The Suzuki GSX R600 is one of the beasts that prowl the motorcycle middleweight class. So, when Suzuki Philippines handed over me their keys of the GSX-R600 for a long test ride, I felt like Loris Capirossi who was about to take my place on the grid of a MotoGP race.
Upon straddling the bike for the first time and starting it up, I immediately felt the rider-friendliness and the dominating power that was about to hit the ground. The bike’s clutch is easy-to-use thanks to a precise gearing housed in a six-speed gearbox.
Amazingly, it has a “drive mode selector” which newbie bike enthusiast will surely appreciate. The Drive Mode selector is a three-way power mode button that is designed to modulate power. In other words, you can select your speed via the drive mode—from 180 kph down to 120 kph.
Most popularly known as the “Gixxer” in the sports bike category, the Suzuki GSX-R600 is powered by a gas-injected 599 cc, which speed addicts would definitely love.
The aluminum-alloy frame which utilizes five cast sections is engineered to deliver the ideal balance of rigidity and weight for improved handling. The real surprise was the suspension package. The shock matched the fork perfectly and gives the bike some great mid-corner stability.
The GSX R600 has an inverted telescopic coil spring at front (with spring preload adjustable) and link-type coil spring at the rear that provide comfortable traction. Both are designed to ensure smoother, lighter, and more comfortable ride.
There are large ventilation holes located between the cylinder bores which are designed to reduce internal pumping pressure and minimal mechanical losses. Suzuki’s engineers put a lot more effort in ensuring safety protection for riders. Thus, the GSX R600 is equipped with a lightweight Tokico single piston rear brake caliper mounted on a new rear caliper bracket and works on the rear brakes.
The LED combination taillight and brake light is built into the rear of the tail section, featuring a red mirror lens that covers LEDs. The front 120/70ZR17MC and rear 180/55ZR17MC tires are mounted on light and rigid curved 3-spoke alloy wheels.
From any angle, the GSX R600 is distinct, giving it an aggressive sharp look that features a bold headlight design and angular tail section. The headlight layout in the GSX R600 features a projector low beam and multi-reflector headlamps for left and right high beams that create improved light distribution.
The GSX R600 instrument cluster includes a step motor-controlled analog tachometer, LCD speedometer, dual trip meters, clock, fuel reserve and a gear position indicator. The gas tank is a bit narrow while the seat isn’t as inclined as you would expect from a sports bike.
Without doubt, this new Gixxer is a new tough cookie that will definitely give you the best package to win a race.
Article contributed by:
KRIS C. LIM
Kris C. Lim is currently the managing director of PRLAB media and communication. Kris career spans for more than 10 years in various field of marketing, advertising, and managing editorial assignments. He was also a former managing editor of POWER WHEELS, a car magazine that focuses on aftermarket and performance tuning. A confessed car freak, Kris is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the prestigious Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) and also regularly writes for Business Mirror.
