SUZUKI RF600 (1993 - 1997) Review

Version: RF600R

Year: 1993

Very underrated bikes and with minor mods really sharpen up handling and performance. it is a lovely bike to ride and to work on as it is relatively simple and everything is easily got at. As with any bike it has few weak points but value for money on these bikes is amazing. Also the RFOC forum is a great place to be with lots of good people and lots of knowledge so if you have a problem no doubt its been dealt with before and will soon be helped on your way.

Year: 1997

I found one of these bikes in the back end of the south west and after going to view it, I immediately bought it at a great price, especially as it only had 24k miles on it. It handles superbly, corners like a dream on both fast and slow turns, and is a comfy ride. My knees don't hurt on extended journeys, though my wrists do ache when weaving through traffic at slow speeds after a while. It has a "dead spot" at about 3-4000rpm, but it kicks in again after that, and then again at 10000 rpm, where the "holy mother of pearl" hits you. Nice for long journeys on Motorways too, did 200 miles one day without even thinking about it, and will sit at 90 no problem. As a 600 goes, it's a lovely bike and I'm really impressed with it. New spark plugs, air filter and carb balance have kept it running smoothly and should do me for another few thousand miles at least.

Hi,the previous review by (anonymous) is mine for somereason it didnt show my name dohh,for got to say build quality is average plastics seen cheap & brittle buts thats about only real bad thing i can say about this bike,oh and 3 fig speeds can be obtained very very quickly indeed kept up with friends zx6r on straights until he showed off around bends lol.

Bought this bike 3days after passing my das in may 2012 saw it at a local dealer coundnt get a test ride as had just passed test so bought it anyway lol.Anyway my impressions of it after riding over 1000 mixed miles, its comfy but bars are somwhere between sportstourer & sports,seat height low so can get both feet down flat very reasurring at lights etc,its abit heavy to push around but dont notice once on the move,and handles pretty well far better than my capabilities for now(got pirelli diablo tyres fitted)but does tend to want to drift out unless you get your arse of seat in tight bends.Fuel ecnonmy is not bad fuel light come son around 100miles fill up at 120miles and still not touched reserve getting approx 10miles per ltr of fuel but depends how you thrash it.Performance wise very docile below 4500rpm ideal for pottering around town gives just enough smooth power without scaring you senseless,but get above 5000rpm and it takes off like a scaled cat,then at 9500-10000rpm another power surge has you hanging on for dear life(got micron exhaust fitted),,,fantastic.Overall a great 1st big bike would recommend to anyone as they are cheap to buy good value etc,and lots % lots of fun.Safe riding people.

"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!!!