Suzuki GSR 600 2009 — Specifications

Hamamatsu took its time to understand that the middleweight roadster segment was no longer satisfied with a tamed engine and a polished face. In 2006, the manufacturer finally unleashed its answer to the Honda Hornet, Kawasaki Z750 and Yamaha FZ6, three machines that reigned unchallenged over the category. The Bandit, too docile, too plump, could no longer defend the flag. What was needed was a machine capable of spitting, biting, owning a junkyard-dog face. The Suzuki GSR 600, redesigned for its 2009 vintage, is the materialization of this ambition, with three years of hindsight since its first wheel turns.

Let's get to the numbers that matter. Beneath the 17-liter tank frolics the 599 cc inline four-cylinder borrowed from the 2005 GSX-R 600, recalibrated to deliver 98 horsepower at 12,000 rpm and 64.7 Nm of torque at 9,600 rpm. The 67 x 42.5 mm bore-and-stroke and the 12.5-to-1 compression ratio betray its sporting DNA. In practice, the cavalry wakes up around 7,000 rpm, then races away frankly between 10,000 and 13,000, with that vocal grit typical of unleashed supersports. Below that, nothing earth-shattering, but a silkiness of transmission that outclasses the competition. The only lingering downside, the fuel injection catches unpleasantly on throttle reopening, a hiccup that Suzuki never fully tamed on this generation. The Suzuki GSR 600 still tops out at 225 km/h, enough to fuel workshop banter.

On the frame side, the rolling chassis displays track-day ambitions. Aluminum perimeter frame, 43 mm inverted fork with 130 mm of travel, rear mono-shock with 134 mm, twin 310 mm disc brakes gripped by four-piston calipers up front. At 6,799 euros new, a price slightly below an equivalent FZ6, the equipment has real presence. In corners, the GSR sticks to the asphalt with the stability of a backhoe. The flip side, its 208 kg fully fueled and its reassuring geometry clip its liveliness. The front end balks, demands wrist, where a Hornet pirouettes at the slightest request. Hardcore trackday riders will fault it for this lack of bite, tourers will appreciate the Olympian calm at 140 on the speedo. The 785 mm seat height and the filtering suspension make the 2009 suzuki gsr 600 a surprisingly forgiving companion for swallowing kilometers.

The styling, for its part, still divides opinion. Broad shoulders like a rugby prop, compact silhouette, twin exhaust outlets integrated under the seat with their chrome-ringed tips, you can sense the inspiration from the B-King concept and a heavy nod to the MV Agusta F4. The complete dashboard, with gear indicator, compensates for graphics that aren't always inspired. In terms of spec-sheet consultation, everything is there, and the equipment lends itself to tinkering, engine bash plate, windscreen, comfort seat, graphics kit, stickers, left side panel and battery can all be found easily on the accessories and spare parts market.

The verdict holds in a few lines. The suzuki gsr 600 doesn't crush either the Hornet or the Z750, but offers an original compromise between chassis rigor and road comfort, carried by a four-cylinder that turns furious as soon as you push it. Used buyers looking at a 2006, 2007 or 2009 model will find a sound base, provided they accept this injection flaw that spoils roll-ons in town. For A2 license holders, the 34 hp version opens the door to beginners wanting a machine with flattering presence, without the risk of slipping at the throttle. A sincere roadster, imperfect, but endearing.