SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2006 - 2007) Review

Year: 2006

My first 'big' bike after upgrading from my CBR500R on an A2 license, and wow, the first time riding it it was pushing me back in the seat! Get it above 8000 RPM and it's ballistic, I've fitted a Translogic Quickshifter and it has transformed the bike. Bought with 16k miles on it, and now approaching 24k in just over a year, am I riding too much?! A perfect first proper sportsbike; not too harsh a riding position, involving and flicks over like nothing.

Buying experience: Bought from North Harbour Honda in Ayr, Jack the salesman in there is a top bloke who really knows his stuff and looks after you, paid £4000. Bike left the dealer with new oil, filter, chain, sprockets and tyres.

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £150

more like 4.7 out of 5. No question, the GSXR 600 is the best option for a first time crotch rocket rider/buyer (I had 2 years experience riding a Yamaha Virago 250 cc cruiser before upgrading). Its the ideal bike for drag racing (especially for novice racers and weekend warriors who aren't super serious (like me!) - always wear your leathers and full face helmet!!) It's not at all jumpy off the line and with its low end torque, and exceptionally smooth power curve - very easy to smoothly control even full throttle acceleration. specs list the max speed at 163mph and the 1/4 mile time at mid 11s... It can do more... I hit 163mph on my GSXR 600 ... IN 5TH GEAR!! 163 is far from this bikes max speed ... it hardly had to try and had plenty of room to go... I simply lacked the Kahona's to keep pushing it... but it easily had another 20mph in it, if not more. My 1/4 mile runs averaged around 11.5 - 12 seconds at 155mph and I had 0 training or instruction and minimal experience. The ONLY reason I give this bike a 4.7 and not a full 5 is that after about a year on it, power wise - it leaves a bit to be desired... after 18 months I was ready for something more powerful. tho I will say that, in all honesty, for daily riding, general comfort and ease of operation I did much prefer my 2007 gsxr 600 to my buddie's 2008 GSXR 1000... sure the 1000 is faster and more powerful, but it also feels quite a bit heavier between your legs and overall is much more cumbersome.. the 600 is just SO much more nimble... i have to imagine the 750 is a happy medium but I've never gotten to ride one.

Buying experience: I bought from a dealer. I got new 2007 GSXR 600 with just 1 mile on the odometer. it was early 2008 tho and the new model line was center stage on the show room floor. I want to say the 2008's MSRP was $12,900 ... anyways... there was a brand new 2007 listed for $10,000 sitting right next to a used 2007 which was listed for $8,400. I had $5k to put down... I said to the sales guy, "if you give me the new one for the price of the used one, I'll shake your hand right now, no need for further haggling." he went for it and it was a done deal... I think I did pretty well.

Version: K6

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £135

Nice sweet steering ride and brakes, engine lets it down does nothing below 7000 rpm so you're constantly wound up to do anything. Quite cramped and I'm no that big! Probably not a good first big bike as you end up screaming everywhere in high revs chasing the power!

were do i start,the power out put is out of this world for a 600 its in a class of its own, have a k1 for a few months i must say the gixxer way seems to be the way. dont think about getting one just get one its one of the best bike out there.

These bikes are obviously not comfortable, none of the supersport bikes are, so I won't go on about that. If you want a supersport 600, they are all very good indeed, with little real world difference between them, exept maybe the ride 'feel' if you like. But when it comes to GSXR 600's, this is in my opinion still the best looking model. They were too bulky before this model, and have bulked up with silly cans for EU regs since, and departed from the light design that has made the GSXR so destinctive. So buy one of this year/model, and you will without doubt be delighted. You shall have a fast bike with a screaming rev ceiling and superb looks. You may be a little uncomfortable, but it's a compromise worth making to own one of these!

First thing I would recommend anyone do with this bike is replace the standard can... I fitted a custom exhaust to mine and the bike came into its own improving greatly on an already great bike. Great midrange and goes mental past 10k revs... very tall first gear meaning it will do 80mph in 1st gear (mine does anyway!). ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

after owning a HORNET 600 i decided to upgrade and after trying all other 600 sports bikes, the gsxr felt good to sit on and ride. looks fantastic too! the speed of the bike is brill and cornering is perfect. have added a micron can and crescent rearsets and the can makes the bike sound meaty. a dream to ride so go buy one and get the red one. it looks cool!

My previous bike was a 97 gsx-750 srad. This thing feels at least as fast, which is impressive considering it's 150cc less. But what I really like about this bike is the way it handles. The suspension does not get flustered, it steers really well without flapping about just because you go over a bump or two on mostly crap British roads. And the brakes are very strong. Also the engine makes a very lovely noise at high revs. And it looks better than any other bike except maybe the Ducati silly-money wotsit in my not so unbiased opinion. If you like corners you will like this. PS Get the red one ;)

Did 130 miles the other day with a pillion and it was easy the power was excellent as if i was on my own. and the handling was fantastic even arround thoes tight bends. excellent bike go buy one NOW.