SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2001 - 2003) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 101 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm)
Weight: Low (359 lbs / 163 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £1,900 - £3,600

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

What a makeover! And just in time… As other sports 600s were creeping ahead, Suzuki looked as if it would be left for dead. And then they came up with this Suzuki GSX-R600.

Slimmed down, firmed up and with power and torque figures to raise front wheels as well as eyebrows, the new Suzuki GSX-R600 was an absolute storm.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Virtually completely rebuilt, the new Suzuki GSX-R600 proved lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic.

The rigid chassis and excellent suspension made easy work of hard cornering whilst the brakes were good but lacked initial bite. Handling was sharp and precise… The Suzuki GSX-R600 is almost too good for the road!

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

After years of sluggish midrange, the Suzuki GSX-R600 finally got the tweaks it needed. Performance figures went through the roof as the power spread down the rev range but still remained frenzied up top. New fuel injection was super smooth, even low down. This Suzuki GSX-R600 is a masterpiece.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Earlier Suzuki GSX-R600s weren’t renowned for having a brilliant finish: the engine’s always been the strongest point. The newer model seems slightly better off although paintwork chipping easily is a common complaint. Beware: the Suzuki GSX-R600 gobbles up tyres and brake pads with gusto. Overall quality: average to good.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

When it came out, theSuzuki GSX-R600 was cheaper than a Yamaha R6Honda CBR600FS, Triumph TT600 and Kawasaki ZX-6R. That, combined with it’s awesome, racy looks and top performance made it a huge seller.

The Suzuki GSX-R600 holds its value pretty well too, against its rivals, and given its capabilities and mechanical reliability, it remains a fantastic buy.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Suzuki GSX-R600 dash was a digital/analogue combo and the bike featured a steering damper, bungee hooks, good mirrors and headlight.

The SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) provided silky acceleration. Brought up to date, the Suzuki GSX-R600 became draw-droppingly beautiful and had the exhaust note to match.

Specs

Engine size 599cc
Engine type 16v inline four, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Seat height 830mm
Bike weight 163kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 36 mpg
Annual road tax £84
Annual service cost £200
New price -
Used price £1,900 - £3,600
Insurance group 14 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 101 bhp
Max torque 48 ft-lb
Top speed 158 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 11 secs
Tank range 143 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1996: Suzuki GSX-R600 first launched.
1998: First major overhaul of Suzuki GSX-R600.
2001: This Suzuki GSX-R600, the first of the “K” series, introduced after being virtually rebuilt from the ground up. Amongst the mods were the addition of fuel injection, new bodywork and styling, longer travel front suspension, an aluminium rear shock, and a longer wheelbase and swingarm. Very similar in appearance to the 750 and 1000cc varients.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2001 - 2003)

22 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2001 - 2003) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2001 - 2003)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
5 out of 5
15 September 2023 by Stephen

Year: 2003

Great bike. Love it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 2001 gsxr 600 owners review
30 April 2016 by curt

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £200

I have ownd a 2001 R6, comparisons are similar if anything at all the gsxr may be a bit bulkier but sertanly torquer and they sound better to

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Like any super sport they're meant to be ridden hard so they're not the best for long trips

Engine 5 out of 5

Torque and power keeps comming on

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very little goes wrong as long as you treat the bike with some care more then likely gunna right a super sport of before you completely wear a engine out

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Serviced every 5000 km with quality oils u can't go wrong

Equipment 5 out of 5

The factory colour skeem with the white rims looks sick

Buying experience: Played $3000 with 6 months rego at the start of 2016

5 out of 5
18 April 2016 by T C

Year: 2002

My first road bike after passing my test, and kept it for three years. everyone told me not to get a sports bike for a first bike and I'm so glad I didn't listen to them. Absolutely amazing what a rush. The gsxr has always been better than me, inspires confidence and forgives your mistakes. If you buy one for a first sports bike you won't be disappointed. Supper fast, and amazing handling. Never missed a beat, supper reliable.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 under estimated
07 March 2014 by shuey

had a k3 last summer but couldnt bare the back breaking riding position (im 6ft 1 ) i wish i couldve kept it theyre a great bike...power and reliability are what comes to mind very light and for a 600 shockingly quick it seems like it was pulled off the track and had a headlight put on lol not really suited for a tall rider or long distance but other than that a great machine..

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 I cant
09 June 2008 by dougie399

over knock the GSXR - They dont still make it for no reason after all! However I have to say after all the hype and warnings of how fierce it would be I was slightly dissapointed to find that it's not really that fierce at all! When you just want to bimble about the GSXR will allow you to do that without a problem however to get a wriggle on you needed to wring its kneck! Not in a satisfying two stroke screaming way either .. more like an oh my god Im killing it way! So would definately say its lacking mid range torque. Its not an offensive bike but I so wanted it to 'rock my world' and it just didnt! horses for courses i guess!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 Super Bike!
25 May 2008 by timmy637

I only just took delivery of my black/silver gixxer three days ago, but I'm loving every second of it! I previously had a K3 GPZ500S, so this was a huge shock to the system. Acceleration is just out of this world, it wants to rip your arms out of their sockets whilst you hang on for dear life! Handling is super, the steering dampener makes the bike so stable at high speeds. The stiff frame and grip from the tyres makes me hold much more speed into corners that I would never have done on the GPZ. Top marks for the frame. Engine wise its great, absolutely stonking amounts of power in there. Theres a slight lack of midrange but as soon as you get to the high revs its a hoot. Finish isn't exactly up there with Honda, but its average. Paint chips quite easily, and I think without some TLC you would see some corrosion if you ride all year round like I do. But a good anti-corrosion product should help with that. All in all, I absolutely LOVE this bike. Currently saving for a double bubble, being 6ft the standard screen isn't high enough. Also looking to get a Scorpion titanium end can to give the exhaust note a bit more balls. If your in the market for an old sports 600, I would deffinately reccomend this bike!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Bought a gixxer 6 about 3 months ago. Having a great time on it. clocked 165
21 July 2006 by neileo

Fantastic bike. The injection on the k1 makes all the difference against 00r6and even the 02 zx6. The bike I bought had all the extras included except an alarm which I think is essential because if I was a bank robber I'd want one. Strengths: Injection, standard damper. Weaknesses: Sore on the wrists over long trips. Little bit of chatter braking into corners.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Just an amazing bike; so much fun and the grin factor is outstanding
03 April 2006 by stevegsv650s

Bought a 2003 K3 in Black/Silver, trading up from an SV650S. Once I'd got used to the speed of the engine (compared to the SV) when you rev it, it's been easy to ride. Sounds superb on the standard can and looks brilliant in black and silver. A joy to ride and the engine is intoxicating when you gun it. A little wrist heavy in town but not as bad as I thought it would be. Great on the motorway (I've fitted a double bubble). So responsive; handling and ride are a step up from the SV and it instills confidence in you as a rider. The power is there is if you need it but you can have 90% of the fun by staying below 10k revs. Can't believe just how good it is to ride....and it's more comfortable overall than the SV (seat is much better!) Strengths: Engine, sound through the airbox, looks, handling, stability of the chassis,stupid grin factor! Weaknesses: Slightly wrist heavy in town, but's that the territory you're in...

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 gsxr600 k2 modelyoshamura tri oval race cangrand candy blue & solar silver
02 August 2005 by 2slo

The best looking model of the gsxr family, far more attractive than the k4 bikes. Strengths: Looks, performance. And it makes women in bmw's wet. Weaknesses: The break's are crap!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
20 September 2003 by gixxer six

I have owned 3 gsxr's and the k model is by far the better bike,l ighter, noticably faster sleeker, responds well to miner tuning ie exhaust, air filter, and the standard suspension setting are excellent for road and track use, the only negative thing about the bike is the steering damper at slow speeds, it makes the bike feel heavy to be honest it does need one.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
02 August 2003 by Ady69

This is my second Suzuki since passing my test and I can honestly say I'm chuffed to bits with it. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It looks good it goes very well and you get off it with a big stupid grin on your face. The only thing that lets it down is you dont get to pass many petrol stations, but hopefully that will get better as it gets more miles on it, I've only done 750mls at the moment..

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
19 March 2002 by f019nri

Not quite run in yet but bike feels superb, not as uncomfortable as I imagined. Engine sounds great and in blue the bike looks the biz. Roll on summer.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
18 March 2002 by adeybaby

Had the 750K1 a year ago - apart from the lack of power at the top, in comparison, it feels a better bike with slicker gearbox, better tyres (as standard) and it's gonna give me lots of fun!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
06 March 2002 by bluedog

Being only 23, the insurance is a lot but well worth it. Great bike very fast and very responsive. I would recomend this bike to anybody who wants to buy a sports bike.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
10 February 2002 by manics

Paint work scratches too easy. everything else ok.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
30 January 2002 by johnwilson9

I'm very new, it's my first bike, had a nasty spill on oil before xmas but just cosmetic to right side of bike, it scares me s***less but bike is so good, i'm in love.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
03 January 2002 by sbishop

I owned a 1998 Fireblade before this bike and thought it would feel slow compared to the blade. How wrong I was. Apart from having less torque and a little less bottom end you are hard pushed to tell you are riding a 600. The bike is that good !! Smile for you dollar - 10 out 10.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
04 November 2001 by kami

Looks great, handles superbly, great rasping snort from standard can, improving finish. I really can't fault it and have never regretted the purchase even having "moved down" from a Thunderace. Oh, and it's also dead comfy on the arse but can be a bit sore on the wrists at low speeds ( I'm 5'10" and 12 stone).

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
24 October 2001 by gixxer6

Excellent build quality, fast as hell, aggressive riding position.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
17 October 2001 by niallmacleod

Very fast, rips from 9K. Handles superbly. Takes a while to tame and it doesn't tolerate fools.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 My Review
19 September 2001 by safc

As close to sex as you can get without getting your nob wet. Would like a bit more pull low down but looks good, goes well and is superb as stress relief after a hard day at work and kids stressing you out.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My Review
25 July 2001 by hobbo

Clocks were missed on PDI as the adjustment for time etc has never worked. Fuel injection light comes on whilst riding - doesn't effect the bike and Suzuki are aware of the fault. Love the bike despite these silly faults.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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