If you've ever watched the Isle of Man TT races on TV, you must have noticed that the majority of top place finishing bikes are usually Suzuki GSX models of one size or another…..600, 750, and 1000. '04 Senior TT winner Adrian Archibald was aboard a GSX R1000 and podium finisher Bruce Anstey was riding a GSX R600, among others. When it comes to high-speed road racing, the “Gixxer” is a perennial front-runner.
Not hard to see why. Even the 600 is a high-revving, lightweight screamer that, quite frankly, goes like hell. In stock form, its 599 cc four cylinder engine red-lines at 15,500 rpm….that’s right: fifteen thousand, five hundred rpm. And it gets up there in a furious burst of power that stiffens you up in your seat and extends the front forks. This ain’t no low-revving cruiser; the GSX R600 is a highly engineered sport bike that is literally a racing motorcycle in street livery. Right out of the box, you could take this bike racing and probably acquit yourself well.
Not to mention having a good time. When I picked my test bike up and got over to the nearest freeway, I cranked the throttle just a titch and burst into laughter. At 130 km/h or thereabouts in fifth, which the bike reaches in no time at all, the engine was ripping along at 7000 rpm, which isn’t even halfway to its limit. Quite frankly, you’d need access to a track to fully explore the limits of the GSXR….not to mention a few hours of racing instruction. Anyone that claims to be able to ride this bike to its maximum potential on the street is either a liar or has racing experience. Or has a death wish.
Some technical highlights. The engine of the GSX R600 has dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with electronic fuel injection, a wet sump oiling system, titanium valves, and is mated to a six-speed transmission with a chain final drive. For ’04 Suzuki has fitted a new cylinder head, giving the engine greater compression, plus lighter innards, a bigger and faster engine management system, a new exhaust system, and a slightly larger oil cooler. Result: about 105 horsepower at the back wheel, which in a bike that weighs barely over 160 kilograms, translates into neck-snapping acceleration. One of the things that brought a smile to my face during my time with the GSX R600 is that it’s not even the biggest model in this line-up…..the new-for-’04 750 has about another 20 horsepower.
Anyway, the front suspension of the 600 has inverted 43 mm forks with fully adjustable preload and damping settings and a hydraulic steering damper. Brakes are dual, four piston discs up front and a single disc in the back. To use a well-worn phrase, it stops on a dime. The spar-type frame is very similar to that on its bigger brother, the 1000, and the 600 has a new aluminum rear swingarm and a 17-litre fuel tank. Seat height is 825 mm and ground clearance is 128 mm. Behind the seat is a lockable compartment that contains a small tool kit and locking helmet holders, and there is room for your paperwork and maybe your wallet, but that’s it. Stock, the GSX R600 is a single seater, but you can buy an aftermarket pillion pad.
The GSX R600 is not commuter transport. It doesn’t like heavy traffic and seems to chafe when it’s restrained. This is a bike that wants to run and charge through corners, not idle in bumper-to-bumper gridlock. I found it intensely uncomfortable around town, because of the low handlebar/bulbous fuel tank/high saddle set-up, but much more tolerable once you get some speed up. There is only one way to sit on the Gixxer: stretched out over it like you’re praying to Mecca, with your head tucked in behind the windscreen. In short, it’s a rack.
Once the road opens up, it’s fun city. Because your head is virtually located over the front wheel, you’re right on top of all the action. Needless to say, you can lean it right over until you’re almost parallel with the ground. The only limit to the GSX R600s handling and performance is your courage and ability. But it won’t let you ride casually; you couldn’t let your mind wander on the GSXR even if you wanted to. It demands your full attention and relaxing is out of the question. If you want to rubberneck and take in the sights, go buy a cruiser; this bike is all business.
It costs $11,499.
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