2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 review | The K8 was a more user-friendly screaming supersport

Highlights

  • A slightly softer supersport for the road
  • Suspension is compliant enough for the road
  • Three-way power mode

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Power: 112 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Low (364 lbs / 165 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £4,900 - £5,200

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 (K8 in Suzuki's parlance) was very similar to the firm's previous supersport 600. Underneath the new body work, chassis wise it’s very similar.

Suzuki engineers have played around with the engine but instead of seeking peak performance they have tried to make the engine more user friendly by increasing low to midrange performance.

They have also opted to fit the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, a three way power mode button designed to restrict power for the rider's capabilities.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - in classic gixer blue & white

This bike was replaced by the 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 which would prove to be the last version when it went off sale in 2018 (in the UK).

Ride quality & brakes

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

There was nothing wrong with the GSX-R600's handling and for this model, the chassis and suspension remained largely the same as before.

As the GSX-R cup in the UK proved back at the time, the K8 makes a formidable track/race motorcycle with only a few modifications. It turns in beautifully and feels very much like a 250 in fast corners - just stay tucked in and fire out the other side.

On the road the suspension takes everything you can throw at it, its not too hard which makes the Suzuki a good road bike as well as race bike.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - on track

Engine

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

The 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 came with added midrange and low-down grunt, but virtually the same top-end power as the previous model.

But that didn't make it slow - far from it - in fact in many ways it made the bike more usable, especially on the road. It doesn’t have the same top end rush of rivals like the Yamaha R6 or Kawasaki ZX-6R, though.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - on track

Reliability & build quality

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

The GSX-R has proven reliable and trustworthy throughout its model history, which is why we have no reason to question the bikes reliability.

Suzuki has replaced the old steering damper, which used to overheat in extreme circumstances with a new electronic damper. The GSX-R cup in the UK has proved the bike's reliability.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - stripped down

Value vs rivals

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

At the time it was launched, the GSX-R600 K8 was the cheapest of the Supersport 600 crop. Although underneath it was very similar to the old bike it was, in fact, a new bike, plus as they old saying goes if it’s not broke don’t fix it.

It wasn't as cutting-edge on the track as the 2008 Yamaha R6 or as exhilarating to ride as the 2007 Kawasaki ZX-6R but it was usable and a good road bike.

The supersport class has had a bit of a resurgence in 2024 and if you want a new model you can look once more to the Honda CBR600RR or the Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - on track

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The new Suzuki GSX-R600 now comes with a slipper clutch as standard, and suspension at both ends is fully adjustable as you would expect from a supersport 600.

What makes the GSX-R600 different is the three way mode switch which enables the rider to choose different power modes. A is full power, B mode is 80% and C mode is only 60% which equates to around 65bhp.

Suzuki GSX-R600 - clocks

Specs

Engine size 599cc
Engine type 16v (67x42.5), 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium frame
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 165kg
Front suspension USD Fully adjustable
Rear suspension Fully adjustable single shock
Front brake 2x320 with radial 4 piston cal
Rear brake 220mm disc with single cal
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 43 mpg
Annual road tax £84
Annual service cost -
New price -
Used price £4,900 - £5,200
Insurance group 15 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 112 bhp
Max torque 46 ft-lb
Top speed 165 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 10.95 secs
Tank range 193 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1992–1993: Launched with a water-cooled inline-4 engine. The first model had the same body specifications as the 1992 GSX-R750, with the smaller engine and carried over through to the 1993 model year with no changes. It was not imported to UK.

1997–2000: Redesigned with the introduction of SRAD.

2001–2003: Redesigned with the introduction of fuel injection and carried over through to 2003 model year with very few changes.

2004–2005: Total redesign of the fairings and fuel tank, Inverted forks with radial-mounted brakes. Titanium valves and 32 bit ECU were some of the changes.

2006–2007: Underslung exhaust and slipper clutch introduced. Completely new engine, but with the same bore and stroke as before.

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2008 - 2010)

9 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2008 - 2010) 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 (2008 - 2010)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Engine: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Equipment: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
5 out of 5 blue frame suzuki gsxr600 LO
28 January 2020 by hadisuanikee

Version: suzuki gsxr600 blue frame

Year: 2010

best 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 5 out of 5
5 out of 5
01 April 2018 by Alisha08gsxr600

Year: 2008

I just bought this bike, how do I know if it's a K8?

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 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Top of class with the right tweeks
31 March 2011 by

So I thought I would write a review on my gsxr further into its life as its all well and good writing a review but is it still true a year on. I brought my gsxr in april 2010 and had a fir bit done to it since then but ill go more into that later. For start off Id like to say how well the bike does handle its smooth pretty much every ware. Although be aware the bike out of the shop is soft as a foam mattress. You really do need to go to a garage or do it yourself if you know how and get the front hardened up the rear was not to bad. The seat and ride position was very comfy and you were not laying on the tank, and I found it to be very roomy with good wind cover. The speed is not a big issue with mine I mean its got 180 on a dyno so its more than fast enough but I never found it a problem when it was standard tbh. Yea its no twin and you need to live high in the revs but you do with any 600 4, Build quality and bits well its got a electro damper which is awesome for keeping you straight and true and the slipper clutch is amazing! Plus it’s a gsxr….. say no more for magpie and trick bits everyone does parts for them, and *touching table* mine going ok after a year (no rust like kwaks) this is my 4th 600 and its by far the best all rounder its no track weapon (like my old 08 zx6r but it does keep up/ beat most bikes and it’s a great bike for a learner or someone looking to improve their riding. So all in all they do look a bit dated but hay if it work why change it, iv done 300miles in one ride (2 tanks of fule) and got of without a ake or pain (unlike my zx6r buddy that looked like he needed a foam seat for the rest of the day! Its quick its comfy and it does what it says on the tin it’s a amazing road bike! And bike to learn on! If you want a affordable road sports bike that covers all the bases this is it. I would suggest you get a full system (makes a huge difference to midrange and low down) and the bike don’t sound to great with the cat and silencer. (08-) before 08 you can just use a link pipe. + Comfy, affordable, learner friendly, good support, loads of extras as standard. - Dated looks, not the fastest out there, poor for pillions. Drop me a line if you do have any specific questions.

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 welcome to 4 port heaven
21 May 2010 by ducatigav

had mine a month now after swapping a 749 for it what can is say top bike smooth and a bit of room on it 2 im 6.3 and make the ducati feel like a cg125 but wtf no paint job realy its all stickers with no clear lac over the top most bikes are the same tho oh well at least when they drop off i get a set of race stickers to tart it back up and mode a,b,c botton whats the point why as that what most of us will have it in

Ride quality & brakes 4 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 Goes
30 March 2010 by

Love it, love it,love it. Had it 18 months now and its the bees knees, fast, great handling and looks the dogs. Being 6`3 I thought it would be on the small side for me but far from it, plenty of room even on factory settings. Plenty of toys with it as in the A,B,C mode and the steering dampener. Lost count on people saying nice bike mate

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 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Silky smooth handling
06 November 2009 by browneyes12

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 ??!!

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
4 out of 5 Should have got the 750
29 June 2009 by Mr. Luck

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......??

Ride quality & brakes 5 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 Gr8
09 June 2009 by benbmx

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.

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 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Brilliant but tame
04 May 2009 by MotoMoto30

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.

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