The Suzuki GSX R600 revolutionised the mid-range superbike market when it was introduced in the 1990s and it is one of the best performers in its class. The current version of the famous model was released in 2011 and it is far lighter than it ever used to be, weighing a whole 9kg lesser than older models. After the 2011 update, the bike has not really undergone any major changes in the last six years. The bike is not cheap in any manner but the reliable engineering of Suzuki sets it apart.
Engine
The Suzuki GSX R600 features a four-cylinder inline motor with a fuel-injected 599cc engine that has been designed to the point of literal perfection. The Suzuki GSX R600 features a good amount of mid-range torque and has a maximum power output of 125.6 BHP. The bike has an incredible borw/stroke ratio that results in exceptionally high RPM power delivery.
The engine is more energy efficient than most of its competitors, and it uses ventilation holes, forged pistons, and chrome-nitride-coated upper compressions rings to decrease any losses due to friction and mechanical reasons. The camshafts would not look out of place on a MotoGP bike as MotoGP technology was used to develop the aggressive valve-lift profiles on the camshafts. The alloy valves are crafted with lightweight titanium and are managed by single coil valve springs to decrease the amount of mechanical losses at higher RPMs.
Chassis
The lightweight, twin-spar aluminium-alloy frame is one of the main reasons as to why the Suzuki GSX R600 is so light. The frame is comprised of five cast sections that ensure that the Suzuki GSX R600 has a perfect mixture of strength and weight. The aluminium swingarm is ideal for track usage. The front and the rear forks come with adjustable spring preload, compression damping, and rebound. The big piston front forks (BPF) develop superb performance along with the SHOWA rear shock features. The suspension is one of the best aspects of the GSX R600, and the electronic steering damper allows you to steer the bike effectively in all types of conditions.
The front brakes comprise of radially mounted, four-piston monobloc Brembo calliers and 310mm dual disc pads. The rear braking system features a 220mm disc, and the braking is truly exceptional. The braking and the suspension system sets the bike apart from the rest of its competition. The shift level and the footpegs are also adjustable, and the bike’s riding position is far more comfortable than that of its closest competitor, the Daytona 675.
Conclusion
The Suzuki GSX R600 is one of the best motorbikes in the 600cc class, and its braking and suspension in particular put it ahead of competitors such as the Honda CBR600RR, Daytona 675, and Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja. It is not particularly comfortable for those are very tall, and the biggest weakness is the lack of an ABS even as an option. It is also more expensive than most of its rivals and the lack of an ABS may be a drawback for those who live in particularly harsh conditions.
