Suzuki GSX-R600 (2008-current)

Just as the title says this bike has silky smooth handling. After being out of the saddle since 1992 I wanted a machine that would be forgiving but also something i could grow into and enjoy. Something i wouldn't outlearn quickly [i.e. something fast!!]. I like this as it has the drive mode settings which limits the torque going out at the rear wheel. I have ridden it on mode C for about 2 months [the 65bhp setting]. As I got more confident I moved from C to B [about 85 bhp] and then onto Mode A [ Full power]. This bike is excellent if you have been out of biking sometime and want something forgiving yet formidable. You can increase the power the bike makes the better you get at riding. The handling is excellent and light, the steering damper works a treat [not like the bikes of yesteryear]. All in all i ma glad i went for this bike over the others in the 600cc SS market. Power, excellent brakes, Drive mode which really works well, slipper clutch that makes down shifting straight forward!!. What more can you ask for ??!!

I like it for my first sports bike and the gearbox is silk compared to an FZ1's gearbox, makes it feel like kicking a bag of spanners, but over all i miss the torque of a bigger engine so when my NCB gets better im swapping for a big boys one i think, oh and having a steering dampener has opened my eyes, why doesn't every bike get one and a gear indicator......??

Just picked mine up this weekend and braking the engine in on a restricted ecu but it still feels fast even below 7K RPM. I will post a more detailed review after brake in and trying it full power. But the bike is easy to ride and handle despite coming from a 125 machine and only been biking 3 months. Throttle quite sensitive but you become use to it, gear position indicator very helpful i think they should be on all bikes.

I owned this bike for only about 500ish miles so this review is limited, however here my thoughts and opinion on it for the short time i owned one. I was looking for a newish sportsbike for pure fun factor, a quick blast here and there on my local fave A roads is mainly the riding i do. I got a great deal on a 1000 mile immaculate k8 in blue and white. Well what can i say, the bike was perfect but maybe too perfect, handling was outstanding, never felt scared on this bike once know matter how stupidly i rode it, it is comfortable especially with the adjustable foot rests even for taller riders(I am 6'2) and just did everything perfect, the engine is good for road riding with plenty of the power down low and in the midrange but dies off as you reach the higher revs, gearbox was Suzuki slick and even the mirrors were good for a sportsbike. But . . . . i did sell it after 500 miles or so. it just wasn't all that exciting to ride, if you want a 600 that is easy to ride very fast, commute or need comfort or just ease of use it may suit your needs very well as this bike does everything perfect, however if you want a bike to knock your socks off, float your boat and spin your propellers look else where. I have since bought a K4 750 that has all the excitement and aggression that should come with a GSXR.