Suzuki GSX 600 F 2001 — Specifications

Anyone looking for a fairing-equipped 600cc touring bike without breaking the bank or appearing to be a track rider should definitely take a look at this Suzuki GSX 600 F. Upon its launch, it occupied a near-unique niche, a restrained and effective proposition for those who wanted fairing without the excesses of a pure sportbike. Its design, often described as "bio-design," is a signature of the era, with that particular rear light which gives it a strong visual identity, especially on the 1991 to 1998 models before its modernization in 2003.

Technically, it is based on an inline four-cylinder engine of 600cc developing 80 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. The figures are classic for an engine of this generation, with a torque of 54 Nm which is hidden quite high in the rev range. This means a ride that requires a little patience at low revs, typical of four-cylinder engines of this displacement. You have to work it, bring it up to around 7000 rpm for it to really start to speak. On the highway, it will carry you effortlessly up to its 208 km/h top speed, and its reasonable consumption, around 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers, is an argument for long journeys. For an A2 license, the question often arises between a Suzuki GSX 600 F or a GSX 750 F in a restricted version, but this 600 offers a more specific engine to the displacement.

The frame, a steel double cradle, and the suspension, a telescopic fork combined with an adjustable mono shock absorber, are designed for stability rather than extreme nervousness. On a large, fast curve, it settles with remarkable assurance. But if you are looking for the surgical precision of a modern sportbike, you will find the chassis a little soft, requiring anticipation in quick changes of direction. It is a motorcycle that is ridden in the old style, with a certain know-how. The braking, with its two front discs and one rear disc with double piston calipers, is sufficient for quiet road use, but will not allow for aggressive decelerations.

Ultimately, this GSX 600 F is an honest machine. Its low seat height of 785 mm and its weight of 219 kg fully fueled make the handling accessible, even for a beginner considering a used Suzuki GSX 600 F. Its 20-liter fuel tank and wheelbase of 1470 mm guarantee autonomy and comfort on the road. It is not exciting, it is functional. A pragmatic choice for those who want a reliable fairing touring bike, without extravagance, and who accept that they will sometimes have to "rev out" the engine to get the most out of it. For letting off steam, Suzuki had the GSX-R, but for serene journeys, this F had its charm.