Well I am on my way to blue but I really must remember to log in and check reviews! :) :)
Well I am on my way to blue but I really must remember to log in and check reviews! :) :)
Member since:15.10.2006
Reviews:21
Members who trust:1
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 sportstourer and has a 16-valve twin camengine 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!
Pictures of Suzuki GSX600-F
This my baby - 1999 model
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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.
Regsy 19.02.2009 (07.04.2009)
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