The Suzuki GSX-R600 is a middleweight sports motorcycle first introduced in 1992 as a smaller version of Suzuki's popular GSX-R750. Suzuki dropped the line in 1993 due to limited floor sales but reintroduced the bike in 1997, as the sports-motorcycle market began to embrace 600 cc motorcycles. In many ways, the bike is still considered a smaller version of the GSX-R750, and its production and development cycles have paralleled those of the GSX-R750.
Physical Dimensions
The 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 had an overall length of 80.3 inches, an overall width of 28.1 inches and an overall height of 44.6 inches, with a seat height of 32.7 inches, a ground clearance of 5.1 inches and a wheelbase of 55.1 inches. The dry weight was 359 lbs. for the standard model and 361 lbs. for the California model. The front tire was a 120/70-ZR-17 and the rear tire was a 180/55-ZR-17. This model came in either two-tone blue and white or silver and black.
Engine, Transmission and Fuel Tank
The 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 had a 599 cc, 16-valve engine. This was a four-stroke, four-cylinder engine with a bore and stroke of 67 mm by 42.5 mm and a compression ratio of 12.2:1. The liquid-cooled engine had a fuel-injected carburetor and wet-sump lubrication. It used a digital/transistorized ignition with an electric starter. It had a six-speed, constant-mesh transmission and a fuel tank that held 4.8 gallons.
Brakes and Suspension
The 2003 GSX-R600 used a dual-hydraulic front disc and single-hydraulic rear disc system. The front had cartridge-type, coil spring suspension with fully adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping. The rear had link-type, gas/oil-damped suspension that also had fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping.
Reviews
The 2003 GSX-R600 earned rave reviews for handling and performance but a more tepid response for its dated style and resale value. The Sport Rider website notes, "After spending some time flogging the newest GSX-R around the street and track, we can confidently say this: the competition is in trouble -- once again." However, the bike's appearance and lack special features caused MotorcycleUSA.com to give it a more tepid review: "To give you an idea of the massive progress shown by the 2003 class, last year's performance king, the Suzuki GSX-R, seems to have been relegated to also-ran status in the past several months.... [Its] three-year-old design looks a stride behind the fresh-faced kids of the group."
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