... This is mainly because Suzuki concentrated on the handling and power delivery of the bike, rather than looks and general town riding. It is because of this that the GSX-R gets a much more rugged appearance compared to the CBR, R6 or ZX6.
The ‘Gixxer’ as it is commonly known, comes with ... Read review
A review by Goran on Suzuki GSX-R600 December 26th, 2003
Author's product rating:
Comfort
Good
Handling
Excellent
Looks
Excellent
Features
Good
Fuel consumption
Satisfactory
Advantages:
good handling, comfortable, a lot of boot space,
Disadvantages:
It is considerably larger looking than the competitors
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Licence
First of all, I would like to start off by explaining the licence laws and regulations, just so everyone understands how and why I am riding a GSX-R 600 at 18.
When taking your test, there are a few options available to you. If you are 21 or over, you may take the Direct Access test and ride any bike you like once you pass.
If you are 17 or over, you may take the "A" class 125 (restricted licence) test, which allows you to ride a 125cc motorcycle without L plates, or any other motorcycle providing it is restricted to 33BHP. The restricted licence lasts for 2 years, then becomes a full motorcycle licence and the person can ride any bike, with any power they can afford to insure.
Lastly, there is the ‘Accelerated Access’ test, for over 21 year olds who took the 125 test and want to upgrade to the full licence.
Having been 17 at the time I took my test, I had no option but to take the 125 restricted licence option.
The Bike
The day I passed my test, I bought a brand new CBR600F/sport, which was restricted by the shop. A few weeks later I had some unwanted attention from a Renault Clio and ended up getting another CBR through insurance. I won't go on about the CBR in too much detail, but I will use it to compare to the GSX-R 600.
In August 2003, I got rid of my CBR and bought a second hand GSX-R 600 K1 model. The person who sold me the bike had really looked after her and it had only done 2000 miles in 2 years.
The GSX-R was pronounced the 'track bike' of the 600 class in the magazine reviews. This is mainly because Suzuki concentrated on the handling and power delivery of the bike, rather than looks and general town riding. It is because of this that the GSX-R gets a much more rugged appearance compared to the CBR, R6 or ZX6.
The ‘Gixxer’ as it is commonly known, comes with a steering damper and rear seat cowl as standard, which is an advantage over the other bikes. The steering damper makes the front end a lot more stable at speed, especially if going over bumpy ground. It prevents the rider from going into what is known as a ‘tank-slapper’ where the front end of the bike shakes rigorously when applying power whilst banked over. The seat cowl has 2 purposes. The first being the GSX-R’s track bike reputation. It is there to provide more aerodynamics by giving the rear end a more streamlined flow and as reduced weight compared to the pillion seat. Secondly, it is there for cosmetic purposes, making the bike look that much more sporty from the outset. Seat cowls can cost as much as £80 when buying individually, so Suzuki do their customers a favour by throwing it in as part of the bike.
The Suzuki has a huge amount of under-seat storage space. Once the pillion seat is removed, there is enough space to fit 2 cans of trade size WD40, a disposable camera, mobile phone, a tool kit and waterproof trousers. This is a particular scenario that I was once faced with, but you get the idea. The CBR had a lot of room, but I was shocked with how much more boot space the GSX-R, the ‘track tool’ actually had.
The finish of the bike is also good. The panels fit together nicely and the stickers don’t peel off when you wash them. Even with all the salt that has been poured on the roads recently, I am yet to be disappointed with the way the GSX-R was built. By this time last year, the wet and the salt had corroded the CBR’s rear shock, whereas the Suzuki’s rubber flap has protected a majority of it.
The bike has a few safety features that stop the bike from being started accidentally or from being started when in gear. The bike won’t start unless the clutch is pulled in. Also, if the bike is in gear, then the stand has to be up. If the stand is down, then the bike has to be in neutral. If you start the bike in neutral with the stand down and then put it into gear, then the engine will just cut out. This is a very good safety feature, as it stops you from riding the bike with the stand down. It also stops you from starting the bike when it is in gear, which could throw you off.
Handling
Now the CBR was given the best ‘all rounder’ status by the magazines for having good power delivery and excellent handling at all speeds. I must say that the CBR was an excellent bike and the handling was astonishing. The only thing is that I didn’t notice much difference between the ride of the CBR and the GSX-R. I’ve ridden both bikes without restrictors in and they both pick up from very low revs and keep going up to the rev limiter. All the bikes in the 600 class are similar in the engine department, although the GSX-R and the R6 are high revving bikes and need to be in the upper range of the revs to get the best results, whereas the CBR was good throughout.
The GSX-R was fitted with Pirelli tyres as standard and these tyres were surprisingly good in the wet and dry. Compared to the Dunlop 207’s that I had on the CBR originally, I can safely say that the Pirelli’s were head and shoulders above the 207’s. The tyres complimented the bike in every respect and made it easy to dip the bike into the bend and have full confidence that they won’t slip out.
The steering damper comes into its own when the bike is being pushed. The front is much more stable than the CBR and the bike goes exactly where you want it to. I have found that it is also very forgiving, especially when you misjudge a bend.
The dual hydraulic brakes on the GSX-R are very good. I have found that stoppies come easily, even with standard pads on. The brakes do need to be warmed up a little before they become really effective, but unless you’re doing high speeds and quick stops everywhere; the brakes will be great all the time. Both the GSX-R and CBR had equally good brakes.
The Ride
The GSX-R 600 is great fun to ride. I regularly do journeys between London and Norwich and find that the bike does not cause me any problems. The occasional stretch stop is always welcomed, but I have gone for over two and a half hours without any aches or pains. I am 6’1 and I find that the bike fits me a lot better than the CBR. My initial concern was that the foot pegs were too high for comfort, but once I started riding the bike, I discovered that the position is much better than my position on the CBR. This does depend on the position of the seat, the height of the handlebars and the length of your arms/legs.
Comfort on a bike really does depend on the person’s build and height, so if you are worried about it, get a test ride first. Most sports bikes will give you aches in the wrists and neck in the first few days of adjusting to the position and getting used to the more forward stance on the bike. This is normal and will happen on all bikes, but you will get used to it and won’t even feel it after a couple of days.
If you are buying a sports bike, expect the petrol costs that come with it. On average, I can get about 120 miles to a tank. This is when riding non-stop. When using the bike round town it can go as low as 90 before the reserve light stays constant, meaning I’ve not got long till it runs dry. With a tank capacity of 18 litres, the reserve light normally starts flashing with about 6 litres left and then stays constant with approx 4. This may vary from bike to bike.
The display on the bike includes a tacho needle showing revs and an LCD display, showing your speed, engine temperature, some warning lights and mileage. It includes a handy clock and trip meter. There are two push buttons that are used to set the clock and reset the trip meter. They are also used to flick between the mileage and the clock on the display. This is the only disadvantage, as it doesn’t show both at the same time.
The Suzuki is a great bike and starts first time, every time. It has not let me down in any respect and I hope it will stay that way. I would highly recommend this bike for its capabilities and for its comforts and storage space. This is without doubt the best 4K I’ve ever spent!
UPDATE: Now is the best time to buy if you are after a new GSX-R, with some dealerships selling them as low as £4995 on the road.
Advantages: Very quick, looks good in black and silver, handles beautifully Disadvantages: Licence taker
Well what can I say the GSXR 600 K5, probabaly one of the best of the series. I got mine for £5000, second hand 3 months old 400 miles on the clock, the bloke I got it from was scared of it, wanted a quick sale to buy a bandit 600 again. WHY????
A beautifully well balanced machine pushing out about 110 to 115 bhp and a top speed of about 155-160mph. (I have had 153mph out of mine, tested and tagged in a speed trap). This machine will take your licence ... ...the exhaust without worring about setting up the carbs, I love electronic ingition and injection valves. The bike does the work for you.
Petrol tank holds about 17 litres, waring light comes on when your getting low, I was 20 miles away from a petrol station and got there ok so plenty of time when the light does come on. The clock is digital display nice and large figures.
Change the steering damper if you want the stock ones are ok but I prefer ...
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Advantages: Fast,looks good,performace of a 1000cc Disadvantages: LOSS OF LICENCE PROBABLE,Build quality, warranty issues
This little beauty was the first 4 stoke ive owned.
I had a break of a few years after riding rev happy tuned 2 strokes, so I decided to go for a light weight 600…. the best on the market was the Gixxer 6.
Speed is fantastic, if your not used to speed beware this little baby WILL catch you out.
Riding around town for the first week of ownership hurt, I got incredible pain in my wrists and the base of my back felt as if it had fused every ... ...have to give the radical riding position a chance you will get used to it.
Riding long distance can be as painful, because the bike is “revvy” you will find that the Gixxer can be quite hard work to ride on both long and short distances but this doesn’t matter because when you use the bike for the purpose it was designed (Scratching and going fast) it comes into its own.
Out and out speed is unreal, my top indicated speed so far ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: More speed than you need on the road Disadvantages: Not as versatile as the competition
...she likes the additional speed and the fantastic blue and white Suzuki colours, and the seat itself is generous and comfortable for pillions - but she is very high up on the bike, able to look over my head, and she isn't that tall, with the inevitable consequences for handling. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Power, Braking,handling,styling Disadvantages: Some vibration
I have rode my gsxr600 k5 now since March 05, both on the road and on track. This bike is without a doubt a track based machine,and handles way beyond my abilities as a rider. Lacks some power when dealing with the big Thou's but with some effort can just about stick in there, knee down wheel in the air is aregular on the track. With awesome stopping power on this newer model.Awesome power delivery,and what a scream from the exhaust. Corners like ... ...!. On the road it is quite tame and refined and i have done some fair distance on it. As a big guy it is still pretty comfy to ride.. and look out it wheelies for fun Highly reccommend this machine to anyone.just fantastic...... at only £5800 new. As requested a bit of the tech stuff....
599cc in line 4 cylnder DOHC 16 valve
Dry weight 161Kgs
USD Forks by Showa 43mm fully adjustable(front and rear)
New Moto Gp style braced swingarm
Non adjustable ...
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Comfort
Handling
Looks
Features
Fuel consumption
helpful
24.10.2005
(25.10.2005)
Quick review of Suzuki GSX-R600 Review ofSuzuki GSX-R600by
suzuki11
I'VE HAD THIS BIKE ALSO AND YES ITS IS AS MAD AS A BOX OF FROGS, BUT I'M DOING THIS BECAUSE I ONCE HAD A GSXR 1100, AND MY GOD IT WAS FAST BUT AS I'M ONLY 25, IT WAS TO HEAVY FOR ME, I DROPPED IT A FEW TIMES AND JUST TOO HEAVY.. BUT I NEXT BOUGHT THE GSXR 600 AND I WAS VERY SUPRISED AS IT DOES AVERYTHING AN 1100 DOES BUT ALOT MORE LIGHTER AND IT HANDLES LIKE ITS ON RAILS, IT WAS LIKE THE BIKE WAS TAKING ME FOR A RIDE OUT. I WENT TO SKEGNESS ON IT AND IT WAS REALLY COMFORTABLE, AND GOOD RIDING POSITION, YOU CAN THROW IT ROUND CORNERS, ITS A FEATHER WITH A JET ENGINE. OH AND VERY GOOD ON PETROL.
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Advantages: Sexy Looks with Race Bred performance, at low cost! Disadvantages: Petrol Guzzler!
...I have been riding motorbikes since I was old enough and ugly enough to consider it. I have now managed to gather enough money together to buy a SuzukiGSX-R600. Some may say that it is too much for an 18 year old to handle, but I would have to disagree, and say that I have never had so much fun with my clothes on!
It has sexy looks combined with top quality performance. It is lightweight, easy to flick into corners, and easy to lift the front wheel whilst being chunky and overall a fat bike!
I have owned the bike for five weeks and can't keep my butt off the seat! Not to mention the front wheel on the floor, this beast (with a road permitting) can power its way into fourth gear from low down in first on the back wheel! ;o)
However, the only problem is that of the Cam chain, most if not all slightly earlier models need to undergo...
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Advantages: POWER, pick up, alot cheaper than a car Disadvantages: takes concentration to ride, doesn't ride itself like the Honda's
...I am 26 years old and I have never owned a car. I’m quite proud of that. Instead. I am a motorbike man through and through.
And one of those bikes was a GSXR 600
I bought the GSXR 600 second hand for only $1500 (NZ, about $700 US) – which was a very good price. Even though the bike was 10 years old when I got it and had done a few kilometers (or miles, for American readers) already, it still rates as the fastest bike I have ever owned (0-100 in under 5 seconds!).
Originally I got the bike because I was moving to Gisborne to study sport and I was looking for something a little bigger than what I currently had, in order to make return trips a little faster. Well, it certainly did that. It’s 16 valve double overhead cam added up to monster pick up (great for riding the Gisborne gorge), while it’s big 600cc...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: all the fun of a 600, WITH MUCH MORE POWER!!!!!! Disadvantages: Not quite as good finish as Honda's
...SuzukiGSX-R750- A Review By Addy
Having been an ardent dedicated Honda man for the majority of my biking life, I actually relented and bought a SuzukiGSX-R 750. I was definitely looking for a step up from super-sport 600's, after having 3 different models of CBR 600. I was giving serious contemplation to two other bikes at this time which were Aprilia RSV Millie, or a Honda CBR 900 Fireblade. However, after much deliberation and friend's recommendations, I went for the Suzuki. This was based on the judgement that you get the best of both worlds combining raw 750 power in a 600 chassis. The first Gixer 750 was released in 1985 and has undergone periodical changes since then.
THE LOOK
As in the picture above I purchased mine in the typical blue and white Gixer colours. In standard form the bike is aesthetically pleasing...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
27.07.2000
20.04.2001
