2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 Preview

"Suzuki carries on with the production of the 2009 GSX-R 600 with little design tweaks done to it and by presenting a new color range aimed at upgrading the bike’s exterior. The first occasion to see it life is at the upcoming motorcycle saloon in Milan, this November."

Introduction

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

A potent middleweight bike with more than a thing or two left to prove in its class, the Gixxer 600 is a beast backed up by the same fuel-injected 599cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that is perfectly valued through a six-speed transmission, both units working closely together to power smoothly the light and nimble chassis out of those tight corners of the track.

Most to do with that will have the innovative Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system featuring dual fuel injectors instead of one. Also, the rider will be choosing from three engine settings allowed by the S-DMS engine management system.

Without a doubt, the GSX-R will stand out from any scenario, but more important is what keeps it on the scene, goodies such as the light aluminum frame, Showa suspensions and Tokico brakes.

History

1992 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Suzuki started production of the GSX-R 600 sport bike in 1992 as a result of the market’s request for more docile motorcycle compared to the 1992 GSX-R 750 model. Basically, what that means is that you would have the same engine specifications only that applied on a 599cc engine. As a result, the water-cooled, inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves motor produced 106hp at 12,600rpm.

The bike carried on without changes in 1993 and afterwards production was stopped for the next three years.

1997 Suzuki GSX-R 600

In 1997, the Gixxer marked its comeback with a totally redesigned engine featuring the SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) system. The horsepower would have been lowered to 97hp at 12,100rpm for longer engine life, but the bike remained as fast as always due to the 75 lbs weight loss. Also, the new Suzuki looked way more refined than when it was first introduced, leaving no doubts that it would carry on with no interruptions this time.

The 1998 model year was produced without any changes brought to the bike.

But for 1999, things were about to go the way the motorcycle press anticipated. The low weight was still a thing the GSX-R 600 could brag about only that it was now moved by a greater stud: 110hp at 11,800rpm. That year marked a big evolutionary step and the bikes produced then are recognized after their yellow paint schemes.

Except from lightening that yellow color, the year 2000 brought nothing new to this Suzuki.

2001 Suzuki GSX-R 600

A major revision was planned for the 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 600 involving a redesigned exterior and a more powerful engine. The first had the effect of lightening the bike to 359 lbs (pretty good compared to the previous 383 lbs) and, of course, making it sharper looking while the technical modifications brought to that water-cooled 599cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves engine resulted in 115hp at 13,000rpm.

Lighter, more aggressive, both in style and performance, the middleweight Suzuki sport bike didn’t reserve any upgrades for the next two years. From 2002 we can remember the GSX-R 600 M Telefonica while 2003 brought the GSX-R 600 Z Alstare.

2004 Suzuki GSX-R 600

AS you already know, 2004 was a big year for Suzuki and that reflected on the bike we review today. Entirely new, the GSX-R 600 features a 15mm narrower twin-spar black-coated frame, 20mm narrower at the knees fuel tank, 200mm closer together footpegs, fully-adjustable inverted 43mm front forks as well as a new rear shock. Also, the front braking system now featured four-piston radical-mount front brake calipers actuated by a radial-piston master cylinder. By now, the engine produced 126hp at 13,000rpm Color schemes available were Black/Red, Blue/White, Yellow.

The 2005 model year carried on with only new graphics added to it.

2006 Suzuki GSX-R 600

For 2006, Suzuki prepared a new engine and chassis, both being lighter and sharper performing. The seat was lowered (15mm) and the entire bike was shortened (also with 15mm) while the new fuel injection system features twin injectors for greater power. The redesigned fairing improved aerodynamics and the instrument cluster now featured a gear position indicator. Colors were: White/Blue, Red/Black, Black/Gray, Silver/White.

The 2007 model was painted Blue/White, Red/White, Black/Matte Black and Blue/Black.

The highest level of development was achieved on the 2008 model year. This is when the bike received significant revisions to the chassis and to the ingenious fuel injection system while the exhaust was now the coolest ever seen on a Suzuki bike and it also didi the job well. Horsepower remains the same, but colors change in Blue/White, Silver/Yellow, White/Silver and Black/Matte Black.

Competition

Suzuki may claim to have reached the highest level of development yet, but that is only when comparing to the different stages it has gone through over the years. In relation to the rest of the Japanese middleweight crowd, the GSX-R 600 is just a strong competitor.

For example the 2009 Honda CBR 600RR ABS is an awful threat for the Suzuki, especially now that it evolves significantly for 2009. Engineers have developed a new, electronically controlled Combined ABS system which will be standard on the bike and will gently intervene in the very last moment before the rider will practically lose the bike during a high speed corner. This gives confidence and support, resulting in better lap times. It also ads 10kg to this bike’s mass, but the fuel-injected 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine is there to keep performance numbers at the same level as last year (118hp at 13,500rpm and 66Nm at 11,250rpm). MSRP is $10,799.

Like Suzuki, Yamaha didn’t revise its 2009 middleweight sport model, the YZF-R6, but simply added new color schemes to it: Racing Red and Midnight Black for Europe and Orange/Raven and Pear White for the U.S. So the R6 remains the same awesome performer behind which sits the also fuel-injected 599cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, forward-inclined parallel four-cylinder engine. This develops 129hp at 14,500rpm and 65.8Nm at 11,000rpm so everybody should watch out for it. MSRP was not announced yet.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

2009 will be a big year for Kawasaki as the ZX-6R model features both engine and chassis refinements, improving the bike’s overall already positive characteristics. With an MSRP of $9,799, the ZX-6R is one the cheapest motorcycles in its class.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

In what concern’s this Gixxer’s design, it remains pretty much unchanged for 2009. In fact, ever since the 2006 redesign, they haven’t done much to it apart from modifying the headlight’s shape and creating that stylish looking exhaust. Still, Suzuki seems to have ridden the winds of change pretty good with this model, resulting into an aggressively styled piece of machinery with little in common with the one that first came out the factory gates back in 1992.

The front end is cockpit-aerodynamic with the headlight being perfectly integrated into the fairing and the signal lights into the mirrors supports. In fact, if you remove the mirrors and cover the headlight you’re in for a mean machine with pretty much nothing to distinguish it from a racing bike.

On the sides, the fairing has significantly slimmed-down compared to previous model years, contributing at cooling down the engine and at making the bike lighter overall. On the right side, the lower part of the fairing blends perfectly in with the exhaust’s covering plate, creating the look of these two units being actually one.

The gas tank is very narrow while the seat isn’t as inclined as you would expect from a bike in its category and that can only mean enhanced comfort. What I like about the GSX-R series is that they don’t feature the sharp rear end, leaving room for a passenger to decently find its place on it.

No matter color schemes, the frame is matte black painted, matching perfectly with 2009’s Black, Blue/White, Orange/Black and White.

Price

Like Kawasaki, Suzuki does its best in keeping its 600cc sport bike priced under ten grand and actually achieves the same “performance” as Kawi. The suggested retail price for a 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 is exactly $9,799. Now that’s a decision hard to take, isn’t it?

Conclusion

If we turn back and look at Suzuki’s strategy for the GSX-R 600 we can clearly notice that the next major revision awaiting is in 2010. But the question is: what more can be done to the most advanced middleweight model of this Nippon maker?

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Engine: 599 cc (36.5 cu. In), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC

Bore Stroke: 67.0 mm (2.638 in) x 42.5 mm (1.673 in)

Compression Ratio: 12.8 : 1

Fuel System: Fuel injection

Lubrication: Wet sump

Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: RK525SMOZ8, 114 links

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Suspension Front: Inverted, telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped

Brakes Front: Disc brake, twin

Brakes Rear: Disc brake

Tires Front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless

Tires Rear: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless

Overall Length: 2040 mm (80.3 in)

Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in)

Overall Height: 1125 mm (44.3 in)

Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in)

Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in)

Wheelbase: 1400 mm (55.1 in)

Curb Weight: 196 kg (432 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.0 L (4.5/3.7 US/Imp gal)

Features

Engine

Compact and lightweight 599cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine designed with optimum performance and responsiveness in mind

Electronic fuel injection system features Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system - with dual fuel injectors per cylinder and new compact 8 hole, fine spray injectors for improved fuel atomization.

Combustion chamber shape features a compression ratio of 12.8:1for maximum performance

Forged aluminum alloy pistons are designed to work with 12.8:1compression ratio, iridium spark plugs and combustion chamber shape.

Exhaust cam tappets diameters are now larger at 25.0mm for maximum flexibility in cam profile design

Large ventilation holes located between the cylinder bores are designed for reduced internal pumping pressure and minimal mechanical losses

Suzuki Idle Speed Control (ISC) system for improved cold starting, consistent idle quality and reduced emissions

Proven S-DMS engine management system allows the rider to choose from three engine settings to match riding conditions with a handlebar mounted switch

High volume Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) with an innovative under engine chamber leading to a large volume muffler with a distinctly shaped triangular silencer

Under deceleration the back torque limiting clutch reduces pressure on the clutch plates for smoother downshifting and corner entry

Hydraulic cam chain tensioner automatically adjusts while reducing noise and mechanical losses.

Clutch cover and oil pan feature internal ribs for increased rigidity and reduced engine noise

Suzuki Exhaust Tuning system is built into the mid-pipe using a servo-controlled butterfly valve to tune the exhaust system to match engine rpm and improving low end torque

Ignition coil outer diameter is designed for reduced weight and the starter motor uses rare earth magnets for a compact lightweight design

32 bit ECM features 1024 kilobytes of ROM for maximum engine performance working in conjunction with the S-DMS engine management system

Chassis

Sharp bodywork design features an aggressive new look featuring a bold headlight design and angular tail section for the GSX-R600

Electronically controlled steering damper uses a solenoid valve to move a tapered needle reducing or increasing oil flow to adjust damping force.

Three headlight layout features a projector low beam and multi-reflector headlamps for left and right high beams creating improved light distribution

Lightweight cast aluminum wheels featuring an angled spoke design for improved rigidity, reduced unsprung weight and improved acceleration

Diecast aluminum seat rail features an updated two piece design for reduced weight

Lightweight Tokico single piston rear brake caliper is mounted on a new rear caliper bracket for ease of maintenance when removing the rear wheel or working on the rear brake

Stylish fuel tank features a GSX-R1000 inspired design and provides 4.5 gallons of fuel.

Aggressive new overall design features a well balanced combination of compactness with the high performance look of a GSX-R

An aluminum-alloy frame utilizing five cast sections is engineered to deliver the ideal balance of rigidity for improved handling and less weight

Braced aluminum alloy swingarm is rigid with a large swingarm pivot and the swingarm assembly is designed for optimum suspension feedback and rear wheel traction

Innovative rear suspension linkage features a forged aluminum alloy link and one piece forged aluminum alloy link rod designed to increase traction and reduce side loads

Inverted 41mm Showa front forks are fully adjustable for rebound, compression and preload settings with optimum rake and trail dimensions for incredible cornering performance.

Showa 46 mm aluminum alloy rear shock features a 16mm rod and is completely adjustable for rebound, high and low speed compression and preload damping

Radial mount four piston front brake calipers works with new lightweight 310mm front brake rotors and a revised front brake master cylinder

Three way adjustable footpegs now feature die-cast construction and can be moved into three different positions with a 14mm horizontal and vertical range

The compact lightweight instrument cluster features a step motor controlled analog tach, LCD speedometer, dual tripmeters, clock, fuel reserve and a gear position indicator

credit: www.topspeed.com