BikeTest: Suzuki GSR 600Motorcycles have been undergoing a process of continuous development for over 100 years, so by now we have every reason to expect nothing short of perfection.
Sadly, all too often, the dictates of fashion as well as the cost-cutting mentality of the accountants means that we get a good deal less than we have a right to expect.
On the other hand there are occasions when the end result is as near perfect as one could wish for. Suzuki's new GSR 600 certainly falls into this category. This is an example of Suzuki's new breed of motorcycle. It aims to provide an unrivalled package of performance and flexibility. It combines comfort and style with real-world usability.
At first sight it seems to be just another modern, naked, conventional machine, with a muscular air about it. The specification is pretty standard. The large 310mm dual front disks are particularly noticeable. The headlight, a modified trapezoidal shape with rounded corners gives a very good light on both beams. The indicators, in old-style orange, are well-protected being neatly set in to the tank cowling.
The mirrors are sensibly placed and give a very good rearwards view and are set high enough to avoid conflict with car mirrors in congested traffic situations. There is nothing too radical or groundbreaking about this machine, it just does exactly what you would expect of it, and does so very well.
It is also pretty much what you want it to be. If your need is for an efficient, well-mannered ride-to-work machine, you have it. Want a machine for time off recreation? You would enjoy every moment.
Interested in more ambitious continental touring? It is well able to do that in exemplary fashion, perhaps not quite as well as one-litre machines if you need to load it with a passenger and luggage. In short it is a very capable, versatile machine.
For those still two years short of passing the driving test and restricted to 25kW machines, a reduced power version is available at no extra cost. List price is € 8,495.
Our test ride took in the highways, byways, main roads and motorways in and around Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in England. Conditions were dry, bright and somewhat on the cold side, but excellent for putting the bike through its paces.
First impression on getting on the machine is how comfortable it is, it is made to fit a human being.
At least it is for the rider who sits much more 'in' this machine than 'on' it. Less so the pillion accommodation, which is a totally orthodox, modern layout, that is of the 'modified ski-slope' variety with somewhat high-set footpegs.
This is a layout more for occasional use, tolerable if you have never experienced anything better, but not what we would choose for long distances. The 4:1:2 exhaust system terminates with twin silencers mounted under the pillion seat.
The engine is the renowned, race-proven GSX-R600 motor revised to produce more low to mid-range torque.
As you would expect from Mr Suzuki, it is another of those examples of bombproof, near-perfection. It has a smooth, powerful and progressive power output, sufficient torque and a good deal better than expected engine braking effect. Suzuki's design team, headed by Nishino Toshiyuki, using the latest vacuum die-casting technology have created a stunning aluminium-alloy frame and swinging arm. With adjustable KYB suspension all round, four-piston Tokico brakes up front and a short, sporty wheelbase, the GSR600 is set to challenge the naked middleweight class.
The non-ABS brakes are smooth and powerful. Roadholding, cornering especially, is a sheer delight.
It corners with all the enthusiasm of a terrier chasing a rat. It is one of those memorable machines, its stablemate the V-Strom DL 650 is another, that when it sees a corner ahead almost seems to say "Yes!" with eager anticipation. In terms of its cornering ability it completely puts to shame dozens of machines one could mention. You would have to be a very ham-handed rider, or a total maniac to get into trouble with this bike. Good as the six-speed gearbox is, we felt that the bike could stand higher gearing. Thankfully the very clear instruments also have a gear-position indicator which helped avoid an attempt to find a seventh gear!
The bike is fitted with SAIS; Suzuki's advanced immobiliser system for added security.
In terms of doing everything required of it and doing so in exemplary fashion the GSR 600 has to be firmly placed in the 'Highly Commended' class.
TECHSPEC
ENGINE: 599 cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-cylinder
12.5:1 compression. Fuel injection 38mm 6-speed, constant mesh gearbox.
CHASSIS: Twin-spar (aluminium alloy) frame.
Front suspension: 43mm telescopic forks fully adjustable, spring preload.
Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload, 7-way adjustable.
Rake/trail 25.5 degrees / 105 mm
DIMENSIONS:
Overall length: 2,090mm. Overall width: 775mm.
Overall height: 1,075 mm. Wheelbase: 1,400mm Seat height: 785mm
Dry weight: 183kg Fuel Tank: 16.5L
PRICE: €8,495
•In last week's BikeTest we used photographs of the BMW R1200S. The correct images should have been of the BMW F800S.