GSX600f advice please

[Busy]

I'm looking at buying an '06 GSX600F

I've only ever had Yamaha and Honda, so the Suzuki is foreign to me.
Anyone got one, riden one, have any advice, tips, things to watch out for (it's new so probably not much there), etc

I suppose the two things putting me off it are the skinny tryes and the steel frame, but it's never a perfect world ...

Cheers

[insane1]

wht not try a gsr 600k6 just a little bit better than that one it's a naked bike though nofaring but still quite quick how much you got to spend will decide what you get.

[Fatjim]

You'd be better of with a hyosung. Pity you missed out on Mikey's "A" bike.

[Bonez]

Pretty bloody reliable bike which should give years of service.

[bane]

big, simple, cheap. Basically 80's tech covered in a mid 90's fairing.

Compared to modern super-sport 600, heavy and underpowered etc etc.

However look at it for what it is, and you see:
- comfortable riding position
- good wind/weather protection
- stable cruising
- plenty of after market assesories (pack racks etc)
- simple servicing (diy is easy), parts relatively cheap

I saw a guy at Taupo on one, and it was not going slow! They will get along well, if you try.

If you are set on a brand new bike, you wont get more for the money - however, 3-4years old opens up the options considerably for the money.

[stunz]

i've still got my old gsxgoofie. reliable as shirt, and still goes over 250. (on a closed private road that is...)

[Busy]

Thanks for the replies

Current bike is naked and being a slim build am thinking the fairings with help avoid the cross winds, then again I've been told the bigger bikes dont have the same problem.

I've never had a new bike (or car) and this '06 at 9995 seems only a few more grand than what I could pick up second hand.
There is a '05 on tm at the moment for 7500

I looked at a few others, CBR, VTR but would probably be to big for what I want it for - mainly just around town with the odd blat up the coast.
Mainly just after a bit more (reliable) power to get me out of, or rather get me into trouble ;)

[Edbear]

Basically I agree with Bane! A good bike that's changed little since my model apart from the new "clothes". I've just got back from 4 days cruising the King Country and Bay of Plenty covering 1080km and although my fitness is still rubbish, I enjoyed the performance and comfort as a sports tourer.

If you can stretch it, though, I'd recommend getting the 750 - just got that bit extra. Having said that, my 80hp gets it up to the double-tonne pretty damn quick enough for me! Cruises comfortable at 110 too, quite relaxed.

Some vibes through the bars on the old oil-cooled GSX motors which can be an irritation if you're not used to them, but heavier bar-end weights may help. Check it out on a ride.

[90s]

Hi, like edbear I've got a 19yr old one, although only just got it.
In Haldane's yesterday getting mine serviced and apart from pretty minor cosmetic and a few internal upgrades side-by-side with the new one suprisingly similar - many visible parts such as the rear brake identical.
There's a forum called katrider(s) forum (because they call the bike the katana in the states - suzuki has called several bike ranges that in different places) where you will see the old and new have a cult following for the reasons I liked the old one:
a sensible fast comfortable sports tourer for the real world. Use it for commuting then zing down to Wellington - no worries (two up two - big rear seat).

To my mind early CBR600s other great practical bike, but modern ones sportier.

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

it has been around since the start of time and still popular, for good reason. great reliable, practical all round bike. cheap on gas and running gear. you can get one new for 9,995 at the moment from suzuki dealers.

[Bonez]

Thanks for the replies

Current bike is naked and being a slim build am thinking the fairings with help avoid the cross winds,Faired bikes can increase the cross wind problem. A heavier bike will be better than you current one though. Good luck which ever way you decide. You'll loss a grand as soon as you take it out the door btw so the one on trade me may be a good buy using the extra dosh for riding it a few years ;).

[Edbear]

Faired bikes can increase the cross wind problem. A heavier bike will be better than you current one though. Good luck which ever way you decide. You'll loss a grand as soon as you take it out the door btw so the one on trade me may be a good buy using the extra dosh for riding it a few years ;).



I was very surprised that mine wasn't much affected by crosswinds, even quite strong winds seem to have little effect. Maybe the heavier weight helps?

[90s]

I was very surprised that mine wasn't much affected by crosswinds, even quite strong winds seem to have little effect. Maybe the heavier weight helps?

Maybe. My RG has actually got a bigger fairing / screen combo and is about 1/2 the weight. It is really thrown around by the wind.
Today on the way home on SH16 on the GSX it didn't budge in a strong crosswind but the RG would have been all the shop.

[Bonez]

As for the skinny tyres. There is the avantage of a wider selection of tyres available, cheaper overall which reduces running costs and propably more suited to our roads.

[moko]

If you just want a reliable bike that`s plenty quick enough for everyday use then they`re a good buy,a very good buy in fact BUT I`d think hard about buying a new one.They`ve got the old 600 Bandit motor in,the fact they were not upped to 650 when the Bandit was dosnt suggest they`ll be made for a lot longer.The Bandit goes to 650 water-cooled next year and there`s a good chance Suzuki will drop the GSX completely meaning you`ll get hammered depreciation-wise,not only the usual "it`s outside the showroom so it`s worth a grand less" but also an obselete model.If you really want a new bike there are good deals on the faired 650 Bandit,extra few ccs makes quite a big difference but of course again it`ll be obselete soon if that`s an issue but Bandits hold their price a lot better than GSXs.Good bike but think before you buy,if you think you`ll be happy with it for 5 years or so then go for it but if it`s a step up and you`re thinking of keeping it for a year you`ll take a stuffing on its value.Personally I`d look for one maybe a year-old that someone else has taken the brunt of the depreciation on,at that age I think you`ll still have a year or so manufacturers warranty left on it as well.Buying new I`d go for the 650 Bandit.

[moko]

And as for the GSR 2 mags here are running long-term tests,both report injection glitches making it a pig at low speeds,paintwork that wears very quickly and very badly and velcro used to attach some body panels that is already knacked before the bikes are a year old.

[Busy]

I took a GSX750F for a blat today, was a nice ride but made my right hand numb from the vibration. The motor is very noisey compared to the VT but is nice to ride something that isn't so revy.
The 750 cornered very well but found braking was very mild for a twin disc compared to the VT. I suppose I shouldn't compare it to the VT as it's a totally different bike.

Seems all the nice s/h hand bikes are down Christchurch :(

[cowboyz]

i give a big vote for a GSX6F. Real cheap to service/maintain and for road riding it will do everything you want/need it to do. On the down side I actually think the new ones are butt ugly. I dont like the bubble look of the new fairings. The older look looks so much sexier.

[Edbear]

I took a GSX750F for a blat today, was a nice ride but made my right hand numb from the vibration. The motor is very noisey compared to the VT but is nice to ride something that isn't so revy.
The 750 cornered very well but found braking was very mild for a twin disc compared to the VT. I suppose I shouldn't compare it to the VT as it's a totally different bike.

Seems all the nice s/h hand bikes are down Christchurch :(



I guess it's what you're used to, really. I did find the handlebar vibes annoying on my ride last week but I don't normally do such long rides and generally they're short enough not to be a big problem. Has anyonne experimented with bar-end weights? Or found a solution?

[granma2]

Ive just bought myself a 600cc bike.
Take as many bikes as possible for a test ride.
Pick the one that fits your expectation of what YOU want.
I say yes to comparing the VT to the bike you are riding. Pick out the good points of the VT, start with that.
If the bike you are riding doesnt even meet your basic requirements, then dont get it
You certainly dont want vibration in the bike anywhere, sounds like you weren't happy with that. I dont blame you.
I choose a CBR600F because it felt exactly what I was after, after trying all the other bikes. After a ride on Sunday, I know I made the right choice.
Good Luck.

[Roj]

A good reliable bike in general terms, my lady had an earlier model one and no problems with it, not the same get up and go as a sports bike but much more comfortable for touring.

If you keep it properly serviced it will serve well for many years:scooter:

[Busy]

I'd been riding the 750 around for a few days and finally took the 600 out for a ride, being a brand new bike everything was tight and smooth but the bike didn't have the vibrations.

So am now the proud owner of a GSX600F (black), and the speedo now reads 42 (just two digits). Will probably be the only new bike I ever own, but plan to keep this one for many years, had the old 250 for over 5 I think.

After riding the 750 it is hard to hold back on the 600 due to the break in period.
They suggest keep it under 6500rpm but they don't say in what gear :nono:
I can handle being a nana for a bit longer, want to at least get those paint lines off the tyres.

Thanks for all the input.
If anyone is interested in a review (is there a section for that?) I'd be happy to give one in a few weeks/months

[90s]

So am now the proud owner of a GSX600F, and the speedo now reads 42
They suggest keep it under 6500rpm but they don't say in what gear

... 42, the answer to life, the universe and everything ...

Hey great news on the new bike! Am loving my '88 model now its been serviced.

>They suggest keep it under 6500rpm but they don't say in what gear
erm, that because it doesn't matter? Just keep it below 6 1/2 thou. The engine doesn't know what speed the bikes is going ...

Personally I think GSXs look very cool in solid colours, black being best.
(having said that I like mine's eccentric blue and white lines, although does not really add much to the design)

[quickbuck]

Congrats on your new bike purchase. I reckon everybody has to do it once.

Yep, 6500 in EVERY GEAR. Also, don't sit on one RPM for extended lengths of time either.
You got to find a bit of road that uses lots of the rev range.

Yep, there is also a section on here for product reviews.

42, yes that is the answer.

[pevs]

Good choice Busy,
I had one back in the 90's. It ain't cutting edge stuff.. and wasn't back in the nineties either! You get what ya pay for.. just remember all that money ya saved will buy a heap of gear and gas.. and it'll blow just about every car you see into the weeds.
On a practical note.. dunno if they've changed it now.. but the fairing was a complete git to get off as the sections were huge.
PS.. they look real mean with the fairing off!