2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 Preview

Introduction

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

A potent middleweight bike with more than a thing or two left to prove in its class, the Gixxer 600 is a beast backed up by the same fuel-injected 599cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that is perfectly valued through a six-speed transmission, both units working closely together to power smoothly the light and nimble chassis out of those tight corners of the track.

Most to do with that will have the innovative Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system featuring dual fuel injectors instead of one. Also, the rider will be choosing from three engine settings allowed by the S-DMS engine management system.

Without a doubt, the GSX-R will stand out from any scenario, but more important is what keeps it on the scene, goodies such as the light aluminum frame, Showa suspensions and Tokico brakes.

History

1992 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Suzuki started production of the GSX-R 600 sport bike in 1992 as a result of the market’s request for more docile motorcycle compared to the 1992 GSX-R 750 model. Basically, what that means is that you would have the same engine specifications only that applied on a 599cc engine. As a result, the water-cooled, inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves motor produced 106hp at 12,600rpm.

The bike carried on without changes in 1993 and afterwards production was stopped for the next three years.

1997 Suzuki GSX-R 600

In 1997, the Gixxer marked its comeback with a totally redesigned engine featuring the SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) system. The horsepower would have been lowered to 97hp at 12,100rpm for longer engine life, but the bike remained as fast as always due to the 75 lbs weight loss. Also, the new Suzuki looked way more refined than when it was first introduced, leaving no doubts that it would carry on with no interruptions this time.

The 1998 model year was produced without any changes brought to the bike.

But for 1999, things were about to go the way the motorcycle press anticipated. The low weight was still a thing the GSX-R 600 could brag about only that it was now moved by a greater stud: 110hp at 11,800rpm. That year marked a big evolutionary step and the bikes produced then are recognized after their yellow paint schemes.

Except from lightening that yellow color, the year 2000 brought nothing new to this Suzuki.

2001 Suzuki GSX-R 600

A major revision was planned for the 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 600 involving a redesigned exterior and a more powerful engine. The first had the effect of lightening the bike to 359 lbs (pretty good compared to the previous 383 lbs) and, of course, making it sharper looking while the technical modifications brought to that water-cooled 599cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves engine resulted in 115hp at 13,000rpm.

Lighter, more aggressive, both in style and performance, the middleweight Suzuki sport bike didn’t reserve any upgrades for the next two years. From 2002 we can remember the GSX-R 600 M Telefonica while 2003 brought the GSX-R 600 Z Alstare.

2004 Suzuki GSX-R 600

AS you already know, 2004 was a big year for Suzuki and that reflected on the bike we review today. Entirely new, the GSX-R 600 features a 15mm narrower twin-spar black-coated frame, 20mm narrower at the knees fuel tank, 200mm closer together footpegs, fully-adjustable inverted 43mm front forks as well as a new rear shock. Also, the front braking system now featured four-piston radical-mount front brake calipers actuated by a radial-piston master cylinder. By now, the engine produced 126hp at 13,000rpm Color schemes available were Black/Red, Blue/White, Yellow.

The 2005 model year carried on with only new graphics added to it.

2006 Suzuki GSX-R 600

For 2006, Suzuki prepared a new engine and chassis, both being lighter and sharper performing. The seat was lowered (15mm) and the entire bike was shortened (also with 15mm) while the new fuel injection system features twin injectors for greater power. The redesigned fairing improved aerodynamics and the instrument cluster now featured a gear position indicator. Colors were: White/Blue, Red/Black, Black/Gray, Silver/White.

The 2007 model was painted Blue/White, Red/White, Black/Matte Black and Blue/Black.

The highest level of development was achieved on the 2008 model year. This is when the bike received significant revisions to the chassis and to the ingenious fuel injection system while the exhaust was now the coolest ever seen on a Suzuki bike and it also didi the job well. Horsepower remains the same, but colors change in Blue/White, Silver/Yellow, White/Silver and Black/Matte Black.

 1  2 3

Next page