World first test: GSX-R600

We’ve been at the world first test of the all-new GSX-R600 over the weekend at the Misano circuit in Italy.

MCN’s Michael Neeves rode the new sports 600 on Saturday and Sunday for a full first test report which will appear in MCN, out on Wednesday, January 28. Until then, here are his first impressions of a bike that looks set to be king of the track…

” It’s a lot smaller, and more nimble than the current model. It’s lighter, too – 2kg lighter than the 2003 bike. It doesn’t sound a lot but it’s where they’ve knocked the weight off, that’s the impressive bit.

” Most of the weight has been taken out of the engine components which means the engine revs freer, higher and makes more peak power, with more midrange, too.

” The bike’s easier to flick around a race track, too.

” As a track bike, straight out of the crate, it’s going to be the best of the 600s. It’s got such a good chassis and such good handling. But whether it makes it as the best all-round road bike, we’ll have to wait and see, because it is very track focused.

” For example, it doesn’t feel as soft to ride as the R6 and the engine doesn’t feel as smooth as a CBR. It’s a typical GSX-R hooligan. It even sounds like the GSX-R1000.”

For Neeves’ full world first report read MCN on Wednesday January 28. And we’ll bring you the full on-road, on-track and on-dyno group test of the GSX-R600 versus the CBR600, ZX-6R, R6, Daytona 600 and 749S during February. Keep checking back for more details.

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