Motorcycle specifications Suzuki600 GSX-R 2001 Small bomb

Although its styling is modelled on that of the 750 and 1000, the 600 is unique and particularly lean for its class. With a dry weight of 163 kg, the GSX-R broke the 600 sport bike weight record.

It now benefits from fuel injection and a sharper chassis based on the 750. Bluffingly agile, it takes corners in its stride, throws itself into them without restraint, and remains imperial in its stability. The front drivetrain is a little less lively than the R6's, but more reassuring and less fickle. Thanks to the steering damper supplied as standard. The boiler now produces 115hp, but it's the engine's handling that has improved the most, thanks to fuel injection. More docile and with (a little) more puff at the bottom of the rev counter, it still needs to be revved above 8,000 rpm to send out the big watts. Once in the right rev range, the bike takes off like a fury.

The riding position is sporty but not radical, the saddle not too mean; even the suspension, which is very effective, is complacent. This supersport also suffers from the Suzuki shortcoming: the brakes, while effective and powerful, lack bite. Not to mention the protection, which gradually disappears from generation to generation.

Obviously, a machine like this has no place in town or on vacation roads. Less radical than an R6, the riding position is still very sporty. On the track, it's a formidable machine that retains a certain user-friendliness.

M.B - manufacturer's photos