Suzuki GSX-R600 (2004-2005)

My first bike after Direct Access I was warned off this bike as a first, The bike is fast yes but only if you want it to be. I was suprised how easy it was to drive easy to drive slowly and smooth at a much faster speed on a bumpy country lane aswell. Handles well alot easier to do manovers than the GS500 i did my test on.

Owned since Feb 2006 Problems Only that has let me down was the alarm, kept immobilising the bike and giving lots of false alarms. Have had this replaced and has been fine since. Wont be using Acumen alarms in the future, will stick to Meta systems. Review Moved on to this from a SRAD600, in my opinion the 2 bikes couldn't be more different even though they're from the same stable. Where as the SRAD is a short lardy ar*e bike the K4 is quite supermodel like in comparision. It's slightly taller so shortar*e's may struggle to get a leg over but it's lighter and thinner so once you're on its a lot easier to throw around. Saying that though it is still a comfy bike, the seat is nicely padded, the pegs at the right height (for me anyway, 5' 11") and a decent reach to the bars, racy but not extreme. The original screen had to go in exchange for a DB, on my first ride home my head was getting ripped off with the wind blast!!!! As with any bike get some crash bungs as well. Suspension wise - it's there and fully adjustable, mine is on the factory settings which you may find too soft for hard riding. I don't understand all this compression and rebound malarky but I know it's too soft for the track so will get it adjusted on my next trackday. Brakes - You pull the lever, the bike stops. You pull it too hard, you'll go over the bars!!! Do radial brakes really make a difference to the everyday rider??? Not to me but they look good!! Engine - It's always started first time and never let me down, pulls strongly from 3-4k rpm right to the redline. Good for a indicated 160mph (on a private test track of course). Decent amount of midrange as well allowing you to be lazy with the 'box. Gearbox - It's a Gixxer, best gearboxes on the planet!!! Final Word I love my bike!!! Plan to keep it for another year but only because I'll want more power, even then I plan to stay in the GSXR family with poss a K6 750. Its done whatever I've asked of it, whether thrapping round a track, bimbling round country roads or got me home in torrential rain. It's never let me down apart from the alarm which is an aftermarket thing, it's got the power when you need it, the brakes are fantastic, it doesn't cripple you each time you get on it. It's built my confidence up a lot and when it goes it will be missed!

Just bought a gixer 6 k4, i've had a few bikes but this is by far the best, handles well and has a good wrist to mph reaction. gets a wee tad sore on the wrists after about 20-30 miles but apart from that there is nowt wrong with it. just changed my TL1000R for this GSXR 600.........great move

I owned a Gixer K4 last year and did 3000 miles on it. I loved the bike (apart from the comfort) and foolishly traded it in for a new Yamaha Fazer FZ6 because I thought my wife would prefer it for riding pillion. Well she came out on the Fazer twice and decided it wasn't for her. So I've regretted selling the GSXR ever since. The Fazer may have more comfort but in terms of looks and excitement it's like comparing a Ford Mondeo with a Porche 911. Get a GSXR. Period. Strengths:
Looks, engine, sound, wind protection, lightness, agility, brilliant acceleration. And it's a GSXR. The best 600 in my opinion. Weaknesses: A bit heavy on the wrists, and no hugger as standard - thats about it. But I'm going to get another one. A K4 or K5. So that says a lot for it !