A Review of the 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600
Wednesday January 14, 2009
What's the best-selling sportbike in America? If you guessed the Suzuki GSX-R600, you're absolutely right. This mean middleweight weighs a mere 363 lbs dry, and boasts an engine that revs to an astronomical 16,000 rpm.
I tested this ubiquitous but capable motorcycle at the Auto Club Speedway and lived to tell; read all about it in my 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 Review.
Related:
- Review: 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000
- Photo Gallery: 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000
- Photo Gallery: The 2008 Suzuki Lineup
Click for 2008 Suzuki GXS-R600 Review
Comments
They just keep getting better.
I have to say… the new style front fairings on the GSX-Rs are a bit “odd” to me. I guess they wanted to go for a samurai helmet aesthetic in the current gen. of GSX-Rs. I suppose I shouldn’t be one to speak since I own an `08 CBR1000RR, which has it’s own unorthodox front fairing design that is hated on by many.
SMS engine map selection on a 600 is also somewhat dubious. Although, I suppose it can make for some marketing claim that the bike is amenable to new riders…
They do keep getting better, TEvo. But trust me: after you’ve wagged the rear wheel while powering out of a turn on the 600 (like I did while testing this bike), you start to think different throttle modes aren’t such a terrible thing. After all, this bike’s lighter than a literbike, and still has over 100 horsepower!
By the way, I wasn’t a huge fan of the CBR1000RR’s nose until I saw it in person; I think it looks way better in the flesh.
Basem
Speaking of, is this bike too much power for a beginner who is looking for an entry level bike? Thoughts?
Hi Wesley,
The GSX-R600 has WAY too much power for a beginner; it’s got more in common with a land-based missile than an entry level bike.
Take a look at my list of first, beginner, and advanced beginner bikes. They’re all great motorcycles that will help you develop your skills and prep your for more powerful bikes down the line.
Let me know how your search goes, and keep the shiny side up!
Basem
Thanks for the help. I’m looking to buy my first bike and I am trying to do this as safely as possible. I’m going to use the bike for my commute, not on the freeway. What do you think of the klr650 or the Suzuki drz 650? Is this a dumb move to get a dual sport for this purpose or does the dual sport style provide an easier time to a novice rider?
Thanks for the lists, very helpful.
Wesley,
Some people love riding dual sports on pavement, though you might want to consider a supermoto if you’re riding primarily on the road– they’re pretty zippy and fun to ride. Dual sports aren’t inherently easier for novices, and I wouldn’t consider a 650 unless your body is too large for a smaller bike… the more important issues for beginners are maneuverability, light weight, and seat height.
Take a look at the Suzuki DR-Z400SM or the Honda CRF230M; they’d both make great commuter machines. And if you gravitate towards dual purpose bikes, there are lots of options in that genre, too.
Basem