but it is a very nice little sports tourer and I would recommend it to anyone looking for this type of bike. If you want a bit more power there is a 750 version and if you really want a big engine then there is an 1100 version too!
...cheap as you get from Suzuki and sourced from earlier models in times past. This was evident in the suspension which was limited in adjustment and pretty soggy when pushed to the limit. Other points: For me this was an ideal intro to biking. I learnt a lot about how a bike works - it's like a an old car where you can actually tinker with things without being hampered by space age electronics. It's also good to work on (I replaced the rear shock and ... ...good for pillions too. Conclusion: A cheap way into real biking without getting into wheezy GS500's or ER500's. NB I have written this in the context of the version before the current model. Maybe the new model has improved but if my memory serves me right I suspect it is pretty much the same. ...
martinlross 05.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki GSX600-F
Advantages: good styling, easy servicing, light handling, body positioning Disadvantages: brakes, gutless topend, soft suspension, clunky gears around town, overpriced
I passed my bike test about ten years ago, cutting my teeth on a Honda CBR600RR which just blew me away for speed, performance, handling & braking.
However, due to change of jobs and the need to lug laptops around with me for work I sold the bike and opted for a 4 wheel boxmobile and have stayed thay way ever since....much to my shame.
However, my boyfriend is a bit of a biker at heart cus he find cars a tad mundane...except of course when its ... ...back home...bit of a different story then, but never mind:o)
Anyway, he's had a number of streetbikes over the years and is currently shackled with a 3 year Suzi GSX600-F.
Although having the design of a supersports I'm afraid one shouldn't judge books by covers cus unfortunately the engine plays a rather different tune.
As soon as I fired it up I realised the engine lacked the necessary "oomph" in the pony department...85hp I think he said but ...
dreamstar70 03.01.2001 (04.01.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki GSX600-F
Advantages: Comfy, Good Tank Range Disadvantages: Dull, Heavy, zzzzzz
I used to ride this bike for two years for a 50 mile round trip (commuting to work) 5 days a week, come rain or shine. Its not an exciting sports bike by any stretch of the imagination. Its also not a new riders dream bike either as the brakes are not full on and feel like they are charity workers at a weekend bring and buy sale (they want to do the job but wont put 100% effort in). It got me from Home to Work without any problems, but without any ... ...from one place to another with no fuss then this could be worth a look. If your looking for even a litttle bit of excitement look elsewhere. The fuel tank holds about 18/19 litres and riding sensibly (the only thing you can do) you get on average about 40-42 miles per gallon. So you do get a real world tank range of over 150 miles, which is quite good. The GSX600-F may have a slight sports bike look but the seating position is very comfortable as ...
smurfuk76 28.01.2009 (27.07.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki GSX600-F
Advantages: price, handling, comfort, maintenance, design Disadvantages: wear & tear, speed, gearbox clanky, rear tyre doesn't like the wet
...so I opted for the Suzuki GSX600F back in 98. It had mixed reviews in the press, most criticism being directed at its slightly ugly design and relatively mild engine.
But in spite of that it was generally well received so I decided to give it a go. Two years on and I'm still finding out new things from it. Yeah sure with only 90 ponies in the bank it doesn't compare to its immediate rivals who have 120 plus nags. But the handling makes up for the ... ...the road, lean over a touch and you'll be following an invisible line to where you want to go; the engine doesn't really come into its own until it touches 5000 in third and then it lets off some really ballsy acceleration for about 6000 revs and a couple of gears before fading to a blank spot.
It can touch 140 easy should you wish to go that fast; seating is comfy for a 6 footer although a lot of your body weight is shifted onto your wrists.
Maintenance ...
Sonatine 03.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki GSX600-F
Advantages: Cost or running, purchase and parts, practicality Disadvantages: Engine Access, some say looks
...the possesion of my 1997 Suzuki GSXF600 in 2001.. For a quite suprisinng £1195.00.
I had just come off of a Yamaha XJ600 (literally) which I found a brilliant bike, which the press also underated, after looking through the local RAG the Suzuki caught my eye and I decided to try another one of the biking press' snub jobs.
BAD POINTS
When I first got it back to my little bike museum in my back garden the first thing that I found was the poor finish ... ...the time and re-did what suzuki should have done properly and it looks a treat.
The front end is a bit heavy, its something that I have heard from every owner, you only really notice it in the corners and when you are trying to point the front tyre at the clouds, but as far as the handling goes, harder internals avalible from Ohlins (Top Dog, Orpington) and some heavier oil, never made that a problem again.
Apart from the above mentioned there ...
Speedi01 04.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Suzuki GSX600-F
Comfort
Handling
Looks
Features
Fuel consumption
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Advantages: Genuine all round bike, fun to ride, easy to live with, cheap to run, reliable, good tourer Disadvantages: Might be a little boring for some of you? Very tall seat.
cooled engine. The only down side is that I feel from proper motorway type touring a sixth gear would be welcome. The tank holds enough petrol for 150+ miles commuting in medium/heavy traffic and I guess will manage around 200 miles before the light comes on at a steady 70mph when touring.
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