Suzuki GSR 600: Comparative test drive with Yamaha FZ6N

RU-MOTO rating
  • Reliability
  • Chassis
  • Appearance
  • Comfort
  • Price

4.6

Verdict

Suzuki GSR 600 is an excellent choice for daily use: relatively budget-friendly; comfortable driving position; eats fuel moderately; inexpensive to operate; bright appearance.

Just a few years ago, almost every street racer dreamed of buying a Suzuki GSR 600. This long-awaited bestseller from the Japanese automobile concern was released in 2006 as a counterweight to motorcycle models from competitors from Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. What captivated the hearts of thousands of bikers with this model? This is what she looks like in the photo:

External view of the Suzuki GSR 600 motorcycle

Read on about its features and characteristics.

Model description

Suzuki GSR 600 2006 is a high-tech motorcycle model with a sporty bent. It was produced until 2011, giving way to the GSR 750. Its features:

  • modified injection engine from the GSX-R 600 sports model with an electronic fuel injection system;
  • new instrument panel with an informative LCD screen;
  • reinforced cast aluminum frame;
  • powerful brakes with 4 pistons and ABC;
  • possibility of rear suspension adjustment;
  • bright aggressive design.

The developers paid due attention to ergonomics. The shape of the saddle provides a comfortable, loose fit for both driver and passenger. The motorcyclist does not need to reach up to the handlebars, and when stopping, it is easy to touch the ground with his foot. The special shape of the tank allows the driver to comfortably wrap his legs around it during turns and braking.

Read other motorcycle reviews of the Honda CBR600RR: technical specifications, prices and reviews

Technical features of the Suzuki GSR 600

Video

  • Review of the Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle.
  • A story about the Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle.

Suzuki GSX-R600

– this motorcycle is one of the best in its class. Powerful, stylish, fast and dynamic – what else do you need for a sportbike?

The design of the motorcycle loudly whispers about its own sportiness. This model is hard not to notice on the road:

graceful, swift and at the same time aggressive silhouette

incomparable forms that will appeal to even the most picky aesthetes;

the exhaust is raised at a peculiar angle, which immediately visually distinguishes the bike from the general flow.

This model appeared at the very beginning of the 90s of the last century. Its “father” was the engine from the Suzuki GSX R 750. Today, the Suzuki GSX R 600 is a powerful supersport, producing 126 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds of up to 289 km/h. It accelerates to hundreds of kilometers in literally 3 seconds. Miracles – and that’s all!

It would seem that with such characteristics the pilot should go broke on fuel. But no, the 17-liter tank allows at average speed (if this bike even has such a concept) to spend only 6.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. However, if the owner of the motorcycle uses a mixed riding style, then the fuel will last for a maximum of 200 kilometers.

During the model's existence, engineers were able to reduce its weight by almost 50 kilograms. To date, there are at least 7 modifications that this motorcycle has gone through. Indeed, in addition to weight, both the appearance of the unit and its technical characteristics were changed, which only became more perfect.

What additional advantages does the Suzuki GSX R600 have? Manufacturers did not limit their flight of fancy. At the output we get:

a perfect braking system that does not cause any complaints;

at high speeds the pilot is perfectly saved by the installed windshield;

the engineers can give the engineers a solid A for the handling of the motorcycle;

excellent maneuverability allows you to move freely both on the highway and around the city, which is stuck in traffic jams;

The built-in 32-bit computer is now responsible for most important functions.

But, since we are talking about advantages, it would be a crime to remain silent about disadvantages. Yes, they are insignificant, but they are still worth mentioning. So, let's look at them in ascending order:

Only the owner of the motorcycle can fit on the seat. The bike is not designed for the second number. No, of course you can travel together, but it will be a bit crowded. However, those who like to travel alone do not consider this disadvantage at all.

Only at high speeds does the engine begin to “sing” pleasantly to the driver’s ears.

A number of spare parts are difficult to find.

The most serious drawback is the lack of a fuel level indicator. Of course, the cost of the motorcycle is not much, but it still bites. The price of a new bike starts from 580 thousand rubles, and a good used motorcycle will need to shell out about $6,000.

Let's summarize - the Suzuki GSX R600 should not be chosen by those people who are just learning the science of driving a steel two-wheeled horse. This powerful bike is definitely not for beginners. Before purchasing, it is recommended to find the owners of the 600th Jixer and talk to them about all its nuances. This will make it clear whether you are really ready to ride this motorcycle.

Tuning

Buying a stock motorcycle necessarily means customizing it to suit the driver’s parameters. This increases safety and improves handling and ride quality. Common tuning options:

  • installation of protective arches on the engine;

Protection bars on the Suzuki GSR 600 engine

  • replacing the stock exhaust (weight 5 kg) with a lighter one;
  • replacing brakes with more reliable ones, with a “floating” disc;
  • replacing the engine cover with a chrome one;
  • replacing shift knobs with shorter ones;

Tuning shift knobs for Suzuki GSR 600

Read other motorcycle reviews Kawasaki ER-6N motorcycle review

  • Replacing the stock driver and passenger footrests with lightweight ones.

The main thing in tuning is not to overdo it, and to use a simple axiom: “A racing car is built around the driver.” After all, a bike is created for the biker, and not vice versa.

Blog named after RMZS → Trackday – July. Let's learn to drive correctly.

Hi all! And again Bike Post Moscow is with you. ))) The tradition of maintaining relations between Bike Post and the GSR club is contagious and has a very positive effect on spending weekends together. I am very pleased to capture different moments from the life of riders (somehow “biker” is not really a word - they are all not pot-bellied, but very athletic guys), and it is not at all difficult for me to “filter” hundreds of photographs and compress them over and over again, choosing the most successful. I feel like a photojournalist for the weekly issue of the Moscow branch of BP))). I hope our habit of meeting and making friends will grow and develop. And soon a certain BP movement will be born. It would be interesting to know what it's called.

Once again I would like to remember with kind words the founders of the resource and thank them for their work and maintaining information interest in motorcycles and their owners. So, the lyrics have now ended briefly about July 11, 2010 (Sunday). It was my fault that we gathered at 15.40 (I had previously climbed on all sorts of rooftops with a camera). Here are a few to “apology” to the guys (Chukcha and Dimon - Dimych, can I call you that already???) who were “fried” waiting for me.

Breakdowns and malfunctions

There are several main technological faults:

  • absence of a retaining ring on the oil seal of the cooling system pump. After a certain period of operation, the oil pushes the oil seal out and a severe leak occurs;
  • accelerated wear of the steering column bearings due to the presence of “technological” holes in the frame:

Major technological malfunctions of the Suzuki GSR 600

The accumulation of dust and dirt in these holes damages the bearings, causing play in the steering wheel. To fix the problem, you just need to seal these holes;

  • when driving at low speeds, jerks in the fuel injection system appear;
  • Driving at high speeds on the motorway causes steering vibration, which impairs visibility through the side mirrors.

The pluses include the durability of the clutch cable for the Suzuki GSR 60, which distinguishes this model from most competitors.

Blog named after DOZA → In this very familiar place for me, it’s time for me to meet you!

Hi all! I am a secret fan of BikePost. I want to meet you and tell you about my impressions. I want to write right away - I don’t have a motorcycle, but I have a husband on a motorcycle. In the distant future, I would like to. But... That's a different story. My husband’s love for motorcycles pushed me to become a reader of such a friendly site. At first I didn't share his interest. I was categorically against the purchase. How I swore, got angry, was nervous and worried - only God knows. But love for a motorcycle is a disease. And I couldn’t influence his opinion in any way. Bought. Suzuki GSR600. There was no limit to the joy. The motorcycle has become a way of life. Freedom, adrenaline, no thoughts about problems, work, you forget about everything. And I, recently, became his passenger. I decided to do this, at first, because of the traffic jams, they make me think about two-wheeled transport. But the mass of emotions that captured me from the first trip still does not let go. What was it?! It’s impossible to describe in words, but I’ll try.) It felt like we had merged into one, flying through an open corridor of cars going in different directions. Don’t think that we drive fast in traffic jams, no more than 30-40 km/h, it’s just that when you sit in the back the sensations become more intense. By the way, about “sitting in the back” - it’s comfortable for me! Although, looking at the seat, I couldn’t say that. You need to sit like a “bag”, pressed tightly together, not dangling, not interfering with turns - be one with the driver along the entire path of the road. I’m generally silent about hugs, it’s so good to be close, very close - like one! And when the throttle is twisted, there is such a roar that gives me goosebumps, and at the same time the cars make way, and only we are the masters of the road! There is no limit to delight! Cork! Where? Who? How? As if it never happened). I began to ride a motorcycle as a passenger more often, giving up the car. I thought it would be hard for me to give up comfort, an automatic transmission, soft seats and music, but emotions swallowed me whole! This is what gives you a feeling of freedom, a rush of adrenaline... I think no car can convey what a motorcycle gives. I also started going to motorcycle shows, visiting motorcycle cafes, and probably visited all the motorcycle stores, especially when looking for equipment. But it turned out to be very difficult to find one for me (size “XS” is not available everywhere). I started buying toy motorcycles, the child demands to buy him a helmet. Our family has gone crazy! (Moreover, I hear HIM driving up to the house

I recognize our “Ryzhik” from a thousand by its sound) That’s how it happens!) And the last thing: you need to drive a motorcycle with extreme caution, treat it like a loved one, and believe me, it will repay you in kind. I would also like to wish motorcyclists who ride with passengers safety together and respect for each other. Including the horse.

Main competitors

  1. Honda Hornet
    third generation (2007 – 2012).

Characteristics:

  • maximum speed: 225 km/h;
  • fuel consumption: 5.8 l / 100 km;
  • acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 3.3 s;
  • weight: 172 / 202 kg – dry / equipped;
  • price: from $2300 (2007), to $7000 (2012).

The number one competitor has a 15 km/h lower maximum speed, 0.8 liters higher consumption, and an order of magnitude more expensive than the prices of models from recent years of production.

  1. Yamaha FZ6
    (2004 - 2009 release).

Characteristics:

  • speed maximum: 219 km/h;
  • fuel consumption: 6.4 l / 100 km;
  • acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 s;
  • weight: 185 / 209 kg – dry / equipped;
  • price: from $3500 (2004), to $6500 (2009).

Competitor number two has a 21 km/h lower maximum speed, 1.4 liters more fuel consumption, and a significantly higher price than Suzuki models of the same year.

  1. Kawasaki Z750
    second generation (2007 – 2012 release).

Characteristics:

  • top speed: 230 km/h;
  • fuel consumption: 6.5 l / 100 km;
  • acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 s;
  • weight: 203 / 222 kg – dry / equipped;
  • price: from $2200 (2007), to $6500 (2012).

Competitor number three has a 10 km/h lower maximum speed, 1.5 liters more consumption, and a higher price for similar models.

So, the Suzuki GSR 600 is the fastest (maximum speed – 240 km/h), in terms of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h it is inferior to the Honda Hornet by 0.1, beats competitors in price, and is the most economical in fuel consumption.

Spare parts for the GSR 600 cost approximately the same as those of the listed competitors. You can save money by ordering cheaper, non-original spare parts.

Video

Suzuki GSR 600

is a classic naked bike with a modern twist. This mid-sized city motorcycle has very good technical characteristics and a reasonable price, which makes it quite popular among a wide variety of motorcyclists, from beginners to experienced riders. There is also a “younger” version - the Suzuki GSR 400, intended for the Japanese domestic market and differing from it only in the piston engine. This bike has been produced since 2006, and as of 2016 it is still not out of production.

On the one hand, this model cannot boast of any special innovations that distinguish it favorably from competitors, nor adherence to the classic style. On the other hand, the combination of price and performance comparable to such a super popular motorcycle as the Suzuki Bandit 1200 makes the GSR 600 a very interesting option. It costs, of course, more than, for example, the Suzuki Gladius 650, but it surpasses it in all respects. Perhaps this balance of characteristics is its main advantage.

The liquid-cooled in-line four, which the bike received in a derated form from the Suzuki GSX-R600 sportbike, installed in a light-alloy frame, produces 98 hp. and about 6 Nm of torque - characteristics comparable to the main competitor of this model, the Honda Hornet 600. The engine loves high speeds - peak power occurs at 12,000 rpm, and peak torque at 9,600 rpm. The gearbox is six-speed, the first two gears are quite short, but you can safely switch to the last gear, sixth, at 110-120 km/h. The maximum speed of the Suzuki GSR 600 is 240 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is about three and a half seconds.

The character of this motorcycle can be described as “nervous”; it reacts quite sharply to the opening of the gas, which may come as a surprise to an inexperienced motorcyclist

In first gear, it easily gets onto the rear wheel, so you need to move off carefully, especially on a wet road. However, the Suzuki GSR 600 is distinguished by excellent smoothness and precise, silent operation of the gearbox, which makes it easier to control, and its designers did not deprive it of brakes

4-piston calipers are installed on both brake discs at the front, and a single-piston caliper at the rear. Subjectively, the rear brake is of little use, but it still makes its contribution to the braking process, especially if you handle it skillfully.

The maneuverability of the Suzuki GSR 600 can be described as impressive. While on the move, it easily takes sharp turns, both at high speed and at low speed, and easily maneuvers between cars, leaving them behind if desired, without straining at all. However, the sharpness of control largely depends on the suspension settings (the rear shock absorber of the GSR 600 is adjustable in seven positions; the fork is adjustable only by preload), which will allow you, so to speak, to tailor the motorcycle “to you.”

Due to the lack of wind protection, low ground clearance and not the most “long-range” landing, the Suzuki GSR 600 feels best in the city, and not on long trips. However, the 16.5-liter gas tank is enough for more than 250 kilometers of road, and the GSR 600S version has some kind of standard windshield to help cope with the wind. The bike, of course, still won’t become a motorcycle for traveling, but on city streets it feels confidently in its element.

Owner reviews

The GSR 600 is a station wagon. It is comfortable and convenient to drive in the city, and on the high-speed track, thanks to its technical data, it will clearly be among the first.

Screenshot No. 2. Reviews from Suzuki GSR 600 owners

Screenshot No. 3. Reviews from Suzuki GSR 600 owners

Screenshot No. 4. Reviews from Suzuki GSR 600 owners

Read other motorcycle reviews Great review of the Stels Enduro 250 motorcycle

Blog named after DOZA → From hatred to love one step!

Dear girls! Yes, you are the other half! In this post I am addressing you specifically. But the male population will also find this post informative and interesting to read, since it reflects the feelings of your Close Person. So, my other half has become seriously interested in motorcycles, and sometimes I even get the feeling that I, my family and my home have faded into the background. The motorcycle began to appear in first place. All free time, money and thoughts began to be devoted to him. Of course, this assumption or feeling was wrong + BUT STILL! It is quite possible that many married or other couples will recognize a piece of their life in this post. How did my assumptions and suspicions develop:

Blog named after RMZS → Help me decide on a purchase: Suzuki or Honda?

Hello fellow two-wheeled motorized riders! So, several months of winter have passed, “mototoxicosis” is beginning to make itself known more and more persistently. I still can’t and don’t want to give up the pleasure of riding a horse, not “IN” or “IN”. When the temperature reaches more or less positive temperatures, I plan to immediately buy a two-wheeled beast, and then become friends with it for a long time, because traffic jams irritate me more than the possibility of getting wet in the rain. And in this purchase I would like to receive the most clear advice, comments, or simply: the pros or cons of the “animals” I have chosen. Your options would also be interesting, with the explanation: “Why exactly is he good?”

  • RMZS
  • Maksim
  • January 5, 2010 at 08:42 pm
  • rating: +14
Rating
( 1 rating, average 5 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]