Suzuki RF600R (1993-1997)

"I was expecting more than this" where my thoughts throughout. i gave it a 25 minute raz down a common route of mine i know inside out and unlike even heavy twins like the RSV, the RF6 just didnt like what it was doing. my riding style (more off the better) didnt endear either, a very heavy clutch combines to make smooth semi slipper clutch moves very hard learnt/ fought after. i was initially expecting maybe too much, but it was the fore farther in some ways to my favoured SV. with the SV, iam looking at easy power which isnt intimidating, but "there" nonetheless. these are clearly snapped up by the winter hack riders and the "first big bike"rs, a combination of cheapness bodes people to it, although, i really dont mind the look, i like it as it IS an RF! but it IS also heavy and i had to spend a good 5 mins adjusting the susps to suit my now 14.5 stone semi athletic build. If it where new i may of had a better reaction but i came in contact with what i was told to be a "decent example", which doesnt hold much sway with me anyway, but it felt terrible, i cant get a redeeming feature outside "but its cheap for everything", so yeah, sorry RF!

Had this bike for a year now and use it daily for the ten mile congested stretch of city laden roads. Its been modified as the handle bars are just too far forward for this type of work.Was very uncomfortable, but I find most sports positions are a little awkward. With straight bars it becomes a useable tool. It does need to be wound up and has a nasty flat spot lower down the rev range, just about 3-4000 rpm. Can be a little annoying at the lights. But has been reliable for the daily grind. Had to change plugs due to misfire but as its a wear and tear item can't grumble. This is a commendale machine and with confidence can keep up with most stuff(it ain't what you've got its how you ride it), brakes are fine just coming up to first pad change. For the money it has been fantastic its not the best but it does what it says on the tin.! It is a good honest work horse which continues to deliver a reliable service in the morning followed by a destressing phereputic BLAST for the way home.Satisfying touching and holding the throttle to the stop for as long as you can. Wouldnt be able to do that on bigger bikes. Easy to service by your self and comes apart easily. Only workshop work really would be a valve clearance check/adjust every 8000. But most people don't even do that much mileage in 4 years. Working mans two wheels.

On my second RF600. I traded the first for an exotic italian and regretted it immediately. Three years later (and far fewer miles than there should have been) I sold the Italian and bought another RF. They are cheap (especially if you get a US/Canadian import - only difference is that the headlight and tail-lights are always on... big deal!) and totally reliable - five years ownership and one puncture been the only issue. Gearbox is a delight, brakes are OK, engine is amazing if only plastics were not so brittle :-( Heavyweight, all-year sports-tourer ... Recommended!!!